In the lush, green landscapes of Aurora, Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon shines as a true example of dedication and passion, making waves in both agriculture and education. Her journey—from the small community of Ditumabo to becoming an Assistant Professor and Extension Coordinator at Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT)—is a testament to perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and a deep love for teaching and farming.

 

Chenie Mae’s story started in Ditumabo, where her interest in agriculture took root. After finishing her studies at Ditumabo Elementary School and Ditumabo National High School, she followed her passion and enrolled at ASCOT, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture, majoring in Crop Science. These experiences shaped her into the professional she is today, blending hands-on agricultural work with teaching.

 

In 2016, Chenie Mae started working at ASCOT as an Agricultural Technician in the Extension and Training Unit. At first, she was happy in this role, but in 2019, everything changed. An instructor position opened up, and with a little push from mentors like Dr. Fontanos, Dr. San Pedro, Dr. Zante, Dr. Ora, Dr. Macose and Dr. Cabatan, she decided to try her hand at teaching. “I never planned on becoming a teacher, but life had other plans,” she recalls.

 

Now, as an Assistant Professor and Extension Coordinator, Chenie Mae teaches Crop Protection and helps students with their thesis work. For her, teaching is all about passion. “You have to love what you do and care deeply for your students,” she says. Though juggling a heavy teaching load and other responsibilities can be tough, she finds it all worth it. “It’s hard work, but knowing that I’m making a difference in my students’ lives makes it fulfilling,” she shares.

 

Chenie Mae’s approach to teaching is what makes her stand out. She uses videos, interactive slideshows, and hands-on experiments to keep her classes interesting and fun. She believes that learning shouldn’t just be confined to the classroom. “Field visits bring the lessons to life,” she says, referring to their trips where students study insect pests and diseases. One of her favorite subjects to teach is white oyster mushroom technology. “It’s something I can teach even on little sleep,” she laughs, showing her genuine love for the subject.

 

One of the highlights of Ma’am Chenie’s career is being part of the research on BOTON Biopesticide technology as a research assistant. This innovation was the brainchild of brilliant faculty members Dr. Ma Luz Cabatan, Dr. Jonah G. Zante, Mr. Jomer Mangawang, and Ms. Chenie Mae Bibon.

 

Her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. In 2023, one of her students sent her a heartfelt message, thanking her for her unwavering support during their thesis. “Ma’am, thank you for always being there, even when you were busy. Your guidance helped us get through every challenge,” the student wrote. For Chenie Mae, messages like this are why she keeps going. “Moments like these remind me why I love teaching. Seeing my students succeed is the greatest reward,” she says.

 

Even though teaching has become a big part of her life, Chenie Mae never forgets her roots in agriculture. “If I weren’t teaching, I’d still be working with farmers and helping the community,” she says. Whether she’s in the classroom or the field, she loves blending theory with practice. “Sometimes I’m a teacher, sometimes I’m a farmer,” she smiles. “But in both roles, I’m cultivating something—whether it’s young minds or crops.”

 

As we celebrate Teachers’ Month, Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon’s story is a beautiful reminder of the impact teachers have, not just in the classroom but in the community as well. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to nurturing both students and the agricultural sector she holds dear. Looking forward, she remains dedicated to her dual roles, saying, “Agriculture is my life, and teaching is a big part of that. I plan to keep growing in both, just like I help my students grow.”

 

From the fields to the classroom, and in the hearts of her students, Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon continues to make a lasting impact—proving that the best teachers are those who never stop learning and growing themselves.