Functions

The major functions of the Agricultural Systems Cluster are to:

1. provide quality instruction and training in agricultural systems science, soil science, and agricultural extension;
2. generate relevant and appropriate research and/for development programs utilizing systems theories, methodologies, and strategies towards sustainable livelihood;
3. develop and promote innovative and effective agricultural extension approaches for countryside development; and
4. generate and manage resources to support instruction, research and extension in the agricultural systems cluster.

Research Priority Areas

The following are the research priority areas designed to address the general issues of poverty alleviation, income generation, health and nutrition, and sustenance of environment and biodiversity.

1. Suitability evaluation of the current and potential crop/cropping patterns or agricultural production systems in major agroecosystems (lowland, upland and hillyland)
   
   1. Characterization of the land quality and classification of lowland, upland and hilly land agroecosystems
   2. Qualitative characterization of crops/cropping patterns and assessment of financial performance of each crop or crop components
   3. Analysis of agricultural production systems according to crop specialization and distribution as influence by landholding, tenure, net returns per hectare, rural employment generation per hectare and market orientation.
   4. Assessment of the merit of the crop or cropping pattern allocation concept in respect to land use productivity and sustainability
   5. Assessing the suitability of crop lands to crops currently grown including other selected crops
   6. Assessment of approaches to realize production potential of current and introduced crops/cropping patterns on existing agricultural areas
   7. Formulation and identification of a rural employment generation in agro-based project
   8. Assessment of the impact of natural calamities such as floods, typhoons and drought on food production and supply or availability
2. Design and development of agriculture-based comprehensive land use plan
3. Design and development of strategies and plan for science and local people partnership for agriculture and environmental sustainability
4. On-farm assessment of sustainable farming practices (on pest and disease control, weed control, use of animal and green manures, etc.)
5. Soil fertility improvement approaches
   
   1. Composting technologies and use of farm (and urban) wastes to improve soil fertility and soil health
   2. Managing the amount, source, placement, form and timing of the application of nutrients and soil amendments to ensure adequate soil fertility for plant production and minimize the potential for environmental degradation
   3. Utilization of biofertilizers to improve soil fertility and soil health
   4. Assessment of nutrient supplying capacity of soils
6. Restoration and rehabilitation to improve the productivity of problem soils (e.g. acid soils, lahar-affected areas, wetlands, salt-affected soils, heavy metal-contaminated soils)
7. Development and validation of agricultural systems models
   
   1. Coconut-based agricultural systems
   2. Corn-based agricultural systems
   3. Rice-based agricultural systems
   4. Crop-animal integrated production systems
8. Design and development of innovative and farmer-based agricultural extension strategies for countryside development
9. Assessment of farmers’ participation in technology generation, exchange and utilization
10. Assessment of modalities of partnerships in agricultural extension
11. Assessment of soil microbial diversity towards improvement of soil quality and soil health

Contact Information

Office of the Director
Tel. No. 049-536-2547; 049-536-3426

Information Management & Technology Services Unit
Tel. No. 049-536-3426

Animal Breeding and Physiology Division
Tel. No. 049-536-3450

Animal Nutrition Division
Tel. No. 049-536-2551

Animal Products Processing and Utilization Division
Tel. No. 049-536-3423

Dairy Products Processing & Utilization Division
Tel. No. 049-536-2549

CSC Officers

Degree Programs

CURRENT

• BS Agriculture
    (Major in Agronomy, Horticulture)

• M Agriculture
• MS Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Management
• MS/PhD
    Agronomy
    Horticulture
    Plant Breeding
    Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

PROPOSED

• BS Agriculture
    (Major in Crop Science)

• BS Agricultural Biotechnology
    (Major in Crop Biotechnology)

Research Themes

• Unlocking plant genetic diversity for crop productivity, competitiveness and consumer health and nutrition
• Increasing crop production in resource-limiting environments
• Enhancing global competitiveness of Philippine high-value crops
• Harnessing plant and plant products for better health, well-being and increased income
• Developing sustainable production technologies fro increased productivity and environmental sustainability

Contact Details

CSC – IPB Director’s Office

c/o Ms. Nene R. Piamonte (049) 536 2448
      Mr. Felix D. Faylon (049) 536 3304

CPC Officers

Research Domain

• Environmental impact of pest management practices and technologies including their impact in public health and urban environments
• Integrated Pest Management
• Utilization of insects, microorganisms and weeds with potential benefits
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Physiology

Extension

• Operation and maintenance of a National Plant Diagnostic and Health
  Center

• People empowerment in IPM through FSTP, SAPREM, etc.
• Information management and publications including production of crop protection instruction and communication materials and library services
• Training modules and programs of researches and technologies
• Products and services including mushrooms, bio-control products, butterfly ranching

