𝑫𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔—In celebration of Earth Month, the TESDA Dinagat Islands Provincial Office, led by Regional Director Dir. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., CESO III and Provincial Director Dir. Abegail B. Eupeña, CpS, MBA, conducted a meaningful field visit to Mount Redondo, famously known as the Bonsai Forest—one of Dinagat Islands’ most extraordinary natural wonders.

The visit forms part of TESDA’s commitment to environmental awareness and appreciation of local natural heritage, recognizing that sustainable development begins with understanding and protecting the environment. Mount Redondo’s Bonsai Forest is renowned for its unique pygmy trees, particularly the resilient ironwood species that thrive in extreme highland conditions. These naturally dwarfed trees create a rare and enchanting landscape shaped by time, climate, and ecological balance.

Scientifically, this phenomenon is associated with the Massenerhebung effect, where vegetation zones become compressed in mountainous regions. Research explains that factors such as lower cloud base, frequent mist, high humidity, reduced solar radiation, increased precipitation, and slower decomposition of organic matter contribute to the formation of nutrient-poor, acidic soils rich in humus and peat. These conditions ultimately influence the stunted yet enduring growth of vegetation in the area. More than its scientific value, the Bonsai Forest stands as a living testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability—offering opportunities for environmental education, eco-tourism, and sustainable community-based development.

The Earth Month visit highlights TESDA’s broader advocacy of integrating environmental consciousness with community development, recognizing that protecting natural ecosystems also supports livelihood opportunities through responsible tourism and green initiatives. Mount Redondo’s Bonsai Forest remains a rare ecological treasure—where science, nature, and sustainability converge, reminding us of the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

TESDA Dinagat Islands Provincial Director, 𝐃𝐢𝐫. 𝐀𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐁. 𝐄𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚, 𝐂𝐩𝐒, 𝐌𝐁𝐀, along with TESDA Provincial Office and Provincial Training Center-Dinagat Islands personnel attended the 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 (𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑨) 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒏 𝑱 “𝑲𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈” 𝑫. 𝒁𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒂 on November 15, 2025, held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Brgy. Don Ruben, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

Her presence underscored TESDA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with local government units in support of community development and skills advancement. Dir. Eupena also met with Mayor Zuniega to discuss continued partnerships for programs aimed at uplifting the Municipality of San Jose.

This engagement reinforces TESDA’s alignment with the thrust of Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez under the mantra, “Sa TESDA, Kayang-Kaya,” and the guidance of Dir. Florencio F. Sunico Jr., CESO III.

The Local Government Unit of San Jose achieved a significant milestone with the formal awarding of the Certificate of TVET Program Registration to the LGU-run San Jose Training and Assessment Center, presented to Mayor Ruben Zuniega. The CTPR was awarded during the State of Municipal Address of 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒏 𝑱 “𝑲𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈” 𝑫. 𝒁𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒂 at the Municipal Gymnasium of San Jose, Brgy. Don Ruben, San Jose. Province of Dinagat Islands.

 This accomplishment marks a historic first for the Province of Dinagat Islands, as San Jose becomes the first LGU-led Training and Assessment Center officially recognized and accredited to offer Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

The certification affirms the center’s compliance with the quality standards set by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and paves the way for expanded access to skills training, competency assessment, and workforce development within the municipality and the province. Under the leadership of Mayor Zuniega, the LGU continues to champion programs that uplift communities through education, livelihood, and capacity-building opportunities.

The establishment of this LGU-managed center not only strengthens the local training ecosystem but also underscores San Jose’s commitment to empowering its constituents and advancing sustainable development across Dinagat Islands.