UPLB Horizon Foundation Day 2017

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January- March 2017

“Malasakit” to unify objectives & actions - PDLC “Sa susunod na anim na taon na ating pagsasamahan, malasakit ang magbibigay bigkis at buhay sa lahat ng ating layunin, sa lahat ng ating mga kilos, at sa lahat ng ating mga galaw.” (“In the next six years that we will be together, compassion will unite and give life to all our objectives and all our actions.”)

Thus did President Danilo L. Concepcion (PDLC) characterize his presidency in his acceptance speech as 21st president of UP on Feb. 10.

President Concepcion’s speech followed the ceremonial turnover of the UP presidency from Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual to the former at the lobby of Quezon Hall in UP Diliman (UPD). He restated UP’s mission as “honor and excellence with compassion.”

He also said that he accepted the challenges that the University is facing with the procurement system, quality of academic programs, faculty development, tenure, health care, facilities modernization, employee compensation, and scholarships.

In 2000-2002, the law professor and practitioner served as De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) president.

In February 2011, he was named UP vice president for legal affairs.

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS. (2nd and 3rd from left) Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual, outgoing UP president, hands over the mace to UP President Danilo L. Concepcion at the turnover of the UP presidency that was held at the Quezon Hall lobby in UP Diliman on Feb. 10.

Flanking them are (left) Dr. Lilian de las Llagas and (right) Atty. Roberto Lara, immediate past and current secretary of the University and the Board of Regents, respectively. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

President ...page 7

Regent Laurel to headline UPLB’s 108th foundation day anniversary celebration UP Regent and UPLB alumnus Francis C. Laurel is the guest speaker at the convocation program to honor UPLB’s outstanding personnel and research team.

The program will be held at 1 PM on March 6 at the Charles Fuller Baker Hall inside the UPLB campus.

The awarding ceremony also highlights the celebration of the University’s 108th Foundation Day anniversary. UPLB has traditionally given recognition to its outstanding

Regent FC Laurel (Photo by Christopher V. Labe)

personnel during the Foundation Day celebration.

To be recognized during the convocation program are 17 members of the University personnel and a research team that were adjudged to have given exemplary and notable service to the University. (See pages 4-6 for the profile of the awardees.)

Regent Laurel is himself an achiever, having graduated from UPLB magna cum laude in 1969. He belonged to the third batch of BS Agriculture students who majored in agricultural business at the then UP College of Business Administration (now Cesar EA. Virata School of Business) in UP Diliman.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is president of YKK Philippines, Inc., the Philippines-Japan Society, Inc., Toyota Batangas City, Inc., and Toyota Camarines Sur, Inc. He was appointed to the UP BOR by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Nov. 14, 2016.

UPLB’s beginnings date back to when the UP Board of Regents (BOR) established the UP College of Agriculture (UPCA) at its first meeting on March 6, 1909. In 1972, by virtue of Presidential Decree 58, UPLB was established as the first autonomous campus of UP.

CAFS marks Foundation Day On the other hand, the newly renamed and restructured College of Agriculture and Food Science or CAFS (formerly UPLB College of Agriculture) will also celebrate its 108th Foundation Day. The traditional commemoration program to be held at 6 AM at the UPLB Foundation Site in Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños will kick-off the celebration. A motorcade will then take the celebration to the ASH Lobby in UPLB for the CAFS Recognition Day where outstanding personnel, students, and partners will be honored.

CAFS’ Institute of Plant Breeding will mount an exhibit on March 7-9, while the UP Animal Science Society will also have an exhibit, a seminar, campus tour, and quiz competition on March 7-10. On March 8, CAFS will have a Family Day at ASH Grounds at 3-8 PM. CAFS will conclude its celebration with the agri-food lecture “Innovation for sustainability: What can the PhilippineNetherlands partnership contribute?” at 1 PM, March 10 at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium. The lecture is a collaborative activity with the College of Economics and Management, Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship, and the Netherlands Embassy. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria, with reports from www.up.edu.ph)

It’s 100% for UPLB in IE cert’n exam!

UPLB inked a 100% passing rate in the 8th Certified Industrial Engineering (CIE) Certification Examination given by the Industrial Engineering Certification Board on Dec. 4, 2016.

Four of the 18 examinees from UPLB finished at the top 20, namely: Dorothy Faith C. Masong, Leianne Y. Casumpang, Rosa Maria A. Castillo, and Anjelou M. Ibañes (8th, 9th, 12th, and 13th places, respectively).

The national passing rate is 67.10% with 522 passers out of 778 examinees.

The new certified industrial engineers are eligible to apply for the title of Associate ASEAN Engineer under the Philippine Technological Council, administrator of the ASEAN Engineer Registry in the Philippines.

The Industrial Engineering Certification is a voluntary examination that validates an individual’s qualification in the field of industrial engineering practice. (Kristine E. Araguas, with reports from http://www.iecb.com.ph/)

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January-March 2017

UPLBHORIZON

January-March 2017

UPLBHORIZON

UPLB, UP System pay tribute to PAEP

BSA and BSF undergo ASEAN University Network assessment

UPLB gave a tribute to outgoing UP president, Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual on Jan. 24 at the DL Umali Hall.

The program reflected the cultural diversity, and local and international presence of UP while representing the idea of One UP. One UP is the guiding principle of Dr. Pascual as UP president.

Dr. Pascual, whose term ended on Feb. 9, turned over the UP presidency to Danilo L. Concepcion, a lawyer and a member of the UP College of Law faculty, on Feb. 10.

At the UPLB tribute, President Pascual rearticulated One UP. He said that the remaking of UP as a great university in the 21st century can only be achieved through our unified effort, and our individual and collective recognition that we are One UP. President Pascual thanked UPLB for its “active participation and contribution to the administration’s efforts to lead UP and its eight CUs towards greatness in the 21st century.”

UPLB named a corn variety in honor of President Pascual. Mais na Pinagbuti Alay sa Ekonomiyang Pangkanayunan (Mais PAEP), an improved version of CGUARD N48, also known as Abra Glutinous, was presented to Dr. Pascual during the program.

