March 6, 2019 marks the 110th Founding Anniversary of the UP College of Agriculture (UPCA), now College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS). To show appreciation for and celebrate this momentous day, the CAFS family, once again, gathered at the Foundation Site, Los Baños, Laguna also known as Pook Pinagtatagan.

As the first-born son of UP, CAFS takes pride in its glorious history and uses it to continue showing excellence in the field of agriculture. As has Dean Elpidio Agbisit, Jr. said, “Our predecessors paved the road for us.”

Meanwhile, Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, Jr., in his welcoming remarks, laid out a challenge for the UPLB and CAFS community, “The challenge now is for UPLB to level up and take that throne to take the lead and set the direction on agriculture and other strengths that we had in the past.”

From history, the message of guest speaker and CAFS alumni, Mr. Ronald Mascariñas shifted the focus to love for country. Citing examples of simple yet impacting problems in the country, Mr. Mascariñas said that they, in Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI) felt the need to advocate for love and service to country.

“We realized this is an important advocacy, to restore love for country… This is our gold offering to our country,” he said.

Mr. Mascariñas is an alumni of the Institute of Animal Science (IAS) and a big supporter of IAS and the Dairy Training and Research Institute. He is the President and General Manager of BAVI, the company behind the famous roasted chicken brands in the country. As a big fan of the sport basketball, Mr. Mascariñas also currently serves as the manager of the Philippine national basketball team.

Also gracing the event were National Scientist, Dr. Dolores Ramirez; Los Baños Mayor, Hon. Ceasar Perez; UPLB Alumni Association President, For. Leo Ballesfin, CAFS Alumni Association President, Mr. Mannie Barradas,CAFS former deans, Dr. Fernando Bernardo and Dr. Domingo Angeles; Dr. Rey Villareal; Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Rex Demafelis; Office of International Linkages Director, Dr. Simplicio Medina; CPAf Dean, Dr. Rolando Bello; SESAM Dean, Dr. Decibel Eslava; CHE Dean Raden Piadozo; and CAFS Executive Committee.(AKS Mojar)