SEARCA in the News

SEEKING potential partnerships on their bamboo program, a delegation from Laguna University (LU) visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on Feb. 13, 2024. Established in 2006, LU is a public university committed to providing access to education to the youth of Laguna province. The delegation was led by LU Officer-In-Charge President Colegio Gascon. He was joined by Vice President for Planning and Finance Monette Bato; Research and Development Center director Marie Joy Elomina; and Helen Grace Centeno, focal person for bamboo exploration initiatives. "We've decided to explore the bamboo industry, specifically the… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna: The Applied Knowledge Resources Unit (AKRU) of the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) announced the winners of the 17th SEARCA Photo Contest. Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, said the competition searched for images focusing on agricultural technologies and practices that help lessen climate change and promote less pressure on natural resources and with a low carbon footprint. The Department of Education Secretary's Choice Award went to Christopher Andres of the Philippines with his photo featuring wind turbines, a renewable energy source for sustainable electricity. The SEARCA Director's Choice… Read more

CEBU, Philippines — Advocates and champions of Asia's growing farm tourism industry were given the prestigious Lakbay Bukid Awards in the recently concluded 7th Farm Tourism Conference organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) in Panglao, Bohol. With a US$ 1,000 cash prize from the family of the late tourism stalwart Bobby Joseph, the award was first given in 2016 to individuals, institutions, and groups who have contributed significantly to the growth of the farm tourism industry in the continent. This year's awardees are Francis Joseph Perdigon of Perdigon Farms in Butuan City, I Wayan Alit Artha Wiguna… Read more

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as one of its dedicated partners, specifically for its implementation of the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP). SEARCA was cited during the DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Financial Center on February 20. Over 170 attendees representing DepEd partners, including research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, local government units and private entities, joined the event. SEARCA's recognition stemmed from its steadfast support and significant contribution to DepEd's mission of providing quality basic education to Filipino learners. The… Read more

A LOCALLY developed Oggun tractor has been unveiled by RU Foundry based in Bacolod and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) headquartered at the campus of the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB). SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the collaboration has resulted in the completion of the enhanced Oggun tractor, an open-systems design tractor locally manufactured in the Philippines. "The Center strides toward building community resilience and sustainable livelihood through agri-mechanization with open-systems tractors," he said. Gregorio said the center's General Service Unit, together with the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department, inspected… Read more

The unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor marks a significant advancement in Philippine agriculture, offering local farmers a cost-efficient, adaptable machinery option. The collaboration between the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and RU Foundry has culminated in a significant leap forward for the agricultural sector with the unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor. This innovation, which is entirely developed and manufactured in the Philippines, represents a crucial advancement in agricultural machinery tailored to the needs of local farmers. Revolutionizing Local Agriculture Under the guidance of SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio, the partnership has successfully… Read more

SEARCA's involvement in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program spotlights its vital role in enhancing educational and sustainability efforts in the Philippines. The Department of Education (DepEd) recently spotlighted the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) for its pivotal role in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP). This recognition occurred during the DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition event at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Financial Center, attended by over 170 stakeholders from various sectors. SEARCA's noteworthy contribution has been instrumental in bolstering DepEd's mission to deliver superior basic education across the Philippines. Unveiling the Impact of… Read more

There are farms in Southern Leyte that could be developed for sustainable farm tourism. The Gerona Farm in Buac, Sogod has been operational for around fifteen years and is a popular model farm in the province for students and guests. Some other farmers and owners are struggling to develop and maintain their land. Awareness of farm tourism is institutionalized with the annual Philippine Farm Tourism Conference which was initiated more than ten years ago by former Philippine Tourism Chief Mina Gabor. This tourism conference is for farmers, farm owners and farming enthusiasts. Discussions center on the best practices in farming… Read more

"My advocacy for farm tourism is to bring back love of farming," Cong. Edgar Chatto said, speaking at the opening program of the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism on February 26. The first district congressman challenged farm tourism practitioners, enthusiasts, experts to bring the young generation to the farms. In particular, he cited not only the production aspect but more importantly the process of learning as well as the values that the youth are able to pick up. Environmental protection, preservation and care must remain a priority, Chatto stressed. This he said is central to Bohol's development path with agriculture and… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna: London-based Tony Blair Institute (TBI) for Global Change sought guidance on advancing the agriculture sector from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). SEARCA Center Director Glenn Gregorio said TBI, a nonprofit organization that works with political leaders worldwide and helps governments deliver positive change for people, recently visited the center to explore possible areas of collaboration. "TBI is seeking collaboration, particularly in advancing the agriculture sector, including the promotion of responsive and climate-resilient research and development and innovation," Gregorio said. The TBI delegation was led by Grant Merrick, senior adviser… Read more