CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY and BUKIDNON, Philippines—The Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) will host the 7th UC Faculty Forum (UCFF) on 24–25 September 2025 at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City and CMU in Bukidnon, Philippines. As the UC Secretariat, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will support the conduct of the UCFF.
The event will be addressed by SEARCA's top leadership, with Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, Center Director, delivering a message during the opening program and Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs, giving the closing remarks.
With the theme "Building a Sustainable Future: Agriculture in a Green Economy for Global Food Security," this year's forum will bring together academics, researchers, and policymakers to examine the multifaceted dimensions of the green economy. The event aims to encourage dialogue and collaboration among experts in agriculture and allied fields to develop impactful and sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.
The forum will feature 36 paper presentations across five subthemes: Food Security and Nutrition, Sustainable Livestock Production, Green Cities and Urban Planning, Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. A highlight of the forum is a cultural immersion experience in Bukidnon, where participants will engage in hands-on activities that celebrate local heritage, including soil painting, Binaki-making, coffee cupping, and a traditional weaving demonstration. These activities aim to strengthen appreciation for indigenous knowledge and the cultural narratives passed down through generations.
Delegates can look forward to a rich exchange of ideas shaped by the diverse expertise and cultural backgrounds of participants from UC member universities: IPB University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia); Universiti Putra Malaysia; University of the Philippines Los Baños, Central Luzon State University, Visayas State University, and CMU (Philippines); Kasetsart University and Maejo University (Thailand); National Taiwan University; and Tokyo University of Agriculture (Japan), along with representatives from Surigao del Norte State University, University of Southern Mindanao, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Capiz State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University–Leon Campus, and Mindanao State University.
Launched in 2019, the UCFF has served as an annual platform for UC faculty members, researchers, and extension staff to build camaraderie, encourage transdisciplinary research, and strengthen collaboration through strategic partnerships. This year's edition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time CMU will host an annual UC event since joining the consortium.