Official Research, Development, and Extension News
1
of the University of the Philippines Los Baos
Visit the UPLB RDE Portal at http://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph
UPLB prepares national
roadmap for water security
From left to right: Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, resource person from UPLB; DENR Assistant Secretary Corazon C. Davis; Sevillo D. David Jr., Executive Director of NWRB;
Ernesto M. Pernia, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary from NEDA; Dr. Ernesto M. Ordoez, Secretary General of the National Water Roadmap and Summit 2017;
Emmanuel F. Piol, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture; Roberto C. Amores, Agriculture Director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Simeon T.
Sioson, Chairman of the Federation of Central Luzon Farmers Cooperative. (Photo by LN Garcia)
Participants during the Bohol Pre-summit which focused on the economic sector. (Photo by LN Garcia)
UPLB Technology Hub and One-Stop Shop
soon to rise in UPLB
The University of the Philippines Los
Baos (UPLB) will finally have its very
own Technology Hub and One-Stop
Shop which will enhance creativity and
innovation in the university because of a
more enabling environment. The hub is
a project conceptualized and packaged by
Dr. Rex B. Demafelis, Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension. It is funded
by the Department of Agricultures
Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-
BAR), spearheaded by the UPLB Office
of the Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension (OVCRE), and implemented
by UPLB Foundation, Inc (UPLBFI).
The Hub will serve as a repository of
UPLB products and technologies which
visitors, adoptors, and potential investors
will find in a conveniently-located one-
PAGE 2
Vol.3 No.
by Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
said that he is welcoming all research
intended to benefit the citizens and
To lay down the groundwork for a
national roadmap for water security,
seven pre-summit meetings were held all
over the country from May to July with
more than 500 stakeholders from various
water-related agencies in the public and
private sectors attending.
Each of the pre-summit meetings
identified gaps and challenges in policies,
programs, and projects on securing water
specific to seven focus areas: domestic,
economic, agriculture, environment,
urban, resilience, and governance.
Lack of holistic and comprehensive water
resource planning, lack of effective water
allocation and reuse policies, insufficient
water facilities and technology, and a lack
of enabling policies on water technology
PAGE 5
by Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
the Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Left to right: UPLBFI Executive Director Dr. Casiano S. Abrigo, Jr., DA-BAR Director Nicomedes P.
Eleazar, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Rex B. Demafelis, and DA-BAR Institutional
Development Division Head Digna L. Sandoval. (Photo by LN Garcia)
January - June 2017
Los Baos aims
for One Health
by Rizza V. Estadola
A research team composed of experts
from the University of the Philippines
Manila, Diliman, and Los Baos,
together with counterparts from the
University of California Davis, visited
Los Baos Mayor Caesar P. Perez on 26
April 2017 to introduce the concept of
one health.
The joint UP-UC Davis research teams
are working on a two-year research
project called One Health Worker
which intends to provide a cost-effective
technological aid that will enable
barangay health workers to keep track
of the diseases that directly or indirectly
affect humans and the environment.
The One Health project received a
positive response from Mayor Perez who
communities of Los Baos.
Project leader Dr. Loinda R. Baldrias
of the College of Veterinary Medicine
explained during the meeting that the
project will have its pilot testing in Los
Baos since the municipality is very near
to multi-sectoral health experts and their
facilities. Dr. Baldrias also presented
One Health as a global concept to the
staff of the Office of the Mayor.
As a global health initiative, One Health
unites human and veterinary medicine
through local, national, and global
collaboration to attain the best of health
for people, animals, plants and the
environment.
PAGE 5
Seminars on
Lanzones Scale
Insect conducted for
neighboring towns
by Ailene M. Florece, Marilyn M. Beltran,
and Jose Elmo H. Azores
The University of the Philippines Los
Baos (UPLB) through the initiative of
Research and Extension (OVCRE), and
in cooperation with the National Crop
Protection Center (NCPC) conducted
seminars on the Lanzones Scale Insect or
LSI in the municipalities of Calauan and
Alaminos, Laguna on 30 March and 11
April 2017 respectively.
The LSI is a perceived threat to lanzones
farmers because lanzones yield can be
significantly reduced by LSI infestations.
LSI feed on the leaves of the lanzones
tree causing them to fall off.
The presence of LSI had been earlier
observed in Calauan and Alaminos in
2014, when the yield of lanzones in those
PAGE 7
2 RDE Chronicle
UPLB awards outstanding R and E personnel and teams
The University of the Philippines Los
Baos (UPLB) recognized once again
its outstanding researchers, extension
personnel, and artists, during the 108th
UPLB Foundation Day Celebration
and Awarding Ceremony at the Charles
Fuller Baker Hall last 06 March 2017.
James DV. Alvarez, University Extension
Associate I from the Museum of Natural
History, received the Outstanding
Researcher Award for the Junior REPS
/ Natural Sciences Category for his
active research collaborations with local
and foreign researchers and scientists in
the protection and documentation of
biodiversity. He was also recognized for
