The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Learning Links Academy of Santa Rosa, Inc. on 8 October 2020 to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among K-12 students.
Signing the MOU in a virtual ceremony were Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director, and Ma. Luisa C. Castro, Learning Links Directress.
Dr. Gregorio said “It is important that agripreneurship and an appreciation for agricultural endeavors are integrated in all education levels even as early as kindergarten. Youth engagement in agriculture and rural development is a priority of SEARCA’s 11th Five-Year Plan to Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation or ATTAIN.”
Recalling her first visit to the agricultural and science community of Los Baños, Directress Castro excitedly expressed “Today is the reality of what I dreamed 12 years ago to partner with an organization that can inspire our students for social entrepreneurship through business alliances with farmers in a vision flourishing by the power of synergy.”
“The SEARCA innovEIGhts Model of open collaboration promotes academe partnerships to cultivate the spirit of innovation among young minds,” said Dr. Ancog, Program Lead for Emerging Innovation for Growth (EIG). He articulated opportunities for collaboration in design thinking modules for young agripreneurs and engagement in innovation competitions.
Prof. Win, innovEIGhts consultant said “We want to engage Learning Links as our pioneer team for the SEARCA iDEATES Hackathon, a junior division contest for agribusiness innovation ideas.”
Signing as MOU witnesses were Mr. Joselito G. Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, and Ms. Ma. Angela F. Carpio, Vice President for Finance and Human Resources of Learning Links.
Others present at the online event were Teacher Cheryll Santos Leus of Learning Links; Prof. Win Maw Tun, SEARCA innovEIGhts Consultant; and Dr. Ancog, Program Lead; Ms. Lichelle Dara E. Carlos, Program Specialist for Agri-Incubation; and Engr. Christopher T. Cabardo, Program Specialist for Technology Transfer.
Learning Links Academy of Santa Rosa, Inc. (Learning Links) is a progressive school for children where learning encompasses not just the cognitive but the whole range of child development. As a school centered on developmentally appropriate practices in teaching children, Learning Links has evolved and adapted the new trends in education but has retained its philosophy and vision.
Established in 1966, SEARCA is one of 26 specialist institutions of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). SEARCA is mandated to strengthen institutional capacities in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia through its core programs on Education and Collective Learning, Research and Thought Leadership, and Emerging Innovation for Growth.
