Possible instruction, research, extension collabs discussed
As part of exploring possible collaborations with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Dr. Celina Wille, a professor in extension at the Utah State University and Michigan State University, visited the BIDANI Network Program on May 9, 2018.
During her visit, BIDANI Network Program Leader Dr. Angelina Felix and Network Coordinator for SUCs Pamela Gonzales oriented Dr. Willie about the history of the program, dating back to the Nutrition Improvement Model (NIM) in 1978. They also discussed BIDANI’s three innovative strategies, namely the Barangay Integrated Development Approach (BIDA), Barangay Management Information System (BMIS), and the Participative Nutrition Enhancement Approach (PNEA). BIDANI-UPLB’s two hats – as the overall coordinator of the Network Program and as a BIDANI implementing SUC – were tackled as well.
There were also discussions about how extension programs are implemented in the United States, where there are federal and state government levels, and the Philippines, which has a unitary form of government.
Possible collaborations with UPLB were also discussed, particularly in terms of sending students to UPLB to immerse in the University’s research and extension endeavors in the Philippines.
Aside from BIDANI, Dr. Wille and her team were also given a tour of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF).
Dr. Wille was accompanied by Dr. Simplicio Medina, Director of Office of International Linkages (OIL) during her visit to BIDANI. Also welcoming her during the BIDANI visit were Dr. Raden Piadozo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology and Dr. Leila Africa, IHNF Director.
– Guien Eidrefson Garma