his prolific publication in high-impact
journals early in his career.
Dr. Edwin P. Alcantara, Scientist
I from the National Institute of
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(BIOTECH), received the Outstanding
Researcher Award for the Senior REPS
/ Natural Sciences Category for his
significant work on the application of
Bayesian statistical modeling in insect
resistance management (IRM).
Moreover, his contribution in making
the University a premier host institution
for IRM research in the country through
his leadership in the construction of
an insect bioassay laboratory was also
recognized.
Dr. Zenaida M. Sumalde, Professor
10 at the Department of Economics
of the College of Economics and
Management, received the Outstanding
Researcher Award for the senior Faculty
/ Social Sciences Category for her
Prof. Jerry R. Yapo from DHUM
is OICAs new director
The University of the Philippines Los
Baos Office for the Initiatives in
Culture and the Arts (UPLB OICA) is a
supervised unit of the Office of the Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension
(OVCRE).
Early this 2017, Prof. Jerry R. Yapo,
Associate Professor 1 from the
Department of Humanities (DHUM),
College of Arts and Sciences, was
appointed as OICAs new director. Yapo
succeeded Prof. Maria Teresa DV. Arejola
who served as OICA Director from 2011
to 2017.
Prof. Yapo finished his Bachelors Degree
in Communication Arts in UPLB. His
Masters Degree in Communication Arts
was accomplished in UP Diliman. Before
his appointment as director, Prof. Yapo
served as the Chairperson of DHUM
from 2007-2013. Since 2015, he has
been Chair of the Graduate School
Standing Committee on Social Sciences
and Humanities.
With his background and specialization
in literary theory and criticism as well
as journalism, Prof. Yapo has received
several recognitions for his competence.
In 1996, he was the UPLB Outstanding
by Lawrence N. Garcia
The outstanding researchers, extensionists, teams, and artist pose for a photo with UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr., AVCRE Susan May F.
Calumpang, and Keynote Speaker and UP Regent Hon. Francis C. Laurel. (Photo by LN Garcia)
significant contribution in the field of
natural resource and environmental
and agricultural economics. Her active
participation in numerous collaborative
projects in the areas of aquaculture
pollution, solid waste management, and
policy advocacy were likewise recognized.
Dr. Menandro N. Acda, Professor 11 at
the Department of Forest Products and
Paper Science of the College of Forestry
and Natural Resources, received the
Outstanding Researcher Award Senior
Faculty / Natural Sciences Category for
his original work on material science,
particularly on the sustainable use of
by Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
Photo by LN Garcia
Teacher Awardee in the Social Sciences
and Humanities. He was also given the
One UP Professorial Chair Award in
Communication for 2016-2018.
Aside from these accomplishments, he
has also published a number of journal
articles in the UPLB Journal and the
Media Asia published by Taylor &
Francis Online.
Prof. Yapo envisions OICA to be a
center for audience and venue for
development for culture and arts in
indigenous materials. In addition, his
research undertakings on the control of
Philippine termites and his introduction
of wood pellets as an alternative fuel
source were also recognized.
Dr. Desiree M. Hautea, Research
Professor 12 from the Institute of
Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture
and Food Science, also received the
Outstanding Researcher Award Senior
Faculty / Natural Sciences Category
for her pioneering work in modern
biotechnology, particularly in the
development of fruit and shoot borer
resistant eggplants and public sector
the Southern Tagalog region. Some
of his plans include strengthening the
town-and-gown relationship between
UPLB and its environs through
sponsoring various workshops on
cultural expressions unique to the region,
conducting basic research on folk/
indigenous art, and establishing linkages
with art institutions and LGUs in the
region.
He also acknowledges that OICAs
research agenda must be strengthened, as
it is a unit under OVCRE.
eggplant hybrids. Her extensive research
work on the field efficacy of the Bt
eggplant was also recognized.
The Rice Varietal Improvement
Program of the Institute of Crop
Science, College of Agriculture and
Food Science received the Outstanding
Research Team Award for its continuous
research in the development of inbred
rice varieties and two-line hybrid rice
breeding. Additionally, its work in
germplasm resource management and
wide hybridization to increase genetic
PAGE 3
PAGE 1
UPLB holds
groundbreaking...
stop shop. It is also envisioned to be a
venue for collaboration and meeting of
minds, which will give birth to new and
emerging concepts, innovations, research
projects, and technologies.
Last 09 June 2017, Dr. Rex B.
Demafelis, UPLB Vice Chancellor for
Research and Extension, together with
Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, DA-BAR
Director; Digna L. Sandoval, DA-BAR
Institutional Development Division
Head; and Dr. Casiano S. Abrigo Jr.,
UPLBFI Executive Director, led a simple
groundbreaking ceremony at the project
site.
Dr. Demafelis expressed gratitude to
both DA-BAR and UPLBFI for helping
make UPLBs dream a reality. He further
said that it is indeed exciting to finally
share what the university has to offer to
the nearby communities. Meanwhile,
Dr. Eleazar further affirmed DA-BARs
support for quality programs and
initiatives.
The construction of the Hub is expected
to be finished before the end of the year.
It will be located beside Baker Hall,
along Mondonedo Avenue, UPLB.

