Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, Professor 12 at the Institute of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, gave the first lecture on "Managing Climate Risks to Enhance Crop Productivity for Food Security: Knowledge-based Dynamic Cropping Calendar for Farm Operations." Dr. Lansigan explained that changes in weather and climate are significant factors in crop production most especially those that are under rain-fed conditions. He also highlighted the issues, data and information gaps, and research and development challenges that need to be addressed with the use of these two approaches.

On the other hand, Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo, Professor 9 and director of the Crop Protection Cluster, College of Agriculture, gave a lecture entitled "The Dynamics and Management of Pest Epidemics in a Variable and Changing Climate." Dr. Raymundo related how climatic factors greatly affect pest growth, dispersal, spread, and distribution. He also maintained that the effects of climate changes are relevant in formulating effective pest and disease management strategies.

Lastly, Dr. Agnes C. Rola, Professor 12 at the Institute of Strategic Planning and Policy Studies and dean of the College of Public Affairs, delivered a two-part lecture, "Towards a Climate Risk Resilient Agricultural Development: How Can UPLB Address this Challenge?" Her talk identified the knowledge, skills, and competencies of future UPLB graduates that agriculture and related institutions need in order to achieve a "climate risk resilient agricultural development." She also did an analysis on the state of academic offerings on climate change and development in developed countries.

The University's Centennial Professorial Grant aims to finance 100 professorial chairs and faculty grants worth P100, 000 in order to harness the varied professional expertise of UPLB's faculty. It also aims to focus on how the faculty can contribute to address the recommendations of the External Program Review and the purposes of the University as mandated by the New UP Charter. (JAA Oruga)