Vol XVII No.

2
April-June 2016
ISSN: 1655924X

Official Quarterly Publication of the UPLB College of Agriculture

CA faculty as UP Scientists
T

he
UP
Board
of
Regents has appointed
five College of Agriculture (CA) faculty
members as UP Scientists during its 1317th
meeting last April 28.

upland crops; and

development of decision-aided systems
for rice and sugarMendoza
cane. His work on
technology promotion revolved specifically on tobacco
and rice production.
He was also part in
planning,
implementation and coordination of local
(Philippine)
and
international (IRRISouth and Southeast
Asia) research proMedina
jects on crop establishment,
nutrient
Velasco
management
and
nutrient-pest
interacAs an academician and scientist, Dr. Sta. Cruz is involved in re- tion in rainfed and lowland rice
search, technology promotion, pro- ecosystems.
ject development and management,
Dr. Sta. Cruz is also exposed
instruction and training for more to the private industry particularly
than 30 years now. His research on the technical aspects of commerworks include basic, strategic and cial crop production (cereals, vegeapplied research on crop nutrition, tables and plantation crops) under
integrated research management and greenhouse and/ or field conditions
nutrient pest interaction in rice and and agrochemical use of cereals,
rice-based cropping systems.
vegetables and plantation crops. In
At present, he is involved in the field of instruction, he is curvarious strategic/applied research rently teaching graduate and under
including genotype x nutrient x wa- graduate courses on environmental
ter interactions in rice, corn, cassa- physiology at UPLB.

Sta. Cruz

Dr. Pompe C.
Sta. Cruz, Professor 7
from the Crop Science
Cluster (CSC), has
been renewed as UP
Scientist III while Dr.
Teodoro C. Mendoza,
Professor 12 from
CSC and Dr. Renato
SA. Vega, Professor 3
from the Animal and
Dairy Sciences Cluster
(ADSC), were promoted to Scientist
II. On the other hand, Dr. Luis Rey
I. Velasco, Professor 12, and Dr.
Celia DR. Medina, Associate Professor 6, both from the Crop Protection Cluster (CPC), were awarded
the UP Scientist I title.
DR. POMPE C. STA.
CRUZ is a graduate of Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in Agronomy
(Major in Crop Physiology) in 1990
at UPLB. He obtained his Master of
Science (MS) in Agronomy (Major
in Crop Physiology) in 1982 and
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agriculture (Major in Horticulture) in
1978 also at UPLB.

va, sugarcane, and other rice-based

CA faculty as UP Scientists
1

ADSC conducts
stakeholders meeting 4

CA honors 2016 graduates

2

PhD student from University

of California visits ASC 5

ADSC hosts 3-in-1 activities

for 4th time 3

ASC researchers join

International Inter-university
Cooperation Conference 5

ADSC holds seminarworkshop for administrative

staff 3
ADSC conducts short
courses 4

Vega

Adaptive Research Project

on White Corn for Food 6
FSTP launches new site in
Region 3 6

CA faculty...page 8

NCPC & PCAARRD-DOST

collaborate for rice
production booster 7

TAMIU students attend

training on fruit wine
production 11

CPC to launch online RDE

diary 7

CA faculty & staff showcase

Filipino creativity in
international flower show
12

NCPC-CPC QRTs in Action

10
NCPC celebrates 40thyear

10

FSC faculty delivers SMC

professorial chair lecture 11

Gifted international youths

visit IPB 16

Page 2

Aggie Green & Gold

CA honors 2016 graduates

Published quarterly by the College of
Agriculture (CA), University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB)
Re-entered as second class mail at
College Post Office, College, Laguna
on 27 November 2009
Office: CA Deans Office, UPLB, College,
Laguna 4031
Advisers:
Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, Dean
Dr. Tonette P. Laude, Associate Dean
Editor-in-Chief: Apolinario L. Lantican
Associate Editors: Ruby G. dela Cruz
Jeddahlyn S. Baria
Layout Artist: Laureano B. Lanosia, Jr.
Circulation/Business officer: Venecia B.
Batain
Contributors:
Jeddahlyn S. Baria
Randolph Candano
Bonifacio F. Cayabyab
Maria Cecilia L. De Castro
Nenita L. de Castro
Ruby G. dela Cruz
Myrna S. Galang
Imelda M. Gesmundo
Augustus Franco B. Jamias
Katherine Ann T. Castillo-Israel
Jocelyn D. Labios
Laureano B. Lanosia, Jr
Apolinario L. Lantican
Rona Camille M. Lizardo
Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye
Donna B. Malayang
Myrna A Tenorio
Claire S. Zubia

he College of Agriculture (CA), led by Dean

Enrico P. Supangco, feted its graduates during a dinner reception held
last June 24 at the Agro-Soils-Horti
building lobby, UPLB.
This years graduates were
led by Pee-jay A. Rebuso, Bachelor
of Science (BS) Agriculture, magna
cum laude, and recipient of Joaquin
J. Gonzales medal, Gamma Sigma
Delta Honor Society of Agriculture
medal and Deans Medal of Excellence.
Other graduates who were
recipients of the Deans Medal of
Excellence were: Edelyn Joy M.
Vicencio, Nerisa V. Paduit, Roselle
E. Madayag, Alberto Louis A. Basinillo, Marielle Ann M. Solpico and

The CA graduate awardees pose with Chancellor Sanchez and Dean Supangco.
Inset: Dr. Yosraj urges the CA graduates: Never stop learning and practicing.

