By Frances Batara, StratCom Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) welcomed mentors of the United States Department of Agriculture-Faculty Exchange Program (USDA-FEP) on Wednesday, March 13.

The three-day reciprocal visit commenced with a courtesy call at the Office of the MMSU President, followed by a lecture forum spearheaded by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning. 

Dr. Misty Bailey, assistant professor of practice curriculum and assessment at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK), discussed the various strategies for effective curriculum and assessment. This was followed by a discussion on using software applications and technology for teaching, education, and research by Ms. Anik Vasington, director of instructional design and distance learning and development at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Drawing from her experience, Prof. Joan Rarogal, assistant professor of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, shared how the USDA-FEP created opportunities for her to contribute to the education and agriculture sectors. Prof. Rarogal is one of the 10 Filipino fellows who participated in the USDA-FEB from August to December last year. 

“The USDA-FEP did not only expand my knowledge and skills in my field of study, but it also allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and make connections with colleagues from around the world,” she said.

Dr. Charlie Batin, CAFSD OIC-dean; Dr. Melvin Bagot, CVM dean; and students from their respective colleges were also present at the lecture forum.

Manifesting its strong partnership with MMSU, USDA-FEP handed over books and laboratory supplies to CAFSD and CVM.

Dr. Bailey and Ms. Vasington also facilitated a community needs assessment in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, and dialogues on potential collaborations in agriculture and veterinary medicine on March 14-15. 

USDA-FEP aims to enhance the teaching capabilities of agricultural educators in higher learning institutions and establish a better understanding of the global agricultural landscape. (MKA_StratCom)