College of Agriculture and Food Science
activated. updated.
CAFS joins Loyalty Day
celebration, cops
Best Float award anew
T he College of Agriculture and Food Sci-
ence (CAFS), headed by Dean Enrico P.
Supangco, joined the 99th UPLB Loyalty Day and
Alumni Homecoming parade with the theme
UPLB Alumni for a more competitive Philip-
pines.
Hosted by UP College of Agriculture Class
67, the traditional parade started at the College of
Veterinary Medicine and ended in front of the D.L.
Umali Hall. Each college had its own float that rep-
resented the theme and the respective colleges
vision/mission and activities. For the third time in
a row, the college won the Best Float award.
After the parade, the CAFS hosted a Lunch-
eon Salo-salo for its alumni, faculty, staff and stu-
dents at the Agronomy-Soils-Horticulture lobby
where they enjoyed the food, fun games and en-
tertainment. Seen during the reception were Drs.
Ricardo M. Lantican and Dolores A. Ramirez, both
national scientists; former UP President and UPLB
Chancellor Emil Q. Javier; and former deans, Drs.
Cecilio R. Arboleda and Fernando B. Bernardo.
(Catherine E. Lee)
PHTRC@40: lauded
and challenged to do
more extension work
T he Postharvest Horticulture Training and
Research Center (PHTRC) celebrated its
ruby anniversary last October 27 with a highly
successful symposium, with no less than Senator
Cynthia A. Villar as keynote speaker and Nardia
Simpson, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
counsellor of the Australian Embassy, as honored
guest.
Both Sen. Villar and Simpson lauded the
PHTRC for its accomplishments in postharvest
research and training, and even challenged the
center to do more extension work. As the sena-
tor put it, Research will remain research unless
you are able to teach it to our people. You need
to teach farmers, or else, research has no benefit
to them. She urged the PHTRC to strengthen
CAFS strikes again for 3rd win in
Best Float contest
T he CAFS, once again, copped the Best Float award during the
foot and float parade as part of the celebration of the 99th
UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming. Besting all other entries
from the other seven colleges of UPLB, the CAFS float was able to get
the nod of the judges, with its theme UPLB Alumni: Creating Innovative
Change for a More Competitive Philippine Agriculture conveying the
CAFSs role in addressing the value chain from primary production in the
farms to food on the table.
With this years restructuring of the college from CA to CAFS, the
float also intended to relay that agriculture involves research, extension,
production, processing, utilization and income. Some distinct features of
the float were the creative crafting of the technologies and products of
the institutes and centers; the replica of the map of the Philippines with
the different islands divided by bodies of water as represented by newly
grown rice plants in dapog method of raising rice seedlings; the turning
carabao heads, a replica of the carabao statue (CAFS landmark) at the
Carabao Park; and the three big turning designs of a flower adorned with
purple dendrobium orchids and white kalachuchi (Plumeria acuminata). Add-
ing more attraction were Dean Enrico P. Supangco and the College Sec-
retary Maria Cynthia R. Oliveros on board the float (with a chicken on
her hand representing the Institute of Animal Science), waving to the visi-
tors with great pride for CAFS. Just behind the float were the CAFS con-
stituents from the Office of the Dean, Secretarys Office, and the insti-
tutes and centers waving with their flags in green and gold.
The floats design was conceptualized and adorned through the col-
laborative efforts and artistic minds of the float committee headed by
Dean Supangco and his members, namely Prof. Norma M. Medina and
Prof. Ryan P. Tayobong, ICropS; Engr. Francis Junsay and Danilo Oraa,
DTRI; Bernie Tolentino and Jomar Calamba, IWEP; Alvis Lleno and Alvin
Mamiit, IAS; Sarmiento Vidal, Jr. and Maximo Sapin, IFST; Janrell Zuniega
and Jenelyn Rezores, PHTRC; Edwin Micosa, NCPC; and Domingo Buena
and Willie Lacandula, ASI.
For three consecutive years since 2015, the CAFS has consistently
been the winner of the best float contest. (Imelda M. Gesmundo)
its links with and help the micro-, small and medium enterprises so that
Philippine agriculture will go forward.