Dr. Artemio Salazar of the College of Agriculture and Food Science’s (CAFS) Institute of Plant Breeding, together with his team members, improved this native cultivar from Abra.

UPLB’s BS Agriculture and BS Forestry degree programs were evaluated for certification under the ASEAN University Network Quality Assessment (AUN-QA) on Jan 23-25.

In the opening program at Drilon Hall in SEARCA on Jan 23, UPLB officials and constituents welcomed Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, AUN executive director; Wilasinee Sittisomboon, AUN programme officer; and the assessment team composed of Dr. Le Quang Minh and Dr. Argus Setiabudi for BSA, and Dr. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood and Dr. Ir. Johannes Pramana Gentur Sutapa for the BSF program.

In his welcome remarks, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. said that UPLB has been working to ensure that its academic standards remain competitive with its ASEAN counterparts. He further said that the assessment will help the University

Dr. Pascual expressed his delight at UPLB’s parting gift. “I’m one of those who believe that grain sufficiency in the Philippines can be achieved by promoting corn as a mix with rice for our staple in this country. I’m very much elated and pleased that a corn variety is associated with my name,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome message, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. referred to Dr. Pascual as a force in bridging the divide between academe and industry. He also reiterated Dr. Pascual’s programs that steered UPLB into greater heights, not only in instruction, research, and public service, but also in human resource development and student welfare.

Final report to UP constituents Meanwhile, the UP System held the 5th President’s Toast: Pag-uulat at Pasasalamat ni Pangulong Alfredo E. Pascual at the Institute of Biology Auditorium on Feb. 9. Dr. Pascual reported his programs, initiatives, and accomplishments. He cited “One UP,” a movement to unify the eight UP campuses, and “Green UP,” an initiative towards becoming an environmentfriendly University, as advocacies that “challenged obsolete ways of thinking.”

Leaders and representatives of the UP System and various UP sectors gave messages of thanks to Dr. Pascual. Dr. Agnes Rola, professor at the UPLB College of Public Affairs and Development, and Hon. Alexis Mejia,

“PANDAY” FOR PAEP. Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual (4th from left) received a modified Oblation trophy called “Panday” as a parting gift from UP chancellors during the System-wide tribute given in his honor. The chancellors of eight constituent universities are (from left-right) Dr. Raymundo Rovillos (Baguio), Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. (Los Baños), Dr. Carmencita Padilla (Manila), Atty. Liza Corro (Cebu), Dr. Melinda Bandalaria (Open University), Dr. Sylvia Concepcion (Mindanao), and Dr. Michael Tan (Diliman). Not in the photo is Dr. Rommel Espinosa (Visayas). (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

staff regent, spoke on behalf of the UP faculty and staff members, respectively.

President Pascual received a parting gift from the UP chancellors: a symbolic trophy called “Panday,” a metallic and elaborated version of the iconic Oblation.

In his column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Jan. 18, Dr. Tan contextualized the concept of “Panday” in relation to President Pascual’s leadership: “The panday is a good model for leadership, the panday-

leader being someone who uses passion, patience, and perseverance to bring out the best in people and move institutions forward—taking us into the connection of padayon and panday.”

President Pascual recognized the contributions of his executive committee members by giving them certificates of recognition and citing their flagship programs under his term.

(Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

A CULTURAL TRIBUTE FOR DR. PASCUAL. UPLB performers staged a cultural presentation as a tribute for Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual (centermost, in white). The song and dance numbers mirrored One UP, Dr. Pascual’s guiding principle during his presidency of UP. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

UPLB trains faculty on teaching millennials

“We are challenged to imagine what life will be decades from now and see students thrive, prosper, and flourish in that age that we can only imagine at this point.”

This is according to Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in UP Diliman and a developmental psychologist, who set the tone for the 1st Honing Innovative Teaching Skills

Seminar (HITSS) on Jan. 16-18 in Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas.

Dr. Aguiling-Dalisay talked about “21st century learners and the psychosocial needs of present-day students,” emphasizing the importance of a holistic and humanistic education in nurturing young learners, the “millennials,” in global parlance.

She discussed the broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and

character traits that are believed to be critically important for students to succeed in today’s world.

She also focused on life skills that are important for students to achieve their life goals, and discussed other topics that helped shed light on what “millennials” go through, so that the teachers would know how to interact with them accordingly.

Applying innovation, creativity,

A ‘HIT’ SEMINAR. Participating UPLB faculty members, officials, and staff of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs pose for a class photo during the second day of Honing Innovative Teaching Strategies Seminar (HITSS). HITSS discussed the psycho-social profile of today’s learners and encouraged the use of innovative and creative teaching strategies to best teach them. (Photo by Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

and theories, practitioners and mentors who have been using technology, innovation, and applied their creativity in teaching also shared with the participants how teachers could effectively teach “millennials.”

Learning experts who have been using information and communication technology (ICT) in teachinglearning talked about various learning approaches that used ICT. The speakers underscored how these approaches could help improve the academic performance of students.

“I think it is a matter of attitude so that we could adapt to the paradigm shift. It’s never too late to learn,” said Dr. Benjamina Paula Flor, associate professor at the College of Development Communication. Dr. Flor talked about eLearning and using ICT in teaching in the seminar.

On the other hand, Alleli Esther Domingo, associate professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, encouraged the participants to think out of the box and to lead students in paying attention to details. She emphasized the importance of design, story, meaning, play, symphony, and empathy in teaching.

Ana Katrina de Jesus, English teacher at the Department of Humanities UPLB trains ...page 7

identify how it can contribute towards achieving the ASEAN’s goals.

On Jan. 23-24, the AUN team evaluated campus facilities and interviewed management, academic, and support staff, alumni, employers, and students of the BSA and BSF programs. They discussed the key results of the assessment at a meeting with the UPLB executive committee on Jan 25.