Gladys S. Morado (BS Agriculture,

cum laude); Keiane B. Ambos, Jana
Louria M. Malingan and Tristan
John M. Zamora (BS Food Technology, cum laude); Mary Ranzelle A.
Pasang (BS Agricultural Biotechnology, cum laude) and Naela V. Delmo (BS Agricultural Chemistry, cum
laude).
In his opening remarks, Dean
Enrico P. Supangco urged the graduates to be entrepreneurial. As you
start a new journey, be your own
boss, he said. According to him,
there is a bright future for them in
agricultural business. He later advised them to act soon as time is indeed limited.
Moreover, Dean Supangco
reminded them to be humble in suc-

cess because one can have a meaningful life not because of money
but due to humility. Go and inspire the Filipino people, he challenged them, be a true Iskolar
Para sa Bayan.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. challenged
the graduates to uphold UPs
standard of excellence in whatever
professional career they take.
In his welcome message,
Chancellor Sanchez said that they
now bear the universitys legacy of
producing only the best; hence,
they must use the knowledge they
have gained to strengthen agriculture and other related disciplines.
CA honors...page 12

Aggie Green & Gold

he Animal and
Dairy Sciences Cluster (ADSC) hosted a testimonial party for
51 graduating students
last June 23 at the Animal Husbandry Complex.
About 27 graduates of BS in Agriculture
major in Animal Science,
12 BS in Animal Biotechnology, and 10 each
of MS and PhD came to
the event. The program
started with a breakfast,
followed by a short program. Chris D. Cobacha,
consultant of CDC Nutrition and ADSC alumna,
served as the guest
speaker. The program

Page 3

ADSC hosts 3-in-1 activities for 4th time

ended with the graduating
students, faculty and staff
singing the UP Naming
Mahal and CA hymn.
Thereafter,
the
ADSC Job Fair 2016, in
cooperation with the Philippine Society of Animal
Nutritionists, was participated in by 34 participating companies such as the
following: Agri-Bio Philippines, Inc., Camden
Industries, Inc., Sybex
Health & Nutrition. Nuevo Milenio, Inc., Easy Bio
Philippines, Sunjin Philippines Corp. & Sunjin
Feeds Corp., Promax In-

ADSC graduating student being interviewed on-the-spot

during the job fair.

ternational, Bayer Philippines, Inc., Arca Galleon

Agriventures, Inc., JA
Farms Asia Pacific, Inc.,
CJ Philippines, Inc., Di-

ADSC holds seminar-workshop for

administrative staff

The participants discuss the proposed process flow during the workshop.

he ADSC conducted a three-day workshop titled Assessment and Development of an Appropriate and Effective Administrative Operations and Management System last May 19 to 21 at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
The seminar-workshop was aimed to assess and streamline the major administrative functional components or activities by division, unit or section and come up with
an appropriate and effective operations and management system based on the available
physical, financial and manpower resources. This is in line with the initiative of the
ADSC management led by Amado Angeles, assistant professor and deputy director for
accreditation with the ASEAN University Network. A well-defined process flow for
each administrative function is the output of this activity. The major administrative
functions discussed were: a) inventory and procurement of supplies, materials and
equipment for the animal farms and dairy plant, b) building, transportation and equipment repair and maintenance, and c) provision of technical services.
The seminar-workshop was attended by 13 administrative staff from different
divisions of the ADSC. Two research and extension professional staff served as resource persons and facilitators. (Nenita L. De Castro, with photo courtesy of Joey Domingo)

conex Philippines, Inc.,

Equalivet
Incorporated,
Jocanima
Corp/Enviro
Crop Vet Products, Inc.,
Interfarma Nutraceuticals,
Inc., Ultra Bio Corp., New
Gen
Marketing,
Inc.,
Blaine
CorporationRefamed Research Laboratory Corp., Jetbest Animal
Nutrition
&
Healthcare Inc., Supervet
International Inc., Enovet,
Inc., Alpha Multi-Trade
Corp., Teletech, SunMade
Agriplus, Inc., Atlas,
Bounty Fresh, Philchema,
San Miguel, AB Vista, 3J
Corporation, Clark Feed
Mill, Inc., Lucky 4A, Progressive Laboratory and
NutriPlus
Laboratories
Corp.
There were 249 student job seekers from
UPLB, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Southern Luzon State University, Colegio de Los Baos
and other nearby colleges;
others came from different
parts of Los Baos, Bay,
Calamba and even as far
as Laoag, Isabela, Pampanga and Bicol. At the
end of the job fair, about
four applicants were hired
on-the-spot and 143 applicants were considered for
further evaluation.
The representatives
of the participating companies later joined the 3rd
ADSC hosts...page 13

Page 4

Aggie Green & Gold

ADSC conducts short courses

Dr. Severino S. Capitan, ADSC faculty and trainor, demonstrates pregnancy

diagnosis in dairy cattle as the trainees curiously watch.

he ADSC, in coordination
with
the
UPLBFoundation, Inc., conducted several
training courses last June at UPLB.
The Basic Training Course
for Dairy Farm Workers was held
in two batches last June 6-10 with
17 trainees and in June 20-24 with
13 trainees.
The participants came mostly
from Los Baos and nearby towns
while three came from Bicol. Majority of them have no experience or
knowledge in animal production
especially in dairy production while
few have some experiences in poultry, swine or goat production. Most
of the trainees are interested to apply for work in New Zealand as
dairy farm workers.
This training course is designed to cater mainly to individuals
who are interested to work as farm
workers abroad. However, there are

he ADSC conducted a
consultation meeting with
stakeholders from the fishery/
aquatic industry last May 18 at the
ASR Room to gather insights regarding the plan to develop a course
on aqua nutrition as a field of specialization under the BS Agriculture
-Major in Animal Science degree
program.
According to ADSC Director
Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., this would
address the needs of the industry,
specifically the demand for aqua
nutritionists.
It was discussed during the
meeting that this course offering is
viewed as a good opportunity for

some who would like to attend the

course because they are interested
to engage in local dairy business
while others are hired as farm
workers in local dairy farms.
The course is a combination
of lecture, demonstration and hands
-on practices on dairy herd management. The lecture topics, geared
towards gaining basic knowledge
on dairy production and management, include animal care and herd
management, animal health, breeding, feeds and feeding, fencing, record keeping, milk hygiene and sanitation, and milking. In the demonstration and practicum part, the participants were provided with handson experience on some basic farm
practices like herd management,
fencing and milking. The trainees
were also brought to a private dairy
farm where some dairy operations
are demonstrated.

