The Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), successfully organized a Guest Lecture entitled “Evolution of Pesticides in Agriculture for Human and Environmental Health” on Monday, 29 June 2026. The event featured Dr. Alma Lorelei de Jesus Abejero as the keynote speaker, who shared her expertise on the evolution of pesticide use and its implications for both human health and environmental sustainability.
The guest lecture was conducted in a hybrid format, with participants attending both in person at the Venture Room, Agriculture Learning Center (AGLC), 6th Floor, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, and online via Zoom. The event attracted undergraduate and graduate students, lecturers, researchers, and participants from various institutions who share an interest in plant protection, environmental health, and sustainable agriculture. The session was moderated by Dr. Prayogo Probo Asmoro, S.P., M.Si., who facilitated the discussion and ensured an engaging and interactive learning environment throughout the event.
During her presentation, Dr. Abejero discussed the historical evolution of pesticide use in agriculture, beginning with early-generation pesticides and progressing to modern pesticide technologies that increasingly emphasize environmental sustainability and human health. She highlighted the significant role of pesticides in maintaining agricultural productivity while also addressing major challenges associated with their use, including pesticide residues, the development of pest resistance, environmental contamination, and potential impacts on public health.
The discussion session was highly interactive and received enthusiastic participation from the audience. Numerous questions were raised by participants attending both in person and online via Zoom, covering a wide range of topics such as sustainable pesticide management, international pesticide regulations, environmentally friendly pest management strategies, and the challenges of implementing sustainable agricultural practices in developing countries. The active participation reflected the strong interest of students and researchers in contemporary issues related to pesticide use, environmental protection, and agricultural sustainability.
Through this guest lecture, the Department of Plant Protection reaffirmed its commitment to providing an international academic platform where students, researchers, and experts can exchange knowledge and experiences. The event also strengthened academic collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the University of the Philippines Los Baños while enriching participants’ understanding of current developments in plant protection, environmental toxicology, and sustainable agricultural practices.
The implementation of this guest lecture also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting greater awareness of the safe and responsible use of pesticides to protect human health. It also contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging sustainable and responsible pesticide management, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by emphasizing the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity from the adverse impacts of pesticide misuse. Furthermore, the collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the University of the Philippines Los Baños exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international academic cooperation in advancing education, research, and sustainable agricultural development.
