"The gains of the university during our time must be further enhanced and sustained. The modest laurels we achieved in the past are no longer sufficient to meet today's emerging challenges topped by climate change, globalization, desertification, social unrest and the digital divide. Hence, our collective achievements must be harnessed to better respond to our rapidly changing task environment."

            This was according to ICRISAT Director General, William D. Dar in his acceptance speech as he was conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Resource Management Honoris causa during the special mid-year graduation last November 7.

            "Let me therefore pose a challenge to the leadership and our colleagues at BSU to be proactive in facing today's challenges. We can do this by positioning BSU as a catalyst to the sustainable development of the Cordilleras and, therefore, the country as a whole. Business as usual will not help us meet today's global challenges, especially climate change."

            "Four years ago," he recalled, "I emphasized that BSU can be a development catalyst through its four functions of instruction, research, extension and production. Along with this, BSU must re-orient its objectives to provide world-class education primarily aimed at helping attain the country's development goals and enable graduates to compete in the global job market; in tandem with this, BSU must provide world-class entrepreneurship training to enable graduates to create jobs for themselves and others. Training in entrepreneurship will then become another unique advantage of BSU over other colleges and universities of agriculture in the country."

            He added that BSU can also establish academic, research, extension and production programs that will provide graduates with relevant knowledge and skills aligned with the development plan of the region and the country as a whole; accelerate human resource development to further enhance the competence, capacity, and competitiveness of faculty and staff; and develop social consciousness among students through instruction, social, civic and cultural activities.

            Dr. Dar joined 200 other graduates in post graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Chickpea research

            On the same day, Dr. Dar represented ICRISAT to the MOA signing on Chickpea Research between DOST-PCARRD, DA- CAR , ICRISAT and BSU. He turned over chickpea seeds to the university. A one hundred thousand peso check was also given by DA- CAR as initial funding for the research project.

            "Chickpea is locally known as garbanzos, it is rich in protein and carbohydrates," said Dr. Sonwright Maddul, Vice president for Research and Extension, one of the key players in the research project.

            ICRISAT, under the guidance of Dr. Dar has developed the world's first transgenics in chickpea, peanut and pigeon pea.

Roundtable discussion with the Baguio Press Corps

            Dr. Dar with BSU president Dr. Rogelio D. Colting and  CHED Executive Secretary William Medrano also discussed issues on environment degradation, desertification, climate change and what government institutions and agencies could do. The three gamely entertained questions from the local media headed by Atty. Delmar Carino of the Baguio Press Corps. More details? Visit the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension or call (074) 422-6504 . News clippings are available at the UPAO.