Central Philippine University

By Karla Mae A. Macuha and Karren Jay G. Asgar


Engaging agricultural activities during CARES Kasadyahan 2023. Photo credits to CPU – CARES Provincial Council.

In the bustling corridors of Central Philippine University (CPU), a beacon of excellence shines brightly within the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES). Recently, Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Jr., the esteemed Dean of CARES, unveiled compelling reasons why incoming Centralian freshmen should unequivocally choose CARES as their academic haven.

In an interview, Dean Cabarles underscored CARES’ pioneering role as the singular CPU Research Center dedicated to the vital domain of Philippine Native Chicken. With fervor, he elaborated on the state-of-the-art equipment and innovative facilities meticulously tailored for the successful research and production of this indigenous avian species. “Our journey in agricultural research has been nothing short of transformative,” Dean Cabarles remarked, emphasizing the fusion of scientific prowess with production and market competency, buoyed by avant-garde technologies.

The CARES program, in addition to its notable involvement in Philippine native chicken cultivation, has garnered recognition for its initiatives focusing on Product Development CPU Cooperative Development, aimed at product development, and the establishment of a Business Center tasked with commercialization efforts.

CPU-CARES as the pioneer of the CPU Research Center dedicated to the vital domain of Philippine Native Chicken. Photo credits to Philippine Native Chicken.

The palpable growth of CARES is palpable, manifesting in the burgeoning infrastructure spurred by the unwavering generosity of alumni, who continue to channel funds into its expansion. From humble beginnings, with a mere 60-70 students, CARES now boasts an impressive enrollment of 275 eager minds, each poised to embark on a transformative academic journey.

However, beyond the tangible manifestations of growth lies CARES’ steadfast commitment to nurturing Agri-preneurial acumen among its students. Dean Cabarles elucidated on the college’s retention policy, underlining the 4-flunk rule, which applies uniformly across all subjects, irrespective of their magnitude. This policy, he iterated, is a testament to CARES’ dedication to cultivating not only adept agriculturists but also astute entrepreneurs, thus paving the way for a new breed of professionals equipped to thrive in the dynamic landscape of agricultural enterprise.
Indeed, the accolades garnered by CARES serve as a resounding testament to its academic prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence. Notably, CARES’ students have consistently distinguished themselves, securing the coveted 2nd place in national board examinations—an achievement that speaks volumes about the caliber of education imparted within its hallowed halls.
As Central Philippine University continues to chart new frontiers in academic excellence, CARES stands at the vanguard, beckoning forth a generation of Agri-preneurs poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape.

For Centralian freshmen yearning to carve a path of distinction, CARES emerges not merely as a choice but as an imperative—a gateway to unparalleled academic and entrepreneurial success.

The CPU-CARES offers programs under Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. For students who wish to enroll in said programs, the CPU College Aptitude Test (CPUCAT) is now open for admissions. For more information, kindly access this link: https://cpu.edu.ph/announcements_event/cpu-college-aptitude-test-cpucat-for-incoming-freshmen-for-sy-2024-2025/