LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — To gain insights into the latest agricultural initiatives, a group of 70 aspiring agriculturists from across the Philippines visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on Aug. 28, 2025.
Representing various universities from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, the visiting students are preparing for the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists through the Upstep Review Center.
SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, Associate Professor Joselito Florendo, welcomed the group, underscoring the vital role of agriculturists in the Philippines.
Florendo emphasized that the "licensure examination is not just a requirement but also an opportunity to master the latest agricultural science and technology."
The students learned about SEARCA's mission and programs from Joseph Matthew Hedreyda, Senior Associate for Partnerships and Advocacy.
Included in the tour was an interactive tour of the SEARCA Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation or SHARING AgriMuseum, a facility that merges agriculture with art, science and technology.
The students also explored the SEARCA Sky Garden, a rooftop edible garden.
They concluded their visit by watching a special screening of the "SEARCA Youth in Agri Talk Show," a nontraditional educational series designed to engage young people.
The episode focused on the transformative role of gardening in youth development.
SEARCA, as a center of excellence, aims to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders who will address the complex challenges facing the sector and contribute to food security and rural development in the Philippines and beyond.