LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has reinstated its Professorial Chair Program for the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), marking a renewed commitment to recognizing academic excellence and underscoring SEARCA's enduring partnership with UPLB.
As the Center's host institution, UPLB plays a pivotal role in the implementation of SEARCA's programs, including by serving as a study post for graduate scholarships and contributing experts to regional research initiatives. The UPLB Chancellor also serves as the Philippine representative to the SEARCA Governing Board, further highlighting the university's close institutional ties with the Center. As SEARCA prepares to celebrate its 60th founding anniversary, and in recognition of this long-standing collaboration, restoring the Professorial Chair for UPLB is both timely and appropriate.
For Academic Year 2026–2027, SEARCA has awarded the Professorial Chair to Prof. Dixon T. Gevaña. Currently serving as Director of the Forestry Development Center, Prof. Gevaña has demonstrated leadership in bridging science, policy, and community-based environmental management, including work on mangrove conservation, carbon governance, and climate adaptation.
He is also a recipient of the UP Scientist 3 Award (2024–2026), the Outstanding Teacher Award (2025), and the APAFRI Forestry Award (2024), among others. As part of the grant, Prof. Gevaña will share his achievements through a public lecture titled "An Interdisciplinary Approach to Mangrove Conservation and Local Livelihood Development in Southeast Asia (SEA): Challenges and Opportunities for Collaborative Blue Carbon Governance."
With the revival of the SEARCA Professorial Chair for UPLB, the Center honors not only the individual excellence of UPLB staff but also the university's enduring leadership in shaping agricultural knowledge and policy for sustainable development.