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DNA Isolation of Sugarcane with the Plantation Class

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Our last day at IPB University was made especially meaningful with a hands-on laboratory activity that none of us will soon forget—DNA isolation from sugarcane. It was our first time to try this kind of molecular work, and we felt truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore such an advanced yet practical side of agricultural science. The session was conducted under the Plantation Program, and it served as the perfect culmination of the short lecture we had the day before on DNA sequencing. This time, we moved from theory to practice extracting DNA ourselves from sugarcane, one of the most economically significant plantation crops in Southeast Asia. The process was engaging and exciting, as we worked in small groups alongside our Indonesian classmates, who were incredibly helpful and patient throughout the entire activity. They guided us step by step, explaining procedures and assisting whenever we had questions. It was not only educational but also a wonderful exchange of kn...
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Getting Molecular: A Primer on Plant DNA Sequencing

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Day 19 was a lighter academic day, but still a meaningful one. We attended a short lecture on DNA sequencing in plants with the Plantation Program as a preparation for our upcoming laboratory activity. The session gave us a brief yet insightful overview of how DNA sequencing works in the context of agriculture. We were introduced to the basics of how scientists decode a plant’s genetic information to better understand traits such as growth, yield, disease resistance, and environmental tolerance. The lecturer explained how DNA markers can help in plant breeding and selection, making it easier to identify which plant varieties are best suited for specific conditions. This technology plays a big role in improving crops in plantation systems like tea, oil palm, and rubber. It wasn’t a deep dive, but it gave us enough context to appreciate the importance of genetic information in modern agriculture. It also got us excited for the hands-on lab activity scheduled for the next day, where we wo...
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Growth Through Green: Our Inspiring Visit to Godong Ijo

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On our eighteenth day in Indonesia, we traveled to Depok City to visit one of the most fascinating and inspiring places we’ve encountered on this journey—Godong Ijo. More than just a plant nursery or a tourist destination, Godong Ijo is a living story of resilience, innovation, and green entrepreneurship. The place itself is a lush, vibrant inland eco-park, almost like a small resort tucked away in the city. It features beautifully landscaped gardens, manmade waterfalls, a restaurant, fishing areas, and even animal exhibits making it a favorite destination for families, students, and tourists. Children can learn about nature, interact with animals, and engage in eco-friendly activities, while adults can relax and appreciate the beauty of the space or learn more about sustainable living. It truly blends recreation with education and business in a unique, engaging way. During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting the manager of Godong Ijo, who graciously shared with us the story beh...
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Economies and Innovations: Agribusiness and Enterprise at IPB

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Our seventeenth day in Indonesia was filled with new insights and exciting exchanges as we joined an agribusiness class at IPB University that focused on the economic landscape of Indonesia. This session dove deep into the fundamentals of both macroeconomics and microeconomics, specifically within the context of Indonesian agriculture and business development. We discussed the macro-level factors such as GDP growth, inflation, trade policies, and employment rates, and how these shape the national economy. On the microeconomic side, we explored how individual businesses, households, and consumers interact in the marketplace—touching on demand, supply, pricing strategies, and production costs. What made this class especially engaging was the open discussion that followed, where we were encouraged to share about the Philippine economic situation, especially in the agricultural sector. It was eye-opening to compare the economic strengths, challenges, and strategies of both countries. While...
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A Tea Journey at Sila Tea House

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On our sixteenth day in Indonesia, we were given a truly special and enriching opportunity—a visit to the Sila Tea House, one of the ancestral tea houses in the country. Nestled in a tranquil setting and rich with history, Sila Tea House has long been a symbol of tradition, hospitality, and Indonesia’s deep connection to tea. From the moment we stepped inside, we could feel that we were walking into something meaningful. The ambiance was warm and calming, with the scent of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. It was a privilege to be welcomed into a place that has played such an important role in preserving Indonesia’s tea heritage. Our visit began with a session on the history and significance of tea in Indonesian culture. We learned that, much like coffee in the Philippines, tea is a staple in daily life for many Indonesians. It’s not just a drink—it’s a part of rituals, hospitality, community, and even reflection. The variations in preparation and flavor tell stories of regio...
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A Day at IPB University Dramaga Campus

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On our fifteenth day in Indonesia, we visited one of the most remarkable places in our entire trip so far—the Dramaga Campus of IPB University, which is not only the main campus but also the largest. Spread across a vast area of greenery, academic buildings, and research facilities, the campus felt more like a small city dedicated entirely to education, innovation, and sustainability. Our Indonesian friends from IPBU welcomed us with their usual warmth and enthusiasm, acting as our tour guides for the day. As we walked through the wide, tree-lined roads, they shared interesting facts and stories about their university life. We were amazed by how diverse and comprehensive the academic programs are—from agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine to business, engineering, and social sciences. It became clear that IPB University isn’t just a center for agricultural studies; it’s a multidisciplinary institution with a strong emphasis on research, community service, and global impact. We...
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Planning for Impact: Understanding the Logic Behind Agricultural Development

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On our fourteenth day in Indonesia, our learning journey took a strategic and analytical turn as we attended a lecture under the Plantation Program that focused on development planning and implementation—key skills for anyone aiming to make a real impact in agricultural communities. The lecture introduced us to important planning concepts such as Goals, Outcomes, Outputs, Activities, Theory of Change, and the Logical Framework Approach (LFA). While these terms may sound technical, they form the backbone of how real-world development projects are designed, implemented, and evaluated—especially in agriculture, where human needs, natural resources, and economics must all work in harmony. • Goals refer to the long-term, broad objectives we want to achieve, such as improving the livelihood of farmers or increasing the sustainability of a plantation. • Outcomes are the medium-term results that reflect progress toward those goals—for instance, increased income for local farmers or bet...
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