By Jeck Tirambulo | Features Editor
Vol. XCI No. 17
Feb. 21, 2020
Silliman University College of Agriculture (SUCA) in partnership with the General Milling Corporation (GMC) formally unveiled the animal feed laboratory in Silliman Farm last Jan 30, donated by GMC. The feed laboratory is composed of several brand-new and refurbished equipment that aims to be the first in Negros to be accredited by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Jose Edwin C. Cubelo emphasized the importance of having a functional feed lab for the agriculture and animal science students.
“The old feed lab of the College of Agriculture has never been operational since most of its equipment was [were] installed in the 80s or even in the 70s,” Cubelo said during his rationale speech.
He added that the establishment of the modern feed lab will strengthen the university’s instruction, research, and extension functions as well as enable the students to learn how to do the basic procedures of analyzing nutrients and feed. He stated that reading about these nutrients and its components is not enough for the students to fully comprehend the subject: “They have to be able to see for themselves how these nutrients are technically broken down, separated, and measured in the laboratory.”
The reconstruction of the feed lab was finally realized 13 months after GMC’s signing of the memorandum of agreement with SU last Dec 4, 2018. Prior to its completion, GMC has already started sharing its expertise with the college by training three faculty and staff members of SUCA and one senior animal science major student in GMC’s feed lab last Oct 2019. SUCA and GMC have also been conducting a series of feed trial research in Silliman Farm, with the agriculture students serving as paid interns.
The new feed lab, G. K. Young Feed Laboratory, was named after the current chairman of GMC, George K Young Jr., whose grandfather, Tirso Uytengsu was the co-founder of GMC and Uy Matiao and Co. Committed to improving the animal agriculture industry in the country, GMC is one of the leading local companies in feed milling, maize milling, agribusiness, and fermentation.
Mr. Hubert Eric U. Young, a member of the GMC’s board of directors and the brother of the current chairman, was present during the blessing and unveiling along with the top officers: Executive Vice-President Joselito Parco; Finance Director Edwin Y. Kho, who happens to be an alumnus of SU, and OIC of Technical Services Ma. Ernestina Elizalde.
In his speech, Young revealed that his family has roots in Dumaguete. His father’s vision was to help strengthen the growth of animal agriculture by enhancing the facilities for animal agriculture education.
“We are committed to continuing partnership with Silliman University,” he added.
As part of the agreement, GMC eyes the next phase which is to renovate the college’s broiler houses. The broiler, along with the dairy, poultry, and swine projects serve not just as field laboratories for the students but also as income-generating projects of SU.
SU President Dr. Betty C. McCann in her acceptance speech acknowledged GMC’s generosity.
“From the heart of Silliman University, and as a challenge for those who will be directly involved, let us use this facility as good stewards of God’s resources,” Dr. McCann concluded.
The blessing of G.K Young Feed Lab was led by senior minister of the SU Church, Rev. Noriel Capulong. The event was also attended by some members of SU administration: members of the Board of Trustees Eng. Emmanuel Abellanosa, and Dr. Grace Ty, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Earl Jude Cleope; Vice-President for Development Dr. Jane Anette Belarmino; and Office of Information and Publications Director Melita C. Aguilar and staff.
Photo by Jeck Tirambulo