During the closing session, Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs, said that the assessment identified timely and vital points for improvement since the BSA and BSF programs are due for revision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dhirathiti revealed in his closing remarks that the employees and staff of both programs were one of the best that they have assessed. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

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AUN ASSESSMENT. AUN assessors led by Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, AUN deputy director, pose for

a photo with Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr (seated 3rd and 4th from L, respectively). Other assessors are (from L): Dr. Agus Setiabudi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Minh (Agriculture Study Program), Prof. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood, Ph.D., and Dr. Ir. Johannes Pramana Gentur Sutapa, M.Sc. (Forestry Study Program) (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

UPLB holds 1st int’l INREM conference With close to 70 research presented in just six hours, there is, indeed, a wealth of scientific knowledge in natural resources conservation and protection, and environment management.

This veritable treasure chest of knowledge was opened at the International Conference on Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM), held from Feb. 21 to 23 at Hotel Jen in Pasay City.

Even Hon. Regina Paz “Gina” L. Lopez, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, expressed “love” for science as she recognized its contribution to environment protection.

Sec. Lopez, the Conference’s keynote speaker, underscored the importance of looking at the whole environment amid economic development.

“Genuine economic growth comes with area development. In area development, there has to be a non-negotiable stance on ecological integrity,” Sec. Lopez said.

The research presented on the first day of the Conference focused on the welfare of upland, farming, fishing, and coastal communities in the light of ecological issues. Their geographical scope is “from ridge to reef” - a reference to the world’s diverse ecosystems that can be found in the mountains and down to the seas.

Dr. Rex B. Demafelis, vice chancellor for research and extension, who delivered the welcome remarks

on behalf of Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., cited the Conference for its contribution to the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Natural resource management plays a key role in attaining some of the SDGs. INREM’s relevance in achieving SDGs was also underscored by UP President Danilo Concepcion in his message read by Dr. Ranjit Rye, assistant vice president for public affairs.

“Sustainable development is anchored on environmental sustainability, economic development, social cohesion, and good governance, which will indeed require an efficient and sustainable natural resource management,” Dr. Rye said.

The Conference’s first day featured plenary talks given by Dr. Miguel Fortes, professor at UP Diliman Marine Science Institute, who talked about small islands; Dr. Sven Günter, head of Working Area Forestry Worldwide, Thünen Institute of International Forestry and Forestry Economics in Germany, who talked about landscape forestry in the tropics; and Mary Jane Ortega, lecturer at the Ateneo School of Government, who discussed urban-rural linkages.

Also present during the event were Hon. Marlo Mendoza, officer-incharge-undersecretary for policy and planning of the DENR; Dr. Juan Pulhin, chair of the UPLB Interdisciplinary

Studies Center for INREM (UPLBINREM); and Dr. Rex Victor Cruz, former UPLB chancellor.

The Conference was themed “Learning lessons, sharing knowledge: strengthening the role of INREM in sustainable development.”

UPLB and DENR signed a Memorandum of Understanding

during the opening program for the collaborative project on “Sustainable Integrated Area Management.”

The Conference was organized by the UPLB-INREM, with funding from the UP System, UPLB, Ecosystems Research and Development BureauDENR, and the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

UNITY FOR INREM. Key players in environment and natural resources conservation in the country pose for the symbolic pact of unity after signing the MOA to collaborate on the project Sustainable Integrated Area Management. (L-R) Hon. Marlo Mendoza, OIC Usec for policy and planning of DENR; Dr. Juan Pulhin, chair of UPLB-INREM; Hon. Regina Paz Lopez, DENR Secretary; Dr. Rex Demafelis, UPLB vice chancellor for research and extension; and Dr. Ranjit Rye, assistant vice president for public affairs of UP. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

Photonews

The Corn-based Farmer Scientist RDE Training Program (FSTP) of the College of Agriculture and Food Science was given the Award for Excellence in Public Service in this year’s Gawad Pangulo. In the photo are Dr. Romulo G. Davide, program leader, then UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, and Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez.The awarding ceremony was held at the Executive House in UP Diliman, Quezon City on Jan 30. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

The Makiling Chamber Singers was declared the Grand Prize Winner in the 2nd Gawad Pangulo Choral Competition that was held at the UP Film Center in UP Diliman, Quezon City on Jan. 30. Members of the choral group are alumni, students, and faculty members of UPLB. With the choral group are OICA director Ma Teresa Arejola, conductor Romel Acejo Lomarda, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Gisela P. Concepcion, and Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

2017

Outstanding Personnel and Research Team

DR. AIMEE LYNN BARRION-DUPO: Spiderwoman, superteacher Outstanding Teacher, Biological Sciences (Senior Category)

GUILLERMA Z. VALENCIA: Defying odds to serve farmers

Outstanding Extension Personnel

While others are comfortably seated on their swivel chair all day-long, Guilly gingerly sits on the back of a carabao to cross a river in Quezon. As other employees ride their cars to go back home, she rides a “habal” (a motorcycle “expanded” to seat up to as many people as possible) to the next project site in Bukidnon, tightly clutching the shoulders of the person seated in front of her.

Indeed, it takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work to be able to reach and train farmers nationwide and transform them into “farmer-scientists” – the goal of the Corn-Based Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP). Guilly is a vital part of FSTP as she heads its Mindanao operations.

For the past four years alone, Guilly and her FSTP colleagues have taught around 7,000 farmers in 14 regions to farm scientifically and effectively. Many of these farmers have increased their harvest and income. Quite recently, FSTP was awarded the UP Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service. The trophy is an affirmation of their team’s success; and for her, it symbolizes her dedicated service to UPLB, and her own contribution to Philippine agricultural development. (Juan Paolo A. Aquino)

Her passion for studying spiders might earn her the spiderwoman monicker. But beyond her interest in the Arachnid family, what could give her a superhuman status is her dedication to research, teaching, and commitment to facilitated learning among her students.

How can we not call her one as she has made feats uncommon to women as young as she is? She has published more than 30 journal articles on her research about insects; spiders in particular. In fact, she has described more than 60 spider species. For her research productivity, she has clinched the highly coveted UP Scientist title.

She has reached full professor status in only three years from being an associate professor. Her dedication to teaching shines through in her teaching innovations and being an approachable and caring mentor to her students.

