CPAf Marks 27 Years of Building Connections that Matter

“It is befitting to look at CPAf as a college living and thriving within a network of strong and weak ties that complement its capabilities and bolsters its impact to the society.” – Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan

With the theme “27 Years of Connections that Matter”, the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) celebrated its 27th year anniversary on 4 February 2025 at the Multi-purpose Hall, CPAf. Present during the celebration are the key officials of UPLB and the representatives from the partner institutions of the college, along with the students, alumni faculty members and staff of CPAf.

Strengthening Connections and Forging New Ties
In her welcome message, CPAf Dean Aileen V. Lapitan emphasized that this year’s anniversary celebrates the individuals and connections that have shaped and continuously shaped CPAf’s story. Borrowing the Hawaiian term ohana, she added “CPAf is our ohana, where we find our sense of belonging and solidarity that usually builds strength from frequent and meaningful interaction.” Anchored in the anniversary’s theme, CPAf honors the strong bonds that have been formed through the years and the new ties being established.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr, in his message, also extended his congratulations to the college in celebration of its anniversary. Recognizing the valuable contribution of CPAf to the UPLB community, Chancellor Camacho described CPAf as a pillar of academic excellence, innovation, and public service. Extending beyond the academic halls, he noted that CPAf’s impact is evident in the communities it serves, the policies it contributes to shaping, and the students and professionals it equips.

In his inspirational talk, Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino, who recently joined CPAf as Professorial Lecturer 5, highlighted the significance of connections and urged the college to continually develop strong partnerships and leverage these connections to investments contributing to the agricultural research and development landscape of the country. A distinguished Filipino economist and policymaker with extensive contributions to economic development, agricultural policy, and food security, Dr. Tolentino held various key positions in the Department of Agriculture, IRRI, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Asia Foundation.

Continuing CPAf’s commitment

Activities organized by the different units in CPAf were also announced in continuation of the celebration of its 27th anniversary. These events, scheduled to happen in the following months, include the following:

1. Connecting Minds for AANR Progress: Building a Dynamic Academic and Research Network in the Philippines, organized by the Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS)
2. Thought Leaders Forum: A Lecture Series on Public Affairs, Governance and Development, organized by the Institute for Governance and Rural Development (IGRD)
3. Usapang Pera: A Real Talk Discussion with Funding Agencies on Partnership Experiences, organized by the Community Innovations Studies Center (CISC)
4. Crossroads Conversations: An International Expert Lecture Series, organized by the Office of the Dean and the Knowledge Management Office (KMO)

The Knowledge Management Office also proudly launched the 10th Volume of its In Focus magazine. Anchored by the theme “ EXEMPLAR: Stories of Innovation and Change In Focus”, the volume presents nine unique narratives told through feature articles, infographics, and photo essays crafted by CPAf’s faculty and researchers.

The policy paper titled “Strengthening Higher Agriculture Educational Institutions (HAEIs) and Vocational-Technical Training Programs on Entrepreneurship for Greater Contribution Towards Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity” was also launched during the anniversary. Crucial to the crafting of this policy paper, which was commissioned by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), are the distinguished faculty members of CPAf, headed by Dr. Luis Rey Velasco, former UPLB Chancellor and UP President Edgardo J. Angara (UP PEJA) Fellow. Dr. Cynthia Remedios V. De Guia, member of the policy project team, presented the paper, highlighting the challenges faced by the tertiary education system in contributing towards the improvement of agricultural and fisheries productivity.

Advancing towards the growth of CPAf in the next five years, Prof. Nelson Jose Vincent B. Querijero, Chair of Strategic Planning Committee presented the CPAf Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. Using the strategic foresight approach, the AdHoc Committee for Strategic Plan composed of faculty members, researchers and administrative staff from CPAf units, developed three strategic goals to be accomplished until 2030. These three strategic goals include: produce thought leaders, transformative research and public service, and supportive organization systems, culture and climate.

Celebrating excellence and dedication
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration is the recognition of the 2025 CPAf Awardees. REPS, administrative staff, including the research and extension projects were given recognition due to their exemplary contributions. Dr. Nico Jayson Anastacio, UR III from CSPPS, and Ms. Maria Cristina Alvarez, URA II from CISC were awarded as Outstanding Senior Researcher and Outstanding Junior Researcher, respectively. Ms. Karen S. Janiya, UR II from CSPPS, and Ms. Dhannica Amor M. Domingo, UR I from CSPSS, were recognized as the Outstanding Senior Extension Personnel and Outstanding Junior Extension Personnel, respectively. Mr. Benedict L. Reforma, Administrative Assistant V from the Office of the Dean, on the other hand, was awarded the Outstanding Administrative Personnel.

The project titled “FMR 1: Assessment of Policy Constraints to the Effective and Efficient Conduct of Public R&D in the Philippines” was awarded as the Outstanding Research Project, while the project titled “DIP Lab 1.0: Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory” was recognized as the Outstanding Extension Project.

Loyalty Awards were also given to the CPAf staff in recognition of their 10-year and 15-year service in the College. Four faculty members namely Assoc. Prof. Evelie P. Serrano, Asst. Prof. Ephraim C. Quinoñes, Assoc. Prof. Ruth A. Ortega-Dela Cruz and Prof. Bing Baltazar C. Brillo; and three REPS namely Ms. Joanne V. Alvarez, Dr. Hadji C. Jalotjot, and Ms. Guinevere T. Madlangbayan were recognized for their 10-year service in CPAf. Asst. Prof. Mayo Grace C. Amit was recognized for her 15-year service. Also recognized was Ms. Rowena O. Noche  who retired as Administrative Officer V for her 37 years and 2 months of government service. Previous members of the CPAf Executive Committee were also awarded with Certificates of Appreciation.

To cap the 27th anniversary celebration, Dr. Rhea L. Gumasing, Chair of the 27th Anniversary Steering Committee, thanked the individuals who had been instrumental in making the  event successful. In her closing message, she noted “CPAf is young at 27 years, and the opportunity for learning and growth is immense.”

Ms. Guinevere T. Madlangbayan, UR I from CSPPS, hosted the 27th anniversary celebration.

To view more photos from the event, visit the CPAf 27th Anniversary photo album posted at the CPAf official Facebook page.