With the very strict requirement of New Zealand for applicants in dairy farms, these trainees
still have to undergo a longer practical training or employment in
local dairy farms before they become qualified for the job.
Meanwhile, the Short Course
on Basic Swine Production and
Management was also conducted
by the ADSC last June 13-16 for
11 participants who came from
Laguna, Batangas, Pangasinan and
Quezon City. Of these participants, eight are employed in three
private swine farms in Laguna
where seven of them act as lead
men in breeding, weaning and farrowing sections and one is a cashier who wanted to gain additional
knowledge. Three of the 11 participants were education program supervisors in the Department of Education in Pangasinan who plan to
put up a swine farm after retirement, one is a retired employee
from the manufacturing industry
who plans to revive the familys
swine farm in Laguna and one is a
college undergraduate who will
soon manage his familys swine
farm in Batangas.
Likewise, a Specialized
Training Course on Dairy Cattle
Production and Management was
conducted last April 25-May 6.
This activity was attended by 19
senior Veterinary Medicine students from the Pampanga State
Agricultural University and the
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation; with 10 and nine students,
respectively. (Myrna S. Galang/
Nenita L. de Castro, with photo
courtesy of Donato E. Paner)

ADSC conducts stakeholders meeting

on aqua nutrition course offering
collaborative research within and
beyond UPLB, among other state
colleges and universities such as
Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Central Luzon State
University and University of the
Philippines Visayas (UPV). The
needs of the industry in developing
the course should also be considered. Topics such as feed formulation, fish processing and environmental laws should be included in
the course offering. It was also suggested that the students should have

a background in aquaculture and

must take up elective courses. Another important concern raised was
the difficulty in conducting field
trips which is very important in
aquaculture since it requires more
hands on practices.
Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, professor and head of the ADSC Animal Nutrition Division, said that
this is a dream project. He plans
to expand the dimension of animal
ADSC conducts...page 13

Aggie Green & Gold

s part of the initiative to

create and strengthen
collaborative relationship with international universities and other
institutions, the Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC) welcomes visiting scholars and foreign graduate
students from other universities.

Page 5

PhD student from University of California

visits ASC, explores research linkage
2014, Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture is a food-based approach
to agricultural development that
puts nutritionally rich foods, dietary diversity and food fortification at the heart of overcoming
malnutrition and micronutrient
deficiencies. This is an approach
that seeks to maximize agricultures contribution to nutrition.

Shun-Nan Chiang, a visiting

scholar and graduate student (PhD
in Sociology) from the University
of California, Santa Cruz, USA, is
on his six-week stint at ASC from
June 9 to July 20.
Shun-Nans research focuses
on the connections of nutrition security and rural development and
how these connections may be influenced by the introduction of different agricultural innovations such
as new varieties, crops and methods.

specifically in agricultural systems

and innovations in the country. His
activities include data gathering and
collecting of published documents,
meeting with scholars from UPLB
and other NGOs, attending to conferences and seminars, and visiting
farms and villages.

The ASC, having its thrust to

promote integration and application
of technologies and agricultural
sciences in the management and
support of technical systems in agriculture, gives him the opportunities
to explore his main fields of interest

Likewise, he is also interested

on issues arising from the concept of
Nutrition-Sensitive
Agriculture.
As defined by Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations
during the Second International Conference on Nutrition held in Italy last

ASC researchers join International

Inter-university Cooperation

The ASC researchers pose with UP President Pascual (seated from left) and Dr.
Arreenich (also seated) with the conference organizers, Deputy Director
Villaraza (standing, 6th from right) and his staff at the UP-OIL.

our researchers from the

ASC
participated
in
the12th International Conference on
Asian Community Knowledge
Networks for the Economy, Society,
Culture and Environment Stability
held last June 7-10.

Agricultural Development under

Executive Order 710, co-authored
by Wilma S. Velasco and Dr.
Romulo G. Davide. Dr. Edna Luisa
A. Matienzo and Myrna A. Tenorio, university researchers, also participated in the conference.

Carla O. Melodillar, university researcher, presented a paper

titled Towards Liberation from
Poverty and Hunger: The Cornbased Farmer-Scientists Research,
Development and Extension Training Program (FSTP) for Sustainable

Organized by Chiang Rai

Rajabhat University, Thailand and
the University of the PhilippinesOffice of the International Linkages
(OIL), in association with the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines; Kathmandu University,

Included in his itinerary is a

meeting with the scientists from
UPLB, different institutions and
non-profit organizations like International Rice Research Institute, UP Open University, Southeast Asian Regional Center for
Graduate Study and Research in
Agriculture, and Mga Magsasaka
at Siyentipiko Para sa Ikauunlad
ng Agham Pang-agrikultura, a
farmer-led network of people organizations, non-government organizations and scientists. (Text
and photo by Maria Cecilia L. De
Castro)
Nepal; Yadanahon University, Myanmar, and Huntington University,
Canada, this conference aims to
promote international understanding and develop academic and cultural ties among universities in
Asia-Pacific and the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries.
Its major activity is emphasized to
bring the awareness of the global
economic, social, environmental
and political issues with significant
impact on global warming, trade,
financial stability and human security.
The highlights of the conference were the speeches from keynote speakers, namely: Dr. Alfredo
E. Pascual, chairman of the conference and UP president, represented by Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza;
Thanatip Upatising, Royal Thai
Ambassador to the Philippines; Dr.
Thosapol Arreenich, assistant professor and president of Chiang Rai
Rajabhat University, Thailand;
Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, chairperson, Commission on Higher Education, represented by her staff;
and Dr. Aaron Joseph Villaraza,
ASC researchers join...page 13

Page 6

Aggie Green & Gold

Adaptive Research Project on White Corn for

Food conducts year-end review & workshop

he
project
titled
"Considering Farmers
Preferences in the Adaptation and
Dissemination of White Corn as
Staple Food" held its second yearend review and workshop at the
Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City, Cavite last
May 31 - June 2.

partment of Agriculture-Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)
and UPLB project staff.
Funded by the DA-BAR, the
project is conducted in collaboration
with Regional Field Units-Regional
Integrated Agricultural Research
Centers (RFU RIARCS) of the DA
in Regions 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12, and

The activity was conducted to

consolidate data, evaluate project
accomplishments, plan for remaining activities, and prepare for the
project terminal report. The participants included project site collaborators and support staff from Bicol
Integrated Agricultural Research
Center, Eastern Visayas Integrated
Agricultural Research Center, Zamboanga Peninsula Integrated Agricultural Research Center, Southern
Mindanao Integrated Agricultural
Research Center and CARAGA
Integrated Agricultural Research
Center; representatives from De-

s the National
Corn-based
Farmer-Scientist
RDE
Training Program for
Sustainable Agricultural
Development (FSTP) is
continuously expanding
to reach more povertychallenged areas in the
country, a new site in
Bamban, Tarlac was
launched last May 18.

provincial and municipal agriculture offices in the selected sites in

Masbate, Leyte, Zamboanga del
Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Davao/Compostela Valley provinces.
The main objective of the project is
to increase white flint corn
productivity, yield and income of
farmers by utilizing the participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach, technology innovations and
seed systems.
Adaptive Research...page 15

Participants of the workshop

FSTP launches new site in Region 3

Aeta upland farmers, among the beneficiaries

The FSTP was

among the key programs
identified by the local
government of Bamban to
further the agricultural
and economic development in their area.

