LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) welcomed 62 participants, including lecturers and the organizing team, from seven countries to the International Ecology School (IES) 2026 held on 15–21 July 2026 in Laguna, Philippines. The participants included 23 graduate and undergraduate students.
With the theme "Resilient Ecologies, Shared Futures: Innovation for Climate and Biodiversity," the week-long program brought together participants from Mongolia, the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through lectures, research presentations, and field-based training, they deepened their understanding of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
In recorded welcome messages, Dr. Nam Sangho, Chairman of the Environment Ecology Meteorology ICT Consilience Forum (EEMICF), shared that IES, now on its fifth year, has become a meaningful platform for international exchange among researchers and young professionals across the East Asia-Pacific region. The school enables participants to explore ecological values and discuss sustainable solutions for a shared future.
"I believe that the passion and ideas each of you bring to this gathering will contribute to creating more practical and innovative solutions for future generations," he added.
Dr. Lee Inyoung, a member of the Korean Parliament, emphasized that complex issues—including climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing concerns over food, water, and energy security—transcend national borders and cannot be addressed by any one country alone.
Addressing the participants, he expressed hope that "the knowledge, experience, and friendships you gain through this year's IES will serve as a strong foundation for future international collaborative research and ecological cooperation throughout Asia."
From left: Dr. Nam Sangho, EEMICF Chairman, and Dr. Lee Inyoung, a member of the Korean Parliament, deliver their welcome messages in a recorded video during the opening ceremonies.
Dr. Yongyut Trisurat, IES Principal, welcomed the participants and reiterated the school's aim of bringing together professionals in environment, ecology, meteorology, and information and communications technology (ICT) to promote research, policy development, and legislative action.
He encouraged the participants to "take advantage of this valuable opportunity to engage with your colleagues and senior scientists, learn from their experiences, and expand your own knowledge and capabilities."
Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, congratulated EEMICF, the Korea Long-Term Ecological Research (KLTER), the International Long-Term Ecological Research East Asia-Pacific (ILTER-REAP) Network, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) for bringing the program to fruition.
"This partnership is more than institutional collaboration; it is a testament to how nations can work together to build scientific capacity, strengthen ecological stewardship, and advance sustainable development," she added.
Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., UPLB Chancellor, also extended his greetings and congratulations to the organizers, partners, and participants of IES 2026 for advancing this important regional learning initiative.
"UPLB has long held the principle that knowledge must serve the people," he said. "May this IES inspire research that is scientifically rigorous, socially responsive, and committed to healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities, and a shared, sustainable future."
From left: Dr. Yongyut Trisurat, IES Principal; Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., UPLB Chancellor; Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director; and Prof. Kwon Ohseok, EEMICF Director
The IES2026 featured 15 experts from Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Their lectures covered environmental governance and policy, biodiversity information systems, greenhouse gas sequestration, forest ecology, native species conservation, urban mangrove ecosystems, coastal and marine resources, and planetary health.
Participants gained firsthand experience through field studies at the UPLB Makiling Botanic Gardens within the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Lake Yambo in San Pablo City, Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in Quezon Province, and Pagsanjan Falls.
The field activities complemented the lectures and discussions by exposing participants to forest, freshwater, agroforestry, and ecotourism landscapes. The program also featured research presentations by 23 graduate and undergraduate students, showcased their research on ecology and biodiversity.
A major highlight of the program was the signing of a sponsorship between DB Insurance and EEMICF during the closing ceremony on 20 July. Under the agreement, DB Insurance will support IES over the next three years, reaffirming the company's commitment to environmental education, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Mr. Cha Juyong, DB Insurance Director, and Prof. Kwon Ohseok, EEMICF Director, signed the agreement.
In his message, Mr. Cha Juyong emphasized that climate change and ecological crises require urgent collective action. He identified climate action and biodiversity conservation as key corporate priorities of DB Insurance and pledged continued long-term support for IES.
From left: Mr. Cha Juyong, DB Insurance Director, and Prof. Kwon Ohseok, EEMICF Director, present the signed donation agreement to the IES2026 delegation.
The closing ceremony also recognized the participants' achievements. All 23 graduate and undergraduate students received certificates of completion, while three student researchers earned Certificates of Excellence for their outstanding presentations.
Mr. Simeon Gabriel Bejar of the University of the Philippines Diliman won first place, followed by Mr. Lin Chen-Lee of National Taiwan University in second place, and Ms. Phattraporn Ruangmuean of Kasetsart University, Thailand in third place.
Twenty-three student-participants completed the IES2026
The best paper presenters receive certificates of recognition from Dr. Trisurat (third from left)
In his closing message, Dr. Rico Ancog, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, reflected on the participants' experience through the concept of panarchy—the cycles of growth, release, and renewal that shape ecosystems and human communities alike.
He reminded the students that they are not merely passive observers of ecological cycles but active contributors to the present and future of ecology. He encouraged them to carry the spirit of growth, release, and renewal into their classrooms, laboratories, and communities.
EEMICF and KLTER hosted the event in collaboration with IES, SEARCA, and UPLB. Sponsors include DB Insurance, Young Poong, Korea Resource-Recycling Energy Mutual-Aid Association, and K-Water.
