Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Two Central Mindanao University (CMU) faculty members recently attended a transformative training program on Tropical Agrosilvopasture for Sustainable Nature-Based Product Development. Hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this short course, held from October 16 to 27, 2023, focused on enhancing understanding and appreciation of agrosilvopasture technologies emphasizing local farm models in Yogyakarta, particularly in the areas of cacao, goat, and timber production.
Abbie Glenn Estribillo, from the Department of Food Science, and Jason Parlucha, from the Department of Wood Science and Technology, represented CMU during this valuable training experience, which was sponsored by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-funded project “Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources” (LevelUPHEI AFAR).
CMU Delegates Mr. Parlucha and Ms. Estribillo together with SEARCA Representatives Dr. Maria Cristeta N. Cuaresma, Senior Program Head, and Ms. Zacyl Jalotjot, Program Specialist.
The objectives of the training were manifold:
Appreciating Farm-Based Production Technologies: Participants were given the opportunity to gain insights into agrosilvopasture technologies and their role in sustaining the income of farmers in Yogyakarta.
Exploring Agrosilvopasture Practices in Indonesia: The course aimed to introduce participants to agrosilvopasture practices managed by farmers in Indonesia. These practices contribute to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of natural resources.
Jason Parlucha and Dr. Wiyono Putro, proponent of Social Forestry Program in Yogyakarta, discussing the timber production and Social Forestry Program in Gunungkidul Regency.
Immersing in Local Product Development: CMU attendees immersed themselves in the local community’s production of timber, traditional and modern chocolate, and goatโs milk processing.
Recognizing Institutional Mechanisms: The training also sought to shed light on the institutional mechanisms in Indonesia that support community forestry programs.
The training program was packed with field visits to various community model farms that employed agrosilvopasture technologies. The visited farms included a community-based cacao plantation with traditional chocolate production, a goat farm with a processing area for powdered goat’s milk, and a cooperative log yard utilizing timber from FSC-certified community forestry,
Cocoa farm cooperative in Kulon Progo discussing the practices in the farm
The production of traditional chocolates from cacao harvested in the farm is also done in a processing facility within the area.
During the course, the CMU participants also visited the Field Research Center of UGM, where they had hands-on experience [in the] UHT processing of milk and [the] production of milk chocolate. Notably, the chocolates produced [in their Field Research Center] are marketed as premium products of UGM.
The CMU participants returned from this training with a wealth of knowledge and a newfound appreciation for sustainable, community-based agrisilvopastural practices. They are poised to apply their learnings to benefit local communities, supporting sustainable agriculture and nature-based product development .
More Photos:
Hutan Pinus Mangunan, a tourist spot in Yogyakarta which is part of the social forestry program. This is a government-administered forest of tall Sumatran pine trees that generates income for the community.
Dr. Wiyono Putro discussing the FSC-certified community forest that supplies Teak to the logyard for timber production.
[Contributed Story by: Jason Parlucha,CFES- Faculty; Photos from: Abbie Glenn Estribillo, CHE-Faculty]
