Benguet State University warmly welcomed two Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) on October 6, 2026, for a learning visit to the University focused on agricultural practices, technologies, and approaches suited to highland and varying environmental conditions.
The visiting volunteers were Ms. Mina, JOCV assigned in Cebu City, and Mr. Kanji, assigned in La Union. Their visit aimed to provide an opportunity to observe and learn from the agricultural activities conducted at BSU, while allowing the participants to compare agricultural practices, management strategies, and problem-solving approaches developed in response to different environmental conditions.
The visitors were accompanied by Ms. Otoha, JOCV assigned to BSU’s Pomology Project, together with Ms. Maricel Dacnes and Ms. Dianne Pingalo of the College of Agriculture.
The learning visit began with a courtesy visit to the Office of the University President, where the volunteers were warmly welcomed by Vice President for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin, International Relations Office (IRO) Director Rex John G. Bawang, and College of Agriculture IRO Coordinator Jake L. Galian.
The group then proceeded to the College of Agriculture, where they met with faculty and staff, including colleagues involved in the Pomology Project. They also met with College Dean Constantino T. Sudaypan, who shared the itinerary and activities prepared for the day.
The agricultural learning tour continued at the Pomology Project site, where the three JOCVs participated in a ceremonial planting of sweet orange trees. The group then proceeded to the BSU Demonstration Farm Project of the Office of Extension Services (OES) and the Cordillera Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center (COARDC), where they explored the University’s practices in organic farming, good agricultural practices, and sustainable agricultural production. Agricultural Technician II Mr. Casmir Ligat guided the group through the OES Demo Farm, while COARDC Director Ms. Precil Sales shared the center’s ongoing initiatives on organic farming. The visits provided the volunteers with firsthand insights into how BSU applies sustainable and context-responsive farming approaches in the highland environment.
In the afternoon, the group proceeded to the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC). They were toured by Mr. Gabby Dao-ines, a former Japan agricultural trainee and now a researcher at the center. He shared the center’s work in root crop production and research, including innovative production systems utilizing hydroponic, aeroponic, and drip technologies.
The final stop was the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (IHFSA), where the group met with Mr. Junee Mark D. Gayaso and Mr. Jaymar Ross P. Garcia, IHFSA Staff. The visitors learned about the different coffee species grown by the University and in the region, as well as the coffee harvesting, production, and post-harvest processes practiced by the institute.
The visit gave the JOCVs an opportunity to see and learn from the different agricultural activities being conducted at BSU. It also allowed the participants to share experiences and practices from their respective areas, creating an avenue for learning and exchange within the agricultural community.
