Graduates join hands as they accept the challenge of serving the purpose and values of true UP Education – serving the people. Photo courtesy of KZG Lavadia

Hosted by the Institute of Animal Science (IAS) and the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI), the Testimonial and Recognition Ceremonies for the Graduating Class of 2019 of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) was held at the UPLB Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall last June 21, one day before the graduation rites of UPLB.

Some 600 graduating students with their respective families, faculty, and staff filled the hall with laughter and cheer. The CAFS dean, Dr. Elpidio M. Agbist Jr., had a brief but meaningful message emphasizing the need to step forward as servants of the country.  He reminded the graduates to bear in mind that graduating as an agriculturist is not only for education purposes but more for serving the country.

Dr. Arnel del Barrio, director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and keynote speaker during the event, emphasized that agriculture graduates have endless possibilities in achieving greatness and that all should aspire for honor and excellence, a trade mark of the university.

He also pointed out that because the Philippines has always been an agricultural country, young people should be engaged in contributing to agriculture to make food always available and attainable. Highlighting his message is injecting passion and persistence into every goal; without which, dreams will end up nothing.  He defined persistence as the ability to persevere in facing differences and failures.

UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., represented by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Portia Lapitan, on the other hand, relayed the important message of commitment to public service for the new graduates. According to the Chancellor, commitment should be coupled with integrity and devotion no matter how challenging the tasks may be for the new scholars.  He stressed that the new graduates should be focused on the advancement of research and public service that would contribute to the development of the country.