THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has partnered with the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA) in hosting a conference on April 25 and 26, 2024 at the SEARCA headquarters inside the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus in Los Baños, Laguna.
Titled "Cultivating Tomorrow: SEARCA's Insights for Agriculture's Future," SEARCA Director Glen Gregorio said the conference aims to showcase the research accomplishments of selected scholars as of academic year 2023-24 and raise awareness of their role in the future of agriculture.
Twenty-two scholars present their research in five sessions: agriculture policy and development, natural resource management, food and biological sciences, agronomy and plant sciences, and innovation in agricultural applications.
"The conference seeks to provide a platform for sharing information, practices, knowledge, and skills generated from research and development activities; thereby strengthening the relationship among scholars and alumni," he said.
Gregorio added that the event demonstrates the center's support for the academic achievements of the scholars and recognizes their dedication to producing quality research that contributes to accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation.
Notable SEARCA alumni have been invited as plenary speakers, incuding Dr. Muhammad Firdaus, education and culture attaché of the Indonesian Embassy to Malaysia who will deliver the inspirational message; Ts. Jason Choy Min Sheng, senior assistant director of the Industry and Community Collaboration Division, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia, who will speak about the Role of Transnational TVET Studies-Malaysia's Experience; and Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano, director of the National Livestock Program-Department of Agriculture in the Philippines, who will discuss government-led initiatives that will shape agriculture's future.
Other speakers invited are Natalino Babo Martins, deputy project manager of Conservation International in Timor Leste, who will provide insights into the nongovernment organizations' prospects in strengthening agriculture's future; and Dr. Ir. Asdi Agustar, professor at Andalas University in Indonesia and RSAA president, and Dr. Weerapon Thongma, president of Maejo University and RSAA vice president, who will deliver the welcome and closing messages, respectively.
Gregorio said SEARCA has organized the "SEARCAmustahan" on April 15, an evening of networking and camaraderie with the scholars and alumni as they connect over shared experiences and aspirations.
Scholars also share a rich tapestry of flavors and cultures with their traditional cuisines in a food fest on April 26.
Greogorio also noted that SEARCA, through its Education and Collective Learning Department or ECLD has revived the conduct of previous regular events based on the setup of the current scholars and alumni and plans to make it an annual occurrence.