The new site, which

is the first in the province,
is located in Sitio Gayaman,
Brgy. Anupul.
Being an upland area, the
terrains are steep and rugged. Residents in the area

The program implementers and prospective farmer-participants join together after the
launching of FSTP.

are mostly engaged in

farming as their livelihood. It also home to the
Aeta community who resettled in the area several
years ago.
Dr. Romulo G. Davide, the FSTP program
leader, inspired the prospective participants as he
discussed the background,
processes and success stories of FSTP. He imparted
that all are given a right to
learn and right to acquire
knowledge so that they
can significantly improve
their lives.
Of the 40 farmers
who expressed interest in
engaging with FSTP, onethird is from the Aeta
community. Emily Lapus,
one of the women Aeta
farmers, expressed delight
FSTP launches...page 14

Aggie Green & Gold

Page 7

NCPC & PCAARRD-DOST

collaborate for rice production booster

NCPC leads carrageenan research

The National Crop
Protection Center (NCPC)
-Crop Protection Cluster
team, led by Dr. Gil L.
Magsino, spearheads the
research on carrageenan, a
rice production booster
that is also economical.
In
collaboration
with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology
(PCAARRD-DOST), the
research project showed
that when carrageenan is
degraded or reduced to
tiny sizes through irradiation technology, it can
promote growth in rice
plants and make it resistant to certain pests.
Thus, at very small doses,
it becomes an effective
natural fertilizer.

A field in Pulilan, Bulacan shows standing rice treated with CPGR (left) while untreated side
(right) shows lodged rice. (Photo from UPLB)

Higher yield, more savings

The
carrageenan
plant growth regulator
(CPGR), extracted from
seaweeds and further degraded through irradiation,
may be the latest breakthrough in Philippine agriculture.
In
multi-location
trials conducted in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Laguna
and Iloilo, the CPGR applied at low concentrations
in rice has been found to
enhance the yield by 15
30%.
In Bulacan, the application of 20 ml/li of the
plant growth promoter in

addition to three and six

bags of fertilizer per hectare led to an increase
grain weight yield of 450
grams and 455 grams, respectively, compared with
the 275 grams of grain
weight yield produced
through traditional farmers practice.
Early this year,
demonstration trials have
been initiated in Regions 2
and 3. In a turnover ceremony led by Secretary
Montejo and DA Assistant
Secretary for Field Operations Edilberto M. De Luna, CPGR were distributed for free to 650 farmers
in Pulilan, Bulacan. These
plant growth regulators

CPC to launch online RDE diary

he Crop Protection Cluster (CPC),

celebrating its 11th year this June
2016, will soon be launching an
online quarterly research publication called
Researchers Notebook.
The publication is not the usual newsletter, but more of a researchers account of
his/her activities as a researcher. For the first
time, the diary-like reading material will be
published online this July. Three CPC researchers are featured in the maiden issue; the
multi-awarded Drs. Christian Joseph R.
Cumagun and Pio A. Javier, with current
CPC Director Teresita U. Dalisay relating the
future of crop protection and pest management.
The publication is an original concept of
Marcela Navasero, NCPC Scientist 1, under the editorship and design of Ruby G.
dela Cruz. Finally, the enormous tasks of a CPC researcher can now be shared
online. For more information about CPC, log on to cpc.ca.uplb.edu.ph. Researchers
for RN-RDE pilot issue include April N. Alviar, Eric Jhond G. Cruz, Joedel DG Padilla and Sarah Jane Manaday. (Text and photo: Ruby G. dela Cruz)

were field tested in 2,000

hectares of rice field in
Bulacan.
In
Isabela,
PCAARRD
distributed
CPGR in turn-over ceremonies held at the Isabela
State University-Echague
Campus. The activity was
coordinated by the Cagayan Valley Agricultural
and Aquatic Resources
Research and Development and DOST Region
2. Almost eight tons of
CPGR had been produced
by DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
for this purpose.
Due to encouraging
results, Department of
Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and
DOST Secretary Mario
G. Montejo signed a
memorandum of agreement last year to upscale
verification testing in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 6, 9 and
11 to further allow the
end-users to test the efficacy of carrageenan based
on established nutrient
management practices for
dry and wet cropping seasons.
Carrageenan
can
improve rice productivity
by strengthening rice
stems which, according to
DA, helps prevent lodging where the stems become too weak to carry
the weight of the rice
grains that makes them
fall to the field.
The substance can
also promote resistance to
NCPC & PCAARRD...page 15

Page 8

Aggie Green & Gold

Dr. EQ Javier

Dr. RB Demafelis

Dr. EP Supangco

University Officials and Panelists

Participants
IPB Staff
Service Awardees

CA faculty...from page 1
He has published 50 articles in refereed, international and ISI Journals; seven articles/chapter in locally
and internationally published books; nine papers in proceedings of conferences; two monographs and five manuals (as contributor). He has also co-authored one policy
paper and presented 43 poster papers in various conferences.
Dr. Sta. Cruz is currently the director of CSC.
DR. TEODORO C. MENDOZA earned his PhD
in Agronomy in UPLB and University of Florida, USA
in 1985 and took up his MS in Agronomy (Crop Physiology) in 1979 and a BS in Agriculture (Major in Agronomy) in 1976 at UPLB.
As a faculty member, he has designed and introduced courses which are currently offered at UPLB,
namely: Introduction to Farming Systems, Design and
Assessment in Farming Systems, Introduction to Ecological Agriculture, Advanced Ecological Agriculture, and
The Energetics of Crop Agriculture.
Dr. Mendoza is a specialist in crop physiology and
ecology by discipline, but cross-cut in the multi disciplines of farming systems/management and ecological/
organic agriculture. He is also one of the leading advocates and practitioners of Small Scale Diversified Organic Agriculture in the Philippines. For about a decade, he
has optimized the process of mass producing indigenous
microorganisms, a local version of effective microorganism and on farm mass production of liquid fertilizers
which could be done by the farmers.
Dr. Mendoza is a prolific writer as he has authored
71 technical papers (27 in ISI and 45 in non-ISI refereed

