To strengthen research collaborations, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) presented its initiatives and programs on education and training in agriculture at the Philippines-New Zealand Program Launch here.
The program launch was held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) chancellor on June 20, 2023.
SEARCA joined the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center and the UPLB.
During the event, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell discussed his country's present and potential engagement for global research with the Philippines.
Also covered during the launch event was an overview of objectives and components of the current New Zealand investment and the UPLB project titled "Enhancement of Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Mitigation for Cattle in the Philippines."
For SEARCA, Deputy Director for Programs Nur Azura Adam presented the center's initiatives and programs on education and training in agriculture in Southeast Asia as well as the center's Web-based Integrated and Spatial Engine and Smart Ecosystem or Wise Carbon Farming Project.
Gregorio said there were five emerging areas of research that were also tackled: circularity in agriculture; indigenous engagement in Philippine agricultural science; Philippine agriculture toward low carbon, climate-resilient food systems with progressive farmers and fisheries; development of climate-smart feeding rations for cattle and buffaloes; and climate change.
During the roundtable discussion segment of the program that was also participated by SEARCA, possible areas of collaboration between the Philippine and New Zealand were also explored.
