MANILA, Philippines —The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) joined the celebration of the National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2025 held on 28–30 October 2025 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. With the theme "gAIn Biotech, growing Artificial Intelligence, nurturing Biotechnology," the event gathered government agencies, academic institutions, students, and private sector partners to promote the emerging intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, as well as innovations that advance sustainable agriculture, food security, and human capital development. The Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) hosted the celebration this year, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) set to host NBW 2026.
Opening the event, Dr. Carmela Oracion, DepEd OIC-Undersecretary for Learning Systems Strand, emphasized the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity.
She said, "We want our learners not only to understand science but to live it—to ask questions, think critically, experiment responsibly, and use knowledge to solve real-world problems."
She also encouraged educators to foster innovation in youth, stating, "Ignite curiosity, encourage collaboration, and inspire our youth to see how biotechnology and AI can work hand in hand to create a sustainable country and a better world."
Mr. Janir Datukan, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Care and Development, and Literacy Coordinating Council Secretariat, reminded participants that technology must remain grounded in human values.
"This event is not just a celebration of advances in technology. It's also a celebration of ourhumanity. Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and all those discoveries will never replace humans. Whenever we make new things or discover new things, we must always go back to our humanity—to what makes us human: kindness and compassion," he said.
Visitors explore SEARCA’s interactive booth to learn about AI, biotechnology, and climate-smart agriculture.
SEARCA's interactive exhibit booth provided visitors opportunities to learn about biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture through engaging activities and discussions. It aimed to enhance public awareness and appreciation of biotechnology and underscore its vital role in advancing innovation in agriculture and development. The booth also provided policy briefs, fact sheets, case stories, and publications, making research-based knowledge accessible and promoting agricultural innovation across Southeast Asia.
Ms. Lormelyn Claudio of ERDB accepts the NBW host role from Dr. Ebenezar Beloy of DepEd during the closing program.
During the closing program, Dr. Ebenezar Beloy, OIC-Director III of DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development, formally turned over the NBW host agency role to the DENR. In her acceptance speech, Ms. Lormelyn Claudio, Director IV of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), expressed optimism for continued collaboration, saying, "As we receive the baton from DepEd, we look forward to strengthening partnerships that will advance science, technology, and innovation—nurturing not only knowledge but also hope and resilience among our youth."
SEARCA also recently co-organized a media forum on biotechnology R&D and regulatory landscape in the Philippines with Science Communicators Philippines and CropLife Philippines in Manila on 14 October 2025 as an NBW build-up activity. SEARCA's participation in NBW 2025 reflected its ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability through science, technology, and education while strengthening food systems and empowering communities.
As a collaborating partner, staff from the Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Knowledge Platform led SEARCA's participation in the NBW 2025.
