LBSCFI inducts new Officers and Board of Trustees for 2014-2016; UPLBFI assumes presidency

The Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) inducted its new Board of Trustees and Officers for 2014 to 2016 during the closing ceremonies of the Syensaya 2014 last September 12, 2014 at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium.

Dr. Cecilio R. Aboleda, Executive Director of the UP Los Baños, Foundation, Inc. (UPLBFI) assumed the presidency and succeeded Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, the UPLB Chancellor.

In his message, Dr. Arboleda expressed that the LBSCFI shall continue to strengthen its science and technology activities as well as introduce new ones. He cited the establishment of LBSCFI’s own website and dissemination of articles on policy advocacies on the promotion of science and mathematics education, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, innovation and entrepreneurship, among others.

“In the next two years, we will endeavour to continue to pursue activities that will further promote the purpose for which our foundation has been organized,” he said.

Further, other new officers that were inducted are: Vice President, Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, Executive Director of ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB); Secretary, Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD); and Treasurer, Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., Director of Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

New set of Board of Trustees include: Mayor Caesar P. Perez, Mayor of the Municipality of Los Baños; Dr. Robert S. Zeigler, Director General of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI); Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, Regional Director of Department of Science and Technology- Region IV (DOST-IV); Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Chancellor of UPLB; and Dr. Grace Javier-Alfonso, Chancellor of UP Open University (UPOU).

LBSCFI currently has 23 member agencies composed of R&D and educational institutions; business and private entities; and the municipal government of Los Baños. Its vision is to build a prosperous, environmentally-conscious, scientifically-oriented, humane, and united community, living in harmony with nature. (AFBJamias)

UPLB Chancellor Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, the Outgoing President of LBSCFI (far left) led the induction of the new set of Officers and Board of Trustees. Present during the oath-taking are (R-L): Dr. Cecilio R. Arboleda, UPLBFI; Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, ACB; Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, PCAARRD; Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, SEARCA; Mayor Caesar P. Perez, Municipality of Los Baños; Mr. Ramon A. Oliveros representing IRRI; Ms. Lydia S. Manguiat representing DOST-IV; and Dr. Primo G. Garcia representing UPOU.