Italy’s University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) master’s program students and tutors engaged with Cenphilians for an expeditionary learning experience at Central Philippines State University-Main Campus last March 18.
Twenty-nine UNISG students from countries like the United States of America, Kenya, India, Colombia, France, and Italy brought food products that are representative of their culture and are representative of the artisanal food practices of Italy for CPSU students to try as part of the food exchange workshop; College of Business Management (CBM) students under the supervision of CBM Dean Shiela A. Ignacio also introduced the sweet potato flour pandesal innovation to the said group of visitors.
CPSU officials from various offices toured the guests including UNISG students, UNISG tutors Ms. Martina Graglia, Meriam Venturino, and Lark Maag, Slow Food Negros representatives, and UNISG alumnus and UP Diliman’s Professor Rae Macapagal, to CPSU’s project sites which showcase the organic farming and slow food practices of the university which are designed to be replicated by students and locals as livelihood initiatives.
“I was also talking to some of the students from our university and they enjoyed this a lot because, you know, it’s about sharing like how you welcomed us here and how we also brought something so we can share our culture and food with you. I think it’s a very strong moment of bonding with you. It’s something that we and our students really appreciate a lot, and that is something that could be repeated. The significance of this expeditionary learning experience is that it brings together different cultures, different people, and different thoughts but with the same love of food that we share. Love of food is what I believe, the thing that brought us here,” answered UNISG tutor Ms. Martina Graglia when asked about her experience in CPSU and the significance of the expeditionary learning activity.
“CPSU caters to farmers as well as their sons and daughters who enter CPSU as undergraduate students. Your presence in our university will play a critical role in my advocacy that farmers will be served the respect that they deserve, comparable to their noble toil of feeding the nation, comparable to the respect given to other professionals. I believe that the most important group of visitors to the university are our fatherland’s farmers and you, foreign friends, are next to them. Today, you will be interacting with the local farmers and students, and the products they will share with you are certainly representative of the efforts we are exerting in this mountainous area. The demonstrations that you will be witnessing will show how our farmers prepare safe and healthy food. Hopefully, today’s activity will be a stimulus for a ripple effect for more intercultural and borderless undertakings as your continuous support for us and our farmers has the potential to popularize our efforts on the ground and bring our projects to the international community,” expressed CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca who consistently advocates for the university’s internationalization campaign in his message.
University officials, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Fernando D. Abello, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Michael M. Bacolod, Quality Assurance Director Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, Extension and Community Services Director Dr. Jimmy O. Degillo, Graduate School Dean Dr. Riza Stephanie A. Alfaras, the College of Computer Studies Officer-in-Charge Shara Mae R. Tee, CPSU-Sipalay Dean of Instruction Dr. Aubrey Ginelle P. Rallos, Disaster for Risk Reduction Management Director Dr. Alejandro E. Nalagon, Production and Enterprise Development Office Director Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa, Ms. May Opino, and university nurse Mr. Kent Galdren Y. Banjao’s respective presence, support, and assistance contributed to the success of the activity.
“It is noteworthy that many technologies surround us in this small world, in today’s global city. Now, the role of the university is to bridge the gap between the academe and the farmers by teaching them and bringing to them the appropriate and adaptable technology for utilization—technology that is highly technical but economically viable. Your role, University of Gastronomic Sciences graduate school students, is of considerable magnitude as your visit will help us by widening CPSU’s reach and narrowing the said gap. We would like to commend and congratulate you for visiting Central Philippines State University,” said Dr. Abello in his remarks.
The expeditionary learning activity encompassed an opening program, food exchange workshops, group tours to the Muscovado Production Facility, Vermiculture Production Site, Green Tech Mining site, and a luncheon that put the local organic and slow food into the limelight.