The University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents at its 1392nd meeting on August 30, 2024, recently appointed Dr. Amado A. Angeles as the new Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) effective September 27, 2024, until September 26, 2027.

With extensive expertise in dairy science, ruminant nutrition, and agricultural research, Dr. Angeles is set to lead CAFS into a transformative period marked by innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. His blend of academic excellence and industry experience positions him perfectly to guide CAFS through the challenges of modern agriculture.

Legacy of Leadership and Research Excellence

Dr. Angeles’ career spans over two decades, making him one of the most respected figures in Philippine agriculture. He began his academic journey at UP Los Baños (UPLB), earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. He is a leading expert in ruminant nutrition who passionately supports the growth of the local dairy industry. He is also the Director of the UP Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment, a specialized institution within the University of the Philippines system that focuses on providing advanced education and training in the fields of agriculture and environmental sciences.

Dr. Angeles has made significant contributions to animal nutrition through his extensive research, which has been widely published in numerous articles and papers. He actively disseminates his findings and expertise at various conferences and workshops. His pioneering work on alternative feed resources, such as banana pseudostem and water hyacinth, offers sustainable and cost-effective options for livestock production.

Many of his research focus on enhancing dairy production by reducing costs and boosting productivity for farmers. His exceptional contributions to the field have earned him several prestigious awards, including the 2019 CAFS Outstanding Researcher Award and the UP Scientist I title for 2019-2021. Additionally, he has been honored as the Most Outstanding Teacher in Animal Science by the Philippine Society of Animal Science and has won the Outstanding Animal Nutritionist Awards in both 2019 and 2021.

Test of Leadership

Dr. Angeles’ leadership was tested during his time as Director of UPLB’s Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) from 2017 to 2023. Under his tenure, DTRI faced significant challenges, including the depopulation of its farm in 2018, the eruption of Taal Volcano in 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The most difficult moment came in July 2020, when the DTRI administration building was destroyed by fire. Despite these setbacks, Dr. Angeles ensured the institute remained operational and continued its mission.

The spirit of resilience, captured in the words “it was the building that burned, not DTRI,” resonated with everyone at the institute, including Dr. Angeles. His leadership during these crises showed his belief that the strength of an institution lies not in its infrastructure but in the people and their dedication. This resilience is a defining characteristic of Dr. Angeles’ leadership, one that will benefit CAFS as it navigates the evolving landscape of modern agriculture.

A Leader Who Bridges Theory and Practice

Dr. Angeles has the ability to apply academic research to real-world agricultural challenges. His experience in feed formulation and quality control at major companies has provided him with valuable industry insights. This blend of academic rigor and practical knowledge makes him an ideal leader for CAFS, as he understands both the theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural development.

His leadership style is rooted in collaboration and inclusivity. He has served on numerous academic committees, including the CAFS Curriculum Committee and UPLB’s Food Safety Nutrition and Consumption Program. His ability to work with diverse stakeholders has been key in achieving shared goals. As Dean, he aims to foster a collaborative environment at CAFS, where faculty, researchers, students, and industry partners work together to address the most pressing challenges in Philippine agriculture.

Building Partnerships for Success

One of Dr. Angeles’ greatest strengths is his ability to foster collaboration across sectors. In 2018, he spearheaded the creation of the Philippine Dairy Research Consortium (PDRC), an initiative that brought together six universities—UPLB, Cagayan State University, Central Luzon State University, Bohol Island State University, Central Mindanao University, and the University of Southeastern Philippines—along with the National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development. The PDRC focuses on advancing dairy research in the Philippines through collective efforts, allowing for more impactful research outcomes.

“Dairy research is too costly and important to be handled by just one institution,” Dr. Angeles emphasized. His vision for collaboration ensures that research extends beyond academia, benefiting farmers and industry stakeholders. As Dean of CAFS, Dr. Angeles plans to build on these partnerships, offering more opportunities for students, faculty, and industry partners to collaborate on crucial agricultural issues like food security, climate resilience, and sustainable food production.

A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Angeles’ leadership extends beyond dairy; his vision for CAFS encompasses a broader commitment to sustainable agriculture. His approach has always centered on practical, research-based solutions that benefit both farmers and the larger agricultural sector. For example, his work on improving dairy cattle nutrition through locally available feed resources demonstrates his innovative approach to solving agricultural problems.

Under his leadership, DTRI developed training programs focused on improving herd health, feeding management, and dairy production practices while reducing costs. His dedication to sustainability goes beyond dairy farming, as he continues to explore ways to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production without compromising productivity.

As Dean of CAFS, Dr. Angeles plans to bring this forward-thinking mindset to the college. His goal is to champion research that directly benefits smallholder farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can be scaled nationwide. His vision is clear: CAFS must lead the way in sustainable agriculture, not just in the Philippines but across Southeast Asia.

Leading CAFS into the Future

As Dr. Angeles steps into the role of Dean of CAFS, he faces both opportunities and challenges. Philippine agriculture must navigate hurdles like climate change, the need for sustainable farming practices, and integrating new technologies into traditional systems. However, with his extensive experience, practical knowledge, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Dr. Angeles is well-positioned to lead CAFS into a new era of innovation and excellence.

His leadership—marked by collaboration, innovation, and resilience—will continue advancing agricultural science and technology. Under his guidance, CAFS is expected to build on its legacy of excellence and service to the nation, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture not just in the Philippines, but across the globe. (ROBatocabe)