๐‚๐‡๐‘๐Ž๐๐ˆ๐‚๐‹๐„๐’ | Israeli Ambassador returns to TAU, meets Agrostudies alumni

๐‚๐‡๐‘๐Ž๐๐ˆ๐‚๐‹๐„๐’ | Israeli Ambassador returns to TAU, meets Agrostudies alumni
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Ambassador Ilan Fluss of the State of Israel arrived at Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) on 18 February, marking his fourth visit following his previous trip on 15 November 2021. Accompanied by MASHAV Deputy Director General Eynat Shlein and a delegation from the Israeli Embassy and MASHAV, Israelโ€™s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ambassador Fluss engaged in discussions on key agricultural issues with Agrostudies alumni and TAU students during a welcome program held at the TAU AgriTourism Hostel Function Hall.
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In his message, Ambassador Fluss emphasized the significance of pursuing careers in agriculture, a field Israel actively promotes in the Philippines through the Agrostudies program. He also encouraged TAUians to participate in Israelโ€™s mobility programs to gain firsthand experience in advanced agricultural practices.
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Meanwhile, TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson highlighted the visit as an affirmation of Israelโ€™s commitment to collaborating with TAU and its diverse stakeholders, including students, academics, farmers, industry practitioners, and entrepreneurs.
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โ€œIsrael and MASHAV have long been global leaders in agricultural innovation, and their expertise in areas such as water management, sustainable farming, and agri-tech has inspired us to push the boundaries of what is possible,โ€ Dr. Salunson stated, emphasizing the value of facilities like the SMART (Sustainable Mechanized Agriculture for Research and Technology) Agriculture Center in driving TAUโ€™s agricultural and educational transformation.
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Established in 2019, the SMART Agriculture Center spans 6,126 square meters and focuses on the sustainable operation of both automated and traditional greenhouses. By leveraging advanced technologies for precision agriculture, the Center aims to revolutionize resource management and enhance productivity.
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During the visit, Ambassador Fluss also harvested climate-resilient crops at the SMART Agriculture Center and planted fruit-bearing trees. The event, co-organized by Dr. Ester L. Mercado, National Coordinator of AgroStudies Program, Dr. Amy Lizbeth J. Rico, SMART Agriculture Center Manager, Dr. Joanne Lynne Joy Duque, Chairperson of TAU-Department of Agricultural Sciences, and Ms. Grace Kelly B. Dela Cruz, Vocational and Placement Officer from the Student Placement Office, was honored by Tarlac Province Governor Susan A. Yap and former TAU President Dr. Max P. Guillermo.
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The SMART Agriculture Centerโ€™s contributions were further recognized on 10 September 2024, when it was named a Regional Winner in the Pagasa Award Group Category by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This accolade highlights the Centerโ€™s outstanding efforts in addressing critical agricultural challenges such as food security and climate change, solidifying its role as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Article and Photos | Information Unit
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