The College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), the first true born college of the University of the Philippines System recently celebrated its 112^th founding anniversary with the theme, “Agriculture Innovations: Embracing Impacts of Change in Agriculture and Food Security”.

The celebration which consisted of virtual weeklong activities started with the hosting of the flag raising ceremony at the Bienvenido M. Gonzalez Hall last March 1.

The celebration also was graced with the launching of 50 food product prototypes last March 2 which was developed by the Institute of Food Science and Technology through its Food Innovation Center under the theme, “50 Shades of Taste.” The activity showcased a variety of food products from snacks such as kamote, buchi; beverages such as powdered sapinit juice or powdered Filipino wild berry raspberry juice; food ingredients such as sinigang mixes to ready to eat meal such as bottled duck caldereta among others.

Equally important is the holding of the webinar last March 3 with its keynote speaker, Dr. Robert J. Henry, professor of Innovation in Agriculture at the University of Queensland, Australia. Dr. Henry shared his experiences and thoughts of innovations in agriculture and food supply in response to the latest pandemic. Dean Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. was optimistic that Dr. Henry’s vast knowledge and experience as professor of innovation in agriculture enlightened the CAFS constituents in updating the college’s roadmap to embrace the challenges that the Philippine food and agriculture sector is facing now.

Also present in the webinar is Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar where he articulated CAFS role in DA’s One Agenda. DA’s one agenda consist of the following key strategies that will transform Philippine Agriculture under the new normal: a) Consolidation which includes Bayanihan agri-clusters or farm clustering efforts; collective action through cooperatives; province-led agriculture and fisheries program with the local chief executive as food security czar; diversification and credit support; b) Modernization which is trailblazing  by way of designing today the kind of Philippine Agriculture that we must have a generation from now; c) Industrialization which is enhancing agribusiness approaches and; d) Professionalism which is one key strategy where the higher educational institutions will be key in producing more agribusiness managers by way of putting up an agriculture career system.

On the fourth day, Dean Agbisit presented a report on the status of CAFS, what it has achieved in the previous years, what are its present endeavors and plans based on its tripartite function through the CAFSmustahan with the alumni last March 4.

Fitting also for the celebration was the recognition accorded to those who have exhibited honor and excellence in their respective endeavors and in their service to the university last March 5. The outstanding personnel and retirees who selflessly dedicated their time and efforts in the service to the college were honored. Also welcomed during the program were the new hires or new staff who will be helping in achieving CAFS’ goal. It was in the said occasion where Dean Agbisit thanked the men and women of the college who contributed in achieving the CAFS adage, “One college, one goal towards sustainable food system”.

Completing the celebration was the commemoration of the founding of the college last March 6 at Pook Pinagtatagan in Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. Serving as guest speaker was Dr. Manuel L. Logroño, former deputy director of the Institute of Plant Breeding and the head of the Philippine Crops Seed Development for Asia and the Pacific. He talked about the future of agriculture thriving innovations to enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability (IMGesmundo).