During the symposium, President Roman reiterated the role of the University in the context of the new UP charter while Dr. Agnes Rola, CPAf dean, made a presentation on the future direction of the College. A panel of discussants composed of Dr. Emil Javier, former UP president and incumbent president of the National Academy of Science and Technology; Dr. Gelia Castillo, national scientist and former UPLB professor; and Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, founder and executive director of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development-Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) provided inputs and comments to the plans of CPAf as outlined by Dean Rola.

The College launched five publications written by CPAf faculty and REPS, namely, "Managing Climate Risks in the Context of Angat Reservoir, Philippines," "Post-Disaster Coping Mechanism and the Role of Women and Children: Practices and Interventions (A Source Monograph)," "The Social Sciences in Agriculture and Community Development: A Changing Paradigm (A Book of Proceedings)," and "Agricultural Research Prioritization at the Regional Level with Applications in Cagayan Valley, Philippines: A Training Guide." The Philippine Public Affairs Journal, which is in the pipeline and for release in 2010, was also presented.

During the celebration, CPAf faculty and personnel who exhibited exemplary performance and the retirees were given awards and recognition. The awardees were: Dr. Mimosa Ocampo, outstanding teacher; Dr. Merlyne Paunlagui, outstanding researcher; Ms. Teresita Vergara, outstanding administrative staff - non-supervisory category; and Mr. Orlando Felismino, outstanding administrative staff - blue collar category. The program also served as a testimonial to personnel who had retired in 2009: Dr. Carolina Santillana; Prof. Constancia Rosacia; Ms. Lorna Domingo, university researcher; Ms. Merle Antolin, university researcher; and Ms. Soledad Landicho, administrative assistant. A posthumous recognition was also given to Mr. Clemente Mataverde, administrative aide. The winners of various events in the CPAf Sportsfest held on Jan. 25 were also awarded during the celebration.

CPAf, one of the youngest colleges at UPLB, was created on Jan. 29, 1998. (JC Reyes)