journals), 2 chapters in a book, three books, and has

presented more than 100 papers in technical conferences, and several power point presentations in conferences, trainings, seminars and symposia.
Dr. Mendoza is a recipient of many international
awards, the most recent of which is the Agricultural
Excellent Award given by the Association of Agricultural Technology in Southeast Asia in 2015 in Hanoi,
Vietnam.
DR. RENATO SA. VEGA earned the Degree
of Doctor in Animal Science in 2002 at Iwate University in Morioka, Iwate in Japan. He finished his MS in
Agronomy (Farming Systems) in 1991 at UPLB; and
an MS in Animal Science in 1999 at Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Obihiro
City, Hokkaido, Japan. He took up his BS Agriculture
(Major in Animal Science) in 1984 at UPLB.
As a researcher, Dr. Vega has been project leader/study leader of 14 researches, the most current of
which are the following: Identification of the Molecular Productivity Markers and the Signs of Austronesia
Migration Based on the Phylogeny Study between Taiwan and Philippine Native Pigs; Ensuring Food
Safety and Quality Along the Supply Chain Through
Product Traceability: An ICT-Based Pork Traceability
System Model; and Computer-Aided Remote Expert
(CARE) System Model for Commercial Swine Farms
Having Evaporative Cooling Systems.
Dr. Vega has four local and international books;
22 refereed international publications as author and coauthor; 12 refereed local publications (non-ISI publication); and 30 non-refereed local publications. He has
CA faculty...page 9

Aggie Green & Gold

Page 9

Drs. RV Valmayor, RM Lantican,

RL Villareal and RC Barba
IPB Staff

Dr. DA
Ramirez
Alumni, Friends and Staff

Photos:IRMorales

CA faculty...from page 8
also presented 12 papers and 5 posters in scientific conventions and has eight citations to scientific articles. He
has also published one monograph and one laboratory
manual and presented four professorial lectures.
DR. LUIS REY I. VELASCO took his PhD in
Entomology in 1990 at the University of Queensland,
Brisbane, Australia. He obtained his MS in Entomology
and BS in Agriculture (Major in Entomology) in 1982
and 1978, respectively, at UPLB.
One of the most significant accomplishments of
Dr. Velasco as a scientist is a new technology which he
developed called the Soft X-ray for the detection of
pulp weevil infested mango fruits. With the technology,
infested mango fruits may be detected and separated
from the un-infested fruit without destroying the fruit.
This is the first time that such a machine and technology is used for quarantine requirement purposes.
Dr. Velasco has been project leader/study leader
in many research projects. Currently, he is the study
leader of the research project, Field studies on using
the netted lady beetle, Heteroneda billardieri (Crotch)
as a biological control agent of mango leafhopper, Idioscopus clypealis (Lithierry) (Homiptera: Cicadellidae).
He has 41 publications in refereed and ISI Journals; presented 62 papers in scientific meetings; and
published reports on Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) on rice and in promoting Improved Environmental Management and Advocacy (IEMA).
Dr. Velasco has been the director of the National

Crop Protection Center from 1995-1999; dean of the

College of Agriculture from 1999-2002; and chancellor
of UPLB from November 2005-October 31, 2011.
DR. CELIA DR. MEDINA is a PhD and MS
graduate in Entomology in 2004 and 1992, respectively,
in UPLB. She took up her BS in Agriculture (Major in
Entomology) in 1983 at UPLB.
She is a recipient of several research grants, the
most recent of which is a funding for the research and
development of Integrated Crop Management for Mango Production in the Southern Philippines and Australia.
She has published 17 ISI Journals and 2 non-ISI
publications. She has also presented 33 scientific papers
and 18 poster papers in various scientific conferences.
Dr. Medina was the deputy director of the Crop
Protection Cluster (CPC) from June 1, 2010 to June 30,
2011. She was appointed as director of CPC from July
21, 2011 to July 20, 2014. Her appointment was renewed on July 21, 2104 until August 31, 2015.
The UP Scientific Productivity System was approved by the Board of Regents in August 2005 to support the development of science and technology and to
encourage scientific productivity. Faculty members are
evaluated based on their publications in reputable refereed journals. Deserving scientists shall be conferred the
title UP Scientist with monetary award. (Imelda M.
Gesmundo, with information taken from http://
ovpaa.up.edu.ph and photos courtesy of the awardees)

Page 10

Aggie Green & Gold

NCPC-CPC QRTs in Action

n line with the UPLB

Quick Response Program under the Office of the
Chancellor, a group of scientists and researchers from the
National Crop Protection Center-Crop Protection Cluster
(NCPC-CPC) travelled to Nueva Ecija for a field visit and
hands-on training on NPV and
other biological control agents
due to severe armyworm,
Spodoptera exigua Hbner infestation in the province.

Extent of damage of onion armyworm in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija

Field assessment of the

extent of infestation of
armyworm on onion and other
crops and training of stakeholders in Nueva Ecija were conducted. The team also visited
the provinces of Pangasinan
and Ilocos Sur for the same
purpose.

The team collects larvae of onion armyworm in string beans and siling haba in
Palayan City, Nueva Ecija .

NCPC celebrates 40thyear

he National Crop Protection Center (NCPC), founded through PD

936 on May 19, 1976, just turned 40 years.

The center, wherein the name of the present Crop Protection Cluster
(CPC) was lifted, had a fruitful celebration highlighted by Farm Demo of the
Carrageenan Technology of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic
and Natural Resources Research and Development-Department of Science and
Technology, in-house showcases with guest exhibitors, CPC website launching, and recognition of NCPC staff who have been serving for at least 35 years.

