The UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science, led by Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., visited the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) for a 5-day discussion on viable collaborations between the two universities. 

Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, President of Sorsogon State University, welcomed the team with their executives, directors, and officials at their main campus in Sorsogon City. In her opening, she expressed hope for a series of meetings after the initial to support future collaborations, especially with pili projects they are working on for their area. Dean Agbisit shared in his message that one of CAFS’ objectives is to meet all agriculture-based state universities and colleges for eventual collaborations, which is why he was grateful for the opportunity with SorSU. He emphasized the commitment to help by saying, “wala po kaming milyones na dala, ang dala po namin ay puso to collaborate,” which earned a loud applause from the group.  

The meeting touched on various concerns and needs of their university on food processing, livestock research, biodiversity, and facility operations, among others. Dr. Ryan V. Dio, SorSU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, expressed gratitude for the partnership’s contribution to their community services.

The consultative meeting continued in the SorSU – Castilla campus, where the core of their Agriculture program is situated. It was attended by the whole faculty and most of their academic staff. The campus director, Professor Andrew F. Detera, opened the program, citing the need for agricultural sustainability and their thrust to reference the courses they offer based on industry needs. To start the discussions, Dean Agbisit thanked SorSU again for accepting UPLB as a collaborator and introduced what CAFS can provide regarding training. Some executive courses were extended to the SorSU-Castilla faculty team with the aim of augmenting their career and teaching development. The discussions mostly centered on improvements to their current programs and workable pili growing and processing projects. The CAFS team was taken on a campus tour, which concluded with a pili tree planting activity around the Castilla campus grounds.

An appointment was scheduled for the following day with the Mayor of Bulusan, Honorable Michael G. Guysayko, to present a project in partnership with SorSU. Accompanying the CAFS team were SorSU faculty and officials, including Dr. Jenet B. Fuentes (Director of SorSU Quality Assurance) and Dr. Eric E. Fuentes (SorSU COT Faculty). Also present in the meeting were Vice Mayor Wennie Rafallo-Romano and Ms. Wilma Rafallo-Pura, OIC for the Bulusan Municipal Agriculture Office, who is also a UPLB-CAFS alumni. The talks went smoothly as Mayor Guysayko expressed their support for the project’s objectives. The team was subsequently led to the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park following an invitation from the Mayor’s office.

Following a 2-hour trip back to Sorsogon City, the team paid a courtesy call to Ms. Adeline J. Detera, the Municipal Agriculture Officer, and Dr. Alexander S. Destura, the head of the Sorsogon City Veterinary Office. There was a brief conversation on local swine production, food processing practices, and improvements. 

The group also quickly visited Ms. Maria Teresa Destura, the head of Sorsogon’s Provincial Agriculture Office. 

The Honorable Marie Bernadette G. Escudero, Representative of Sorsogon’s 1st district, graciously accepted a courtesy call to cap off the visit.

The rest of the UPLB team was composed of: Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo (Director, Institute of Animal Science), Dr. Amado A. Angeles (Faculty, Institute of Animal Science), Dr. Barbara L. Caoili (Director, National Crop Protection Center), Dr. Sheryl A. Yap (Director, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology), Dr. Dennis Marvin O. Santiago (Director, Institute of Food Science and Technology), Rona Kay G. Franco (University Researcher, Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center), and Maria Teofel P. Latayan (University Researcher, Dean’s Office).