PHTRC and NGO train South Cotabato
farmers to improve postharvest handling
of export bananas
by Matilde V. Maunahan
Participants and trainors of the Training on Proper Postharvest Handling of `Balangon Bananas in
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. (Photo by PA Nuevo)
Forty-seven participants attended
the Training on Proper Postharvest
Handling of `Balangon Bananas
which was held on 28 February 2017 at
Balbin Family Cove, Lake Sebu, South
Cotabato.
The activity is part of an ongoing
collaborative research project between
the Postharvest Horticulture Training
and Research Center (PHTRC) and
Alter Trade Corporation, an exporter of
organically grown bananas.
The project titled Application of
improved postharvest handling
techniques of banana grown by farmers
in the Philippines is funded by the
Rural Development Administration
(RDA) of the Republic of Korea
through the Asian Food and Agriculture
Cooperation Initiative (AFACI).
Aside from banana growers from nine
barangays of Lake Sebu, the other project
cooperators who actively participated
in the training were purchasers, haulers,
quality control officers, packers, a
production technician, and officials of
the Upper Allah Valley Foundation,
Inc., and the Tupi Banana Growers
Association (TUBAGA) Producers
Cooperative. These organizations
consolidate fruits for the exporting
company.
The training was conducted to enhance
the participants awareness and
knowledge on the proper handling of the
inherently perishable bananas.
PAGE 2
UPLB awards outstanding...
diversity in rice varietal development
were recognized as well.
Guillerma Z. Valencia, University
Researcher III at the Agricultural
Systems Institute of the College of
Agriculture and Food Science received
the Outstanding Extension Personnel
Award for her exemplary extension
work in uplifting the living conditions
of more than 5, 000 Filipino farmers in
the upland communities of depressed
provinces across the country as part
of the Corn-based Farmer-Scientists
Training Program.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo was the keynote
Proper handling reduces huge losses
incurred after harvest. As such, proper
handling can increase marketable supply
of export-quality fruits translating
to better income for farmers and the
different players along the handling
chain.
During the training, the PHTRC project
team discussed the importance and basic
concepts of postharvest handling, and
the various operations from harvesting,
packinghouse operations up to transport.
The attendees were also asked to share
their postharvest handling practices and
problems which served as guide for the
lecture proper.
The training was the result of earlier
visits and documentation of postharvest
practices in the exporters major area
sources of Bungulan (referred to as
`Balangon in Ilonggo), postharvest
loss assessment at packinghouses
and identification of improvement
opportunities. Efforts to increase
marketable supply could start at the farm
to the packinghouse through continuing
education of handlers by way of
training and production of information,
education, and communication
materials.
The current project is the second phase
of the RDA-AFACI postharvest program.
Phase 1 which was on the Establishment
of Network and Model Manual on
Postharvest Technologies of Horticultural
Crops in Asia was completed in 2015.
UPLB also recognizes contributions
to the arts and humanities. aProf.
Elmer DS. Rufo, Assistant Professor 5
from the Department of Humanities,
College of Arts and Sciences, received
the Outstanding Artist Award for his
commitment in promoting theatre arts
as director, performer, and mentor,
showcasing his passion for constant
experimentations that spur scholarly
discourse. Likewise recognized is his
dedication to strengthening the BA
Communication Arts curriculum and his
willingness to share his time and talents
in the service of the University.
JANUARY - JUNE 2017
UPLB celebrates
National Womens Month
by Sairah Mae R. Saipudin and Lawrence N. Garcia
speaker for the UPLB Gender Centers celebration of National Womens Month. (Photo by LN Garcia)
The National Womens Month
celebration every March is part of the
worldwide observance of International
Womens Day (IWD).
As the universitys lead center for all
gender and development concerns, the
University of the Philippines Los Baos
Gender Center (UPLB-GC) conducted a
series of activities for its constituents and
the nearby community.
First, a two-day Intensive Harmonized
Gender and Development Guidelines
(HGDG) Training for the UPLB-GC
staff and affiliates was done on 6 and 8
March to equip the staff with tools and
concepts for integrating gender concerns
into development programs and projects.
Second, several training activities
on Gender Sensitivity, Gender Fair
Language, and Anti-Sexual Harassment
were also held in different colleges and
CVM Professor garners first in
intl innovation fellowship pitch session
by Junelle L. Paller
Dr. DJ Darwin R. Bandoy, College of
Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Assistant
Professor of Veterinary Pathology,
recently placed First in the Final Pitch
Session of the Leaders in Innovation
Fellowship (LIF) Programme (under the
Newton Fund) of the Royal Academy
of Engineering in the United Kingdom
(UK). His project, which resulted to a
breakthrough drug mechanism that can
solve significant problems in antibiotic
resistance was one of the 15 research
projects chosen as grantee of the LIF
Programme based on excellence of
research, potential of innovation, social
and economic benefits, and potential
as entrepreneurs (LIF Welcome Pack,
2017).
The first week of Bandoys fellowship
included familiarization with Business
Modelling and Customer Development
along with a visit to a UK Catapult.
Presentations and communication
sessions led by the Royal Academy of
Dance and Arts as well as a peer to
peer learning day further equipped the
participants. The following week, the
Royal Academy of Engineering hosted
a classroom-style learning intensive
3
target audiences: 8 March for the College
of Human Ecology, 13 March for
International Students, 15 March for the
Los Baos Municipal Office, 21 March
for the UPLB Office of the Chancellor
Staff, and 24 March for the PNP trainees
in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang.
Third, on March 13, an HIV Screening
and Awareness Fair for UPLB
Constituents was held at CAS Annex
2. This campaign, called Kilalanin
si AIDA was in partnership with
UNESCO Club-UPLB, UPLB Babaylan,
and LoveYourself. Kilalanin si AIDA
has been done annually for the last 3
years to promote awareness on HIV and
AIDS.
Lastly, Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos a
musical documentary film was screened
in UPLB on 21 March with hopes of
PAGE 7
training program in entrepreneurship
and innovation leadership. This two-
week preparation enabled each fellow to
create and develop their business plan
and pitch decks, while being guided and
coached. The culminating activity was a
competitive pitch session to a panel of
expert judges including senior Academy
Fellows. Bandoy won first place during
the final pitch session.
Dr. Bandoy attended the Singapore
Stanford Biodesign Program where
he was able to formulate a novel
antibiotic and antiquorumsensing drug
combinations which made drug resistant
bacterial species like Escherichia coli
and Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to
antibiotics. He used this innovation as
