SEARCA in the News

A recent workshop held here has set the stage for the development of a comprehensive roadmap that aims to shape the future of Quezon province’s coconut industry. Held on 16-17 May 2023, the workshop was jointly organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the Provincial Government of Quezon through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV. In attendance were 40 representatives from DA, DA-ATI CALABARZON, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Quezon, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Quezon, National Dairy Authority (NDA), Local Government… Read more

More than 100 experts and partners working in the agri-food sector gathered in a Roundtable Discussion Series on Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems in Southeast Asia, jointly organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), a SEARCA news release said. The event brought together industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States who shared experiences and insights in promoting digital technologies, carbon farming in agriculture, and climate-smart innovations in the food and agriculture sectors. SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio and… Read more

Foreigners usually think of the Philippines as a place of dreamy golden beaches, shimmering azure waters, blue skies and gently swaying palms. But there is a new wave in tourism across the country – especially for those interested in sustainability. Farm tourism has become the new norm in travel. The Republic Act No. 10816, otherwise known as the Farm Tourism Development Act, defines farm tourism as “the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes.” As a reason to visit, it is becoming increasingly popular in the country. The activities vary, depending on… Read more

THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) gathered more than 100 experts and partners from the agri-food sector who shared experiences and insights in promoting digital technologies, carbon farming in agriculture and climate-smart innovations in the sector. SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the gathering in a Roundtable Discussion Series on Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems in Southeast Asia at the Philippine International Convention Center from April 18-19, 2023 brought together industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States. With BSP Monetary… Read more

The Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand inked ties on May 16, 2023 to cooperate on initiatives that promote agriculture and rural development in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by SEARCA director Dr. Glenn Gregorio and AIT Vice President for Academics Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, the two institutions intend to promote collaboration in undertaking education, training, research programs, projects and activities. Gregorio said the signing of the agreement marks an important milestone in the… Read more

A Technical Training on Edible Landscaping for the Establishment and Enhancement of Agricultural Technology Parks (ATPs) and Mini-ATPs in Cambodia kicked off in Siem Reap province yesterday, according to a news release of the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Jointly organised by the Philippines-based SEARCA and the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (CE SAIN) of the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), the three-day training will run until May 25. “Edible landscaping is a practical integration of food plants within an ornamental or decorative setting that uses edibles in a… Read more

CEBU, Philippines —  The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are working together to elevate the farming sector in the Philippines, as agriculture poses a critical role in the economic health of the country. SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio said that enabling farmers to participate in digital economies and in organizing and accrediting carbon farming initiatives requires interdisciplinary and collaborative actions. "SEARCA and the BSP partnered in holding roundtable discussions to bring together diverse perspectives and stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue on advancing agricultural productivity… Read more

Maejo University (MJU) and Philippines-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) are jointly organising the 8th UC Graduate Forum under the auspices of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC). To be held on 18-19 May 2023 in the Furama Chiang Mai Hotel, the 8th UC Graduate Forum is themed “Prospect of Agriculture Sustainability: Agroforestry, Precision Agriculture, Smart farming, and Innovative Agri Products.” At least 70 researchers, experts, practitioners, policymakers, and students from around the world are expected to convene in Chiang Mai to exchange ideas, discuss cutting-edge advancements… Read more

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will conduct a benchmarking study in agriculture research for development (R4D). Titled "Benchmarking of the Agricultural Research for Development (R4D) Management System with Selected Asian Countries," SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the project aims to assess and analyze the R4D coordination and management activities of institutions that fund agriculture and fisheries to enhance DA-BAR's implementation process of the agricultural R4D management system. Gregorio said the project will involve different participatory learning approaches in gathering the best practices of… Read more

In its push for family farming, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has called for a holistic approach to support resilient food systems and ensure food security in the country. According to Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, this was the resounding message resulting from a SEARCA-led hybrid and flexible Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) late last month. Gregorio said the "ADSS on Leveraging the Role of Family Farming Towards More Productive and Resilient Food Systems in the Philippines" is relevant, adding that "now more than ever, there is a need to promote… Read more