LOS BAÑOS, Philippines – After a three-week intensive course, 16 Southeast Asian participants completed the Post Graduate Course on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The three unit credit earning course is envisioned to move from one member of  the University Consortium (UC) to another, with UPLB implementing the first full blown course.

“This course pushes forward UPLB’s efforts toward internationalization,” affirmed Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., Chancellor of UPLB, during the closing program of the summer school on 15 July 2015. Graduate students, faculty, and staff from even Southeast Asian countries participated in the summer course, namely: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines. A lecturer from the Kasetsart University also served as resource person of the post graduate course.

Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual, President of the UP System complimented the collaborative effort between and among UPLB, UC, and SEARCA which made possible the said post graduate course. President Pascual delivered the inspirational message during the closing program.

“Apart from the different lectures, the various field trips were able to widen my horizon further,” said Ms. Chia Siew Lian, a graduate student of Universiti Putra Malaysia who attended the course. “I will also cherish the friendship and memorable experiences with my fellow participants.”