SEARCA in the News

HIGHER education institutions (HEIs) have a crucial role in achieving food security and economic development, particularly in the post-pandemic era, Glenn Gregorio, director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), said. At the 3rd International Food Research Conference (IFRC) held at the Palm Garden Hotel in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Gregorio said the conference was anchored on the theme "Sustainable Food Industry through Science, Technology, and Innovation." Organized by SEARCA and the Universiti Putra Malaysia, Gregorio said IFRC 2024, which attracted over 200 participants from 26 countries, allowed food researchers to exchange insights and discuss… Read more

The University of San Carlos (USC) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) shared the spotlight when a video featuring the SEARCA Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS)-funded project of USC was named one of the Top 10 entries in the prestigious Nature Awards for the Science in Shorts filmmaking competition. This recognition shines a spotlight on groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, with the SEARCA x USC entry competing against 250 global submissions. The winning video, titled "Unusually sustainable – bioplastics from shrimp shells plus mango waste!", introduces an innovative approach… Read more

Jakarta - Muhammad Reza Cordova menjadi profesor riset termuda di Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN). Ia dikukuhkah pada April 2024 di usia 37 tahun. Pria kelahiran 3 November 1986 ini sebelumnya sempat terbersit untuk mengejar gelar profesor riset termuda di Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia (LIPI). Namun, hal tersebut baru terwujud saat nama lembaganya sudah berubah menjadi BRIN. "Sebenarnya saya punya target karena dulu sebelum ada BRIN, masuk LIPI sempat terpetik di pikiran kayaknya seru ya jadi profesor termuda di LIPI, tapi itu terjadinya pas di BRIN," kata Reza di Gedung BRIN, Jl MH Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat, Rabu (11/9/2024). Motivasi… Read more

Cibinong - Humas BRIN. Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) melalui Pusat Riset Tanaman Perkebunan turut berpartisipasi dalam Konferensi Internasional SABRAO (Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania) dan CSSP (Crop Science Society of the Philippines) yang berlangsung pada 12-16 Agustus 2024 di Filipina. Konferensi ini merupakan platform penting untuk memperkenalkan hasil penelitian terbaru serta menjalin kolaborasi di bidang pemuliaan tanaman. Konferensi ini diselenggarakan oleh Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) bekerja sama dengan Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) dari Departemen Sains dan… Read more

THE Southeast Asian Ministers of Education-Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH) hosted a pivotal symposium dedicated to "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and Sustainable Development," commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand on Aug. 27, 2024. The event celebrated the strong ties between the two countries and delved into cutting-edge strategies for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The symposium was inaugurated by SEAMEO INNOTECH director and former Education chief Leonor Magtolis-Briones, PhD, who greeted the distinguished ambassadors from Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam, along with other participants. Asst. Prof. Nuchanata Mungkung followed with an address, emphasizing… Read more

SOME 33 faculty and administrators from 23 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia completed the 2024 Leadership Development Program for HEIs in Southeast Asia (LDP-HEIs in SEA). Organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and The Healthcare and Education for Asian Development (HEAD) Foundation (THF) from March 14 to July 31, 2024, the program was on its sixth run with university presidents, faculty deans, department heads and other HEI leaders with administrative positions participating. According to SEARCA, the participants at the closing session presented highlights… Read more

THE Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (RECFON) is exploring collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to advance food and nutrition initiatives. This, as RECFON officials met with SEARCA representatives last August 14 to discuss updates on the 2nd SEAMEO International Conference on Food and Nutrition (ICFN) 2024, and explore possible collaborations on their Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) program. To be held in September this year, the ICFN 2024 conference will focus on the gains, challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia's environmental and… Read more

TWO professors of the Cavite State University completed the 2024 Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions in Southeast Asia. They were the Dean of the Graduate School and Open Learning College Dr. Bettina Joyce P. Ilagan and Associate Professor V Dr. Rhodora S. Crizaldo. Dr. Ilagan and Dr. Crizaldo attended the face-to-face sessions in Bangkok, Thailand last May 7-9 for the pitching and refinement of their Re-Entry Action Plan, according to CVSU. They joined other delegates from 23 participating HEIs in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The four-month hybrid training program was co-organized by the… Read more

THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has forged ties with the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Laguna and Straw Innovations Ltd. to advance sustainable agricultural practices. With this, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Santa Cruz, Laguna, on August 9. The MoU signatories were Associate Professor Joselito Florendo, SEARCA deputy director for administration; Roel Fabillan, PAFC Laguna chairman; Marlon Tobias, PAFC Laguna co-chairman; and Jay-Rness Ceria, Straw Innovations Ltd. business development manager. Eric Reynoso, SEARCA Emerging Innovation for Growth Department program head… Read more

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) director Dr. Glenn Gregorio was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in Agriculture by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Held on August 2, 2024, at Conrad Manila, the award ceremony honored 33 professionals across various fields, with Gregorio distinguished among eight awardees in the technology cluster. Gregorio's nearly three-decade career has provided valuable insights and contributions to agriculture including groundbreaking advances in rice breeding at IRRI, developing over 20 rice varieties adopted in multiple countries, and breeding programs across various continents at East-West Seed Company… Read more