THE chief of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) delivered an impassioned message to over 3,000 newly licensed agriculturists at their oath-taking ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center on Jan. 20.
Also the 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in Agriculture, SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio's inspiring remarks during the event hosted by the Professional Regulation Commission were timely as the agriculture sector celebrated a landmark achievement just days later with the Senate's passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2906, or the proposed Philippine Agriculturists Act, on Jan. 27.
The legislation aims to elevate the standards of the agriculture profession and provide long-overdue professional recognition and support to agriculturists nationwide.
In his speech, Gregorio congratulated the newly licensed agriculturists and acknowledged their hard work and the unwavering support of their families throughout their academic journey.
Emphasizing their role as changemakers, innovators and future leaders in Philippine agriculture, Gregorio referred to them as the "beta generation of agriculturists."
"Today, you are not just licensed professionals; you are trailblazers who hold the potential to transform Philippine agriculture and address pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity," he remarked.
During the event, Gregorio also introduced SEARCA's forward-thinking strategy embodied in its 12th Five-Year Development Plan (2025-2030) and outlined three critical actions for transforming agriculture.
First is attracting youth into agriculture by promoting agriculture as a modern, dynamic and rewarding career. Second is revolutionizing the value chain by leveraging digitalization and technology to modernize agricultural processes. And third is ensuring inclusivity by involving marginalized groups, including women, youth and elderly populations, in creating a sustainable and equitable agricultural system.
Gregorio challenged the new agriculturists to rise to the occasion, declaring that "the world needs passionate, innovative and committed agriculturists."
"I challenge you to lead boldly, embrace change and drive innovation fearlessly," he added.
Meanwhile, SB 2906 establishes a regulatory framework to uphold professional standards and improve recognition and remuneration for agriculturists.
"As the agriculture profession in our country celebrates this pivotal moment, SEARCA reaffirms its commitment to support the next generation of agriculturists to help drive sustainable and inclusive agricultural development," Gregorio said.