LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has officially reinstated its Professorial Chair Program for the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). This initiative marks a renewed commitment to recognizing academic excellence and reinforces the long-standing institutional partnership between the two organizations.
As SEARCA’s host institution, UPLB serves as a vital partner in implementing regional programs, providing graduate scholarship study posts, and contributing expertise to research initiatives. With UPLB’s Chancellor serving on the SEARCA Governing Board, the revival of this program is a timely recognition of their enduring collaboration as SEARCA prepares to celebrate its 60th founding anniversary.
For the Academic Year 2026–2027, SEARCA has awarded the Professorial Chair to Prof. Dixon T. Gevaña, Director of the UPLB Forestry Development Center. Gevaña is recognized for his leadership in bridging science, policy, and community-based environmental management, with notable contributions to mangrove conservation, carbon governance, and climate adaptation.
His distinguished academic record includes the UP Scientist 3 Award (2024–2026), the Outstanding Teacher Award (2025), and the APAFRI Forestry Award (2024).
As part of the grant, Gevaña will deliver 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.”
Through the restoration of this program, SEARCA continues to honor individual excellence among UPLB staff and the university’s pivotal role in shaping agricultural knowledge and policy for sustainable development in the region.