International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences

News

ISSAAS Central Luzon Chapter Born

By GC Sanchez
09-March-2010

Participants pose together with Dr. Ranola, Jr. and officers of ISSAAS Central Luzon Chapter.

The International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS), through its Vice President for ISSAAS Philippines, Dr. Roberto F. Ranola, Jr., successfully organized the ISSAAS Central Luzon Chapter on February 26, 2010 at the Farmer’s Training Center, Pampanga Agricultural College, Magalang, Pampanga. An exploratory meeting tackled important matters about the chapter attended by 40 participants coming from different state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region-III. Dr. Ranola oriented the group about the organization such as its objectives, membership, benefits, etc. and likewise presented the various activities of ISSAAS. After his presentation, a short open forum was held to answer some questions about the organization. An overwhelming response was seen as a total of 28 applied for ISSAAS membership right after the open forum. This was immediately followed by the election of officers for Central Luzon Chapter and the results are as follows:

President: Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, Jr. (PAC president)
Vice President: Dr. Max Guillermo (TCA president)
Secretary: Dr. Norman G. De Jesus (PAC)
Treasurer: Dr. Geraldine C. Sanchez (PAC)
Auditor: Mr. Agerico Nicdao (PLGU of Pampanga)

Board of Directors:

Dr. Quirino De La Cruz (CLSU)
Prof. Susan Garcia (RMTU)
Dr. Rolando Clemente (NEUST)
Prof. Rudy Flores (BPSU)
Dr. Josefina Buenviaje (DHVTSU)
Dr. Manangit (BASC)

Right after the election, a brainstorming on the upcoming activities of the chapter was held. The highlights of the meeting were the holding of the 1st ISSAAS Central Luzon Symposium. Since the elected president, in the person of Dr. Soriano is from PAC, it was agreed by the body that the venue and host of the symposium will be hed also is PAC. The tentative date is between September 8-12, 2010 and will be part of the PAC foundation activities. During the symposium, induction of newly elected officers and oath taking of new ISSAAS members will take place aside from the scientific paper presentation. The meeting also discussed the theme of the upcoming symposium and members coined possible title such as Alleviation of Poverty, Environmental Protection, Food Security and Safety, Agriculture Economics Sustainability and the role of Research in Addressing Global Problems.

The officers will still convene to discuss further the conference fee, sponsors, souvenir program and the creation of various working committee. It was raised by Dr. De La Cruz that Best Paper should be awarded in the symposium. Dr. Norman G. De Jesus on the other hand encouraged the members to submit abstracts of papers for presentation. The criteria for the selection of Best Paper will be set as soon as the scientific paper committee has been identified. Finally, parting words from Dr. H. Soriano, Jr. and Dr. M. Guillermo were shared to the group. They were very grateful for the efforts of Dr. Ranola, Jr. in sharing about ISSAAS as well as to all the new members of ISSAAS belonging to the Central Luzon Chapter. They further encouraged the group to invite their colleagues as they go back to their respective institutions to join ISSAAS. Picture taking ended the half day activity while lunch was served prior to the closing remarks of President H.Soriano, Jr.

More photos:

Dr. Norman G. De Jesus, PAC Director for Research and Development welcomes ISSASS officers to PAC headed by Dr. Ranola, Jr.