The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) of Romblon State University has a rich history that dates back to 1914, beginning as the Odiongan Farm School. Over the decades, the institution underwent several transformations, reflecting its expanding role in agricultural education. From offering intermediate agricultural courses in its early years, it evolved into the Romblon National Agricultural School (RONAS) and eventually into the Romblon Agricultural College (RAC). By 1975, it was offering degree programs in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, and Home Technology. With continuous academic innovation and growth, the institution was renamed multiple times ultimately becoming the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) in 2009 when Romblon State College achieved university status and became Romblon State University.
In January 2024, the college was relocated to Agpudlos, San Andres, and was restructured as the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). This transition also integrated the BS Forestry and BS Environmental Science programs from the Calatrava Campus. The college remains committed to advancing knowledge and practices in agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences through instruction, research, and extension services. It plays a vital role in developing competent professionals, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to food security and environmental conservation in Romblon and beyond.
Key Focus Areas:
The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at Romblon State University (RSU) is dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices tailored to the unique challenges of island communities. Recognizing the distinct environmental and logistical factors inherent to island agriculture, CAFES integrates research, education, and community engagement to promote resilient and eco-friendly farming methods.
One of the college's flagship initiatives is the SMART ISLA project, which enhances digital infrastructure and post-harvest technologies, ensuring that both students and faculty are equipped with modern tools to advance sustainable agriculture in the region. Additionally, CAFES has established international collaborations, such as the partnership with Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture in Nova Scotia, Canada. This collaboration focuses on benchmarking smart agriculture practices, aiming to establish RSU as a center of excellence in the field of agriculture.
CAFES also emphasizes community-based programs that address local agricultural needs. Through its extension programs, the college conducts knowledge sharing, skills training, and research application to foster sustainable community development. These initiatives are aligned with RSU's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security.
By integrating modern agricultural technologies with traditional practices and focusing on community engagement, CAFES continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable farming practices that are both innovative and contextually relevant to island settings.
Notable Activities and Achievements
Flagship Programs and Research
Romblon State University (RSU) is committed to pioneering research that addresses the unique challenges of agriculture in island ecosystems. One of its flagship projects, the Monitoring and Detection of Ecosystem Changes for Enhancing Resilience and Adaptation in the Philippines (MODECERA), focuses on long-term environmental monitoring in the CALSANAG Watershed Forest Reserve on Tablas Island. By deploying microclimate sensors and conducting socio-ecological assessments, this initiative aims to enhance the resilience of local farming communities to climate stressors.
In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), RSU is also developing localized fertilizer treatments for hybrid coconut varieties within intercropped farming systems. This research seeks to boost productivity and sustainability in Romblon's coconut industry by tailoring nutrient management practices to the province's specific agro-climatic conditions.
Furthering its commitment to sustainable development, RSU actively participates in the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Technologies Compendium Project. This initiative involves documenting and promoting advancements in agricultural technologies, facilitating knowledge sharing among higher education institutions, research bodies, and local manufacturers.
Through these research endeavors, RSU not only contributes to the scientific community but also plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices that are both innovative and contextually relevant to island settings.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Romblon State University has actively pursued both local and international collaborations to enhance its agricultural education and research, particularly focusing on sustainable farming practices suited for island ecosystems.
In July 2024, RSU formalized a partnership with Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture in Nova Scotia, Canada. This collaboration aims to develop smart agriculture initiatives at RSU and across Romblon province. The agreement encompasses joint projects, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of curriculum modules focused on smart agriculture. As a direct outcome, RSU plans to send 20 students to Dalhousie University for a fully-funded enrichment camp in 2025, providing hands-on experience in advanced agricultural practices.
In September 2024, RSU established a partnership with Dagam Farm in South Korea through a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration focuses on knowledge exchange in sustainable farming techniques and agricultural technologies. Engagements like these are instrumental in exposing RSU faculty and students to global best practices, thereby enriching the university's academic and research endeavors.
RSU is an active member of the Asian Association of Agricultural Colleges and Universities (AAACU), a network that fosters collaboration among agricultural institutions in Asia. Through AAACU, RSU participates in various initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural education and research, contributing to regional development and food security. Locally, RSU collaborates with government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) to implement research projects tailored to the province's needs.
These include studies on coconut hybrid varieties and intercropped farming systems, aiming to improve productivity and sustainability in Romblon's agricultural sector. Through these multifaceted collaborations, RSU continues to strengthen its role as a hub for agricultural innovation, education, and community development, aligning with its commitment to sustainable farming in an island setting.