As a part of the International Conference on Smart Agriculture (ICSA), the delegates and special guests were welcomed by the CSU Gonzaga community as they paid a visit to the CSU -Gonzaga Campus for the inauguration and blessing of the Mangrove and Bamboo Research Innovation Center (MABRIC) and the launching of the CSU Bamboo Sanctuary as a CES Community Passion (ComPassion) Project last September 30, 2023.
As part of the activity, a tree planting initiative was conducted to signal the start of the CSU Bamboo Sanctuary as a CES Community Passion Project which was attended by the Executive Director of the Career Executive Board Ma. Marcy C. Ballesteros, University President Urdujah G. Alvarado, CSU’s Board of Regents, Vice Presidents, Campus Executive Officers, guests from the LGU of Gonzaga, and active partners of CSU.
This was followed by the MABRIC Inauguration through the blessing of the facility by Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, the unveiling of the MABRIC memorabilia, and the cutting of the ribbon which signals the beginning of the facility’s fully functional state.
President Alvarado, in her Opening Remarks, gave a very lively and emotional expression of gratitude to everyone who was instrumental in the success of the event. She expressed that the realization of these dreams was a product of hard work, passion, and the Bayanihan of CSU, which proves that what seems to be impossible will become possible with unity. “Together, we forge a path forward for a productive and efficient bamboo industry in the region,” she concluded.
CESB Executive Director expressed that the CESB community is proud of Pres. Urdujah G. Alvarado for her trailblazing innovations, her dedication to service, and for being a blessing to CSU and to the Cagayanos with her talent for mobilizing resources and people towards a common goal. She further reminded everyone to not give up despite challenges as she closed her statement with, “Every day, each of us is like a bamboo. Like a bamboo, the higher you grow, the deeper you bow.”
For the closing message, the CEO of CSU-Gonzaga, Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr. extended his words of thanks to the collaborators, benefactors, stakeholders, and the whole of CSU-Gonzaga for being the driving force behind the success of this milestone, and for showcasing the Tangkiran Spirit. He made a special thanks to the President for inspiring CSU to strive for excellence. “Your unwavering trust in us is truly inspiring. Your willingness to invest in your vision has enabled us to explore possibilities, tackle pressing challenges, and make a real impact in our field and to the society, “ he added.