his entry to the LIF Programme.
His work is trailblazing not just because
it is the first patent to be filed from the
CVM but also it is a breakthrough drug
mechanism which can solvesignificant
problems in antibiotic resistance.
Documents required for patenting the
discovery are being prepared. It has
already been applied for the UP System
Invention Discolsure Grant.
4 RDE Chronicle
UPLB and DA celebrate 30 years
of partnership
by Lawrence N. Garcia
UPLB officials open the exhibit with Atty. Cristela Wednesday N. Patdu, representing Sen. Cynthia A.
Villar. (Photo by LN Garcia)
UPLB officials headed by Chancellor
Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. welcomed
several representatives from the
Department of Agriculture (DA) and
various LGUs to the UPLB Institute
of Plant Breeding on 7 March 2017
during the UPLB-DA Partnership Visit
in commemoration of the 30 years of
continued cooperation between UPLB
and DA.
The event, themed Strengthening
30 Years of Partnership Towards a
Sustainable Philippine Agriculture
featured a showcase of initiatives,
achievements, and collaborations of
the university and the agricultural
department.
Dr. Rex B. Demafelis, Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension, presented
the different programs that UPLB is
currently working on to achieve the
Chancellors vision of UPLB becoming
a globally competitive graduate and
research university contributing to
national development. During his
presentation, he emphasized the
importance of projects like Edible
Landscaping and the Dairy Breed
Development Program for food
security; Project SARAI under the
School of Environmental Science and
Agri-food lecture held by university units
and Netherlands embassy
The College of Agriculture and Food
Science (CAFS), in collaboration
with the Netherlands Embassy in
the Philippines, the UPLB Center
for Technology Transfer and
Entrepreneurship, and the College of
Economics and Management, conducted
an agri-food lecture on Innovation for
sustainability: What can the Philippine-
Netherlands partnership contribute?,
on 10 March 2017 at the SEARCA DL
Umali Auditorium.
CAFS Dean Enrico P. Supangco, who
formally opened the days program,
pointed out that the lecture was a timely
event as it coincided with the celebration
of the 108th Foundation Day anniversary
of CAFS to which he said that if it were a
human being, the college can be called a
super senior citizen with all the awards
that have been bestowed on it.
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr., who
formally welcomed the guests, speakers,
PAGE 7
Management (SESAM), which sends
weather advisories to farmer stakeholders
to empower them with information
to make informed decisions; and the
Carrageenan Technology for Rice of the
National Crop Protection Center which
increases crop resistance against the Rice
Tungro Virus among others, to help
farmers improve their yields.
Also showcased was the UPLB Nanotech
Programs Fruitect initiative which uses
nanotechnology to coat and delay the
ripening of fruits such as mangoes to
improve Philippine exports. Microbial
bio-fertilizers developed by the National
Institute of Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology were also featured.
Moreover, a tour of various UPLB
research centers was conducted to show
the visitors the universitys homegrown
products and technologies. The tour
included the Institute of Plant Breeding
(IPB), the National Institute of
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(BIOTECH), the Center for Agri-
Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization
(BIOMECH), Agricultural Machinery
Testing and Evaluation Center
(AMTEC), Dairy Training and Research
Institute (DTRI), and the National Crop
Protection Center (NCPC).
by Imelda M. Gesmundo
From left to right: Dr. Fenton D. Beed from the World Vegetable Center, Dean Isabelita M. Pabuayon of the College of Economics and Management, Dr. Mary Ann
P. Sayoc from East-West Seed Philippines, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr., Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marion Derckx, Dean Enrico P.
Supangco of the College of Agriculture and Food Science, and Dr. Gert HJ Kema from Wageningen University. (Photo by LN Garcia).
IWEP reaps awards in
PMCP Conference 2017
by Mark Paul S. Rivarez
Five awards were bagged by Institute of
Weed Science, Entomology, and Plant
Pathology faculty and students during
the recently concluded Pest Management
Council of the Philippines (PMCP), Inc.
Annual Scientific Conference on 10-12
May 2017 in Malay, Aklan.
The conference, themed Strategic
Pest Management Beyond ASEAN
Integration, was held at the Crown
Regency Resort and Convention Center
at the world-famous Boracay Island. The
three-day meet was concluded with a
banquet and the awarding ceremonies
for the Pest Management Awards (PMA)
and the Best Undergraduate Thesis
(BUT) Awards.
Dr. Pio A. Javier, retired Research
Professor of Entomology from IWEP
was awarded with the PMA in Extension
and Community Development. The
award was given in recognition of his
dedication to develop crop protection
technologies and its promotion and
extension to farmers, DA technicians,
and students. Dr. Javier and his team
developed biological-based management
strategies against insect pests of
vegetables and corn such as earwigs.
He is well known for his research in the
management of dengue mosquitoes using
oviposition attractants and the predatory
water bug.
The PMA in instruction was given to
Dr. Teresita U. Dalisay, IWEPs OIC-
Director and Associate Professor of plant
pathology. Dr. Dalisay has encompassed
more than 30 years of service. She has
been a researcher, an extensionist, a
teacher, and now an administrator.
She is well known to her colleagues
and students as the Mother Fungus,
primarily because of her vast experience
and expertise in Fungal Taxonomy and
Ecology.
She has mentored 24 undergraduate
and seven graduate students towards
completion of their degrees. Some of
these students have won Best Thesis
Awards and presented their study both
locally and internationally. Lastly, she has
guided high school students in Science
Investigatory Projects which have won
awards in regional and national levels.
IWEP fresh graduates also bested other
students all over the Philippines and
nabbed all three Best Undergraduate
Thesis awards which have been sponsored
by the PMCP and corporation LEADS
Agri.
Ms. Jillian E. Timple won the Best
Undergraduate Thesis Award in
Entomology for her thesis Molecular
marker-based detection of primary
bacterial endosymbiont associated with
the coconut scale insects, Aspidiotus
destructor (Signoret) and Aspidiotus
rigidus (Reyne). She is under the
guidance of Dr. Barbara L. Caoili,
Professor of Entomology.
Ms. Rachele L. de Torres bested other
plant pathology thesis students in
the Philippines and bagged the Best
Undergraduate Thesis Award in Plant
Pathology for her thesis Influence
of host genotype on the population
structure of Xanthomonas oryzae pv.
oryzicola (Fang et al.) Swings et al.
Dr. Enda Y. Ardales, Professor of Plant
Pathology, is Ms. De Torress adviser.
Lastly, Mr. Aaron Paul A. Aguas was
given the Best Undergraduate Thesis
Award in Weed Science for his thesis
The reproductive potential and seed
longevity of ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis
L.) Voight. His adviser, Prof. Juanito
V. Bariuan, is a weed science Associate
Professor at IWEP.

