SEARCA in the News

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

Shrimp waste was turned into bioplastic for packaging and could be a potential solution to lessen the massive waste from nonbiodegradable plastics.  University of San Carlos (USC) researchers have developed the bioplastic with support from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture through the latter’s Grants for Research toward Agriculture and Innovative Solutions, said a SEARCA news release. The grant was awarded in 2022 to the project team led by Dr. Maria Kristina Paler. According to the team, processing frozen shrimp meat for export generates tons of waste composed of shrimp heads and shells, which… Read more

Efforts to realize the roadmap development of the calamansi industry in Oriental Mindoro kicked off with a back-to-back training workshop at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) headquarters in Los Baños town in Laguna province. Through Searca's Research and Thought Leadership Department, the Back-to-Back Training Workshops on Roadmap Development and Marketing Strategies for Calamansi from April 11-14, 2023 is a form of technical assistance for the roadmap development in collaboration with the Oriental Mindoro provincial government. According to Searca Director Glenn Gregorio, the training workshops aimed to capacitate select representatives of the calamansi… Read more