Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU CAFSD dean named Distinguished Forester

By Jareason Fabre

After spending over 24 years conducting extensive forestry research, specializing in silvicultural science, and educating generations of future foresters, Dr. Charlie Batin, Dean of the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), was honored with the prestigious Distinguished Forester Award on October 15 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Conferred during the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) National Conference, Dr. Batin stood out as the lone forester awardee from the academe in Region 1. He received the award in "grateful recognition and deep appreciation for his distinguished career, exemplary service, and enduring contributions to the forestry profession and to the advancement of forestry".

Dean Batin has built a career as a licensed Professional Forester and educator by connecting academic research, classroom teaching, and community outreach. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Mariano Marcos State University in 2001. He later earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Forestry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) as a SEARCA scholar, focusing on Silviculture, Agroforestry, and Natural Sciences.

Across his career at MMSU, Dr. Batin has served the university in various capacities such as Department Chair of Forestry, Chief of the Bamboo Research, Training and Processing Center, University Bamboo Focal Person, and Dean of CAFSD. Internationally, he has shared his knowledge as a visiting professor in Vietnam and pursued advanced research training in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

His pioneering research in bamboo production, agroforestry systems, and land restoration has empowered local government units, farmers, youth, and students across Northern Luzon, turning native forestry science into sustainable green enterprises. A well-published researcher, Dr. Batin is currently writing a book documenting the native and introduced bamboo species of Ilocos Norte.

Based on his research, he has spearheaded key infrastructure initiatives that translate science into practice. Notably, Dr. Batin was instrumental in establishing the MMSU Bamboo R&D Station in Mabaleng, City of Batac, Bamboo Park, a dedicated bamboo plantation, and the campus bambuseta, a living collection designed for long-term conservation, education, and propagation.
 

After receiving the award, Dr. Batin acknowledged the support of the university, his colleagues, and the forestry students.

"I share this honor with everyone at MMSU because we accomplished this together," said Dr. Batin. "I am deeply thankful to our University President, Dr. Julius Virgilio P. Manzano Jr., for his constant support. To our professional and future foresters: let’s stay focused, especially as we face more environmental threats.”

Addressing the conference theme, "Forests as Shield, Foresters in the Lead," Dean Batin urged continuous leadership in environmental protection, noting, "Our forests are our shield against climate change, and we need to keep leading the way."