Dr. Ji Gang Kim, director of the Asia Postharvest Research Center of
Koreas Rural Development Administration; Dr. Rosa S. Rolle, senior
enterprise development officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations; Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, acting executive director
of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Ag-
riculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development;
and Cynthia Remedios de Guia of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau
of Agricultural Research presented the perspectives of international and
local funding partners in line with the symposiums theme of Advancing
the horticulture industry through postharvest research and extension.
Page 2
The testimonies of project cooperators from industry includ-
ing Gilda Caduya of Alter Trade Philippines, Inc., Michael Melen-
dres of Organic Options, Inc., Patrick Noel Young of Global Food
Solutions, Inc. and Ramon Manansala of RM Fruits International
highlighted the PHTRCs research, development and capability
building initiatives and contributions in pursuit of its objective of
reducing postharvest losses in horticultural crops.
Capping the symposium was the presentation of awards to
outstanding industry partner cooperators - Manansala (individual
category) and Alter Trade Philippines, Inc. (company), represented
by Caduya, its president. Postharvest pillars were also recog-
nized, with an award of distinction given to Dr. Ernesto B. Pantas-
tico as the founding father of the PHTRC and a posthumous
award to Dr. Doroteo B. Mendoza, former director of the center,
who was represented by his sister, Rosalina M. Lapitan. (Matilde V.
Maunahan)
PHTRCs AgriLink seminars
underscore improved varieties
& postharvest facilities for
profitable fruit production
T he seminars sponsored by the PHTRC last October 6 at
the just concluded AgriLink 2017 International Seminars
at the World Trade Center, Pasay City highlighted the importance
of improved varieties and postharvest facilities to ensure profita-
bility in fruit production.
Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita, UP Scientist 1 and professor of the
Institute of Crop Science, talked about major fruit varietal devel-
opment and improvement at the Institute of Plant Breeding
through selection and hybridization. He noted the general charac-
teristics of improved fruit varieties and cited examples of im-
proved and popular varieties of banana, mango, pineapple, papaya,
jackfruit, pummelo, guyabano, lanzones, rambutan and other fruits
now available in the local market. Due to the perennial nature of
the crop, he stressed the need for improved varieties that are
true-to-type, productive, and with fruits that are sweet and char-
acterized by pleasant flavor, aroma and texture to ensure profita-
bility.
Engr. Emmanuel Q. Amatorio of the PHTRC discussed why
proper postharvest handling and postharvest facilities are critical
in ensuring quality, safety and profitability of fresh produce from
the farm to the market. These facilities include sorting or grading
aids, sizers, washers, conveyors, pallets, cold storage equipment
and those for postharvest disease control such as hot water treat-
ment tank and vapor heat treatment machine for exported man-
goes. They ensure that losses are minimized and that products
meet the specific market quality requirements, and could well
spell the difference in the highly competitive fresh value chain.
The event was well attended, with over 100 participants in-
cluding farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and representatives
from local government units, government agencies, non-
government organizations, academe and industry.
The PHTRC is a co-organizer of the AgriLink International
Exhibition and Seminars, an annual event organized by the Foun-
dation for Resource Linkage and Development in cooperation
with government agencies and the private sector. (MV Maunahan)
CAFS Monthly Newsletter
DTRI joins 3rd South Luzon
Dairy Fair
T he Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI),
once again, participated in the 3rd South Luzon
Dairy Fair (SLDF) held in Tagaytay International Conven-
tion Center last October 26-27.
The first two fairs were successfully held at UPLB: in
2000 at the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI),
and in 2014 at the Institute of Animal Science Compound.
The first SLDF was initiated by the National Dairy Authori-
ty (NDA), in cooperation with DTRI, Philippine Carabao
Center (PCC) and the Katipunan ng mga Kooperatibang
Maggagatas, Ink. The second fair was organized by NDA,
PCC and the Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster (where
DTRI was one of the units).
