AGRICULTURAL TOOLS. In his discussion, XU faculty-in-charge Roel Ravanera tells the MPM-RD students to deepen their understanding in using relevant tools to enhance agricultural productivity in the country. Supplied photo.
By Casandra Hilary B Emata
Xavier University instructors for the Master in Public Management major in Rural Development (MPM-RD) program by the Development Academy of the Philippines weaved together course lessons during an integration session on September 14 at the DAP conference center in Tagaytay City.
XU spearheaded the lessons on Asset Reform and Natural Resource Governance (AR NRG) and Agricultural Resource and Productivity Tools (ARPT) to the students, who are field work and technical staff members of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Agrarian Reform.
Offered by DAP in consortium with the University of the Philippines - Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University - School of Government, and Xavier University - Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (Searsolin), the master’s program employs a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online sessions for its classes.
For the first time in the three batches of MPM-RD classes, the face-to-face sessions for AR NRG and ARPT were held at Searsolin from June 23 to July 3. The sessions also included a cultural community immersion and field trips to relevant sites in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
RESOURCE GOVERNANCE. Civil society expert Antonio Quizon from the University of the Philippines - Diliman serves as the resource speaker on asset reform and natural resource governance. Supplied photo.
To conclude and harmonize the AR NRG and ARPT face-to-face and online classes, XU facilitated a review of lessons for the students through lectures, readings, field work, and other course requirements.
In his discussion, XU faculty-in-charge Roel Ravanera encouraged the MPM-RD students to deepen their understanding in using relevant tools to enhance agricultural productivity in light of the goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive development amid the food security challenges in Asia and the rest of the world.
Civil society expert Antonio Quizon from the University of the Philippines - Diliman, whom Xavier tapped as the resource speaker on asset reform and natural resource governance, provided a simple yet in-depth take on the “Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land.”
He also tackled the state of fisheries and forests in the context of the National Food Security of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Committee on World Food Security.
The MPM-RD graduation will be held next year. ∎
DEVELOPMENT LEADERS. The Master in Public Management major in Rural Development (MPM-RD) students, instructors, and organizers strike a pose after an integration session at the Development Academy of the Philippines conference center in Tagaytay City. Supplied photo.