The College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) hosted its 2022 testimonial and recognition last August 6 at the Seniors’ Social Garden, UPLB.

In his opening remarks Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. commended the graduates for having adapted, adjusted and performed the two years of  remote and face to face learning because of the pandemic. He reminded them to remember their professors who made a mark in their lives. May it be good or hard, he advised them to consider these experiences from their professors as learnings and memories that need to be cherished when they go out to the real world.

Dean Agbisit also acknowledged the parents for giving CAFS the opportunity to take care of their children. He considered it a pleasure and a privilege to be the second parents of the graduates and expressed pride and happiness for what they have achieved. 

Finally, Dean Agbisit assured the graduates that whatever life would take them, they will always be part of the CAFS family and would always welcome them with open arms.

In his message,  Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. provided some pieces of advice that have been found helpful to previous graduates who have experienced the journey that they are just beginning.

First is gratitude. Chancellor Camacho reminded them to be grateful to all the people who have helped them become who they are today. To their family and loved ones who worked and supported their education in the face of immense challenges before and during the pandemic; to the professors who pushed them to the limit academically; and to the UPLB staff, researchers, REPS and administrative staff who worked tirelessly to address their research concerns and who have provided them with technical and administrative support. He emphasized that they need to always inculcate in their minds the very core value of UP which is Honor and Excellence with the word honor coming in first before excellence.

Second is to serve the people.  As Iskolar ng Bayan Para sa Bayan, with their UP education being subsidized by the Filipino taxpayers, they need to strive for personal success but also seek out how can they help uplift and improve the lives of the Filipinos using the university has taught them.

Third is to never stop learning even as they graduate. The knowledge, ingenuity, resilience and the grit that they have gained as UPLB student will serve as powerful tool that will help them continue learning and growing as professionals, as citizens and as human beings.

“As upcoming graduates of the country’s national university your capability is certain and your potential is immense. Go forward in your convictions. Serve our country and our people and make us proud”, Chancellor Camacho concluded.

 The guest speaker of the occasion was Mr. Alfredo T. Gonzalez, executive director of the Crop Association of the Philippines and president and general manager of Mega Manila Pest Management Specialist, Inc. but due to inevitable circumstances he was not able to grace the event. Though he was not physically present, former UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez read Mr. Gonzalez’ inspirational message for the graduates. Mr. Gonzalez  provided some pieces of advice that the graduates should ponder. One, find  a career that fits your interest. If you are not sure if agriculture is not for you, do not worry, life is a  journey of self discovery, an exploration of you, your passions, your dreams, your drive. Two, when you go out into the world beyond the university campus, own who you are and the experiences that you go through. There will be challenges and you will not emerge victorious every time but that is okay, you need to fail. When you are not afraid to fail, you are also not afraid to push yourself to dream bigger than you could have imagined. Lastly, share your success. The generosity will naturally lead to more success. Do your work and do it well. And when you reach some modicum of achievement in your career, think of ways that you can give back through your work whether it is to the industry, to the people you serve or to the greater good of the majority.

In response, Ms. Maria Dana R. Apolonio, a BSA magna cum laude who represented  the CAFS graduates of 2022 enjoined her fellow graduates to serve the people with honor and excellence and with courage and kindness.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cristino M. Collado, president of UPLB CAFS Alumni Association who led the oath taking of the graduates reminded the graduates to be grateful in every blessing or opportunity they receive and to establish network. 

The CAFS class of 2022 was composed of 156 graduates consisting of 76 BSA, 11 BSFT, 29 BSFST and 40 BSABT.  Of these graduates, 58 were cum laude (23 BSA, 20 BSFST and 15 BSABT) and 20 magna cum laude (10 BSA, 5 BSFST and 10 BSABT). (IMGesmundo with information from the CAFS College Secretary’s Office, Photos: KCTenorio).