This years SLDF was conceptualized and organized by
the NDA South Luzon Department with full support from
DTRI. According to the NDA, the 3rd SLDF is a means to
promote the local dairy industry where the aggressive in-
dustry players could show their capabilities. It was attended
by more than 200 dairy farmers, dairy cooperative officers,
representatives from LGUs, research institutions, govern-
ment agencies and private companies, and other interested
entrepreneurs in South Luzon including Bicol and
MIMAROPA. There were also exhibit displays of products
and services by different private companies for dairy pro-
duction and processing. Meanwhile, DTRI displayed its on-
going researches.
The program started with messages from Marilyn B.
Mabale, NDA administrator; Dr. Amado A. Angeles, DTRI
director; and Hon. Yolanda A. Marasigan of Tagaytay City,
followed by talks from different speakers who were mainly
dairy farmers (cattle, buffalo and goats). They shared their
experiences and insights in different aspects of dairy pro-
duction, processing and marketing. The NDA, the Coop-
erative Development Authority and the Department of
Science and Technology gave information on the programs
and assistance available to dairy farmers, cooperatives and
associations including the dairy safety regulations with a
public consultation in preparation to the full implementa-
tion of the dairy food safety law. There were also some
companies who shared their knowledge and presented new
products.
The participants also had some fun through dinner,
raffles and games during the program. (Myrna S. Galang)
The College of Agriculture Monthly Newsletter
is published through the Office of the Dean,
College of Agriculture and Food Science,
UPLB, College, Laguna
Advisers: Dean Enrico P. Supangco
Associate Deans Tonette P. Laude & Jocelyn D. Labios
Editor/Layout Artist: Apolinario L. Lantican
Contributors: Erlinda A. Balot, Ruby G. dela Cruz,
Myrna S. Galang, Imelda M. Gesmundo, Laureano B.
Lanosia, Jr., Catherine E. Lee and Matilde V. Maunahan
Circulation Officer: Venecia B. Batain
 CAFS Monthly Newsletter
DTRI researches adjudged as best
papers in PSAS Scientific
& Annual Convention
T hree dairy researches conducted at the DTRI garnered the
best paper awards during the 54th Philippine Society of Animal
Science (PSAS) Scientific and Annual Convention held last October 18-
21 at Bayfront Hotel Cebu, Cebu City.
These researches were as follows:
1. Undergraduate Thesis Category: Herbage dry matter yield, nu-
tritive composition and in vitro gas production of Mulato II
and Mombasa grasses at 30 and 45- day cutting intervals,
presented by Thalia J. Bacorro (DTRI project staff and BSA-Animal
Science graduate)
Researchers: Bacorro, Patricia B. Reyes, Menandro M. Loresco and
Amado A. Angeles
2. Nutrition Category: Response of growing dairy calves to start-
er diets with varying energy and protein levels, presented
by Gleeza L. Manulat (Institute of Animal Science [IAS] graduate
student and DTRI project staff)
Researchers: Manulat, Cesar C. Sevilla, Florinia E. Merca and
Angeles
3. Production and Processing Category: Conjugated linoleic acid
production of Lactobacillus plantarum Biotech 1066 in milk,
presented by Angelo M. Tapia (asst. professor, IAS, and affiliate
researcher, DTRI)
Researchers: Tapia, Jose Arceo N. Bautista, Bernadette C.
Mendoza, Laura J. Pham, Ione G. Sarmago and
Maria Cynthia R. Oliveros
IPB joins PhilRice
"Lakbay Palay"
T he Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) put up an exhibit last Oc-
tober 18 during the farmers field day of the Philippine Rice
Research Institute (PhilRice) Los Baos Station. Known as Lakbay Pa-
lay, the event is PhilRices major activity done twice a year, one each
for dry and wet seasons.
For this wet season, the activity had the theme Binhing Sapat at
Angkop, Itaguyod Natin, which was aimed at enabling the farmers,
extension workers, and local government units and barangay councils
officials to learn new and appropriate rice technologies for a more
sustainable rice production.
The IPB displayed its products and technologies that complement
rice production, namely: seeds of corn, legumes and vegetables; corn
grits from quality protein maize; and SNAP hydroponics. Free
handouts were also distributed. Other exhibitors showcased different
rice varieties, unpolished brown and black rice, biofertilizers, farm ma-
chinery, vermiculture, one-stop information shop, and crop insurance.
