MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—Twenty-six graduate students from across Southeast Asia, Iran, Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey recently engaged in a 12-day program at a university and two provinces in Central Luzon for an intensive academic and field-based project.
The the graduate students participated in the ninth University Consortium Summer School (UC SS) hosted by Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, and the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), said SEARCA in a news release.
With the theme "Ridge to Reef: Integrated Management for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems," the program aimed to provide a holistic understanding of resource management.
The participants engaged in a blended learning format, combining online lectures with in-person activities at the CLSU campus and field visits to the coastal and marine ecosystems of nearby Aurora province.
They also learned ecosystem-based resource management, integrated pest management, and coastal zone rehabilitation.
A highlight of the program was the community homestay on San Salvador Island in Masinloc, Zambales, where the participants mingled directly with residents in conducting interdisciplinary assessments and co-creating a Community-Based Resource Management Plan.
The hands-on approach allowed the students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, offering sustainable solutions tailored to the community's needs.
CLSU President Dr. Evaristo Abella and SEARCA Senior Program Head for Education and Collective Learning Dr. Maria Cristeta Cuaresma lauded the students for their commitment and enthusiasm.
Abella highlighted the students' courage in stepping outside their comfort zones.
For her part, Cuaresma praised the resilience of the organizers and host families who ensured the program's success despite the challenges of back-to-back typhoons during the period.
They emphasized that the program's true value lies not just in its academic rigor but also in the relationships forged and cultural exchanges fostered.
The participants, in their testimonials, underscored a shared takeaway: the importance of human connections over material possessions. Their collective message was that the program deepened their knowledge while strengthened bonds among peers, facilitators, and host communities.
The annual Summer School is an initiative of the UC to enhance the understanding of rural development, agriculture, and natural resource management. It provides a unique opportunity for students to gain diverse perspectives and practical skills for promoting sustainable land and water use across Southeast Asia.