MANILA, Philippines—At the 19th Annual Meeting and Scientific Convention of the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines (NAST) Outstanding Young Scientists Inc. (OYSI) held on 9 July 2024, Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), emphasized the need to rethink traditional agricultural approaches. He underscored this in light of the complex challenges confronting the agriculture sector, including food security, climate change, and resource depletion.
Dr. Gregorio highlighted SEARCA's strategic role in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. Citing SEARCA's work focused on Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN), he emphasized that agriculture is not at a crossroads but is a thriving sector with immense potential.
The OYS awardee and NAST Academician articulated how his journey as a crop geneticist naturally fit SEARCA's mission to foster agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Gregorio's extensive experience in developing salt-tolerant rice varieties has significantly improved food security in areas affected by salinity. Varieties like IR66946-3R-149-1-1, later released as BINA dhan 8 in Bangladesh and BRRI dhan 55 in the Philippines, are testaments to this success.
He also noted that the first batch of ultra-low glycemic index (GI) rice samples was formally presented to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the opening ceremony of the 6th International Rice Congress. Low GI rice varieties have been clinically validated to have health benefits for consumers.
By talking about the impact of these innovations, Dr. Gregorio reinforces SEARCA's continuous advocacy for using scientific advancements to address agricultural challenges.
Dr. Gregorio shared his initiative in climate-proofing corn and developing super sweet waxy corn with multiple beneficial traits, which contribute to food security by enhancing crop resilience and promoting diversification. His contributions to micropropagation and plant research also promoted smart and sustainable agriculture through superior disease-free plant selections and improved plant varieties.
"Innovation is the act of turning research results into revenues, into economic and social gains," Dr. Gregorio said. "Impact happens when technology touches the lives of our society," he added.
He called for robust partnerships to address agricultural and biodiversity challenges, likening the need for collaboration to assembling a "Justice League" of partners for a better, smarter new normal.
"We don't need only individual heroes but teammates—partners," the SEARCA Center Director stressed.
