Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
A faculty member from Central Mindanao University (CMU) participated in an international short course on sustainable and innovative agri-food systems held at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from April 6–18, 2026.
Dr. Domingo P. Lodevico, a faculty member of the Department of Food Science under the College of Human Ecology, attended the “Short Course on Agri-Food Sector – Nature × ScienceTech Innovation: Co-creating Sustainable Agro-Food Industry and Climate Solutions for a Resilient Planet.”
The program included an online component from April 6–12, followed by on-site sessions from April 13–18 hosted at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FAT-UGM). Around 100 participants from 15 countries joined,exchanging knowledge on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and agri-food system resilience.
The program featured 14 expert speakers discussing advancements in precision agriculture, smart farming technologies, and innovative food systems. Participants engaged in lectures, discussions, and field visits, including exposure to chocolate processing, melon production, dairy processing, and emerging technologies such as 3D food printing. The course concluded with group presentations and a recognition ceremony.
Dr. Lodevico described the experience as both enriching and professionally valuable, citing the program’s interdisciplinary nature. “As a faculty member in the Department of Food Science, I gained significant insights from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s practical experience in the development and commercialization of processed food products, particularly in translating research outputs into viable applications,” he said.
He added that, as a doctoral student in Horticulture at CMU, the course deepened his understanding of precision and smart agriculture, including their underlying technologies and sustainability implications. “The knowledge acquired has strengthened my capacity to critically evaluate and potentially integrate these approaches into future research, instruction, and extension initiatives,” he noted.The participation is expected to support CMU’s initiatives in precision agriculture and evidence-based innovation, as well as strengthen its academic and extension programs. A re-echo activity is scheduled within the year to share insights from the training with the university community. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Domingo P. Lodevico, Faculty, Department of Food Science, College of Human Ecology]
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