SEARCA was recognized for being UPLB’s partner in the work towards attaining national development goals as well as for continuously collaborating and sharing resources with the university. UPLB also cited SEARCA for supporting its endeavors to attain its goals and aspirations towards making inclusive growth possible in the Philippines. Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Director, accepted the award on behalf of the Center.
Others feted along with SEARCA were Philippine government agencies and a private entity, namely: the Department of Agriculture (DA); DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR); Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice); Department of Energy (DoE); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD); Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); and Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).
UP President Alfredo E. Pascual graced the event, and reiterated the importance of UPLB’s partners in R&D and called for their continued support. For his part, Chancellor Sanchez thanked UPLB’s partners for their “trust, confidence, and faith” in the university’s capacity and expertise to develop new and innovative technologies that benefit the Filipino nation.
Since its establishment, SEARCA has complemented and collaborated with UPLB in programs of research, technical services, and capacity building activities. (Leah Lyn D. Domingo)