Expanding Horizons for Extension Education: CPAf Faculty Member’s Knowledge Sharing visit in Thailand

Associate Professor Dr. Evelie P. Serrano of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) served as a visiting lecturer at the Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen (KU KPS) in Thailand last December 1 to 10, 2024.

As a visiting lecturer at the KU KPS Department of Human and Community Resource Development (HCRD), Faculty of Education and Development Sciences, Dr. Serrano delivered discussions and workshops primarily focusing on conducting qualitative research, understanding the review of literature, and facilitating action research in the community and organization.

Dr. Serrano’s plenary presentation at the 21st KU KPS National Conference and 4th International Conference on Governance and Development (ICGD4) Pre-Conference Symposium.

Alongside this, Dr. Serrano was also invited as a plenary speaker in the 21st KU KPS National Conference and 4th International Conference on Governance and Development (ICGD4) Pre-Conference Symposium where she expounded on the role of education and extension in promoting carbon neutrality.

Dr. Serrano’s exploratory meeting on dual graduate programs with HCRD-KU KPS faculty members

To foster the growing partnership between KU KPS and CPAf, Dr. Serrano, together with CPAf faculty members Dr. Rhea Gumasing, Dr. Maria Luz Malabayabas, and Asst. Prof. Mayo Grace Amit participated in an exploratory meeting between the two institutions on the possibility of offering joint graduate programs in the future. She also attended the ICGD4 steering committee meeting with the School of Integrated Science (SIS) KU dean and ICGD4 co-chair, Dr. Naroon Waramit, to ensure the smooth implementation of  the conference set on July 31 to August 2, 2025 at KU.

Judging portion of KU KPS Orchid Exhibit

Cultural trip to Kanchanaburi Province

Aside from the technical endeavors, Dr. Serrano also managed to learn about and participate in social and cultural activities in the University such as being a judge for the KU KPS Orchid Exhibit organized by HCRD, and visiting cultural places in Thailand. Her visit coincided with the annual KasetFair, which enabled her to view various exhibits on campus and learn more about KU KPS and its culture.

“It was an excellent way to learn more about our partner university and its warm and friendly people,” stated Dr. Serrano.

She added that this engagement allowed her to have valuable insights into Thai education and culture which broadened her perspectives and increased her cultural sensitivity, which she finds important in delivering the best teaching practices.

Dr. Serrano’s visit was made possible by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) faculty mobility grant and the existing partnership with CPAf-UPLB and KU KPS, established in October 2023.