The field day was attended by about 400 participants from the
CALABARZON Region, who joined a field visit and a technology forum
where they exchanged ideas with PhilRices scientists and researchers
on rice-related problems, challenges and issues. (Laureano B. Lanosia, Jr.)
Page 3
DA secretary leads
NCPC Advisory Board
revival
D epartment of Agriculture (DA) Secretary
Emmanuel F. Piol met with the NCPC
constituents and other UPLB officials last Oct 17 at
the DA main office in Quezon City to revive the
NCPC Advisory Board.
The board hibernated for 12 years due to CA
clustering and the meeting was needed to emphasize
that the board is a major component of the NCPC
organizational structure; thus, delineating the pre-
sent research and extension activities of the center.
After the presentation by NCPC Director Gil L.
Magsino, the DA secretary laid down the following
recommendations:
NCPC should be strengthened to be the main
policy making body in crop protection;
NCPC should be instrumental in producing
enough food for the Filipinos by concentrating
on researches that minimize food losses due to
pests and diseases;
Integrated laboratories should be established
within the center;
NCPC should revive the Diploma Course Pro-
gram that used to be one of the center's major
accomplishments;
Establish an Information Caravan on major pests
and diseases to inform the farmers all over the
country about NCPCs research activities;
Monitor the report on common pests and dis-
eases;
Interact frequently with other agriculture agen-
cies through the social media and other means
of communication; and
Mobilize the Plant Health Clinic.
Other UPLB officials present during the meeting
were: Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr.; Dean
Enrico P. Supangco; Vice-Chancellor for Research
and Extension Rex B. Demafelis; NCPC Deputy Di-
rector and UP Scientist Mario V. Navasero; and
NCPC division heads, namely: Dr. Pablito G. Gon-
zales, Dr. Bonifacio F. Cayabyab, Cristina M. Bajet,
Valeriana P. Justo, Melvin D. Ebuenga and Ruby G.
dela Cruz. The other board members who came
were: Dr. Edna Anot, PCAARRD-Crop Research
Division; Didi Gonzales, Crop Protection Associa-
tion of the Philippines; Wilma Cuaterno, Bureau of
Plant Industry; and Cesar de Ramos, farmer repre-
sentative from Sariaya, Quezon. Also present were
April N. Alviar, Mary Joy C. Mendoza and Melissa P.
Montecalvo; NCPC researchers. (Ruby G. dela Cruz)
Page 4
NCPC extension personnel
attend AFFNR symposium
E xtension personnel from the NCPC participated in
the 2017 National Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural
Resources (AFFNR) Extension Symposium held last October
2-5 at the Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City.
The NCPC was represented by Ruby dela Cruz, Karen
Ardez and Sarah Jane Manaday. They were joined by some
staff from the Agricultural Systems Institute and other UPLB
delegates from the College of Forestry and Natural Re-
sources, the College of Public Affairs, and the Office of the
Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension.
The symposium was aimed to generate a healthy and pro-
ductive exchange of new ideas and best extension practices;
strengthen the governance, extension modalities and compe-
tencies of extension professionals and practitioners; and up-
date and engage the extension professionals and practitioners
in the discourse of the current issues and initiatives affecting
theory and practice of extension in the country.
The symposium brought almost 1,000 participants in-
volved in agriculture, forestry, natural resources and environ-
mental studies from the different parts of the country.
There were plenary paper presentations and parallel tech-
nical sessions that gave opportunity to participants from the
national government, local government units, academe and the
private sector to share their extension research results as
well as best practices in extension.