Resource Generation

• Plant health clinic diagnostics
• Communication and information materials such as Pest Notes, brochures, leaflets, comics,
• Training fees and consultations
• Mushroom, bio-control products

Products and Services

• Management of the Asian Corn Borer (ACB) by monitoring of egg masses and field releases of an effective biological control agent, Trichogramma evanescens when they are 3-4 egg masses per 100 plant/ha.
• Training on mushroom culture for livelihood
• PLANT PEST CLINIC: A public service to help farmers, gardeners and plant hobbyists to identify their pest problems
• TERMITE MANAGEMENT PROJECT: treats buildings and housing units and conducts training for building occupants for a more sustained and effective control
• Mass rearing and releases of Trichogramma evanescens against corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee
• Nematophagous fungi, Metarhizium aniso pliae and Penicillium oxalicum against potato cyst and root-knot nematode of vegetables
• Metarhizium anisopliae/Beauveria bassania against rice black bug, leafhoppers and diamondback moth
• Supervised residue trials of pesticides on agricultural crops such as tomato and eggplant
• Training programs in crop protection and pest management
• Production of crop protection and pest management extensionmaterials for farmers and technicians

Contact Details

Telefax:
        049-536-1315
        049-536-2409

Phones:
        049-536-2231
        049-536-2410
        049-536-0975
        049-536-2617
        049-536-2467
        049-536-3534

CPC Mobile Phone:
        0915-9868063

Instruction/ Degree Programs

The cluster offers undergraduate (B.Sc.) and graduate programs in Food Science leading to Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees for people holding or aiming for key position in the academe, research institutions, food industry and government. Currently, there are 21 undergraduate and 14 graduate courses offered in the cluster. These afford students more latitude and flexibility in developing their programs both in the undergraduate and graduate levels.

A food technology program at UPLB is relevant and responsive to the needs of modern times. B.S. Food Technology graduates at UPLB obtain a balanced, well-rounded education. They are able to readily adjust to the demands and challenges of their new responsibilities in their field of endeavor. To maintain this, the curriculum is regularly streamlined, well grounded in the sciences while being technology oriented. Thus, it continues to attract students from all walks of life from all regions of the country. As of the 1st semester, 2006-2007 the programs have a total population of over 400 students.

The contribution and impact of the Food Science and Technology program at UPLB to national development is enormous considering that the food manufacturing is one of the biggest if not the largest sector in industry today. The contribution of instruction and teaching is difficult to quantify but literacy and education are major concerns in the modern era and society towards sustained economic development through industrialization.

The dynamism, dedication and commitment to excellence of the faculty, staff and alumni is assurance of the continued relevance of the Food Science and Technology program at UPLB today and in the future.

Research

The cluster conducts research on food science and technology including product and process research and development, food engineering and management aspects. Currently it integrates research activities and develops programs on handling and processing foods of major economic importance. Some of the current projects in the cluster are as follows:

1. Quality evaluation of alcoholic beverages from local starchy materials (2006-2007)
2. Evaluation of the quality and composition of wines and cordials from local fruits (2006-2007)
3. Destruction of coliforms in local cured meat products (2006-2007)
4. Antioxidant components of Pili (2006-2007)
5. Food quality evaluation of native chicken (2007-2008)
6. Technology commercialization and packaging development of wines from selected local fruits (2007-2008)
7. Development of low-cost kit for determining process schedule in foods (2006-2008)
8. Technology commercialization and packaging development of ubi powder (2007-2008)

Extension

Like most government agencies, the cluster is dedicated to:

1. assist the food industry particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on their technical requirements;
2. reasonable use of pilot plant, laboratory and other facilities by SMEs to maximize benefits and optimize utilization;
3. conduct short courses/trainings/seminars/ workshops on food processing for students, homemakers, and entrepreneurs;
4. conduct analytical services for students and SMEs;
5. develop food product and process development prototypes for SMEs.

Contact Details

Food Science Cluster
College of Agriculture
UP Los Banos
4031 College, Laguna
Philippines

TeleFax No. (049) 536-3472

Historical Background

• 1909-1914. The UPCA farms in the form of home gardens were found mostly between residential houses of faculty members of the College. Farms were small and had no cropping patterns. Mr. Mariano Manas Cruz served as the first Farm Superintendent from 1910-1911 and then succeeded by Professor Harold Cuzner from 1912-1914.
   
• 1914-1922. The Station was recognized as a support unit in the conduct of field researches and experiments of UPCA. Initial developments included planting of pili trees along the road leading to the present site.

  Professor Albert G. Glodt served as Farm Superintendent from 1914-1919 and then succeeded by Professor Inocencio Elayda from 1920-1922.

