UPLB continues to empower state universities and institutions through a new joint initiative in curriculum and human resource development.

The College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) of Cagayan Statue University (CSU) – Andrews Campus visited the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food – College of Human Ecology (IHNF-CHE) on June 28 as part of its benchmarking activities for their newly institutionalized BS Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) program.

Three faculty members from CAHS-CSU, namely, Dr. Milagros C. Suyu, program chair of BSND, Ma. Krischen Z. Austria and Regina Marie J. Tan visited IHNF.

Dr. Liezl M. Atienza, assistant to the director at IHNF, and faculty members Paul Alteo A. Bagabaldo and Rodesa N. Forcadilla welcomed the team from CAHS-CSU and facilitated the benchmarking activity. This included discussions on the BS Nutrition (BSN) curriculum, equivalency crediting guidelines, course auditing, on-the-job training activities, admission and retention policies, and potential collaborations. They also presented the best practices of IHNF in delivering its BSN program and maintaining its outstanding performance in the board examinations.

The CAHS-CSU team toured different IHNF facilities, including its food and nutrition laboratories, utensils/equipment storage room, lecture halls, nutrition clinic, and the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) office.

Pamela Gonzales, university research associate at BIDANI, presented to the CAHS-CSU team an overview of BIDANI, its research and extension activities, and how they can be part of the BIDANI network.

The benchmarking activity was requested by CAHS Dean Dorina D. Sabatin to learn about the best practices of IHNF-CHE in offering the BSN program.

UPLB’s collaboration with CAHS-CSU in establishing its nutrition program is in line with UP’s mandate to lead the growth of higher education in the nation. (Paul Alteo Bagabaldo)