Fellow UP scientist and nominator, Dr. Damasa Macandog, attests to this: “I have seen her eagerness and passion for teaching. She takes pleasure in creating lessons and enjoys working with students.” And this love for teaching is evident in a little-known fact: because of her love for teaching, this Ph.D. Entomology holder studied education after college. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

NICOLO M. MASAKAYAN: Shaping the minds of the next Filipino thinkers

RICE VARIETAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: Celebrating six decades of research excellence

Outstanding Teacher, Social Sciences and Humanities (Senior Category)

Outstanding Research Team

“The best way to learn philosophy is to do philosophy.” Such is Nicolos’s guiding principle in teaching philosophy.

“Genuine learning happens through one’s own efforts at solving, or at least understanding difficult conceptual problems,” he said.

Nicolo has been nurturing young minds since 2003. In his classes where students should read lengthy references, he unleashes potential thought leaders who think critically and reason logically. His brand of teaching sees to it that the future leaders that it produces are more than just mere vessels of information, but are true thinkers.

His academic philosophy defies the boundaries of classrooms as critical thinking and problem solving skills have benefitted the Philosophy Division of the Department of Humanities since 2010. As a young administrator, he has applied his brand of reasoning when the BA Philosophy curriculum reopened. He led in systematizing the program’s thesis defense and manuscript revision procedures and in updating the curriculum, and making the resurrected program relevant to the needs of the next Filipino thinkers. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

Resting upon the shoulders of 19 members of multi-disciplinary scientists, researchers, and technicians is the task to continue developing superior rice varieties - a pursuit that agricultural scientists started in the 1960s.

The present members of the Rice Variety Improvement Program led by Dr. Jose Hernandez, have successfully continued what their predecessors started. Since 2011, they have introduced rice varieties that could thrive in rainfed lowland ecosystem and survive the El Niño. These rice varieties, products of hybridization and selection, have already been certified by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC). These are NS Rc276 (Sahod Ulan 4); NSIC Rc282 (Sahod Ulan 7); NSIC Rc286 (Sahod Ulan 9); NSIC Rc398 (Tubigan 34); and NSIC Rc418 (Sahod Ulan 14).

In 2009, along with the PhilRice, it released the highly consumer-accepted NSIC Rc202H (Mestiso 19) and NSIC Rc204H (Mestiso 20), the first two-line hybrid rice in the country. The Program does not only develop new rice varieties. It also preserves rice germplasm collections, collect and use wild species to increase rice genetic diversity, test and identify rice selections, and share the results of their researches. (Ma. Leoloura C. Fernandez)

DR. DESIREE M. HAUTEA: Pushing research frontiers

DR. EDITHA C. JOSE: The math teachers’ teacher

Outstanding Researcher, Natural Sciences (Senior Faculty)

Outstanding Teacher, Physical Sciences (Senior Category)

It takes competence and courage not only to lead pioneering studies in biotechnology, but to fight for them amid opposition. This is what Dr. Hautea has shown for the past 15 years in conducting research to develop Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) eggplant. Her pioneering study in using modern biotechnology has made eggplant resistant to fruit and shoot borer infestation.

Anchored on Bt eggplant’s economic and environmental benefits to farmers and consumers, perfecting the said crop is comparable to the birth of the country’s first genetically modified food crop developed by the public sector. This pioneering effort to produce superior eggplant is deeply rooted in Dr. Hautea’s career. Earlier, she led the development of first eggplant hybrids in the country.

Her name does not only echo conviction in Bt eggplant advocacy; it has also been attached to more than 70 publications, which have been cited at least 800 times in other studies. With her frontline role in upholding biotechnology, she has been named one of the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology during the 2016 National Biotechnology Week. (Remy

For many students, math is the bane of their academic life – a perspective that Dr. Jose has been aiming to disprove and dispel. A dedicated educator who began teaching in UPLB immediately after graduation, she has worked tirelessly to promote mathematics education.

Since 2012, she has instituted summer training programs for high school mathematics teachers. Now, it has become an annual workshop that trains 150 teachers from CALABARZON. Her dedication to improve how mathematics is taught has only been strengthened since becoming the president of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines-CALABARZON Chapter in 2014.

Dr. Jose is also a leader in mathematics research. An expert in mathematical analysis, she maintains research collaborations with her peers and was recently awarded the UP System Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant. Admired by her colleagues for her diligence and outstanding work ethic, she is a true outstanding teacher in every sense of the word.

(Albert Geoffred B. Peralta)

MARK ANTHONY F. RABENA: Facilitator for multimodal learning Outstanding Teacher, Biological Sciences (Junior Category)

Mark Anthony’s teaching platform transcends the four walls of classrooms. Aside from his passionate lectures and precise laboratory instructions inside the halls of the Institute of Biological Sciences, he also facilitates the online learning of UP Open University students taking up environment and natural resource management. He actively shares his knowledge on biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resources management among high school students during knowledge sharing activities, too.

Despite managing multi-faceted classrooms, Mark Anthony lives up to the expectations of an excellent UP faculty member. He uses not only his subject matter expertise, but also his interpersonal intelligence in teaching. He seeks ways to interact with his students and create fun and encouraging learning environment with the use of media and technology, and rewards system. He has also built an outstanding research portfolio and strong local and international linkages by conducting studies in biology, ecology, and environmental science. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

ALDO GAVRIL T. LIM: Setting the bar high for teaching development communication Outstanding Teacher, Social Sciences and Humanities (Junior Category)

For his colleagues and students, Aldo is known not only for his oral and written proficiency in the English language.

He has developed a reputation for his impeccable filing system, attention to detail, his sense of organization, and for getting tasks done on time with quality outputs. Such qualities are reflected in his work, from proposals, committee reports, lecture presentations, handouts, course exercises and rubrics, workbooks, among others. He also contributed significantly towards establishing three new courses for the BS Development Communication generalist curriculum.

