#ProudViscan Reyno Vicente S. Guirindola, a graduating agriculture student joined the 2024 Summer Enrichment Program, a training to broaden knowledge in agriculture through immersing students in the latest agricultural practices, innovation, and technologies in Asian countries.

From July 21 to 31, 2024, Guirindola participated in different activities including lectures, games, fieldwork, farm visits, and exposure to research facilities, experiment stations, and agricultural industries in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

This summer program is initiated by the Asian Association of Agricultural Colleges and Universities (AAACU) yearly to provide exclusive agricultural training for undergraduate agriculture students under the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture’s member institutions.

The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Indonesia hosted this year’s annual summer program and left lasting impressions on Guirindola.

“I find it difficult to put into words the incredible experience I had as a participant in this program. It was truly enriching, not only in terms of the knowledge I gained but also in the work discipline and the commitment required to achieve excellence. First, I feel deeply honored to have represented both our department and Visayas State University, as well as being one of the delegates from the Philippines. Secondly, the host university, Universitas Gadjah Mada, exceeded all expectations. Everything—from the location, facilities, technology, infrastructure, human resources, and culture, to the discipline, quality of education, and the people—was exceptional. I have never experienced a university or place quite like UGM or Yogyakarta, Indonesia,” he shared.

The #ProudViscan has gained valuable lessons from the lecture of Dr. Jesus C. Fernandez on Food and Nutrition Security.

“He emphasized that nutrition isn't secure because nutritious food itself isn't secure. As an agriculture student, this sparked my curiosity, especially since I often observe that farm produce in the Philippines is discarded due to market difficulties and [the] low buying prices of traders. Seeing this situation in Philippine agriculture truly breaks my heart.”

Guirindola then asked the lecturer if production was the answer to address food security, highlighting the many produce in the Philippines that was discarded due to the low buying prices of traders.

“Dr. Fernandez responded that the Philippines should review its agricultural policies and programs. One issue he pointed out was the oversupply of farm produce, suggesting that the government should implement programs that encourage crop diversification among farmers in the same region to prevent this. Since relying solely on the government can be uncertain, he also recommended teaching farmers value-adding and processing techniques to create new products from surplus crops, enabling them to earn higher profits.”

He also added that apart from the highly knowledgeable resource speakers in their summer program, one thing that he noticed was the well-equipped facilities and complete apparatus for agriculture in Indonesia. He noted that mechanization in farming is important in our country.

“Another key learning was the importance of mechanization. In today's world, labor in agriculture is becoming expensive, as many tasks require a large workforce. Azusa Takaki, Sales Manager of Kubota Indonesia, discussed the role of mechanization in livestock production, highlighting how innovation can elevate agriculture. By adopting mechanized systems, efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved with reduced labor.”

Guirindola who majors in horticulture and is the former president of the award-winning Visca Horticultural Society was selected by the VSU College of Agriculture and Food Science to join the AAACU Summer Program.

“I am equally thankful to the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) Dean, Dr. Suzette Lina, Secretary Ma'am Remenita Solis, and former Dean Dr. Victor Asio, for selecting me to represent the college in this program. I also express my gratitude to the Department of Horticulture (DOH) Head, Dr. Aljay Valida, former Head Dr. Rosario Salas, and Dr. Catherine Arradaza for their recommendation and support. A big thank you to the entire CAFS and DOH family!”

He also thanked the VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes, Vice President for Academic Affairs Rotacio S. Gravoso, and Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Aleli A. Villocino and her secretary Ms. Sheila Lemos for supporting and approving his participation in the program. 

Aside from the university’s support, he also acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and the AAACU that organized the summer program for agriculture students like him.

“I would also like to acknowledge AAACU for this incredible opportunity through the AAACU Summer Enrichment Program. My heartfelt thanks go to AAACU Executive Secretary Dr. Elpidio Agbisit, Technical Assistant Dr. Filma Calalo, Administrative Assistant Ma'am Juanita Larasi, and Ma'am Melinda Felismino for their guidance and assistance. Maraming Salamat po, AAACU family!”

With new things he learned abroad, Guirindola shared that attending training abroad is not only an opportunity to expand knowledge but rather to carry and share the knowledge gained to uplift others, especially in the field of agriculture.

“When you return, bring back not just knowledge but inspiration, resilience, and a vision to make a difference in your community,” he concluded.

[All photos are courtesy of Reyno Vicente S. Guirindola]

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals: No. 2 (Zero Hunger) and 4 (Quality Education).]

 

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