It was indeed an auspicious occasion as scores of people from CLSU and the Muņoz Science community witnessed the blessing and inauguration of the CLSU ISRAEL DA-SCP Demo Farm Project held on 5 December 2001. The occasion was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Irit Ben Abba, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Philippines; USec Cesar M. Drilon of the Department of Agriculture; Mr. Augusto Katindig, Chief of Staff of Senator Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr.; Ms. Zeny Y. Ubaldo, President of Agricultural and Rural Development Foundation; and Hon. Nestor L. Alvarez, Mayor, Science City of Muņoz. Also present were CLSU faculty, staff and administrator headed by President Rodolfo C. Undan.

The demo farm has two sophisticated greenhouses complete with computerized irrigation and fertilization system with climate control. It showcases Israeli technologies and as a start high value crops like muskmelon was grown. The first production cycle of muskmelon consisting of 17 rows planted in a 1, 100 m sq area grossed about P 130, 000. Now on its second production cycle, the 22 rows of planted muskmelon is expected to provide some P 183, 000.00.

Apart from muskmelon, the demo farm also grows cutflowers such as roses, chrysanthemums and daisies in one of the greenhouses. The successful operation of the demo farm is much credited to the supervision of Dr. Teotimo M. Aganon (BSA '75), Director for Research with the very hardworking Engr. Chito Sace (BSAEn '83) of the University Science High School as the project-in-charge