SEARCA in the News

The Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) urged Filipino farmers to become innovative agricultural entrepreneurs. SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said that based on the dynamics of agriculture in Southeast Asia, he is advocating for a shift from traditional practices to systemic and integrated innovations, and "urging Filipino farmers to become more innovative agricultural entrepreneurs." He also noted how the ever-changing agricultural landscape caused by the Fourth Industrial Revolution led to a paradigm shift in agricultural education. "In the future, there will be a greater emphasis on training students in using advanced technologies… Read more

Young students from the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia made up most of the audience of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) digital agri talk show on Facebook. The second episode of "SEARCA Youth in Agri Talk Show," streamed on the center's Facebook page, garnered over 5,000 views in its first 24 hours and over 120,000 views in less than a month. SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the show is a non-academic and non-conventional approach to learning which aims to promote agriculture and its importance to Southeast Asian youth, particularly those in basic education… Read more

SEEKING potential partnerships on their bamboo program, a delegation from Laguna University (LU) recently visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Colegio Gascon, LU officer in charge president, said that the university, which contributes to the Laguna Bamboo Council as part of its technical working group, is "working on free certificate programs on bamboo technology." Note: Full access to this article is exclusive to The Manila Times subscribers… Read more

The country's farm tourism industry has made a grand comeback from its pandemic slump with the holding of the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference in the resort island of Panglao, Bohol. Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the event was supported by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport). Returning after a five-year hiatus, the conference gathered a powerhouse lineup of speakers, namely Department of Tourism undersecretary Mae Elaine Bathan, Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., BFAR national… Read more

INCLUSIVE farm tourism was the resounding message of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) director during the recent 7th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference in Bohol. Themed "Farm Tourism: Consciousness for Healthy Living and New Experiences," the conference was co-presented by the Center and the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) and was hosted by the Bohol provincial government. SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the conference at the Bellevue Resort held from February 26-28 featured success stories on sustainable growth through cultivating fruit and vegetable farms, aquaculture and artisanal fisheries, and green investments in… Read more

As a form of collaboration initiative between campus and industry, Brawijaya University held a group discussion entitled "Postgraduate Micro-Credentials for Food Security and Climate Change". This meeting was held on Friday (8/3) at UB Hotel, and is part of the Erasmus+ program and managed by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). This agenda is an effort to develop short courses to increase competency in food safety and climate change. Present to open the event, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Brawijaya University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP, who emphasized the importance of collaboration… Read more

At the We can do it! Empowering Women in Agriculture event on Wednesday, key stakeholders in the agriculture sector raised awareness about gender equality issues, empowered women, inspireed change, promoted inclusivity, and celebrated efforts and achievements. Held at the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers in Taguig, the event showcased the urban farm and featured inspirational talks led by H.E. Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Philippines and European Union Gender Champion, as the keynote speaker. Among the most insightful talks was by Rosa Dalina, president of the OFW natural Organic Garden in Payatas, Quezon City… Read more

SEEKING potential partnerships on their bamboo program, a delegation from Laguna University (LU) visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on Feb. 13, 2024. Established in 2006, LU is a public university committed to providing access to education to the youth of Laguna province. The delegation was led by LU Officer-In-Charge President Colegio Gascon. He was joined by Vice President for Planning and Finance Monette Bato; Research and Development Center director Marie Joy Elomina; and Helen Grace Centeno, focal person for bamboo exploration initiatives. "We've decided to explore the bamboo industry, specifically the… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna: The Applied Knowledge Resources Unit (AKRU) of the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) announced the winners of the 17th SEARCA Photo Contest. Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, said the competition searched for images focusing on agricultural technologies and practices that help lessen climate change and promote less pressure on natural resources and with a low carbon footprint. The Department of Education Secretary's Choice Award went to Christopher Andres of the Philippines with his photo featuring wind turbines, a renewable energy source for sustainable electricity. The SEARCA Director's Choice… Read more

CEBU, Philippines — Advocates and champions of Asia's growing farm tourism industry were given the prestigious Lakbay Bukid Awards in the recently concluded 7th Farm Tourism Conference organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in Panglao, Bohol. With a US$ 1,000 cash prize from the family of the late tourism stalwart Bobby Joseph, the award was first given in 2016 to individuals, institutions, and groups who have contributed significantly to the growth of the farm tourism industry in the continent. This year's awardees are Francis Joseph Perdigon of Perdigon Farms in Butuan City, I Wayan Alit Artha Wiguna… Read more