Philippine-Dutch Fellows Network, Inc.

It’s Sinterklaas time once again at PDFNI!

We warmly invite all Phil-Dutch Fellows to join us on December 5, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM.

Please see the poster for full details. Proost! 🥂🎄✨

🌲Time to celebrate. Let's party ! 🎉🎁🎶

💖 Looking forward to see you all next week! 💃🕺

🌲🙋‍♀️ See you there! 💫 💝

Come join the fun !

PDFNI General Assembly 2025 Champions Innovation and Collaboration in Agribusiness

Los Baños, Laguna — The Philippine-Dutch Fellows Network Inc. (PDFNI) successfully concluded its 2025 General Assembly, “Farm to Future: Enhancing Philippine Agribusiness through Innovation and Collaboration,” held on October 17–18 at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), University of the Philippines Los Baños.

The two-day event brought together scholars, industry leaders, and partners from the Netherlands and the Philippines for a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices. Highlights included keynote speeches from Her Excellency Marielle Geraedts, Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines, and Industry expert presentations from South East Asia NUFFIC Director, Ms. Nanya Burki, Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Executive Director Mitchel Smolders, SEARCA Special Assistant to the Director Dr. Rico Ancog and Regional Agricultural Training Institute Executive Director Remelyn R. Recoter, as well as interactive learning visits focused on agri-tech and sustainability.

Participants engaged in knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening Philippine-Dutch partnerships and advancing innovation in the agribusiness sector. The assembly also featured updates on PDFNI’s ongoing programs and opportunities for fellows.

A special highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Marielle Geraedts’ to Ambassador Geraedts developed under the Hibiscus Breeding Program of the Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippine Los Banos in partnership with DOST PCAARRD. The unique hybrid is part of the Hibiscus Diplomat Series, symbolizing the flourishing partnership between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

PDFNI extends its heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected PDFNI Board of Trustees for 2025–2026 headed by President, Dr. Mary Ann P. Sayoc, Executive Director Maria Elizabeth B. Raymundo, Secretary Annalyn “AJ” Flores, Treasurer Maria Rosan D. Perez, Auditor Jamela P. Haley and Trustees; Crispina B. Almonte, Isidora M. Camaya, Maria Luz A. Enriquez, Donald James D. Gawe, Mona Liza F. Delos Reyes, Eileen Rose Tirona-Vizmonte and Ex-officio trustees, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. for South Luzon Chapter, Elson R. Homez Visayas Chapter and Fenina F. Rodriguez Mindanao Chapter. Their leadership and commitment will be instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward and fostering greater collaboration within the Philippine-Dutch agribusiness community.

PDFNI also expresses its sincere appreciation and congratulations to UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., newly elected President for the PDFNI South Luzon Chapter for his invaluable support and leadership throughout the event together with the newly elected officers of the chapter, VP Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Secretary/Treasuer Ma. Catriona E. Devanadera, Auditor Zenaida Sumalde and the rest of the Execom Maria Antonia G. Tuazon, Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Ron Gabriel O. Navarro, Ann Reylene J. Montes, Anita A. Boling, Joan Cecilia C. Casila, Almira Geles L. De Mesa, Casper B. Agaton, Janssen Andrew S. Calvelo, Maria Helen F. Dayo and Allain T. Baaco. Chancellor Camacho’s dedication to advancing agricultural education and research has greatly contributed to the success of the assembly and the strengthening of partnerships between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

PDFNI President Dr. Mary Ann P. Sayoc expressed gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing the importance of community, shared knowledge, and collective action in shaping the future of Philippine agribusiness.

For more information about upcoming programs and membership, contact the PDFNI Secretariat at [email protected], FB page Phillipine-Dutch Fellows Network, Inc., or visit the PDFNI office at the Institute for Small Scale Industries Building, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. (ajf)

🎉 Congratulations to the newly elected Board of Trustees of the Philippine Dutch Fellows Network Inc. and officers of the reinvigorated South Luzon Chapter as the PDFNI continues its legacy of service, goodwill and knowledge sharing for a meaningful Phil-Dutch relations! 🇵🇭🇳🇱

See you there PDFNI Alumni!