Freedom of Information discussed at UPLB
From left to right: Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Susan May F.
Calumpang, Atty. Kristian R. Ablan from the PCOO, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension
Rex B. Demafelis. (Photo by LN Garcia)
College of Agriculture reorganized into the
College of Agriculture and Food Science
PAGE 1
Los Baos aims for One Health...
There is a need for collaboration
because majority of human pathogens
are zoonotic. Seventy-five percent of
emerging pathogens affecting humans are
of animal origin, Dr. Baldrias discussed
during the presentation. Not only do
infectious diseases greatly impact people
and livestock, they adversely affect local
and national economies, Dr. Baldrias
added. Mayor Perez expressed support
to the project. He also requested other
local offices, such as the Municipal
Health Office, Municipal Agriculture
Office, and the Municipal Planning and
Development Office to cooperate with
the project.
Earlier, the One Health research teams
also paid a courtesy visit to UPLB
Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr., who
showed enthusiastic response, together
with other officials of the University, to
the One Health initiative in Los Baos.
The team is composed of experts from
the College of Medicine in UP Manila,
College of Veterinary Medicine and
College of Agriculture and Food Science
in UPLB, and the UP Information
by Lawrence N. Garcia
by Lourdes B. Columbres
The UP Board of Regents (BOR) has
approved the renaming and restructuring
of the College of Agriculture (CA)
during its 1323rd meeting last 16
December 2016 in UP Diliman,
Quezon City. Now named the College of
Agriculture and Food Science, the college
is now composed of five degree-granting
institutes and four research, development
and extension (RDE) institutes/centers.
The degree-granting units are the
Agricultural Systems Institute (ASI),
Institute of Animal Science (IAS),
Institute of Crop Science (ICrops),
Institute of Food Science and Technology
Technology Development Center of UP
Diliman.
They are working on a comprehensive
mobile tool that will provide rapid data
collection, real-time consultations, and
health professionals supervision that will
be of common use to community health
workers, and livestock and agricultural
extension agents for easier and faster
diagnosis, health management, and
epidemiologic surveillance in their
respective communities.
The One Health project is being funded
by the Philippines-California Advanced
Researches Institutes (PCARI) of the
Commission on Higher Education
(CHED).
The project leaders are: Vice Chancellor
for Planning and Development Dr.
Michael Tee for UP Manila, Dr. Loinda
R. Baldrias of the College of Veterinary
Medicine and Dr. Edna A. Aguilar of
the College of Agriculture and Food
Science for UPLB, and Dr. Jaime DL.
Caro of the UP Information Technology
Development Center.
JANUARY - JUNE 2017
A forum on the Freedom of Information
and its impact on the academe was held
last 12 January 2017 at the IPB Seminar
Room. It was initiated by the Office of
the Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension (OVCRE).
The half-day event dubbed UPLB and
the FOI featured a discussion on the
various aspects of Executive Order No.
2 on Freedom of Information (FOI),
especially on its implications to academic
institutions like UPLB.
Atty. Kristian R. Ablan, Assistant
Secretary for Policy and Legislative
Affairs of the Presidential
Communications Operations Office
(PCOO), served as the forums resource
speaker. He introduced the principles
(IFST), and Institute of Weed Science,
Entomology, and Plant Pathology
(IWEP).
The four RDE units are the Institute
of Plant Breeding (IPB), Postharvest
Horticullture Training and Research
Center (PHTRC), National Crop
Protection Center (NCPC), and the
Dairy Training and Research Institute
(DTRI).
The renaming of CA to CAFS and
realignment of CA units to their
respective relevant agribusiness subsectors
in agriculture aims to support the
PAGE 1
UPLB prepares roadmap...
and management were among the issues
raised by the stakeholders.
The pre-summit meetings were part of
the activities of the project Towards a
Comprehensive National Plan for Water
Security which is being implemented by
UPLB.
Funded by the National Water Resources
Board (NWRB), the project aims to
formulate a National Water Security
Roadmap in the context of climate
change and globalization. Led by a
committee of experts, UPLB has been
tasked to assess and consolidate local and
global studies related to water security to
help identify the countrys major issues
from each of the seven focus areas.
Theory of change
Initial findings of the project revealed
that weak water governance, insufficient
water quantity and quality management,
and weak institutions for watershed
management are the three major drivers
of water stress in the country.
5
behind FOI before proceeding with a
discussion on the processes involved in
FOI.
He also talked about the boundaries of
FOI and presented a list of exceptions
to the EO, enumerating the types of
information which cannot be shared or
disclosed to the public. Participants from
different UPLB units raised and clarified
points during the open forum which
followed after ASec. Ablans discussion.
During the forum, Dr. Rex B. Demafelis,
Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension delivered the Chancellors
welcome message while Dr. Susan May
F. Calumpang, Assistant to the Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension
delivered the events closing remarks.
countrys drive to transform Philippine
agriculture towards inclusive and
sustainable growth that links and
benefits farmers in the value chain and
promote product innovation and market
diversification.
The CAFS, with its strengthened
curricular and RDE programs, is
expected to produce relevant and skilled
manpower along with new knowledge
and technologies that are essential in
developing globally competitive and
modern agriculture-based industries in
the Philippines.
These have led to a Theory of Change
as a possible solution to the impending
water crisis. The theory focuses on
changes coming from various interrelated
components as fundamental to achieving
lasting solutions to interconnected
problems.
Five strategic approaches were identified
as components of the theory: (1) hasten
infrastructure development, enhance
efficiency and resiliency of existing
water supply; (2) long-term watershed/
water monitoring and research; (3)
policy and institutional development
for holistic planning and execution; (4)
transformative IEC; and (5) climate
change adaptation and disaster risk
reduction and management.
Initiative
Spearheaded by the Steering Committee
on National Water Security Roadmap
and Summit 2017, a National Summit
on Water Security is being set to provide
a venue to present the pre-summit results
and UPLBs key findings.
6 RDE Chronicle