• Dean Charles Fuller Baker initiated a campaign to establish a central experiment station for the College of Agriculture. He enlisted the support of professors, alumni, students and friends outside the College.
   
• Successful lobbying of Dean Baker resulted in greater allocation for the Department of Agronomy and the passage of Act No. 2730 by the Philippine Legislature on February 15,1918 which provided for the establishment of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the College of Agriculture. An area of 379 has. was acquired through this legislation. The Act which was sponsored by the late Guillermo P. Pablo likewise appropriated P125,000 on February 15,1918 which enabled the College to accomplish the following:
   
  • Expropriation of more than 250 hectares of suitable agricultural land adjoining the College grounds for the Agronomy experimental fields (139.73 ha) and the Animal Husbandry pasture lands (122.03 ha).
     
  • Construction of two laboratory buildings, poultry houses, barn, a hog shelter and silos
     
  • Purchase of experimental animals including special types of carabaos
     
• 1922-1927. UPCA Dean Charles F. Baker in 1926 pointed out the importance of research in order to develop the courses to be given here and to furnish results for extension education. He wrote “This strength of any country may be justly measured by its attitude toward scientific investigation and toward the technical education which is built upon it”.

  Dean Baker employed Professor M. B. Raymundo who served as Farm Superintendent from 1922-1928. He started the building of roads, irrigation dams, drainage and ditches through the “bayanihan” system. A course in Farm Management was offered under the Department of Agronomy.

• 1928-1938. Professor Alejandro B. Catambay was appointed as head of Farm Management Division under the Department of Agronomy until 1938. When he was transferred to the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mr. Clemente Yangco succeeded him and served as Farm Superintendent from 1938-1946.
   
• 1941-1945. World War II broke out and a great portion of the farm was used as camp site of the Japanese Imperial Army. Portions unoccupied were tilled by faculty members and students. A portion was kept as coral for work animals.
   
• 1946-1956. Professor Alejandro B. Catambay was reinstated as Farm Superintendent and concurrent head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering. Acquisition of machinery was started through aid from various agencies and sources.
   
• June 1952-June 20, 1960. The Cornell-Los Baños Contract under the auspices of the Foreign Operations Administration (FOA) later named International Cooperation Administration (ICA) which aimed to assist in the post-war rehabilitation of the College of Agriculture ,UP, the development of the College Central Experiment Station.
   
• 1956-1963. A division of Farm Management was established to house all facilities of the Central Experiment Station. The division handled all the field operations in the experiment station. Professor Sisenando R. Reantazo was hired as full time Farm Superintendent and served his term from 1956-1963.
   
• 1963 - . The name of the division evolved from Farm Management to Research Farm Operation Division to Farm Operation Division. Professor Rosendo K. Palis was appointed Farm Superintendent after Prof. Reantazo retired in 1964.

  The need to coordinate the activities of the experimental field and the use of farm machinery and implements of the College became the basic consideration for putting the FOD directly responsible to the UPCA Director of Research.

  Succeeding years witnessed the active role of the CES in support of the College of Agriculture in carrying out its instructional and research mandate as well as national food production programs in which the College has significant involvement. CES is a vital support system to intensify research in plant breeding and crop protection following the establishment of the Institute of Plant Breeding in 1975 and the National Crop Protection Center in 1976.

  Starting in 1980, the position of Farm Superintendent was replaced with Station Manager. He is directly responsible to the UPCA Dean.

  Appointed Station Managers of the Central Experiment Station are:

  • Mr. Telesforo M. Laude, 1980-1986
  • Mr. Benjamin G.Pangga, 1986-1993
  • Mr. Rodolfo M. Payson, 1997-1999
  • Dr. Eliseo P. Cadapan, 1999
  • Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, 1999-2002
  • Mr. Ernesto B. Cayaban, Jr., 2003-2007
  • Dr. Cesar C. Sevilla, 2007 to present
     
• Through the years, its services recognized as support unit in the conduct of field researches and experiments by the UPLB-CA Researhers. Farm machinery and implements were acquired through grants from National & foreign funding agencies
   
• Significant changes took place :

  1928-1960-

  1961 to 1965 - the research Farm Operation Division (FOD) was under the Department of Agronomy

  1966- the unit was renamed as Farm Operation Division under the supervision of the UP-CA Director

  November 1972- A year after the UP College of Agriculture has grown into a full pledge university in, the supervision of FOD was transferred to the Office of the Dean of CA.

  In 1974, the university expanded its experimental farm areas including the establishment of the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB). An Ad Hoc Land Development Office was created to oversee the initial land development of the new project. This was consequently integrated with FOD farming office, now the Central Experiment Station (CES).

