In talks of outstanding leadership and great minds, the name Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo definitely rings a bell among Viscans and Baybayanons. Fondly known to many as “Sir Joe or JoeBac”, he served as the 5th President of the Visayas State University, later on transitioning as a Councilor of the City of Baybay.

Humble Beginnings

From humble roots, Dr. Bacusmo began his early life modestly. Raised by a single mother, he recalls how life was hard for the both of them. As a young lad, he was taking on side jobs in order to help his mother sustain their day to day living. Thankfully, with the help of his extended family - especially his aunt who worked as a teacher, he managed to rally his education despite the odds.

“I came from tumang kalisod, kay ang akoang mother kay single mother and wala naka human og high school. Lisud kaayu kay wala man to siyay trabaho, maayo gani kay gi-sagop mi sa iyaan nako nga nag minyu og Loreto. Ang high school sa una, seven pesos ra gud ang monthly. Pero wala man seven pesos akoa mother monthly, so akoa tiya, maestra man sa Baybay National High School. Unya ang sweldo nila kay 200 pesos per month, so, ang seven pesos kay dako na kaayu na sa una.”

A Calling in the Academe and Agriculture

Sir Joe’s path in agriculture was far from calculated. With no plans of pursuing college, he was convinced by two agriculturists who encouraged him to enroll in an Agricultural course in ViSCA (then Visayas State College of Agriculture) with the promise of employment after 2 years of schooling. At the time, he could not realize that this encouragement would mark a new direction, profoundly shaping his purpose in life.

With the help of scholarship grants, he finished his degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. His success sprouted out fruitful yields as his undergrad thesis was given recognition at both regional and national levels, a definitive sign of his emerging potential in research.

“Ang thesis nako naka earn og regional award (Science Fair Best Paper - 1980) and national award (Best Paper in National Crop Protection sa Weed Science Association in the Philippines - 1982).”

Starting out from the bottom as a research aide in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, he later went on to work at the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PRCRTC). He considers PhilRootcrops not just to be a mere institution but his training ground, a place where his vision took root and began to flourish. The same institution witnessed his academic growth as he pursued his masters in Crop Science - Major in Plant Breeding, followed by his PhD in Genetics.

From there, his career soared as he became the center Director of PhilRootcrops in 1992 up to 1995 and became the 5th President of Visayas State University, serving two consecutive terms in 2007 until 2015. 

Cultivating Innovation with Enduring Leadership

During his tenure as center director in PhilRootcrops, Sir Joe proudly shared that his most significant contribution is the creation of new root crop varieties. 

“Ang pinaka proud nako nga nabuhat kay naka create ko og new varieties. Because they say nga ang breeders kuno are the chosen people of God. I always tell breeders that they are important, as  God shared this power to create something new, to create a new life.”

Sir Joe is behind the development of varieties such as the NSIC SP 25, 26, 32 among many others, most notably, the NSIC SP 30.

NSIC SP 30 or more locally known as Kaabloy, proved to be one of the most successful varieties developed under Sir Joe’s leadership. Its popularity is widely attributed to its extended shelf life among markets and remarkable versatility, making it ideal for commercial production and household consumption. 

Colors Matter. In his view, breeding for color should be a priority. Encouraging the new generation of breeders to focus on producing more purple and orange varieties. With such varieties being rich in beta carotene and anthocyanins, which are essential for good health, all while enhancing their marketability towards consumers. 

He asserts how “the farmers will be the final advocate. Mao gyud na ang final nga mu judge kung successful na ang variety or dili.”  Emphasizing the importance of farmers in the creation of new varieties for them to adapt and apply in their fields. This reflects not only in Sir Joe’s vision for agronomic value but also on the focus on farmer-centered innovation along with food system resiliency. 

Complimenting his cultivar efforts, he champions the importance of expanding networks and relationships, especially among government agencies and other research institutions. Pointing out how good ideas cannot be in fruition without a helping hand. 

“Even adtong President nako, naka padayon gihapon ang mga research projects from PCAARRD and other institutions. We also have to maintain our partnerships kay they are key factors in making our institutions as a whole. Not only sa funding but also the technical support, networks and knowledge sa atong initiatives. That’s how I was able to continue with research even if na assign na ko sa kinatas an (as President of VSU)”. 

His leadership never wavered and went unnoticed, as in 2016, Sir Joe was awarded the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for his exemplary public service and alongside his transformative influence in research, education, and institutional growth. 

Transition from Academe to Politics

After serving two terms of presidency in VSU and retiring from the academe in 2021, Sir Joe ventures into his new domain. Stepping out from the halls of VSU, where he championed cutting-edge research, innovation, and leadership. He now takes on a new role as a city councilor of Baybay.

Initially, politics was never part of his retirement plan, but after seeing the city’s commitment on agricultural development, especially in strengthening the income-generating capacity of farmers, Sir Joe pushed through with his candidacy in 2021. 

“The mayor of Baybay has been supportive with everything agriculture related in the city. ven during my time as Director of PhilRootcrops, he has shown support in my initiatives. Dili ko ka balibad sad niya kay nakita nako nga naa siyay maayo nga program. Kahibaw siya mag huna-huna para sa mga farmers nato, with that I can share my expertise as well so I did not refuse the offer.”

During his first term, he chaired the committee on Agriculture and Fisheries along with Education, Science and Technology. Building on his expertise in rootcrops, he now plays an extensive role in advancing agricultural research and innovation across various sectors. 

“Sa jackfruit pa lang daan sa una sa daan nga mayor then nag rice ta  karon nga naa na sad development plans para sa ato rootcrops. The commercialization of our kamote chips, unya cassava, is just the beginning. Daghan pa ta ug plano and it is one of my aims to bring institutions like VSU closer to the LGUs.”

A Champion for Sustainable Development

As the world rapidly changes, extending beyond politics to the field of agriculture, Sir Joe remains steadfast in his commitment towards sustainability.

Stressing how every decision, may it be for policy or practice; it should be aligned with long-term environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. Sustainability is not seen as a trend but rather a lifestyle that fulfills the role of a guiding principle to help shape our community for good governance and inclusive development. 

“Dili man sya pwede mahimong karun lang or kausa lang, sustainability is important. Dapat productive unya economically viable and then environmentally friendly. Importante gyud na kay walay kalaki og ang paningkamot sa taw kutob lang usa ka tuig. Sustainability should be applied in agriculture kay we have to ensure that it has lasting impacts di lang sa economy but also to uplift ang farmers nato nga nagkalisod.”

Now in his second term as a city councilor, he continues to serve the city of Baybay with no plans of stopping anytime soon. 

“As one famous person said, no one is promised tomorrow. So, while I can, I will serve. Bahala na sila on how they will remember me. It is history that will judge kung maayo ba ka or dili. In the hearts of the people, I could be number one. So it is up to them.”

Looking back with everything he has achieved, Sir Joe recalls how his love for agriculture, especially in rootcrops was not inherited, but chosen. What started out as a practical choice now became a symbol of lifelong passion. His work on varietal development and his leadership in the academe has transcended in elevating lives and nurturing communities. His legacy is deeply rooted in scientific progress, sustained by collaboration and carried through those who share the same vision, an empowered agriculture that strengthens innovation, livelihood and ensures food security for all.