What you should know about the OVCRE IRIMS

Information provided by Czarlina May E. Magnata and Eriberto E. Roxas

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE)
is mandated as the UPLB unit in charge of research and extension
programs of the university.
As such, part of its main functions include initiating innovative techniques
for efficient planning, implementation, performance evaluation; reporting
of research and extension activities of the university; monitoring staff
development of the research, extension, and professional staff (REPS);
and monitoring scholarly outputs of UPLB faculty and REPS.
System Modules
The OVCRE IRIMS is currently composed of seven (7) modules. Six
of these modules are currently running on MS Access 2013 while the
OVCRE REPS Information Management System has been successfully
moved to a web-based platform last 15 June 2017.
The team is planning to move all of the modules online by 2018.

To efficiently manage data generated during processes involved in the

abovementioned functions, the OVCRE has developed an Integrated R&E REPS Information Publications
Information Management System (OVCRE IRIMS) which aims to integrate Management System Management System
all R&E related data on REPS, research project monitoring, scholarly
For monitoring and For consolidating and
outputs of UPLB faculty and REPS, and UPLB extension activities. management of all REPS- reporting data on scholarly
related data including outputs of UPLB faculty
The system has been used by OVCRE since its deployment last 21 April employment history, and REPS including articles
2016. The OVCRE IRIMS is the new generation of the OVCRE Integrated education history, and published in journals, paper
Research Information System (IRIS) which has been used from 2000 to workload units presentations and books/
2015. chapter in books

Most of the modules of the OVCRE IRIMS were developed using

Microsoft Access 2013. This made development easier, as forms and
even data structure can be easily adjusted according to the needs of the
office. Project Monitoring Extension Activities
System Management System
Front-end applications for end-users and back-end databases were
created for fast and secure deployment of the information system. For monitoring research For consolidating and
implementation including reporting data on extension
project status, personnel programs and activities of
The OVCRE IRIMS is envisioned to provide OVCRE staff as well as
involved and report UPLB faculty and REPS
UPLB researchers and extension personnel with up-to-date, secure and submissions
consistent R&E data which they can access on any platform. As of now,
only OVCRE employees with PCs installed with MS Access can use the
system.

System Features Document Tracking Inventory

System Management System
For internal monitoring of For monitoring and
all incoming and outgoing management of OVCREs
Standardization of documents of OVCRE equipment and office
REPS-related data supplies

Faster and more accurate

data analysis as a product of
CPAf brings services closer
consolidating data into one
database to clients and partners
by Stella Concepcion R. Britanico

True to its name, the college is fortifying
Fast network access its public services to development
for multiple users partners and major clientele through
social media.
Dubbed as CHATS for RDG, the
CPAf s Helpdesk on Advisory
and Technical Services for Rural
Development and Governance intends
to make CPAf closer, more responsive,
Automatic report and relevant to the needs of its partner
generation as needed institutions and communities.
Because of the growing familiarity on
and wider use of social network sites by
the public, the CHATS for RDG project
will use social media as information and
communication technology (ICT) for
Easier modification speedy communication and coordination
of database components between and among CPAf and its
and structure as needed existing and prospective clients and
partners.
The project intends to be a one-stop
shop of CPAf s services such as advisory,
technical assistance, and capacity
building. Institutions and organizations
may tap CPAf which can either directly
provide the needed service, coordinate
with other institutions, or refer the
requesting party to another service
provider if the needed service is beyond
CPAf s expertise. CPAf faculty and
researchers have been providing advisory
services and technical assistance to
government agencies, local government
units, organizations, and private
institutions.
The CHATS for RDG project will also
improve the visibility of the college.
It will serve as venue to promote the
existing products and services of CPAf
and increase the awareness of its potential
partners and clients on what the College
offers.
CHATS for RDG was launched during
the 19th CPAf Anniversary Celebration
last 30 January 2017.

