FOUR faculty members and a researcher of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños received the John Dillon Fellowship 2021, which aims to enhance leadership skills and give opportunities and pathways for researchers in the agricultural development sector.

“JDF 2021 is a 12-week professional development distance training program in which the fellows design and implement collaborative projects that address challenges in research, extension, policy, or management,” UPLB said.

Those who received the fellowship were Dr. Canesio Predo, associate professor of the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources; Associate Professor Dr. Aileen Lapitan of the Institute for Governance and Rural Development; Assistant Prof. Dr. Rodmyr Datoon of the Agricultural Systems Institute; Assistant Prof. Jewel Joanna Cabardo of the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship; and University Researcher Nico Jayson Anastacio.

The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research funded the program, which it developed along with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

“Part of the fellowship is an immersive workshop and study tour in Australia to further develop professional skills and build networks with Australian organizations,” UPLB said.

JDF is a flagship program of ACIAR which was established in 2002 in recognition of Professor John L. Dillon’s life-long commitment to agricultural research.