In the true spirit of Christmas, various research and development (R&D) institutions in Los Baños, Laguna, embraced the festive season with camaraderie and shared enthusiasm during the annual Pasko sa Gubat, held from October 3 to December 1, 2023. The event served as a platform to foster connections and collaboration among agencies through sports and friendly competition.
Themed "Palarong Pasko sa Gubat 2023: Samahang Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Masaganang Palakasan, the event brought together the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and five other esteemed institutions. These included the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Local Government Unit of Los Baños (LGU-Los Baños), University of the Philippines Los Baños - College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR), DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).
The Pasko sa Gubat provided a unique opportunity for professionals and researchers from diverse fields to come together in the spirit of friendly competition. Participants engaged in various sporting events beyond the laboratory and office settings, promoting teamwork, respect, and a healthy lifestyle. In the span of three months, the institutions competed in different sports, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, dama, scrabble, darts, and e-sports.
Dr. Richard E. Amansec, DOST-PCAARRD’s Management Information Systems Division (MISD) Director and Overall Sports Coordinator, expressed his delight in the event's success, emphasizing its significance in strengthening ties among the institutions. He highlighted that the annual Pasko sa Gubat goes beyond the usual work routine, as it allows people to interact in different settings, promoting a sense of unity and collaboration that transcends professional roles - the true essence of work-life balance.
DOST-PCAARRD's Women’s Badminton team brought home the coveted gold medal. Image Credit: DOST-PCAARRD Badminton Team
The DOST-PCAARRD players bagged the championship in the Badminton Women’s category, 2nd in Darts, 3rd in Basketball, 4th in Volleyball Men’s, Dama and Chess, and ranked 5th in Badminton Men’s, Table Tennis Men’s and Women’s, and E-Sports.
Exchange of ideas and experiences during Pasko sa Gubat is expected to have a lasting impact, creating a foundation for future collaborations and joint research initiatives among R&D institutions in Los Baños, which is deemed the Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines.
As the holiday season unfolded, the Pasko sa Gubat 2023 is a testament to the power of camaraderie and cooperation among R&D institutions. Beyond the competitive spirit, the event fostered a sense of unity, mutual understanding, and continued collaboration of the different institutions in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.