The NCPC-CPC Quick

Response Team (QRT) aims to:
1) identify the armyworm species in outbreak causing enormous damage to onions, 2)
raise awareness about the pest
on onions in the province; 3)
build capacity on detection,
prevention, monitoring and
management of said pest; 4)
develop and share information,
education and communication
materials; and 5) develop research program for sustainable
management of armyworm on
onions and other crops.
(Bonifacio
F.
Cayabyab/
Randolph Candano/Ruby G.
dela Cruz, with photos courtesy
of Candano)

During the day, about 200 farmers from Victoria, Bay and Calauan, Laguna attended the actual field demonstration of the carrageenan technology, a rice production booster. The demonstration was led by Dr. Gil Magsino, NCPC- Information Management and Technical Services head and extension
NCPC celebrates...page 15

Prominent personalities during NCPCs 40th year celebration

Aggie Green & Gold

Page 11

FSC faculty delivers SMC

professorial chair lecture

r. Katherine
Ann T. Castillo-Israel, assistant professor at the Food Science Cluster (FSC), presented the San Miguel
Corporation (SMC) Professorial Chair Lecture
titled Fresh-cut tropical
fruits and vegetables:
storage quality, safety
and marketability at the
Crop Science Cluster
Room 100 last May 2.
The lecture was
aimed to provide an overview on the advantages,
current market status, and
consumer perception of
fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. It covered the
safety issues concerning
fresh-cuts which need to
be addressed to expand
the market of these commodities. These include
microbial evaluation results of some samples
from both wet markets
and supermarkets which
reflected the safety and

The project is funded by the UP Office of the

Vice President for Academic Affairs Emerging
Interdisciplinary Research
(OVPAA-EIDR)
Grant
for New PhD.

Dean Supangco and FSC Director Mopera present the

certificate of recognition to Dr. Israel.

sanitation of the processing protocol. Furthermore, the

lecture also covered topics on prolonging the storage
life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Israel even presented the highlights of her
project on the application of the ethylene antagonist 1methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on minimally processed
fresh-cut tropical fruits and vegetable mixes.

Dr. Israel finished

her PhD in Biochemistry
with minor in Horticulture (Postharvest Biochemistry and Physiology) at UPLB in 2012.
Currently, she is actively
involved in collaborative
researches and is teaching
Food Chemistry, Food
Biochemistry and Postharvest Biochemistry of
Fruits and Vegetables at
FSC. (Rona Camille M.
Lizardo/Katherine Ann T.
Castillo-Israel, with photo courtesy of Claire S.
Zubia)

TAMIU students attend training on fruit wine production

The students were accompanied by their professor, Dr. Ruby Ynalvez, who is an FSC alumna and
former faculty of the Institute of
Chemistry. Prof. Sheba Mae M. Duque, FSCs Extension and Information Management Committee
chairman, welcomed the delegates
and gave an orientation about the
cluster.

The trainees during their hands-on wine making activity

welve students from Texas A&M International

University (TAMIU) underwent
training on the basics of fruit winemaking during their visit to the Philippines last June 26-27 at the Food
Science Cluster (FSC).

The training, which is part

of their course titled Biology in
the Tropics, was conducted by
the FSC with Claire S. Zubia as
trainer and assisted by Juanito R.
Dumayas.

The training involved a short

lecture about the science behind fruit
wine fermentation, followed by a
hands-on activity. The students found
so much interest in the course and
were very happy when they had a
free taste of the aged fruit wines produced by the FSC. Norah Calvillo,
one of the participants, said, My
experience was beyond my inquisitiveness. I had the opportunity to
learn the science behind a glass of
wine. I cant wait to go back home
and try to make my own concoction.
(Claire S. Zubia, with photo courtesy
of SMM Duque)

Page 12

Aggie Green & Gold

CA faculty & staff showcase Filipino

creativity in international flower show

year, the team from CA was invited

to join the flower show through the
Flower Tea Culture Association that
visited the college last February for
the International Flower Tea Academic Exchange Symposium.

The EL team brought several

Philippine-made products such as
the handicrafts from Davao, Bicol
and Lumban. With the Philippine
booths theme of festivity in spring,
the heart of the EL teams exhibit
was a lavishly designed presentation
of the famous Lucban kiping, arranged with edible flowers such as
the viola, petunia, milfora and lavender. Kiping is the leaf-shaped rice
wafers that come in many colors,
and used in elaborate decorations
during the popular Pahiyas Festival
in Lucban, Quezon. Approximately
6,000 pieces of kiping were brought
Colorfully designed exhibit, reminiscent of the thanksgiving Pahiyas Festival
from Lucban to Daegu for the exed by Chancellor Fernan- pated in the 2016 Daegu Flower hibit. The team also gave the visido C. Sanchez, Jr., the Show held last June 2-6 in Daegu, tors a taste of fried kiping, and other
food products such as the Philippine
Crop Science Clusters Edible South Korea.
dried mangoes.
Landscaping (EL) team composed
The Daegu Flower Show is
of Ryan Rodrigo R. Tayobong,
During a symposium on the
an annual exhibition that displays
Charito E. Balladares and Eliza C.
third
day
of the flower show, Chanthe rich diversity of flowering
Aquino, together with the Food Scicellor
Sanchez
delivered a brief
plants in the region, as well as the
ence Clusters faculty member, Dr.
message
highlighting
the promise of
different industries, products and
Baby Richard R. Navarro, particiactivities related to flowers. This
CA faculty...page 15

CA honors...from page 2
Likewise, Chancellor Sanchez
said the graduates are now in a better position to serve the Filipino
people and show their gratitude to
their family, community and country.
Relish your story of success, he concluded, but never lose
sight of what UP stands for.
On the other hand, Dr. Chamnian Yosraj (president of Maejo
University, Changmai, Thailand and
guest speaker during the dinner reception) gave some words of wisdom to the graduates.
Relating his experience as
student, Dr. Yosraj urged the graduates to control and motivate themselves, do what is right, fight hard,
work hard, find solutions to problems, keep an open mind, do not
waste time, keep learning, adapt to
situations, take risks for better life
and make a big difference to society.

