LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA, Philippines – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is inspiring a new generation of “climate detectives” through its Youth in Agri Talk Show, which aims to build climate awareness and interest in agriculture among young learners across Southeast Asia.
The show’s fourth episode, “Climate Detectives: The Case of the Changing Climate,” aired on 15 May 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (GMT+8) on SEARCA’s Facebook page and has so far garnered 55,000 organic views. The largest audiences tuned in from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste.
Featuring agritech leader as “Chief Detective”
Headlining the episode was Mr. Ochie San Juan, Chief Farmer and Co-Founder of Mayani, an agri-tech startup that connects farmers to markets. Stepping in as the show’s “Chief Detective,” San Juan helped young viewers investigate the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as practical solutions for climate-smart agriculture.
Throughout the episode, students from across Southeast Asia posed questions on climate science, water availability, pests, and food security. Among them were:
- A student from the Red Cross Youth San Pablo City Chapter (Philippines), who asked why climate change matters even when local temperatures do not feel hotter.
- A student from Tarlac National High School (Philippines), who sought clarification on the difference between climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Another student from the Red Cross Youth San Pablo City Chapter, who raised concerns about where farmers can source water during prolonged dry seasons.
- A student from Achievers International School in Cambodia, who inquired how pests and unpredictable weather patterns damage crops and affect food security.
- A student from SMP Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia, who asked about practical actions young people can take at home and in school to protect the planet.
San Juan unraveled these “mysteries” using simple, everyday analogies, comparing weather to a daily “mood” and climate to a longer-term “personality.” He explained how human activities thicken the Earth’s “blanket” of greenhouse gases, driving global warming and climate change.
Showcasing climate-smart solutions
To highlight climate-smart practices, the show featured a game segment called “Identify the Clue,” which presented practical tools and technologies that farmers can use to cope with a changing climate. These included:
- Drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots and minimize wastage;
- Composting practices that nourish soils and help retain moisture; and
- Climate-resilient seeds bred to withstand extreme heat, dry spells, and floods.
San Juan urged young viewers to reduce food waste, start small gardens at home or in school, practice composting, and speak up about environmental issues in their communities. He underscored that it is vital for children and youth to understand how to care for the environment, respond to climate change, and appreciate the farmers and fisherfolk who ensure food reaches their tables.
Educators welcome meaningful engagement
Teachers whose students joined the program welcomed the show’s interactive format and meaningful engagement.
“It was such an honor and valuable experience to be part of this meaningful program. We truly appreciate the opportunity and look forward to future collaborations with SEARCA in empowering young people through inspiring initiatives,” said Mr. Almas Faliq Ahdanai, an educator from SMP Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia.
Innovative platform endorsed by SEAMEO and DepEd
The SEARCA Youth in Agri Talk Show adopts an innovative, non-conventional approach to learning designed specifically to spark interest in agriculture among basic education students in Southeast Asia. Its educational value and regional relevance are supported by official endorsements from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd).
Previous episodes of the talk show have presented agriculture as a viable career path, explored the ecological role of beneficial insects, and highlighted the positive effects of school and home gardens on student development.
The fourth episode was hosted by SEARCA youth ambassadors Ms. Zara Mae Estareja, Senior Associate for Public Relations, and Mr. Joseph Matthew Hedreyda, Senior Associate for Partnerships and Advocacy, both from SEARCA’s Partnerships Unit.
The full episode of “Climate Detectives: The Case of the Changing Climate” can be viewed at https://bit.ly/YATS4-ClimateDetectives.