By Farah Dhea B. Galvez, BA Comm-4 Centralian Link Intern
CPU Students and Faculty on a Summer Course Program at Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. Photo Courtesy of CPU Agriculture Students Association Facebook Page.
Last April 16, seven BS Agriculture students and two faculty members from Central Philippine University seized the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge through an International Summer Course Programme 2026 in Indonesia, entitled “Sustainable Dairy Farming and Milk Processing for Zero Hunger and Responsible Production.” The 10-day Summer On-the-Job Training (OJT) was held April 19 to 25, 2026, and took place at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya. The program aims to strengthen international academic collaboration and promote global perspectives among students and faculty members.
The students engaged in undergraduate courses, laboratory work, field practice, farm-based learning, community involvement focused on animal science, and research or project-based activities under faculty supervision. Throughout the program, the participants namely, John Kenneth S. Gecangao, Jebsen B. Valdez, Jonna Joy E. Serviento, Oscar Apin Villegas III, Hezron Aus T. Cabungcal, Andrie Maree V. Escobañez, and Jessabelle Retirado were provided with free dormitory and local accommodation, excluding their personal expenses. They also benefited from a collaborative and insightful learning experience with professional expert speakers.
On the first day, April 20, participants arrived at Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Indonesia. This was followed by a productive discussion led by the university faculty representatives alongside international students and coordinators. Ms. Krishna Mae Alapar introduced the Agriculture and Poultry Industry of the Philippines, while Dr. Joyce Wendam discussed the Climate Bioindicators of the Philippines.
Additionally, the program featured cultural exchange and academic networking activities designed to boost student mobility and reinforce institutional partnerships. This experience provided the students with valuable real-world agricultural insights on an international stage, highlighting the university’s expanding global connections.