Facilities

Administration building

Motor pool

Experimental farms

Farm machinery and implements

Irrigation facilities

Services/Program

CES perform services for most of the experimental farm operation for the researchers. These services are significantly handled by assigned service sections.

1. Farm operation section

   This section of the CES is in-charge of handling the following services.

   Land preparation (plowing, harrowing & rotavating), cultivation and spraying for agricultural field researches conducted at the experimental farms.

   Maintenance by grading and leveling of roadway networks at the experimental farm.

   Major dissilting and reshaping of irrigation and drainage canals.

2. Engineering section

   The Engineering Section is in-charge of the repair and maintenance of the farm machinery and equipment of the station. This unit is assigned to see to in that the farm machinery and equipment are maintained in good conditions in order to ensure continuous services to field researches.

3. Farm maintenance section

   This section is responsible for the general upkeep of the roadsides (main & access roads), fences, drainage canals (main & secondary), and lot borders. Specific services involves cleaning/grass cutting roadsides; embarkment of irrigation/drainage canals; collection of farm trashes; and dissilting/reshaping of drainage canals.

4. Irrigation section

   Irrigation services should be provided according to the type of irrigation required by the field researches. Irrigation water requirements can be supplied by furrow, border, perforain or sprinkle for upland crops and flooding for lowland rice crop. The total irrigation delivery requirements is supplied by deepwell pumps through water reservoir located at the experimental station.

5. Food production section

   Apart from providing support services to the field researches, the CES is also responsible for the judicious utilization of the experimental farms. The Food Production section is responsible for land utilization of vacant areas at the experimental farm for seed and food production purposes.

Organization and Management

The Chancellor of UPLB heads the organizational set up. His line of authority extends to the Dean of the College of Agriculture who directs the affairs of the station through the Station Manager.

The Station Manager leads and implements the programs and projects of the station with the assistance of three functional committees such as: research, training and extension, and special projects. Each committee is supervised by a technical staff.

At present, the Station has 34 staff members (7 REPS and 27 Administrative Staff) to support its operational requirements. Click here to view the functional assignment of the staff.

Facilities

To carry its mandate as a research and training station, the LGRTS is endowed with :

• Two hundred eighty eight (288) hectares of which about 140 hectares are considered operationally effective for crop and livestock research, training and production programs
  
  

• Administration building with 75 seats capacity lecture hall, guest house, farm shed and post harvest facility complex, animal sheds and motor pool
  
  

• Dormitory building with cafeteria and 60 seats capacity function rooms
  
  

• Farm and office equipment such as : 3 tractors, 9 vehicles, multipurpose dam, irrigation pump and pipes, computer and radio communication system.

The station is strategically located in the middle of Negros Occidental, about 53 kilometers from Bacolod City. It is located at 10º 24’N and 122º 59’E with an elevation of 74 meters above sea level. It has a Type 1 climate which is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season and a soil type belonging to the Guimbalon clay loam.

Accomplishments

Through the years, the station achieved modest gains and growth in terms of progress and resources.

Research. The LGRTS serves as the testing site of verification trials for upland crops like corn, upland rice, root crops, peanut and mungbean. To answer the needs of the region, the station also conducts crop and livestock diversification studies and other farming systems suitable to farmers conditions.

Training and Extension. The LGRTS provides technical assistance, conduct technology demonstration projects in strategic areas, participates in Agro-Trade Fairs and Exhibits, conduct technical skills training, summer field practice and field day. Handouts in different subject matter areas are distributed to facilitate information dissemination.

Special Projects. The LGTRS engages in various agibusiness projects to generate income to support its operations and development programs. These include sugarcane commercial project, upland crops seed production, fruits and ornamentals, tree farming, mushroom spawn production and livestock. These projects are showcases and also serve as training laboratory for agriculture students, technicians, sugarcane farm workers and farmers.

The La Granja Training and Research Station sustains linkages with other agencies and organizations which provide resource support. Some of these agencies are:

• the Philippine Council for Agriculture Resources Research and Development (PCARRD)
  
  

• La Granja Agricultural Research and Development Center (LGARDC)
  
  

• Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARDEC)
  
  

• UPLB Alumni Association Negros Chapter
  
  

• Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agriculture Research, Regional Field Units, Provincial Veterinary Office
  
  

• Sugar Regulatory Administration
  
  

• Philippine Carabao Center
  
  

• local government units of La Carlota City.

In keeping up with the tradition of excellence and relevance as a research and training station, the LGRTS continues to institute organization reforms, intensify its resource generation capacity through its agribusiness projects and strengthening collaboration with public and private institutions.

Contact Details

The Station Manager
UPLBCA Research and Training Station
La Granja, La Carlota City
Negros Occidental 6130