The Agricultural Systems Institute (ASI) held the virtual alumni gathering last March 4 as part of the 112^th founding anniversary celebration of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) with the theme “Agriculture Innovations: Embracing Impacts of Change in Agriculture and Food Security”. This event aimed to update information of all alumni; encourage and promote close relations among the alumni themselves; provide a forum for sharing and exchange of ideas on academics and work experiences, and to foster possible collaborations among alumni and with the Alma Mater. There were 52 attendees with 39 alumni participants from which nine are also currently working in the institute. Likewise, there were 13 ASI staff who also participated in the event.

Dr. Sherry B. Marasigan, ASI Deputy Director, welcomed the alumni participants. This was followed by the presentation of ASI’s vision and mission, as well as the status report of the Institute by Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio, ASI Director. Dr. Villancio mentioned that the mandate of ASI is to “develop integrated RDE (research, development and extension) programs that promote midstream research, development and extension activities on agricultural systems” with a mission to provide excellent leadership in agricultural systems education, research, development, extension and advocacy.  He also stated that ASI has the capability to become the focal institution of CAFS in interdisciplinary research and agricultural extension.

Three alumni guest speakers were invited, namely: Mr. Jim Leandro P. Cano, the Director of Agritech 8Layer Technologies, Inc.; Ms. Vina Lorraine A. Orolfo, a Municipal Agriculture Officer of Cavinti, Laguna; and Dr. Damasa M. Macandog, Professor, IBS-CAS, UPLB.  The guest speakers shared their academic and work experiences.

Mr. Cano, BSA graduate major in agricultural systems shared that his research experience in the Institute has contributed significantly in his career. He mentioned that the most valuable learning he gained from his mentors was the systems perspectives. According to him, he will continuously promote these learnings that could contribute mostly in the work of agriculture organization and private sector as well.

On the other hand, Ms. Orolfo, a BSA graduate major in agricultural extension shared how grateful she is as an extension graduate. Through her profession, she was able to apply the knowledge and skills of being an extensionist in helping farmers, farmer leaders and group organization. For Ms. Orolfo, communication to farmers is very important in order to gauge the needs in agriculture and aquaculture and align the current programs that LGU can provide.  Meanwhile, Dr. Macandog, a BSA and MS graduate major in soil science, shared how proud she is to be an alumni of these programs.  She mentioned that she was able to apply all the basic learnings and experiences in her life and work. Dr. Macandog also stated that the application of soil science is very important especially to food production and food security.  These are one of the sustainable goals in order to remove hunger and really help the country and humanity in producing enough food.

All guest speakers also gave some insights on how they could contribute or collaborate with the Institute. Main points from the guest speakers include: a) willingness to collaborate with ASI in promoting agricultural systems approaches and to help the farmers have a bountiful harvest and income; b) promote pilot sites for digital application system that will help farmers most especially those who are located in rural areas; c) promote food safety and security; and, d) encourage youth involvement on policy making in the field of agriculture.

Alumni guest speakers during the virtual alumni gathering.

 

After the guest sharing, an open forum was held and facilitated by Ms. Marianne R. de Luna. The participants were overwhelmed and inspired by the sharing of the guests Participants also positively responded through their expression of willingness to collaborate with ASI thru its RDE programs and projects.

The program ended with a closing remark from Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio, who thanked all the alumni for their participation. He acknowledged the sharing of the guest alumni speakers and appreciated everyone who expressed their willingness to work in partnership with ASI. Likewise, he thanked the organizing team for the successful activity and is looking forward to making the gathering of ASI alumni as a regular activity.  (MMFelismino; Photo: AAReynoso)