Xavier University College of Agriculture - XUCA underscores synergy of programs

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XUCA underscores synergy of programs

Enhancing collaboration and integration of the different units and departments was at the top of the agenda during the College of Agriculture’s annual review and planning on April 10-12.

Modifications to allow greater integration of all the programs in the College were introduced during the meeting highlighted by the clustering of units and departments. This is not only to strengthen the academic departments but also to provide more opportunities for collaboration and involvement of both faculty and staff in instruction, research, outreach and production activities.

“Coordination is important from the perspective of the value chain. It is important not only to focus on production but also to link products to the market,” said Roel Ravanera, Dean of the College of Agriculture on ensuring relevance of what students are learning and on responding to the changing needs of the times.

Systems and procedures on the proposed Human Resource Management and Development Program were also presented to “serve the best interest of the most important asset of the organization -its people.” The consulting group Agridev Training, Research, Advocacy, Consultancy Services (AgriTRACS) currently developed by the College was also formally introduced during the planning.

Moreover, the activity included an exposure to the different project sites of the outreach units to interact with community partners in various outreach projects in Bukidnon. The projects visit also intended to show to the Aggie students who came along the involvement of the College of Agriculture beyond the university campus.

Some faculty, staff and students visited the Tongan-tongan Organic Farmers Society for Sustainable Agriculture project of the Sustainable Agriculture Center in Valencia, Bukidnon and the bio-intensive vegetable allotment gardens called Gardens of Peace and Hope implemented by the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services Center.

“When we go to see these communities, we cease to be teachers and start to become students once more. There is so much to learn out there,” said Assistant Dean Alexis Maristaza on the exposure trip.