His work has helped set the standards in CDC, especially in the development of numerous teaching and learning modules. Aldo has consistently produced quality outputs and has motivated his students to do the same. Aldo’s expertise in the design and development of communication campaigns and messages covers the production of a wide range of multimedia materials. He is constantly tapped as a resource person for communication trainings and as a member of various communication projects.

Integrating his learnings from devcom practice, well-designed learning materials, and fun activities into his classroom, Aldo continues to set the bar for innovative teaching in the field of development communication. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

Alyssa I. Tubig)

DR. ZENAIDA M. SUMALDE: Keeping abreast of dev’ts in economics research education Outstanding Researcher, Social Sciences and Humanities (Senior Faculty)

Dr. Sumalde started her career as a researcher on what were then the emerging niches in economics: nutrition, natural resources, and environmental economics. She was able to build an impressive research and publications portfolio and received advanced trainings in the field. Eventually her expertise became so valuable such that her College tapped her for a faculty post.

Through the years, she continued to conduct studies, going into original, unique, and pioneering research areas, such as the analysis of solid waste management financing and implementation in local government units, and the transaction costs of community-based coastal resource management.

Her expertise is crucial in the on-going research on the ex-ante analysis of PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic and S&T Plans (ISP), particularly on tracing the adoption pathways of livestock, crops and inland aquatic resources. Her zeal for research remains as strong as ever, the better for the fund of knowledge in economics to continue growing and because it makes her a better teacher. (Kristine E.Araguas)

DR. MENANDRO N. ACDA: Pioneering game changer in materials science Outstanding Researcher, Natural Sciences (Senior Faculty)

Just when you think it’s the end game, Dr. Acda turns the tables with an innovative solution. Recently recognized as CFNR Outstanding Researcher in 2016 and recipient of the Thomson Reuter Philippines Promising Star Award 2016 for his world-class research in materials science, Dr. Acda has been exploring possibilities and daring tradition in creating efficient, sustainable, and environment-friendly solutions to man’s age old problems.

One of his inventions, the Featherboard, is a new panel product that makes use of waste chicken feathers that accumulate uselessly in poultry farms. The Featherboard is durable and perfect for low-cost building in tropical climates. Another invention, the LaharGard, is a non-chemical termite barrier that takes advantage of the lahar’s natural qualities to prevent termites from boring into wood.

His latest venture leans is making wood pellets from fast-growing trees as a source of alternative fuel. With all these innovations, it is a marvel to watch and wait what else Dr. Acda can invent. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

ELMER DS. RUFO: A protagonist of UPLB’s theater scene RAMONCITO G. CAMBEL: Making statistics fun for students Outstanding Teacher, Physical Sciences (Junior Category)

Cambel is a clear departure from the stereotype of an intimidating statistics teacher: he gives fun class activities and assignments, employs encouraging rewards system, and simplifies complex statistical concepts for his students.

No wonder, students do not only perform well in his classes; they also love, admire, and even “idolize” him as one would know from their verbal and written feedback. With this reputation, student organizations always ask Cambel to conduct off-class review sessions for STAT 1 (Elementary Statistics), an intimidating subject for non-majors.

On top of refining his teaching strategies, he also fulfills other roles with no deviation from excellence. He actively shares the results of his researches in University conferences, trains different sectors on statistics essentials, carries on his duties as a committee member, and collaborates with colleagues in writing students’ workbooks. (Kristine E. Araguas)

Outstanding Artist

The UPLB theater scene could not possibly survive without its heroes. One of the protagonists who sees to it that it does is assistant professor and director Elmer Rufo.

Every year since 2003, Rufo has consistently brought to life more than 20 plays on the theater stage, a great majority of these mounted in UPLB. His works are marked not only with precision but with social and political relevance and challenges to traditional theater forms. Last year, he integrated anti-bullying advocacy in the adaptation of “Spring Awakening” entitled “Siphayo.” In 2015, he directed an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s “Ang Pabilog na Guhit ng Tisa,” where he incorporated Aristotelian concepts to the play.

Aside from mentoring promising theater actors, Rufo also plays a vital role in updating the BA Communication Arts (BACA) curriculum. In fact, he is the sole proponent of BACA’s Philippine Theater and Play Production courses. A One U.P. Faculty Grant award in Theater Arts in 2016; an outstanding artist honors for this year – this theater hero deserves a standing ovation. (Maribeth C. Jadina)

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January-March 2017

2017 Outstanding Personnel and Research Team

UPLBHORIZON

DR. EDWIN P. ALCANTARA: Solving pest problems at the molecular level Outstanding Researcher, Natural Sciences (Senior REPS)

Dr. Alcantara’s deep knowledge and intensive research on insects, down to their molecular level, has shed light on issues hounding plant biotechnology and pest management.

He studied how the insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) disrupts the digestive process of corn’s insect pest and because of this, was able to significantly contribute to the development of Bt corn. His findings about the biochemical and molecular characteristics of Asian corn borer were instrumental in current insect resistant management of the said pests. His USAID-funded project also quashed misconceptions that direct exposure to Bt corn could harm beneficial insects. He also proved how Bt crystal proteins could target the digestive system of pests that feed on another important crop – rice.

Aside from his contribution to knowledge on biotechnology and entomology, Dr. Alcantara was also instrumental in instituting the Natural Products Program of BIOTECH. This Program has been using computer technologies to discover insecticides that would help maintain the integrity of crops. (John Albert M. Pagunsan)

JAMES DV. ALVAREZ: Exploring the world of bats Outstanding Researcher (Junior Category)

James’ fascination for bats has literally brought him to caves that only a handful would be brave to explore. His every adventure brings not only travel memories, but more importantly, biological collections and new information that are crucial in understanding and conserving the nocturnal species.

With his passion for writing and sharing knowledge, his travel accounts are meticulously crafted scientific articles about bats’ characteristics, ecological interaction and distribution, which reputable journals have published. At his young age, he has served as a “captain” of expeditions/research projects, and became a member of international research collaborations about - guess what - bats.

Despite having built an impressive research portfolio this early, James remains rooted to his home unit – the Museum of Natural History – as he helps ensure the integrity and improves the diversity of its collections. He also promotes it to the public and guides visitors who wish to have a memorable and rewarding educational trip at the Museum.

(Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

ELIZABETH M. CASABUENA: Helping make IHNF a “casa buena” Outstanding Office Supervisor

“Casa buena” in Spanish literally means “good house.” If the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF) could be likened to a good house – which is easy to do so – there is one family member who helps maintain it as one, and that is their administrative officer, Elizabeth Casabuena, or Beth.

A “casa buena” is made even more beautiful by a garden. Beth initiated the setting up of a “kitchen garden” at the Institute to provide professors and future nutritionists an easy and steady access to herbs for their laboratory classes.

A “casa buena” is filled with love and care, and Beth makes sure that those who are lost in the family will be found. She is like a mother to students who are feeling down and lost; and in this way, she has made the IHNF a home to many of them.

Indeed, the IHNF “familia” has found an important house member in Beth Casabuena. (Remy Alyssa I. Tubig)

PACIENCIA M. DELA PEÑA: Patience personified Outstanding Office Personnel

It takes patience to organize, consolidate and analyze data that dates a number of years back, but for the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), it took a worker coincidentally named “Paciencia” to do just that.

Through painstaking examination of unwieldy data, she tracked accumulated unpaid matriculation fees and helped UPLB to collect more than a million pesos from individuals and organizations that had sent scholars to the University but failed to fulfill their commitment.

Paciencia’s patience in dealing with voluminous data has also led her to convert hard files into electronic databases of UPLB graduates, scholarships, curricular proposals, and even of students who were not able to finish their studies. These innovations boosted the operational efficiency at the OUR and helped her officemates accomplish their work faster.

Imagine obtaining information in 31 seconds what used to require five minutes to retrieve. Paciencia’s patience indeed helped spare her officemates’ and their clients’ patience from being tested. (Kristine E. Araguas)

January-March 2017

UPLBHORIZON

CDC takes stock of TCOW project After seven months of going to focus areas in the provinces of Quezon and Albay, the Technology Commercialization on Wheels (TCOW) mobile exhibit truck pulled to a stop on Feb. 9.

Not for good, but to evaluate its accomplishments and plan its future directions during a synthesis workshop at the Drilon Hall of SEAMEO-SEARCA, UPLB campus.

TCOW, a project of the College of Development Communication (CDC) and the Department of AgricultureBureau of Agricultural Research (DABAR), literally used a four-wheeler mobile exhibit truck to bring Packages of Technologies (POTs) to areas that needed them most.

The project also aimed to accelerate information dissemination on the POTs for commercialization by establishing real-time connection/ interaction between technology users and scientists/ technology generators.

Some of the POTs brought

by TCOW to the two provinces are UPLB’s own such as the making of bee products from the UPLB Bee Program and banana peduncle from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

The UPLB technologies were featured and promoted alongside crop and livestock technologies from DAattached agencies, state universities and colleges, and cooperatives.

Dr. Ma. Theresa H. Velasco, project leader and dean of CDC, said in her message that TCOW has rolled out to 25 strategic areas sharing and demonstrating 33 mature technologies, and eventually reaching out to 905 farmers, fisher folk, and other members of community-based organizations from 165 barangays.

Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., in his message delivered by Dr.

Outstanding Technician

(Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

SANCHO G. LANAO: The seedling caretaker stands tall Outstanding Blue Collar Personnel

The towering trees of the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR), as well as other forests in the country, bear testament to Sancho’s dedication and commitment in preserving Philippine forests. In the past three decades, he has planted more tree seedlings than he could keep track of.

Sancho cultivates planting materials and maintains plantations in the MMFR. He also developed a mixed potting media that has increased seedling production and quality while keeping the cost low. This technique has not only been used for the continuous greening of Mount Makiling, but has become an income earner for UPLB. Like a tree that has been blessed with strong roots, his home unit has also found a strong support in Sancho with his innate multiple skills. These he willingly contributes to the preservation efforts of the MMFR conducted by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems. Sancho is like some of the seedlings that he nurtured - they now stand tall and proud as trees. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

partnerships with LGUs, NGOs, POs, and the private sector in technology utilization and commercialization and creating awareness on the different DABAR activities.

These are on poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor, inclusive and sustained economic growth, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition, TCOW aimed to generate data from the field that would enhance DA and DA-BAR’s technology development process.

Attending the workshop were provincial and municipal agriculturists, resource persons, and farmers from pilot areas.

Also present were Anthony B. Obligado, technology commercialization division head of DA-BAR, and Dr. Casiano S. Abrigo, Jr., executive director of UPLB Foundation, Inc., the fund manager-institution of TCOW project. (Kristine E. Araguas with reports from

http://www.devcom.edu.ph/site/tcow-projectholds-synthesis-workshop.html)

LOOKING BACK AT TCOW’S JOURNEY. (Seated from L-R), DA-BAR Technical Adviser Virginia Agcopra, CDC College Secretary Hermilea Marie Castillo, DA-BAR TCD Head Anthony Obligado, CDC Dean Ma. Theresa Velasco, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Serlie Jamias, and CDC Asst. Prof.

Pamela Joyce Eleazar during the TCOW synthesis workshop. Standing at the back (1st row, 3rd fr left) is Elena Garces, DA-BAR TCD Assistant Head Elena Garces. (Photo by Mario Maningas)

Regent Arinto holds forum with faculty

NICOLAS D. DESPUES: The “forest cop” seizes the spotlight He does not wear the blue uniform of the country’s police force; neither does he hold a license in criminology. But in his own right, Nicolas is a “policeman” - a “forest police” to be more specific - who guards the integrity of Maria Makiling’s lush flora and vast territory.

With his duty station spared from the hustle and bustle, Nicolas works silently, but effectively, in field monitoring of and enforcing laws and regulations at the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR). Has anybody heard of the attempt to illegaly sell a piece of land inside the MMFR in August last year? How about the illegal treasure hunting within the MMFR three months later? These unlawful schemes were halted, thanks to Nicolas and his colleagues’ quick response.

Nicolas rarely uses the days when he is supposedly free from work to prioritize safeguarding of MMFR checkpoints.

