SEARCA News

In a world that is fast becoming more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, climate change, and other pressing realities, the need to reshape agricultural research and development in Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) has only become increasingly urgent. HEIs, which play a major role in achieving national and global development targets, can address this need by becoming champions of transformational agriculture and rural development through research projects that promote food security and sustainable agriculture. But amid competing priorities and limited resources, how can HEIs make their research more appealing and thus, fundable?… Read more

In continuing to capacitate Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) in the agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources (AFNR), the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), with the College of Development Communication of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-CDC), commenced the Online Training on Scientific Writing and Presentation for HEIs in the Philippines (SciWriting4HEIs) on 19 April 2022 via the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagements (SOLVE) Platform. The training program is the fifth offering under the Leveling Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR), funded by the… Read more

ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – In May 2021, a virtual signing of the Letter of Agreement (LoA) between the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Mindoro State University (MinSU) was done on the establishment of the techno-demo-learning site for calamansi research. This undertaking took off from the gains of the SEARCA and the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project, “Upgrading the Calamansi Value Chain towards Improving the Calamansi Industry of Oriental Mindoro.” The learning site was situated at MinSU’s Calamansi Research and Development Center. A year after the signing… Read more

In recognition of their outstanding contributions toward Accelerating Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN), SEARCA awarded four Southeast Asian academicians with the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair Grant for AY 2022-2023. The grantees are Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd Shafri from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirikachorn Tangkawattana from Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, and Dr. Renato G. Reyes from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippines. They are entitled to a grant of USD 5,000.00 each. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering… Read more

Felta Multimedia Inc., official distributor of Lego education materials and robotics in the Philippines, visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to train selected representatives from each unit and department of the organization on 7 April 2022. This is the second on-site InnovEIGhts ideation session on Lego education robotics and it was the first event held at the SEARCA Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation (SHARING) Café. The ideation session, titled “Brewing Education and Creativity AGRI 4.0,” brought together 20 SEARCA staff and three Lego robotics trainers. The basics… Read more

Province of Quezon – For the first time in two years, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) came face to face with the Provincial Government of Quezon (PG Quezon) to discuss the progress of the collaborative action research project on the Development of Coconut Industry Growth Areas in the Province of Quezon on 7 April 2022 in Pagbilao and Lucena, Quezon. The meeting was spearheaded by Dr. Pedcris M. Orencio, Program Head; Ms. Anna Gale C. Vallez; Program Specialist; Ms. Rochella B. Lapitan, Senior Program Associate; and Ms. Ruth Jazrel M. Bandong, Project… Read more

Representatives from units and departments of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) joined the hybrid online and on-site InnovEIGhts ideation session on 3D printing technology held on 29 March 2022 via Zoom and at the SEARCA Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation (SHARING) center. The ideation session enabled 55 SEARCA staff to learn the basics of 3D printing technologies and watch a full-scale demonstration of creating 3D printed prototypes. Six of the participants were certified 3D Printing Application Specialists of the Center, equipped to coach and mentor interested learners… Read more

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) joins the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in remembering the productive and vibrant life of Dr. Arturo A. Gomez, former SEARCA Director from 1988-1993 in a necrological service program held on 10 April 2022 via Zoom. Dr. Gomez also served as Professor and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UPLB, SEARCA’s host institution since its inception in 1966. In his message to convey Dr. Gomez’ legacy in Southeast Asia, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, current SEARCA Director and Professor at the UPLB College of Agriculture and… Read more

Dr. Novy R. Clores, Director of Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT)-Cawayan Campus, visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 4 April 2022 to explore areas for partnership on research, education, and innovation. She was received by Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director, Mr. Joselito G. Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, Dr. Romeo V. Labios, Operations Consultant for Partnerships, and Mr. Benedict A. Juliano, Unit Head, Applied Knowledge Resources Unit (AKRU). During the courtesy visit, Mr. Juliano presented to her SEARCA’s 15th Annual Photo… Read more

The Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) in partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is set to host a forum to transform agri-food systems through agri-innovation. To be held virtually on 19-20 April 2022, the forum will discuss inclusive and innovative financing models that can impact on the scalability of farming and agribusiness ventures, market accessibility through effective platforms, and digital technology integration in agricultural production. Experts from different sectors will be leading the two-day forum proper to gather insights from the participants on the conditions that should be in place to… Read more