PAGE 4
Agri-food lecture conducted...
and participants, said that UPLB has
been mandated to set innovation in
agriculture and to commence and sustain
public service endeavor that will not
only benefit our fellow Filipinos, but
also promote and advance the inclusive
growth in the Philippines.
He added that agriculture is integral
for national development and it affects
our countrys role and position in
global relations. Moreover, he said
that agriculture is intimately related
to problems such as hunger, poverty,
malnutrition, livelihood, and food
security.
But amidst all challenges that our
countrys agriculture sector faces,
Chancellor Sanchez is optimistic that
Filipinos can find solutions to these
challenges. He pointed out that these
solutions must be efficient, innovative,
and inspiring. He also expressed hope
that the lecture will allow everyone to re-
examine the Filipinos methods and ways
of thinking.
Marion Derckx, The Netherlands
Ambassador to the Philippines, stressed
in her keynote message the need to
strengthen agriculture by modifying
technologies and providing infrastructure
facilities that will help reduce poverty,
solve malnutrition, and eventually help
improve the lives of the Filipinos.
She also mentioned the need to make
agriculture sexy by making innovations
that will appeal to young people. She also
expressed her countrys willingness to
continue with the partnership by helping
the Philippines modernize agriculture
PAGE 3
UPLB celebrates National...
empowering women and girls and to
spread light and inspiration on what the
women of Malolos has done to fight for
the right to education.
UPLB-GC also conducted activities
outside the university. These included
an Adolescent Reproductive Health
Seminar in South Hill School Inc. on 24
March, and an Anti-Sexual Harassment,
Violence Against Women, Womens
Health Forum, and Medical Mission
for the partners of Oplan Tokhang
surrenderees, on 29 March.
The medical mission was made possible
through the partnership and cooperation
of the Municipal Health Office and
the PNP of Los Baos, as well as other
sponsors.
To cap off this years National Womens
Month at UPLB, Judy M. Taguiwalo,
DSWD Secretary and former director of
the UP Center for Women and Gender
Studies, was invited to give a keynote
speech. In her keynote, Sec. Taguiwalo
started with the question, What do
women want? She then continued
and said that most women want basic
things such as being able to finish their
education and be able to eat three times
a day.
through sharing of knowledge and
technology.
Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, general manager
of East West Seed-Philippines and one
of the plenary speakers, talked about
the potential of vegetables which she
considers as the forgotten crop in
the Philippines. She presented the
importance of vegetables as source of
nutrients and income. She also presented
challenges in the vegetable industry; but
behind these challenges are success stories
of farmer heroes who have transitioned
from smallholder farmers to commercial
farmers.
Concluding her presentation, she said
that development of the agricultural
sector requires the concerted effort of
stakeholders in government, farmers,
food suppliers, extension workers,
academe, and value chain actors. She
stressed the need for a more active
public-private partnership and inclusive
business model.
Dr. Gerth HJ Kema, a plant pathology
professor from The Netherlands
Wageningen University, discussed how
The Netherlands made the agricultural
sector attractive to young people by
applying science and technology to
the field and how the use of advance
technology guaranteed stable and
relatively high profit for farmers.
Dr. Fenton D. Beed, regional director for
East and Southeast Asia Operations of
the World Vegetable Center, presented
the whole picture of agriculture from
production to consumption and how to
prevent or minimize postharvest losses.
A panel discussion followed her speech
with resource persons: Dr. Thelma Paris,
a retired socio-economist from IRRI; and
Prof. Rodger Valientes from the College
of Economics and Management, UPLB.
They discussed more on the role of
women in the economy.
The theme of this years National
Womens Month celebration was We
Make Change Work for Women,which
aligns with President Rodrigo Dutertes
State of the Nation Address (SONA)
directive to all agencies and local
government units to fully implement
the Magna Carta of Women. This shall
ensure that men and women will be
partners for change and development.
This celebration aims to inform and
engage women as stakeholders of
government programs and services to
promote citizen-centric governance
and make change a conscious effort
to know, understand and provide
what all citizens need; create and
facilitate platforms for discussions of
good practices, gaps, challenges and
commitments in pursuing Gender and
Development (GAD), and lastly to
inspire and empower women and girls to
be change agents.
JANUARY - JUNE 2017
AGRA: The other side of the coin
by Gracetine D. Magpantay
One way to revolt is through the Arts.
A playwright gets to reflect on his or her
thoughts and ideals through metaphor
and comedy, without the audience
noticing that his or her thoughts are
being influenced.
Being part of the younger generation,
most millenials can do just as much by
voicing out their opinions, hoping that
somebody will listen. Agra, the agrarian
princess of Farmaya, was hoped to be a
reflection of this need of the youth--to be
heard.
In celebration of the National Arts
Month, the UPLB Office for Initiatives
for Culture and the Arts (OICA),
partnered with the Young Professionals
for Agricultural Development (YPARD-
PH) and UP Broadway Company to
showcase a one of a kind initiative to
advocate agriculture to the young people
through musical theatre.
AGRA: A New Musical, was shown
last 14-15 March 2017 at the DL
Umali Auditorium, University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) to more
than 3,000 audiences composed of high
school students from Los Baos and the
UPLB community.
The three-hour tragedy musical, filled
with characters of opposing personalities,
was designed to encourage young people
to consider agriculture as their future
careers. But more than the advocacy
PAGE 1
Seminars on LSI conducted...
areas went down. In March 2017, the
Calauan Municipal Agriculture Office
informed UPLB that the LSI infestation
has affected around 8 ha of lanzones
farms, particularly in Paliparan and
Perez, two of the major lanzones-growing
areas of the town. Farmer leaders and
growers needed technical assistance to
help control the spread of the pest to
other areas.
In Alaminos on the other hand, the
Municipal Agriculturist has requested
for a seminar to enhance the growers
knowledge on the threats posed by the
pest and measures to manage the LSI
population.
During the seminars, NCPC experts Dr.
Marcela M. Navasero (Scientist I) and
Mr. Randolph N. Candano (University
Researcher) familiarized the growers on
the LSI.
The life cycle, effect, and control/
management of LSI were discussed
as part of the learning activities. One
7
of promoting agriculture to the young
people and manifesting the fusion of
agriculture and the arts, there lies a
deeper theme. AGRA: A New Musical is
a reflection of human nature. The song
Ganyan ang Tao, sung by Agras radical
sister, Sonia, was a cynical reflection of
life and perhaps encompassed the totality
of the show. The lyrics went:
Kapag silay pinupuri, walang hanggang
tuwa.
Kapag naman sila ang mali, turuay
kalikaliwa.
Ikulong ay nagngangalit.
Palaiy nagmamalabis.
Pahirapay tumatangis.
Palayawiy sumasakim.
Ganyan ang tao, di na nakakagulat.
More than this pessimistic view of the
writers, Agra also touched on the idea
that there are always two sides of a coin,
that what we see is not always the whole
picture. Perhaps, Agra was the other side
of the coin. She was the light for Sonia.
She was the Yin to Sonias Yang.
The play was written by Jessa Jael Arana
and Gracetine Magpantay and directed
by CAS Department of Humanities
professor, Aileen Dela Cruz. It also
featured performances from Maxine
Ramos and Jayne Caranto (Agra), AJ
Marquez and Giselle Barrientos (Sonia),
Third Alub and Jules Rivera (Yiro),
Salvador Lleno Jr. and Gab Carreon
(Hener), and Raffi Canilas (Ekono).
practical technology introduced to
control the population and spread of LSI
is the use of predatory insects such as
earwigs (Chelisoches morio Fabr.). Earwigs
were given away to lanzones farmers after
the seminars and instructions were given
on how the earwigs will be released in
lanzones plantations.
According to Dr. Navasero, for farms
with infestation rates too difficult to
control and too late to manage, this
technology will be applicable for the next
cropping season.
The OVCRE also conducted a needs
assessment survey which gathered more
information on the needs of farmers in
Calauan and Alaminos in addition to the
current technical services being offered
on LSI management.
These on-going extension activities and
technical assistance are part of UPLBs
aim to serve its neighboring communities
in terms of agricultural production and
related disciplines.
8 RDE Chronicle