The symposium was also highlighted by the election of
new officers of the Philippine Extension and Advisory Services
Networking, Inc. and formal launching of its regional chapters,
which will facilitate innovations to make the Philippine Exten-
sion System more efficient and effective. (RG dela Cruz)
FOREIGN TRAVELS*
Dr. Jessamyn R. Adorada, assistant professor, Institute of
Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology (IWEP) and
Maureen Ceres dL. De Roxas, university researcher, Na-
tional Crop Protection Center (NCPC); attended the Distribut-
ed European School of Taxonomy Course on Basics of Taxono-
my: describing, illustrating and communicating biodiversity; Sven
Loven Centre for Marine Sciences, Kristineberg, Sweden; Octo-
ber 1-14
Dr. Edna A. Aguilar, professor and director, Institute of Crop
Science (ICropS); participated in the full team meeting for the
Philippine- California Advanced Research Institutes; University of
California Davis, USA; October 1-15
Sherry B. Marasigan, assistant professor, Agricultural Systems
Institute (ASI); presented a paper titled, Teaching indigenous
knowledge systems through blended learning approach: A case
of graduate class in Ifugao in the 3rd International Congress on
E-Learning; Hanoi, Vietnam; October 3-9
Eric Jhon dG. Cruz, university researcher, NCPC; attended
the Solar Radiation Management Global Forum and Climate
Engineering Conference; Berlin, Germany; October 9-13
Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, professor, Institute of Animal Science
(IAS); served as speaker during the 5th Symposium on Poultry
Intestinal Health; Royal Bangkok Sports Club-Polo Club, Bang-
kok, Thailand; October 10-12
CAFS Monthly Newsletter
Jorge Michael D. Dominguez, assistant professor, IAS; pre-
sented a paper titled, Carcass traits and meat quality of Black
Tiaong and Kalinga native pigs at lechon weight at the 2017
International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences
(ISSAAS) Congress and General Meeting; Vietnam National
University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam; October 12-18
Catherine Hazel M. Aguilar, university researcher, Institute
of Plant Breeding (IPB); presented a poster paper titled
Genetic diversity and indigenous knowledge associated with
non-rice carbohydrate sources of selected Blaan communities in
Sarangani province at the 2017 ISSAAS Congress and General
Meeting
Dr. Evalour T. Aspuria, associate professor, (ICropS); pre-
sented poster papers titled, In-vitro Induction of Micro tuber
Formation from Nodal Sections of Potato (Solanum tuberasum
L.) and Optimization of tissue culture media for callus induc-
tion of PSB Rc 28 and MH 63 rice genotypes and served as
moderator of the Crop Physiology Session in the 2017 ISSAAS
Congress and General Meeting
Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang, Scientist, NCPC; presented a
paper titled, Response of Leocinoides orbonalis to volatile or-
ganic chemicals of Tagbak, Kolowratia elegans at the 2017 IS-
SAAS Congress and General Meeting
Norma G. Medina and Maria Charito E. Balladares, assis-
tant professor and university researcher, respectively, ICropS;
attended the 2017 ISSAAS Congress and General Meeting
Ryan P. Tayobong, assistant professor, ICropS; presented a
poster paper titled, The Promotion of Selected Indigenous
Plants Found in the Southern Tagalog Region of the Philippines
at the 2017 ISSAAS Congress and General Meeting; Hanoi Vi-
etnam and Bangkok, Thailand; October13-17 and October 18-
20, respectively
Noel B. Lumbo, assistant professor, IAS; attended the Layer
Feed Quality Conference; Jakarta, Indonesia; October 14-18
Dr. Calixto M. Protacio, professor, ICropS; presented a
paper titled, Biochemical changes and epinastic response in the
potassium nitrate-induced release of floral bud quiescence in
Carabao mango (Mangifera indica L.) in the 2017 ISSAAS Con-
gress and General Meeting
Veneranda A. Magpantay, associate professor, IAS; attended
the 6th Waterfowl Conference; Taipei, Taiwan; October 22-26
Alma O. Canama, university researcher, IPB; participated in
the 2017 Asian Science and Technology Forum; Pohang, South
Korea; October 22-25
Dr. Renato SA. Vega, professor, IAS; served as keynote
speaker at the International Ruminant Seminar; Diponegoro
University, Central Java, Indonesia; October 23-26
Dr. Nestor C. Altoveros and Teresita H. Borromeo,
associate professor and professor, respectively, ICropS; attend-
ed the seventh session of the Governing Body of the Interna-
tional Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agricul-
ture; Kigali, Rwanda, Africa; October 24-November 4
*Prepared by Imelda M. Gesmundo and Erlinda A. Balot
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