By Mysel E. Taladhay, BSAE 5

Staff of LOOB Japan and students from Kobe Gakuin University with students from CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences.

To promote inter-cultural and educational exchange between Japanese and Filipino youth, Kobe Gakuin University students in collaboration with Love Our Own Brethren (LOOB) Japan visited Central Philippine University (CPU), Jaro, Iloilo City on September 10, 2019.

Kobe Gakuin University, through LOOB Japan, which conducted the study tour in CPU is composed of 13 Japanese college students enrolled in Sociology and is headed by Dr. Hiroko Matsuda, an Associate Professor under its Faculty of Contemporary Studies. LOOB Japan, on the other hand, was led by its Field Coordinator and Staff, Ms. Cecil C. Casilagan and Ms. Kaori Mamuro, respectively.

Students enrolled in BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering discussed their ongoing research on agricultural machineries to the Japanese visitors.

The students first visited the Appropriate Technology Center of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management under the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES). The group was welcomed by its Department Chairperson Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa who discussed research and extension work initiatives and projects developed by the college. To foster cultural interaction and promote social awareness with fellow youth, students enrolled in BS Agricultural, and Biosystems Engineering joined in the discussion by presenting their ongoing research on agricultural types of machinery, irrigation and food processing. The activity continued with a campus tour for the visiting Japanese students and guests.

LOOB Japan with its local counterpart LOOB Philippines is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that aims to support the various operations in the Philippines, to foster the spirit of service among the members by involving them in community development and by promoting social awareness among the youths and students and the community in general regardless of sex, age, color and creed.