The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) virtually conducted its 2021 Alumni Symposium on October 19, 2021 in line with the theme of the 103rd UPLB Loyalty Day Celebration, “Bigkisang UPLB at Alumni para sa Matagumpay na Pagbangon Mula sa Pandemya.”

SESAM Dean, Dr. Rico C. Ancog extended his utmost gratitude to the School’s alumni. In his greetings, Dean Ancog mentioned that as the country’s premiere and pioneering institution in environmental science and management, SESAM takes pride in its mandate of producing a long list of dedicated environmental professionals and environmental leaders. 

He then stressed the essence of the SESAM Alumni in bringing impacts to the society, locally and globally. With the proud work of each and everyone, the School and its alumni continue to inspire the current students in championing the environment. 

Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. congratulated the three SESAM Outstanding Alumni Awardees and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Alumni of SESAM for their unwavering support to the University. He said, “SESAM has cultivated and nurtured a vibrant community of alumni that is deeply rooted in UP’s tradition of honor and excellence.” Chancellor Camacho was also pleased that a panel discussion on academe-government-industry collaboration, which has been also the battle cry of the larger UPLB alumni association, was among the agenda of this event. 

Awarding of distinguished SESAM Alumni

Dr. Ancog presented the three recipients of the 2021 SESAM Outstanding Alumni Award namely, Dr. Junel B. Guzman for Academic Leadership; Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia for Government Service; and Dr. Sonnie A. Vedra for Research. These three awardees were carefully selected by the Search and Nomination Committee headed by SESAM Professor Emeritus, Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo with committee members Dr. Alex Madrigal (PhD Environmental Science alumnus), former Regional Director of DOST-Region 4-A  and Dr. Ramon M. Docto (PhD Environmental Science alumnus), President of Palawan State University. This alumni symposium paid tribute to their work and dedication in advancing environmental science as an integrative discipline and practice. 

Dr. Guzman is the Vice President for Research Development and Extension in Cagayan State University. Her award is in recognition of her academic leadership that led to a strengthened research and development and extension program of the Cagayan State University. Dr. Guzman has the distinct recognition of championing her university in active and engaged research and extension work that provides strong science-based decision-making particularly in northern Philippines. Her efforts in performing active academic leadership resulted in the development of a well-organized university-wide Research and Development and Extension Programs and has introduced transformative strategies that improved the overall efficiency of the University’s RDE program worthy of emulation by other state universities and colleges of the country. 

Dr. Mutia of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute-Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (NFRDI-FFRDC) was recognized for her distinct and distinguished contributions in the field of research and development in freshwater fisheries research in the Philippines. She provided dedicated government service resulting in a growing culture of research in NFRDI that has been instrumental in the government’s efforts of strengthening its agri-industrialization and fisheries program. 

The third recipient, Dr. Vedra, is a Professor at the Mindanao State University-Naawan Campus. He was recognized for his active research leadership in the field of environmental management. Dr. Vedra provides a prime example worthy of emulation among the younger peers particularly in engaging in active research and extension work in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. 

Panel discussion

Another highlight during the event was the discussion on “Strengthening Environmental Management and Governance through Academe-Government-Industry Collaboration”, which was facilitated by Dr. Nicomedes D. Briones, a former Dean and Professor of SESAM. The panelists are SESAM Alumni themselves: Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, President of Bulacan State University; Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of the Marine Resources Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD; Dr. Julius Alfonso C. Sabularse, Vice President for Operations, ALDIZ Incorporated; and Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, former Regional Director of DOST Region 4A. 

According to Dr. Gascon, meeting the needs of the people requires understanding and sustainable and innovative solutions. With science and emerging technologies and innovations being discovered in the four corners of the academe, its role is very crucial in achieving sustainable development. 

Dr. Acedera presented a DOST Project called CRADLE or the Collaborative R&D to Leverage Philippine Economy Project which fosters collaboration between academe, government, and industry. According to Dr. Acedera, CRADLE aims to create synergistic academe partnerships to nurture the growth of Filipino companies. She presented some examples of this collaborative model.

Representing the industry sector is Dr. Sabularse who gave a background of the agrochemical industry in terms of the different government agencies that influence the Crop Protection and Fertilizer Industry. The collaboration involves Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority as the regulatory agency, the Philippine National Police for the safe transport and storage of controlled chemicals, and the LGUs as partners in technology transfer to the end users.