Highlighting the growing significance of education tourism (edutourism) at Central Luzon State University, its eFARM (engaging Farm and Agriculture Resources Management) Academy Program took center stage during the plenary session of the Philippine Research Conference on Tourism and Hospitality (PRCTH) held from September 12-13, 2024, at the SEARCA Conference Hall, Los Baños, Laguna.
Organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT), UP College of Home Economics, UPLB PASEO, Nayong Pilipino, and Brenda University of Applied Sciences, the PRCTH was attended by eFARM Academy’s two project leaders, Dr. Celyrah Castillo for eFARM KITCHEN and Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle Estigoy for eFARM GROW, representing the program leader, Dr. Gella Patria Abella.
The eFARM Academy was introduced as one of the most successful programs funded through the StudyPH Grants of the International Affairs Services of the Commission on Higher Education.
During the panel discussions, Dr. Castillo served as a discussant where she shared how the program was conceptualized, and provided insights into how it became a success.
“We banked on and capitalized on our strength, which we believe is agriculture and fisheries, which form the foundation of the eFARM Academy,” Dr. Castillo exclaimed.
She further emphasized that CLSU has numerous mature technologies ready to be transferred to the community, underscoring that these innovations provide compelling reasons to visit the University—beyond its picturesque campus.
Prof. Eddie Nuque, plenary session presenter for CHED's StudyPH program, echoed the sentiment, noting that the eFARM Academy has established the University as a prime tourism destination. He emphasized the high-quality services offered in education, research, and extension through the generated technologies in agrifishery.
Concluding the session, Dr. Maricel G. Padilla, faculty of UP AIT and moderator, encouraged the participants to submit proposals to CHED as it is a good platform for schools and state universities to showcase their top programs and innovations, particularly those that advance education, research, and community engagement through edutourism.
Other discussants include Prof. Roberto P. Serrano, program leader of UPLB PASEO, UP Los Baños, Laguna and Prof. Aimee Grace M. Madlangbayan, program leader of SHINE Bulacan, Bulacan State University.
In 2023, the eFARM Academy clinched the IZN Award beating three other finalists under the StudyPH Sustainable Tourism Category of the CHED ICONS Awards.
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