MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), called on Mindanao State University (MSU) graduates to become "masters, not dependents, of AI" during the university's 60th Commencement Exercises on 30 July 2024.
A renowned agricultural scientist and rice breeder, Dr. Gregorio emphasized the crucial role of technology in driving agricultural progress and addressing global challenges.
"In essence, agriculture encompasses more than just planting and harvesting; it's about sustainability, innovation, health, and the future we're collectively shaping," he pointed out.
Dr. Gregorio's speech connected MSU's mission to SEARCA's vision of accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation (ATTAIN). He underscored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure food security.
He emphasized that "As university graduates, embracing the relevance of agriculture in your fields can lead to holistic solutions that address global challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for all."
He noted MSU's pivotal role in producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for nation-building, expressing pride in MSU's contribution to the development of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.
"You might wonder why an agriculturist was invited to address this gathering of MSU graduates. MSU, being a national university, will surely play a critical role as a source of trained manpower for agricultural research and development (ARD) and other disciplines equally important to the development in Mindanao, the Philippines, and even in Southeast Asia and beyond," Dr. Gregorio expounded.
He has cast SEARCA as a linchpin in the region's agricultural progress by galvanizing MSU graduates to become industry pioneers and leaders. Emphasizing the Center's dedication to cultivating agricultural innovation and leadership, he urged the graduates to harness their knowledge to develop groundbreaking solutions to the agriculture sector's challenges.
In urging the graduates to be "relevant, mindful, curious, resilient, and risk-taking leaders," Dr. Gregorio shared his personal journey from the mountains of Bukidnon to the global stage.
"Like me, from the mountains of Bukidnon where I graduated high school at CMU [Central Mindanao University], I stepped up and refused to let perceived hindrances limit my aspirations. It means not allowing your field of expertise to keep you from maximizing your contribution to the global community even as you work and make a difference in your local capacity," he said.
Dr. Gregorio took the opportunity to showcase SEARCA's robust portfolio of programs, including scholarships, institutional support, research endeavors, and knowledge sharing. He singled out MSU faculty members who are SEARCA graduates, praising their contributions to national development and agricultural progress.
"They join over 2,000 other SEARCA graduate alumni across the Southeast Asian region. Many have gone on to occupy or have occupied high positions of responsibility in governments, academe, private sector, and other important international and national institutions, living proof of the success and contributions of SEARCA's Graduate Scholarship Program to ARD," he said.
Beyond technical skills and knowledge, Dr. Gregorio stressed the importance of character education and ethical conduct.
"The best resource now would not be capital or extensive labor or even technologies but human resources who can create new ideas and innovations and those who are willing and able to think differently and make a difference in the lives of our people and society," he emphasized.
"Your potential is boundless," Dr. Gregorio to the graduates and challenged them to become catalysts for positive transformation."