SEARCA in the News

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

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as one of its dedicated partners, specifically for its implementation of the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP). SEARCA was cited during the DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Financial Center on February 20. Over 170 attendees representing DepEd partners, including research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, local government units and private entities, joined the event. SEARCA's recognition stemmed from its steadfast support and significant contribution to DepEd's mission of providing quality basic education to Filipino learners. The… Read more

A LOCALLY developed Oggun tractor has been unveiled by RU Foundry based in Bacolod and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) headquartered at the campus of the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB). SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the collaboration has resulted in the completion of the enhanced Oggun tractor, an open-systems design tractor locally manufactured in the Philippines. "The Center strides toward building community resilience and sustainable livelihood through agri-mechanization with open-systems tractors," he said. Gregorio said the center's General Service Unit, together with the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department, inspected… Read more

The unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor marks a significant advancement in Philippine agriculture, offering local farmers a cost-efficient, adaptable machinery option. The collaboration between the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and RU Foundry has culminated in a significant leap forward for the agricultural sector with the unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor. This innovation, which is entirely developed and manufactured in the Philippines, represents a crucial advancement in agricultural machinery tailored to the needs of local farmers. Revolutionizing Local Agriculture Under the guidance of SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio, the partnership has successfully… Read more

SEARCA's involvement in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program spotlights its vital role in enhancing educational and sustainability efforts in the Philippines. The Department of Education (DepEd) recently spotlighted the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) for its pivotal role in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP). This recognition occurred during the DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition event at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Financial Center, attended by over 170 stakeholders from various sectors. SEARCA's noteworthy contribution has been instrumental in bolstering DepEd's mission to deliver superior basic education across the Philippines. Unveiling the Impact of… Read more