ACROSS DOWN
Relax with this crossword puzzle!
3. Greek word for insect 1. National Arts Month in the
by Jose Elmo H. Azores
Philippines since 1991
4. institute founded through
Presidential Decree 936 on19 May 2. state of feeling safe, stable, and
1976 free from fear or anxiety

6. agency responsible for all the water 5. method of growing plants without
resources in the Philippines soil, using mineral nutrients solutions

7. the science of the causes and 7. synonym of after

effects of diseases
10. branch of agriculture that deals
with art, science, technology, and
business of growing plants
8. like glue in texture, sticky
9. any wild plant that grows in an
unwanted place

13. Filipino snack food 11. Institute of Weed Science,

Entomology, and Plant Pathology
15. a disease that normally exists in
animals but can also infect humans 12. the state of being male or female

16. a remote sensing method that 14. as per declaration of Republic

uses light in the form of a pulsed Act 6949 s. of 1990, March ____ is
laser to measure ranges (variable National Womens Day
distances) to the Earth
16. large body of water within a body
of land

Answers to Crossword Puzzle

(May to December 2016 issue)

ACROSS
7.biopesticide; 8.cellulose; 9.copra; 10.protein; 13.agribusiness; 15.pride; 16.probiotics;
17. Lumban

DOWN
1.streak; 2.NAST; 3.mycology; 4.biofertilizers; 5.aerial; 6.publish; 11.watershed;
12.trademark; 14.edible

Geeky Comics
by Ozzy Boy S. Nicopior

The RDE Chronicle

Official Research, Development, and Extension News
of the University of the Philippines Los Baos

managing editor
Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
layout
Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
production/ circulation
Jose Elmo H. Azores
Alex C. Genil
Reynaldo T. Magsino
Michael B. Biguelme
editorial consultant
Florante A. Cruz
advisers
Vice Chancellor Rex B. Demafelis
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor
Susan May F. Calumpang
writers / photographers / contributors
Jose Elmo H. Azores
Marilyn M. Beltran
Stella Concepcion R. Britanico
Lourdes B. Columbres
Rizza V. Estadola
Ailene M. Florece
Lawrence N. Garcia
Imelda M. Gesmundo
Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon
Matilde V. Maunahan
The RDE Chronicle is published semi-annually by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB). It contains news and updates
on the various RDE endeavours of the university.
Czarlina May E. Magnata Contributions related to research and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please send articles,
Gracetine D. Magpantay artwork, digital photographs, and literary pieces via email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph. Comments on the published
Regina Mae C. Ongkiko content can also be sent through the same email address. Requests for use of content for publication should be
addressed to the Editors.
Ozzy Boy S. Nicopior
Perlita A. Nuevo For inquiries, please contact us at: Information Management and Technology Utilization Section
Junelle L. Paller OVCRE, 3F UPLB Main Library, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Mark Paul S. Rivarez Tel. No. (63) 49 536-2354 , Local VOIP: 1515, Email: ovcre.uplb@up.edu.ph.
Eriberto E. Roxas, Jr.
Sairah Mae R. Saipudin