When I started my journey at University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) as a student, there was a significant transition. The shift involved how I interacted and blended with the people around me, as well as adapting to the culture in Laguna, which could be contradictory to what we have in Palawan.
However, in my almost one year of staying at the university, I have successfully embraced the change by managing to adopt and live in the place.
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Pili Drive. Throughout my years at the university, this has been my safe haven. It’s where I find peace when my mind is clouded and exhausted and needs a break.
I appreciate the ambiance, including the fresh breeze carrying the fragrance of crops, the scent of decayed twigs and leaves, the open space where the dominant sound is the chirping of crickets and other insects rather than the horns of vehicles, the scenic views of sunset or sunrise, the footfalls and heavy breathing of joggers releasing tension, and the youthful energy of bikers making fun of each other while riding their bicycles.
Additionally, the sight of heavy agricultural machinery parked alongside the road. These all remind me to connect more with nature and prioritize my health amid the busy schedule of academic life. I visit the place often, jogging in the early morning or mostly in the afternoon.
As I have repeatedly visited the place for two semesters and counting, I have observed changes. These observations may be somewhat biased due to my profession in Crop Protection, particularly in Entomology, where I am trained to study and observe insects and crops more than humans. However, my cognate (Rural Sociology) has helped broaden my perspectives. Here are my observations:
- In previous semesters, the majority of morning joggers were adults, while youths seemed to prefer jogging in the late afternoon. Adults appeared more focused during their jogs or walks, without gadgets, often accompanied by friends or spouses, engaging in conversations while walking.
In contrast, youths were more likely to be solitary, wearing headsets, and frequently checking their phones. This semester (Second Semester 2023 – 2024), the pattern has become more random. Personally, I prefer jogging in the afternoon, and I have noticed that I am more energized when surrounded by people of the same age.
I have observed more crops planted during the second semester of 2022-2023 compared to this semester. Various agronomic and horticultural crops were present around the National Agrometeorology Station and the area going to International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Some crops I recall seeing include malungay, eggplant, corn, bell pepper, pechay, onion, papaya, radish, and others.
Consequently, there were more flying insects, especially butterflies, creating a livelier atmosphere. However, this semester feels duller as most of the land is left idle, except for the area going to IRRI, still planted with a new batch of corn crop and vegetable.
Additionally, a new building, the UPLB Agricultural Genomics and Research Center, is planned beside the UPLB Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) building.
If given the opportunity to decide and manage the place, I would strive to preserve the agricultural vibe I experienced before. Ensuring the continuous replanting of both agronomic and horticultural crops throughout the year would be a priority.
Furthermore, my goal would be to prevent the domination of the area by buildings. This way, every visitor and student is reminded of our connection with nature, often forgotten in the pursuit of change and busy academic life.
If given the opportunity to decide and manage the place, I would strive to preserve the agricultural vibe I experienced before. Ensuring the continuous replanting of both agronomic and horticultural crops throughout the year would be a priority.
Furthermore, my goal would be to prevent the domination of the area by buildings. This way, every visitor and student is reminded of our connection with nature, often forgotten in the pursuit of change and busy academic life.