And he does not only man these entry points, he also helps search the MMFR’s wilderness when there are people who need to be rescued. Maria Makiling must be proud of her able “cop” who valiantly protects her abode and its resources.

Serlie Barroga-Jamias, vice chancellor for community affairs and a professor at CDC, expressed his belief that the implementation of TCOW project is a realization of a dream of both UPLB and the DA-BAR for genuine community development through technology adoption and commercialization.

He said that TCOW can bridge the gap between the laboratory and the field and that it can be an instrument for promoting inclusive development and agricultural growth in the participating communities.

TCOW has linked 13 pilot municipalities with POTs scientists, microfinance institutions, marketing specialists, and other sectors that have helped them commercialize local technologies and products. These municipalities are Infanta, Lucban, Tiaong, Dolores, Mulanay, San Narciso, Calauag, and Tagkawayan in Quezon and Tiwi, Guinobatan, Manito, Malilipot, and Legazpi City in Albay.

TCOW aims to act as a catalyst for local development through

Regent PB Arinto

(Photo by Christopher V. Labe)

UP Faculty Regent Patricia B. Arinto gathered UPLB faculty members for a forum on Feb. 17 at the ICOPED Auditorium.

The forum served as a venue to discuss the issues and concerns regarding promotion and tenure, senior-junior staff mentoring, internationalization, the General Education Program Framework, and the Student Academic Information System (SAIS).

Around 50 faculty members attended the forum. They were led by Dr. Portia Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and deans of various

colleges, namely: Dr. Felino Lansigan (arts and sciences); Dr. Ma. Theresa Velasco (development communication); Dr. Isabelita Pabuayon (economics and management); Dr. Willie Abasolo (forestry and natural resources); Dr. Raden Piadozo (human ecology); Dr. Virginia Cardenas (public affairs and development); Dr. Decibel Eslava (environment science and management); and Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. (Graduate School).

Dr. Arinto is a professor of education at the UP Open University, where she also served as dean of the Faculty of Education. (Remy Alyssa I. Tubig)

UP to continue Project NOAH At its 1325th meeting on February 23, 2017, the University of the Philippines Board of Regents approved the adoption of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) by UP upon the termination of its administration by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Feb. 28.

“In a sense, Project NOAH is coming home,” said UP President Danilo L. Concepcion after the BOR meeting, noting that the project was conceived by the DOST with the help of UP professors.

Project NOAH is led by its executive director, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay from the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS). Most of its staff come from UP. Project NOAH began as a research program under the DOST in 2012 following the Typhoon Sendong tragedy in 2011. Having delivered

its research results and after two extensions, the project was scheduled to end when UP stepped in to continue it.

“The project’s benefits go far beyond its research value,” said Concepcion. “It has literally been a lifesaver for millions of Filipinos threatened by natural disasters like floods, landslides, and storm surges. It deserves a new lease on life, and UP is happy to welcome it into its fold.”

Project NOAH was designed to harness technologies and management services for disaster risk reduction activities offered by the DOST through PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and the DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), in partnership with the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) and the UP College of Engineering.

For the past four years, the media and the general public have

come to depend on Project NOAH’s assessments for guidance in disaster situations.

“We have offered open access to our findings and services, empowering the people—local governments and communities—to make decisions for themselves,” Lagmay explained.

The program will now fall under the Office of the President in UP. “We were a program in need of a home,” added Lagmay. “UP is an interdisciplinary community and will make the perfect home for us, given that our disaster problem will grow even bigger in the future. We remain deeply grateful to the DOST for having hosted us, and we look forward to complementing the work of its agencies toward our common goal of mitigating the effects of disasters on our people.”

(Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr., http://www.up.edu.ph/ up-to-continue-project-noah/)

7

President Concepcion says “malasakit”.... from p. 1 He was appointed dean of the UP College of Law in June 2011 and executive director of the UP Bonifacio Global City in 2015.

He finished BS Agricultural Engineering, summa cum laude, at DLSAU in 1979 and Bachelor of Laws, cum laude, in UP. In 1986, he earned a Masters of Law from the University of London as a Chevening Scholar.

He is married to Atty. Ma. Gabriela “Gaby” Concepcion, a professorial lecturer at the College of Law, a practicing lawyer, and a media personality.

President Concepcion announced the members of his executive team after the turnover ceremony.

Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rose Bautista of the UPD College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Nestor Yunque of the UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences, vice president for administration; and Dr. Jose Dalisay, Jr. of the UPD College of Arts and Letters, vice president for public affairs.

Dr. Elvira Zamora, Prof. Joselito Florendo, and Atty. Hector Danny Uy, all of UPD, have been retained as vice presidents for development, planning and finance, and legal affairs, respectively.

Dr. Teodoro Herbosa of the UP Manila College of Medicine was named as executive vice president, while Atty.

Roberto Lara, a practicing lawyer, is the new secretary of the University and the Board of Regents.

In his valedictory speech, Dr. Pascual reported the accomplishments of his administration. He received a sculpture named “Malasakit ng Tao sa Sandaigdigan,” as a parting gift from President Concepcion. Malasakit was created by Manolo Sicat of the College of Fine Arts.

The UPLB Edible Landscaping Team provided the decoration and styling of the Quezon Hall lobby during the program. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

UPLB trains faculty on teaching “millennials”.... from p. 1 presented her own creative teaching concept called bahay-bahayan, which uses play to engage students in the learning process.

The seminar was capped by a talk on assessing various approaches in teaching and learning given by Dr. Fe Josefa Nava, associate professor at the College of Education in UP Diliman. Dr. Nava reiterated the seven cognitive learning theories needed in order to understand students better and use appropriate teaching methods and approaches.

According to Dr. Portia Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs, HITSS is one of the ways to equip faculty members for them to meet the expectations of UP as the country’s national university. HITSS was organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

8

January-March 2017

UPLBHORIZON

Establishment of UP Prof’l School establishment moves forward with MOA signing UP and the Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will pave the way for the physical development of the UP Professional School in Agriculture and the Environment (UP PSAE) in Agriya, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The MOA signing took place at 10 AM on Jan. 30 at the UP BOR Room, Quezon Hall in Diliman, Quezon City.