Dr. Yosraj opined that earning

a degree is just the beginning of a
lifetime process. Thus, you should
never stop learning and practicing,
he said. Set your goals and follow
them, he concluded.
In behalf of the students, Rebuso thanked the teachers and parents for the success they are now
enjoying. He cited their advisers for
sharing their knowledge and his
friends and classmates for making
college life enjoyable. He then reminisced his first day in college as a
diligent student with great motivation and attributed his success to
careful planning and hard work.
In his closing remarks, Dr.
Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., director of
the Animal and Dairy Sciences
Cluster and president of the CA
Alumni Association, summarized
the messages by the previous speakers and thanked the CA staff for
making the dinner reception a
worthwhile activity. Likewise, he
congratulated the graduates and

challenged them to emulate the

successful CA alumni and serve
the country as a true Iskolar ng
Bayan Para sa Bayan.
During the program, the
scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and
the Department of Agriculture
(DA)-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the CA volunteers to Ugnayan ng Pahinungod
were also duly recognized. The
DA-BAR awardees were Vivencio,
Paduit and Madayag; the DOST
scholars were Solpico and Ambos;
and the volunteers were Jayce Ann
V. Bocala, BS Agricultural Biotechnology; Daryl Jean I. Sedino
and Rhozelyn Leycano, both BS in
Food Technology. They were given medals by Dean Supangco,
Chancellor Sanchez, DA-BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar and
Pahinungod Director Katrina Ross
A.Tan, respectively.(Apolinario L.
Lantican, with photos courtesy of
LB Lanosia, Jr.)

Aggie Green & Gold

Page 13

ADSC hosts...from page 3

ADSC graduating students with some faculty members of the cluster during the testimonial party

consultation with stakeholders from the labor market.

ADSC Director Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. started the
meeting by thanking all the companies who joined the
job fair while ADSC Deputy Director Amado A. Angeles presented the output of the stakeholders meeting
held last July 2015.
Dr. Angeles aligned the presentation with the
vision, mission and goals of the College of Agriculture
and highlighted the significance of stakeholders in the
quality assurance process. He also explained some immediate actions/plans by the cluster and the course
syllabus of Animal Science, focusing on a student-

ADSC conducts...from page 4

nutrition by adding more fields of specialization such
as aqua culture, companion animal nutrition and equine nutrition, and offering elective courses. There is
also a need to focus on sustainable aqua culture and
not just satisfy economic returns, but also address environmental concerns.
This activity is the fourth in a series of stakeholders consultation meetings as part of the ASEAN
University Network initiative of the ADSC to improve
its curricular offerings. Twenty-nine (29) stakeholders

ASC researchers join...from page 5

deputy director, UP-Office of International Linkages.
The two-day parallel sessions were held at the
Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila and UP Diliman,
Quezon City while the two-day learning tour was conducted at the International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI), Los Baos, Laguna and Tagaytay City, Cavite.
Among the conference participants and presenters
were researchers from different universities in Thai-

centered method of instruction, providing externship

activities for the faculty and staff, increasing the number
of graduate students through the implementation of
weekend schedule for graduate courses and thesis and
practicum as both final requirements of the course.
Issues and problems about UPLB graduates were
also raised during the forum. In summary, the forum output reflected the weaknesses and strengths of the UPLB
Animal Science graduates based on the comments and
suggestions of the labor market. The stakeholders
meeting is a continuous process that is conducted yearly
or twice a year. (Text & photos by Jeddahlyn S. Baria)
participated in this activity. They comprised various
government agencies (e.g. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Laguna, PCAARRD, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, National Academy of Science
and Technology), state universities and colleges (College
of Agriculture-ADSC, College of Veterinary Medicine,
College of Arts and Sciences-Institute of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UPV and LSPU), and private companies
(Armor Milling Corporation, San Miguel Foods, Inc.,
PHILCHEMA Inc., Santeh Feeds and Muyang). (Nenita
L. de Castro)

land, Nepal, Myanmar, Canada and the Philippines.

Plaques of recognition (The Best Practices and
Maple Leaf Scholar) were awarded to the researchers/
staff in the said event.
The sub-themes presentations were arranged into
the following topics: 1) poverty alleviation, social welfare and protection; 2) education and investing in human
resource development; 3) cultural heritage, ethnic diverASC researchers joins...page 14

Page 14

Aggie Green & Gold

ASC researchers join...from page 13

The ASC participants (from left): Tenorio, Dr. Matienzo,

Melodillar and Velasco

sity; 4) promotion and protection of the rights of migrant

workers women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities: labor rights and human rights; 5) enhancing food
security and the green revolution; 6) integration of tourism development and tourism standards in the Greater
Mekong sub-region and Asia-Pacific; 7) environment,
sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity; 8) techno-scientific progress, climate change
and energy transition for development; 9) renewable energy for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific region;
10) new and emerging technology for socio-economic
development in Asia-Pacific region; 11) institutional
strengthening, social-economics and politics challenges
within the Greater Mekong sub-region and Asia-Pacific
region; 12) human development and health-care policy;
and 13) resolutions and agenda for future action.

Simultaneously, an exhibit on poster presentations at the

lobby of the conference venue was opened for viewing. The organizers ended the event with a positive outlook that
the participants conceptual ideas will serve as useful inputs in the formulation of policies about global and regional issues. (Text and photos by Myrna A. Tenorio)

FSTP launches...from page 6

to the introduction of FSTP in the
area. "Nagpapasalamat kami na
kahit malayo ang lugar namin ay
nakasama kami" (We are thankful
that we are included even though
our area is far-flung), she shared.
Meanwhile, 70-year old Lito
de Guzman, one of the elderly Aeta
farmers, was hopeful that he will
learn a lot from the program and
that it can transform their lives.
"Sana ay matutunan ko ang tamang
pagtatanim para madaming anihin.
Bata pa ako ay nagtatanim na
ako, (I hope I will learn the proper
way of planting so that I can harvest a lot. I have been farming since
I was young), he expressed.
The FSTP's mission is to liberate the poor farmers, especially
those living in the upland communities, from the bondage of poverty
and hunger by sharing and making
them adopt scientific and sustainable methods of farming.
The program has already catered to other indigenous peoples in
the country. In 2013, the program
has produced farmer-scientist graduates from the Blaan tribe of Alabel, Sarangani Province and
Mangyan tribe of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. They have become
receptive to new farming technologies; hence, improving their socioeconomic status. (Text and photos
by Augustus Franco B. Jamias)

ABOVE: Dr. Davide discusses the background, processes and success stories of
the program. BELOW: Dr. Davide poses with the Aeta upland farmers who
express interest in joining the FSTP.

