LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) was ceremonially signed at the UPLB Office of the Chancellor Executive Conference Room last June 9, 2023. DA-BAFE Director Ariodear C. Rico is represented by BAFE-SRED Division Chief, Engr. Janice P. Vargas and Engr. Mark Twain A. Limbo.
(Seated from left to right) Engr. Mark Twain A. Limbo (BAFE-SRED), Engr. Janice P. Vargas (BAFE-SRED Chief), Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. (UPLB Chancellor), and Dr. Rosanna Marie C. Amongo (CEAT Dean) with UPLB-CEAT faculty (standing)
The said MOU aims to develop academic and educational cooperation and promote mutual understanding between parties. Both UPLB and DA-BAFE share a common goal of improving the training and skills of students through collaborative activities such as OJT, practicum, internships, and job placement among others.
Dr. Rossana Marie C. Amongo, Dean of the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT), welcomed the participants including UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, PhD, colleagues and faculty members from UPLB CEAT and representatives from DA-BAFE.
The UPLB has current partnership with sixteen (16) companies and eight (8) higher education institutions (HEIs). The program on academe-institutional linkages, formalized through the signing of MOUs, is one of UPLB-CEAT’s flagship programs. Mobility of students, conducting OJTs (on-the-job trainings), practicum, and engineering-research form part of the MOU, said Dr. Amongo. In the last five years, UPLB-CEAT has put-in effort in helping its students match their skills and capabilities for the actual real-life immersion through OJT.
Internship is now required in 29 out of a total of 30 undergraduate programs offered in UPLB to provide industry exposure to students. Previously, internships were only an option for selected undergraduate programs. OJT, internship, and practicum have been implemented under the current administration of Dr. Camacho starting school year 2020. The UPLB-CEAT spearheaded the implementation of the internship program for its students, Dr. Camacho said.
UPLB students and faculty can now conduct internships through the signed MOU between the university and its partners. “Malaki po ang pagpapahalaga namin sa internship sapagkat ito ang magbibigay ng mas kumpletong experience lalong-lalo na yung commitment namin for academe-industry collaboration,” said the UPLB Chancellor. Through the cooperation of UPLB’s industry partners, students gain relevant exposure to industry practices, develop discipline in the workplace, and appreciate the value of work. Dr. Camacho enjoined the its industry partners to provide feedback and comments to CEAT regarding the adequacy of the interns’ knowledge and skills.
As an alumnus of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, BAFE-SRED Chief Engr. Vargas expressed gratitude to UPLB for selecting BAFE as one of the venues for its internship program. Engr. Vargas and Engr. Limbo are both in-charge of BAFE’s programs for the youth namely GIP (Government Internship Program) Youth ABE, Summer Youth Program, and Student Immersion Program.
“We are happy that UPLB will again provide interns, as the internship program is a good venue for them to learn from our experts,” Engr. Vargas said. Graduates of the internship program have higher employability. Six interns excelled in last year’s internship program that BAFE specifically designed for them, according to Engr. Vargas. ###Marshall Louie Asis, DA-BAFE ICTST