AIMING to foster the development of innovative and practical solutions that can propel the agricultural sector to further growth and progress, the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) Inc. is set to host its 10th National Congress and 2023 Philippine Agriculturists' Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City, Davao del Sur from July 25-27, 2023.
According to Dr. Glenn Gregorio, director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the event is expected to bring together a diverse range of experts, policymakers and practitioners from various agricultural disciplines.
Anchored on the theme "Sustainable Transformation of Philippine Agro-Food Systems," Gregorio noted that the congress aims to devise innovative solutions and strategies to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the country's agricultural sector.
The PAA, which is the sole Accredited Integrated Professional Organization or AIPO for Agriculture in the Philippines, also said the high-profile summit will also serve as a platform for professionals in the agricultural industry to address the multifaceted challenges impeding the sector's progress.
Gregorio will shed light on SEARCA's Web-based Integrated and Spatial Engine and Smart Ecosystem, also called the WISE Carbon Farming initiative.
He will also moderate the session titled "Nurturing Farm Schools Amid Emerging Trends in Agricultural Educational Technology" with lawyer Eric Reynoso, program head of the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department at SEARCA, and Dr. Rico Ancog, dean of the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines Los Baños as panelists.
Under the overarching theme of sustainable transformation, SEARCA said participants will delve into crucial topics such as agricultural policy and strategy in the era of digitalization, the resilience and sustainability of agro-food systems, and the pivotal role of agriculturists in achieving carbon neutrality.
It added that engaging panel discussions and networking sessions will provide attendees with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss best practices.
Furthermore, Dr. Gregorio said SEARCA will showcase its extensive efforts in research, capacity building, institutional development, policy support, knowledge sharing, and partnerships through its exhibit at the PAA event.
"This exhibition will spotlight SEARCA's commitment to promoting sustainable transformation within the agro-food systems of the Philippines and Southeast Asia," he added.
Distinguished guests and speakers, including notable figures such as Mayor Sebastian Duterte of Davao City; Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority; Stefano Pagiola, senior environmental economist at the World Bank; Dr. V. Bruce Tolentino, monetary board member at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Agnes Catherine Miranda, undersecretary for Finance at the Department of Agriculture, and Gregorio will grace the event.