The MOA formalized the donation of 31,000 sqm of land by ANFLOCOR to UP. ANFLOCOR will design, develop, and construct buildings and facilities on the land.

The BOR, at its 1322nd meeting on Nov. 24, approved the establishment of UP PSAE.

President Alfredo E. Pascual and Ricardo Luis Mateo F. Lagdameo, vice president of Damosa Land Inc., an ANFLOCOR affiliate, signed the MOA. In his message, President Pascual shared how the formation of UP PSAE adds to other efforts of the UP System to bring UP education to other parts of the country. UP professional campuses had been established in Cebu, Pampanga, Tacloban, and in Taguig City. Three others will be established in other areas, as well.

Lagdameo said that the project is in line with ANFLOCOR’s vision to develop a masterplanned community that will integrate various components based on agriculture.

According to him, UPLB was the most suitable partner to achieve this vision.

Meanwhile, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez said that with the opportunities and challenges presented by the ASEAN Integration, it is “crucial and timely that an educational institution that specializes in agriculture be established at the heart of the center of agriculture in the Philippines.”

He further said that the partnership is an opportunity to bring UPLB’s expertise closer and accessible, not only in Panabo City, but to the rest of Mindanao.

Establishment of the UP PSAE is anchored on UPLB’s proven capacities

in agriculture and environmental science.

The UP PSAE will progress in two phases. The first, covering five years, starts on the First Semester of Academic Year 2017-2018. UP-PSAE will offer off-campus graduate programs and short training courses under the supervision of the UPLB Graduate School.

On its Phase II, UP PSAE will become a new school of UPLB and will have its own dean and residential graduate programs. A budget of PhP271 million shall be allocated for UP PSAE’s first 11 years. (Jessa Jael S.

Arana and Mark Jayson E. Gloria, with excerpts from the UP PSAE Proposal)

PRIME MOVERS OF UP PSAE ESTABLISHMENT. A photo for posterity as UPLB sets up its presence in Mindanao with the establishment of the UP Professional School in Agriculture and the Environment in Agriya, Panabo City in Davao del Norte. From L-R, Prof. Genaro Cuaresma, assistant to the vice chancellor (AVC) for administration; Dr. Marish Madlangbayan, vice chancellor for planning and development; Marguerita Carmina Bibat and Ricardo Luis Mateo F. Lagdameo, business development manager and vice president, respectively of Damosa Land, Inc, an affiliate of ANFLOCOR; Ricardo Floirendo, senior vice president of ANFLOCOR; the then UP President Alfredo E. Pascual; Dr. Elvira Zamora, UP vice president for development; Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez; Dr. Portia Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Susan Calumpang, AVC for research and extension; Dr. Filma Calalo, faculty member at the College of Agriculture and Food Science; and Dr. Rex Demafelis, vice chancellor for research and extension. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas)

UPLB launches off-campus MSNRC UPLB has made another one of its programs available on a schoolfrom-work mode with the offering of the Master of Science in Natural Resources Conservation (MSNRC) for 15 personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PTFCF), and other partner agencies of PTFCF. The off-campus MSNRC was launched on Feb. 4 at the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) complex in the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Willie P. Abasolo, dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), delivered the message of Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., who expressed his hopes that the program would not only help students advance their career, but also further their knowledge in safeguarding the country’s environment and natural riches.

In his message, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., dean of the Graduate School (GS), emphasized the value of honor and excellence in a UP education. He also introduced the “Four “I’s” principle of GS, namely:

interdisciplinary, innovative, inclusive, and internationalization.

Meanwhile, Dr. Edwino S. Fernando, professor at CFNR and chair of the NRC Program Management Committee, reminded the students to be focused and diligent in attending the program, which normally takes one and a half year to finish.

Atty. Jose Andres A. Canivel, executive director of the PTFCF, urged the students to contribute to the development and formulation of a strategic biodiversity conservation plan for the country’s remaining natural resources. He said that the lack of

capacity and willingness to properly implement existing biodiversity conservation schemes has been a constant challenge for the environment sector.

Also present during the event were For. Dexter M. Cabahug, president of the CFNR Alumni Association; Asst.

Prof. Ronniel D. Manalo, associate dean of CFNR; Dr. Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, college secretary of GS; and Dr. Analyn L. Codilan, MSNRC program coordinator.

Immediately following the launch was the first session of the Forest Biodiversity class under Dr. Lerma SJ. Maldia. (Louie DG. Amongo)

OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM IN NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION (NRC). The launching of the off-campus program on MSNRC was attended by (from l-r) CFNR Associate Dean Ronniel Manalo, PTFCF Executive Director Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Graduate School Dean Jose Camacho, Jr., BMB Policy and Knowledge Mgt. Division Chief Armida Andres, CFNR Dean Willie Abasolo, CFNR Alumni Association President Dexter Cabahug, MSNRC Program Mgt. Committee Chair Edwino Fernando, and CFNR College Secretary Mutya Ma. Manalo. The students (majority of persons standing) also joined them. (Photo by Louie DG Amongo)

Editor-in-Chief: Josephine M. Bo • Associate and Managing Editor: Mark Jayson E. Gloria • Writers: Juan Paolo A. Aquino, Kristine E. Araguas, Jessa Jael S. Arana, Josephine M. Bo, Mark Jayson E. Gloria, Maribeth C. Jadina, Albert Geoffred E. Peralta • Contributor: Louie DG Amongo, Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr., Ma. Leoloura C. Fernandez, John Albert M. Paunsan. Remy

Alyssa I. Tubig • Photographs: Louie DG Amongo, Lawrence N. Garcia, Mark Jayson E. Gloria, Christopher V. Labe, Vandolph R. Maningas , Mario Maningas, Regina Mae C. Ongkiko • Layout: Ray Angelo P. Nasino • Circulation: Marissa D. Borromeo, Avelino B. Palivino Visit us at http://www.uplb.edu.ph

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