Mabalacat City College (MCC), through its Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension Services (OVPRES), held an initial meeting with the City Agriculture Office on September 11, 2025, to strengthen collaboration on the Balakat Conservation Project.
The initiative, formally titled “Optimizing Seed Germination Protocol for Ziziphus talanai: A Method for Efficient Propagation and Conservation,” seeks to safeguard the Balakat tree (Ziziphus talanai), the symbolic tree of Mabalacat City.
Present during the meeting were MCC VP for Research and Extension Services Glen S. Nolasco, MSc., Engr. Remedios P. Magtubo, OIC of the City Agriculture Office, along with staff Peter P. Mauricio and Selegna Angeles. They emphasized the importance of scientific research and community partnerships in sustaining the Balakat tree.
Discussions highlighted three key components: a standardized seed germination and propagation protocol, the establishment of a Balakat Sanctuary, and the launch of the Balakat Website — developed by Mr. Ally Julian Liwanag and Ms. Jade Rizzo — to document efforts and raise public awareness on the tree’s ecological and cultural significance.
According to VP Nolasco, the partnership not only advances conservation but also supports sustainable raw materials for Balakat-based products, aligning with both environmental protection and local livelihood opportunities.
The MCC-LGU collaboration is envisioned as a long-term effort to preserve the Balakat tree for future generations, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Life on Land (SDG 15), Climate Action (SDG 13), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
