Grad students tackle sustainable food systems at 9th University Consortium Summer School

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The 9th University Consortium Summer School (UC SS) brought together 26 graduate students from across Southeast Asia, as well as Iran, Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey, for an intensive academic and field-based program. Hosted by Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), the program ran from July 28 to August 8, 2025.

With the theme “Ridge to Reef: Integrated Management for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems,” the program aimed to provide a holistic understanding of resource management. Participants engaged in a blended learning format, combining online lectures with in-person activities at the CLSU campus and field visits to the coastal and marine ecosystems of nearby Aurora province. Topics covered included ecosystem-based resource management, integrated pest management, and coastal zone rehabilitation.

A key highlight was the community homestay on San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales. Participants collaborated directly with residents, conducting interdisciplinary assessments and co-creating a Community-Based Resource Management Plan. This hands-on approach allowed students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, offering sustainable solutions tailored to the community’s needs.

At the closing ceremony, CLSU President Dr. Evaristo Abella and SEARCA Senior Program Head for Education and Collective Learning Dr. Maria Cristeta Cuaresma lauded the students for their commitment and enthusiasm. Abella highlighted the students’ courage in stepping outside their comfort zones, while Cuaresma praised the resilience of the organizers and host families who ensured the program’s success despite the challenges of back-to-back typhoons. Both emphasized that the program’s true value lies not just in its academic rigor but also in the relationships forged and cultural exchanges fostered.

Participants echoed these sentiments, sharing testimonials that underscored a shared takeaway: the importance of human connections over material possessions. They agreed that the program deepened their knowledge while strengthening bonds among peers, facilitators, and host communities.

The annual Summer School is an initiative of the UC to enhance the understanding of rural development, agriculture, and natural resource management. It provides a unique opportunity for students to gain diverse perspectives and practical skills for promoting sustainable land and water use across Southeast Asia.