Aggie Green & Gold

Page 15

Adaptive Research...from page 6

The project has three components, namely: 1) onfarm PVS, preference analysis and sensory evaluation of
white corn varieties, 2) fertilizer use and management of
white corn in PVS trial sites, and 3) seed system and
outscaling of newly developed improved white corn varieties. With these components, activities were undertaken and constraints and strategies were identified to
develop options/alternatives for the adaptation, dissemination and outscaling of improved white corn varieties.
A roll-over scheme was applied to make seeds available
to more farmers within the barangay and from nearby
barangays. In areas that are quite far from seed produc-

NCPC & PCAARRD...from page 7

rice plant diseases like the rice tungro virus and
bacterial leaf blight.
As DOST Sec. Montejo has said, This innovation of applying seaweed as fertilizer empowers
our farmers to have access to cheaper but highly
effective plant growth enhancers that boils down to
improved harvest and increased income,
Because the use of CPGR was found to decrease the number of bags of fertilizer needed per
hectare, this could mean bigger savings for farmers
who devote much of their expenses to farming inputs.

ers or centers, like RIARCs, a community seed banking (CSB) scheme will be adopted to ensure continuous supply of good quality seeds. It is expected that
majority of the farmers will benefit through this
scheme.
During the review and workshop, locationspecific (provincial and regional levels) recommendations and action plans were developed based on the
different participatory tools conducted during the project duration. The researchers involved in this project are Dr. Jocelyn D. Labios (soil scientist), Proceso
H. Manguiat (plant breeder) and Donna B. Malayang
(university research associate). (Jocelyn D. Labios/
Donna B. Malayang)

The governments finding could also impact other

agricultural workers, namely seaweed farmers, by boosting
demand for the substance.
Seaweed is heavily farmed in places like Tawi-Tawi,
Zamboanga, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar, and Antique. In
fact, the Philippines is a major global supplier of carrageenan. In 2011, it reportedly supplied 80% of the world's seaweed needs.
It is commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer for
food products like ice cream and salad dressing, or as a
binding agent for toothpaste and shampoo. (Ruby G. dela
Cruz, with info and photos from PCAARRD S&T Media
Service, courtesy of Butch S. Pagcaliwagan and Angelito
T. Carpio; and Rappler.com, courtesy of Pia Ranada)

NCPC celebrates...from page 10

coordinator. Exhibit booth for carrageenan was
also displayed at the NCPC lobby, together with
CPC exhibits and other guest exhibitors. A lecture on the technology was conducted by Dr.
Magsino and a farmer testimonial was also
shown on how carrageenan actually worked positively in his farm (see related story on page 7).
PCAARRD-DOST was a major sponsor of
the NCPC anniversary celebration which was
addressed by Dr. Fernando F. Sanchez, Sr.,
founder and first director of the center; Dean
Enrico P. Supangco; Dr. Jocelyn Eusebio,
PCAARRD director for research and Dr. Rex B.
Demafelis, vice chancellor for research and extension. (RG dela Cruz, with photos courtesy of
April N. Alviar, Aris Gideon Burgonio and Office
of Public Relations, Chancellors Office, UPLB)

Dr. Magsino leads the field demo for carrageenan technology at

the Central Experiment Station, UPLB.

CA faculty...from page 12
the flower tea industry, and the collaboration between
UPLB and the Flower Tea Culture Association. He also
expressed his gratitude to the event organizers for inviting the team and giving them a chance to promote EL
and Philippine products. Dr. Navarro also had a presentation titled Determination of the Potential of Philippine Indigenous Flowers for Tea Development, while

Tayobong talked about the Dissemination of Edible

Landscaping Technology: Road to Self-Sufficiency,
which cited edible landscaping as an innovative and
creative crop production technology.
The event served as a great venue to demonstrate
world-class Filipino artistry in agriculture. (Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye, with photos courtesy of the EL team)

Page 16

Aggie Green & Gold

Gifted international
youths visit IPB

he Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), Crop Science Cluster (CSC) was chosen as one of the three venues of a tour
organized by UPLB for more than 100 students and teachers from
China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, South Korea, Sweden and the 10
ASEAN-member states, namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam last June 17. Other venues were the International Rice Research Institute and the Museum of Natural History.
The participants were gifted and talented junior high school
students and teacher-coaches selected by these countries to represent them in the 5th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey
(APTJSO), which the Philippines hosted last June 12-18 with the
theme, Climate Change and Rainforest. They were billeted at Sol
Y Viento Resort and Hotel at Pansol, Calamba and ferried by rented shuttle buses to UPLB daily for their day-to-day activities which
included plenary sessions, poster exhibition, field exposure, tree
planting, laboratory skills assessment, project pitching, and tour.
At IPB, they first viewed the exhibit especially set-up for
them, followed by a brief orientation on the programs of the institute. They then moved on to demonstrations on corn grits and flour
production using simple machineries like corn miller and flour
maker, respectively, and were served champorado made from corn
grits. Lastly, they observed SNAP Hydroponics, a soil-less vegetable production system which uses formulated liquid solutions and
recyclable materials such as styrofoam boxes, among others.
Launched in 2012, the APTJSO is an annual international
competition for students aged 13-15, designed to develop the gifted
and talented young individuals in the field of science and technology and to nurture future scientists and engineers while providing
them with opportunity to foster friendship and networking in the
APT region. Moreover, it was also a venue for teachers to share
and experience innovations in teaching science and technology.
This event was jointly organized by the Science Education
Institute of the Department of Science and Technology and UPLB.
The overall organizer was the ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in
Science based in South Korea, in cooperation with the ASEANmember states, China and Japan.
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. earlier stated that the
hosting of APTJSO is no brainer for the university as it seeks to
strengthen its partnership with DOST and to showcase the facilities
and environment of the campus, known as the heart of the Los Baos Science Community. (Laureano B. Lanosia, Jr., with photo
courtesy of Isidro R. Morales)

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: APTJSO delegates

view the exhibit; watch how corn grains are
grinded using a corn miller and flour maker to
produce grits and flour; taste corn champorado;
and observe SNAP hydroponics demonstration

Office of the Dean

College of Agriculture
University of the Philippines Los Baos
College, Laguna, Philippines 4031