THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) recently hosted a culminating forum to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of alumni from the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC)-SEARCA Local and International Graduate Scholarship Programs in livestock research and biotechnology.
SEARCA's Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD)–Graduate Scholarships and Institutional Development Unit said the event highlighted the transformative experiences of the scholars during their graduate studies and their significant impact on their careers, the PCC and the communities they serve.
In her welcome remarks, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs Nur Azura Binti Adam expressed her deep appreciation to the PCC for "entrusting SEARCA with the responsibility of implementing the scholarship project."
She emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in advancing agricultural education and research in the region.
PCC Executive Director Liza Battad thanked SEARCA's steadfast support in empowering 10 PCC-SEARCA scholars to achieve their professional aspirations.
Battad said that the success of the scholarship program aligns with PCC's mission to enhance its capacity as an internationally accredited center for livestock research and development.
PCC-SEARCA scholars shared their research findings and personal journeys throughout their graduate studies.
In their presentation, they provided insights into their research and how they applied new knowledge gained to improve practices at the PCC and better help the livestock farming communities.
Highlighting their experiences overcoming challenges met during their study journeys, the scholars said their experiences and achievements had inspired them to give their best, reap awards and aspire to get doctoral degrees soon.
SEARCA ELCD senior program head Maria Cristeta Cuaresma also expressed in her closing remarks her heartfelt appreciation to PCC, particularly the PCC executive director, for choosing SEARCA as the implementing partner for this capacity-building project.
She thanked her colleagues at SEARCA for their commitment and tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the scholarship program.
Lauding the scholars for completing their graduate degrees despite the many hurdles they faced, Cuaresma reminded the graduates that "their journey did not end with completing their studies but only the beginning of a broader mission to drive positive change in the agricultural sector."
"Each of you plays an essential role in driving change, advancing knowledge, and shaping the future," she said.
With a renewed commitment to the continued development of the PCC as a center of excellence in livestock research, SEARCA said its collaboration with PCC continues as SEARCA transitions to its 12th Five-Year Development Plan.
The event underscored the vital role of education, research and partnerships in addressing the challenges facing agriculture in the region.
SEARCA added that the forum "marked not just an academic milestone for the PCC-SEARCA scholarship program but also a significant moment in advancing the future of agricultural research and development."