On January 30, 2020, General Milling Corporation (GMC) and Silliman University (SU) officials inaugurated the SU – George K. Young Feed Laboratory at the SU College of Agriculture Scheide Farm.
GMC reconstructed the Animal Science laboratory and equipped it with various equipment such as equipment for protein distillation, protein digestion, crude fiber extraction, fat extraction, spectrophotometer, weighing scales, etc.
The value of the Animal Science laboratory was best described by the Dean of SU College of Agriculture Dr. Edwin C. Cubelo, who in explaining the rationale of the project said, “This feed laboratory project will definitely strengthen the University’s instruction, research, and extension functions.” He added, “the facility is a space where students can experience hands-on learning on the basic procedures in analyzing nutrients in Feed.”
Prior to completion of the setting up of the laboratory, GMC hosted some faculty, staff and students of the SU College of Agriculture (SUCA), and shared its expertise in Feed raw material and finished goods physical and chemical testing and analysis at GMC’s laboratories in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Among those present during the inauguration and unveiling of the SU – G. K. Young Feed Laboratory from Silliman University were the Board of Trustees, President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, Vice-President for Development Assistant Professor Jane Annette L. Belarmino, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, Dean of College of Agriculture Dr. Edwin C. Cubelo, faculty, staff, and guests.
Present from GMC were Member of the GMC Board of Directors Mr. Hubert Eric U. Young, GMC Executive Vice-President Joselito Fausto F. Parco, Finance Director Edwin Y. Kho, Technical Services OIC Ma. Ernestina V. Elizalde, and Quality Assurance Manager Jonathan Bordon.
In his speech for the turnover of the facilities, Mr. Hubert Eric U. Young traced his family’s roots to Dumaguete and to Silliman University, his grandfather Don Tirso Uytengsu Sr. having settled in Dumaguete from Fujian, South China after the turn of the century, and having gained his education in Silliman University. He also shared how his father, George K. Young Sr. after whom the SU – G.K. Young Feed Laboratory was named, supported Don Tirso in the formation and growth of General Milling Corporation until he eventually took on headship of the company. Realizing GMC’s role in the supply chain, G. K. Young Sr. had a vision to help strengthen the growth of animal agriculture, and thus refocused a significant part of the business to Feed Milling. In fulfilling their father’s vision, Mr. Hubert Young along with his brothers George U. Young Jr. and Kirk U. Young, acknowledged “the corresponding need to enhance facilities for enhancing animal agriculture education to support the growth and development of this industry.”
Mr. Hubert Young gave assurance of continued support for joint collaborative programs with Silliman and concluded by saying:
“In forging a strategic partnership and deeper cooperation between Silliman University and General Milling Corporation, it is our prayer that these facilities for the College of Agriculture will provide the essential means to strengthen, elevate, and invigorate understanding, knowledge, and skills for developing productive animal agriculture communities in the region and in the country for generations to come.”
In response, SU President Dr. Betty C. McCann expressed appreciation for GMC’s generosity and concluded the turnover ceremonies with a meaningful statement,
“From the heart of Silliman University, and as a challenge for those who will be directly involved, let us use this facility as good stewards of God’s resources.”
The reconstruction and setting up of the Animal Science laboratory was the first collaborative program between GMC and Silliman University, which was the subject of a Memo of Understanding (MoU) entered into between GMC and Silliman University. The core objective of the MoU was to facilitate academic exchange and technical collaboration between Silliman University and General Milling Corporation.
(L-R) Edwin Y. Kho, GMC Finance Director; Joselito Fausto F. Parco, GMC Executive Vice- President; Hubert Eric U. Young, GMC Member of the Board of Directors; Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, SU President; SU Board of Trustees members Grace A. Ty, Engr. Emmanuel D. Abellanosa; and Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, SU Vice-President for Academic Affairs
Inside the SU-G.K. Young Feed Laboratory during its blessing and unveiling; Mr. Hubert Eric U. Young, GMC Member of the Board of Directors giving his speech.
(L-R) Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, SU president; Hubert Eric U. Young, GMC Member of the Board of Directors; Joselito Fausto F. Parco, GMC Executive Vice- President
GMC and Silliman University management teams — (L-R) Dr. Edwin Cubelo, SU Dean of College of Agriculture; Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, SU Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Ma. Ernestina V. Elizalde, GMC OIC Technical Services; Edwin Y. Kho, GMC Finance Director; Jane Annette L. Belarmino, SU Vice-President for Development; Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, SU President; Hubert Eric U. Young, GMC Member of the Board of Directors; Joselito Fausto F. Parco, GMC Executive Vice- President; SU Board of Trustees members Grace A. Ty and Engr. Emmanuel D. Abellanosa
