ASI honored its graduating class of 2020 and 2021 in the first virtual Testimonial Program that was held last August 3, 2021 via Zoom and was livestreamed on the official ASI Facebook page.  This year, ASI has a total of six BS Agriculture graduates with two graduates major in Agricultural Extension, one in Agricultural Systems, and three in Soil Science. The institute also celebrated the graduation of five graduates under the Master of Science in Soil Science program and one under the Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science program. The virtual Testimonial Program was attended by 11 out of 12 graduates, their relatives, together with ASI faculty, staff and even alumni.

ASI Director, Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio, congratulated the graduating class, their parents, and advisers in his opening remarks. While addressing the graduates, he stated, “When you go out of the university, do not forget the Tatak UPLB, the world is expecting something from us, to be excellent and have the ability to adapt and cope up with things. Serbisyong totoo ng isang skolar ng bayan. He reminded the graduates to maintain the UPLB spirit, “to always have the honor and excellence not only in our mind and hearts but it should be reflected in how we do things.”

The Dean of the College, Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. gave the inspirational message. He commended the proud graduates of ASI, “the future forerunners in agriculture in the field of agricultural systems, agricultural extension, landscape agroforestry and soil science.”  He believes that ASI has molded the graduates to be a better agriculturist, a better person and a true Iskolar para sa bayan. The Dean assured that they will always have a home to come back to, who will always be here to welcome them back. Further, he said “ASI has prepared you to conquer challenges that will come your way in the future, to be our country leader and hope in agriculture. “

The guest speaker Ms. Jennylene Maloles-Layaoen, graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture major in Agricultural Extension. She finished her Master of Science Degree in Development Communication in UPLB. Ms. Maloles-Layaoen is the Capacity Development Officer of Winrock International.

In her message, she said that “I am truly humbled to be speaking before you, who proved life’s difficulties are no match to perseverance, determination and grit. “ She emphasized that we need REST, R for reflect, E for embrace, S for sort and T for trust. She added, “With REST, we can recharge or renew ourselves before we can go out to serve the people through our skills and talent. The world needs you empowered when your time to serve has come, so be sure you are well rested. But when things become overwhelming again, then let this old saying replay in your mind. REST if you must, but never quit.”

The 2020 and 2021 graduates were presented by the Division heads of the Institute. This was followed by a response from the graduates, a representative from each major program shared their message.  Finally, Dr. Sherry B. Marasigan, the deputy director congratulated all the graduates in her closing remarks. She said, “It all began in ASI, now the challenge is to continue what you have started – what you have learned from your lessons/courses in ASI, your College and from the University, you need to build on these and continue serving the country.” She also thanked the different committees who were involved in the successful holding of the ASI Testimonial Program. (ELAMatienzo)