SEARCA in the News

A LOCALLY developed Oggun tractor has been unveiled by RU Foundry based in Bacolod and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) headquartered at the campus of the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB). SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the collaboration has resulted in the completion of the enhanced Oggun tractor, an open-systems design tractor locally manufactured in the Philippines. "The Center strides toward building community resilience and sustainable livelihood through agri-mechanization with open-systems tractors," he said. Gregorio said the center's General Service Unit, together with the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department, inspected… Read more

The unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor marks a significant advancement in Philippine agriculture, offering local farmers a cost-efficient, adaptable machinery option. The collaboration between the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and RU Foundry has culminated in a significant leap forward for the agricultural sector with the unveiling of the enhanced Oggun tractor. This innovation, which is entirely developed and manufactured in the Philippines, represents a crucial advancement in agricultural machinery tailored to the needs of local farmers. Revolutionizing Local Agriculture Under the guidance of SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio, the partnership has successfully… Read more

SEARCA's involvement in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program spotlights its vital role in enhancing educational and sustainability efforts in the Philippines. The Department of Education (DepEd) recently spotlighted the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) for its pivotal role in the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP). This recognition occurred during the DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition event at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Financial Center, attended by over 170 stakeholders from various sectors. SEARCA's noteworthy contribution has been instrumental in bolstering DepEd's mission to deliver superior basic education across the Philippines. Unveiling the Impact of… Read more

There are farms in Southern Leyte that could be developed for sustainable farm tourism. The Gerona Farm in Buac, Sogod has been operational for around fifteen years and is a popular model farm in the province for students and guests. Some other farmers and owners are struggling to develop and maintain their land. Awareness of farm tourism is institutionalized with the annual Philippine Farm Tourism Conference which was initiated more than ten years ago by former Philippine Tourism Chief Mina Gabor. This tourism conference is for farmers, farm owners and farming enthusiasts. Discussions center on the best practices in farming… Read more

"My advocacy for farm tourism is to bring back love of farming," Cong. Edgar Chatto said, speaking at the opening program of the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism on February 26. The first district congressman challenged farm tourism practitioners, enthusiasts, experts to bring the young generation to the farms. In particular, he cited not only the production aspect but more importantly the process of learning as well as the values that the youth are able to pick up. Environmental protection, preservation and care must remain a priority, Chatto stressed. This he said is central to Bohol's development path with agriculture and… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna: London-based Tony Blair Institute (TBI) for Global Change sought guidance on advancing the agriculture sector from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). SEARCA Center Director Glenn Gregorio said TBI, a nonprofit organization that works with political leaders worldwide and helps governments deliver positive change for people, recently visited the center to explore possible areas of collaboration. "TBI is seeking collaboration, particularly in advancing the agriculture sector, including the promotion of responsive and climate-resilient research and development and innovation," Gregorio said. The TBI delegation was led by Grant Merrick, senior adviser… Read more

A FORUM organized by the Southeast Asian Regional for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) commemorated 20 years of the commercial planting of biotech or Bt corn in the Philippines. The forum was titled "20 Years and Onward: Advancing the Future of Philippine Yellow Corn" and held earlier this month with the cooperation of Bayer Crop Science in the Philippines. Attended by individuals from the academe, industry, business chambers, farmer groups, nongovernment organizations and the government, the forum looked back at key enabling policies as well as the situation of yellow corn across the country's value chain for the… Read more

Muntinlupa City - In a concerted effort to propel sustainable agricultural practices and explore cleaner energy alternatives, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB), and Straw Innovations, Ltd. came together to orchestrate a transformative Training on Biogas Production from Agricultural Wastes. The event unfolded at the Material Recovery Facility in Pacwood, Tunasan, showcasing a commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and technological innovation. The primary objective of the training was to advocate for the adoption of alternative rice straw management methods. A key focus was on… Read more

The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as one of its dedicated partners during the Partners' Appreciation and Recognition held at the Government Service Insurance System Financial Center last February 20. SEARCA was cited for its steadfast support and significant contribution to DepEd's mission of providing quality basic education to Filipino learn. This recognition stemmed from SEARCA's implementation of the School-Plus-Home Gardens Program (S+HGP), which not only enhanced schools' feeding programs but also integrated climate-smart agriculture concepts into the lesson plans of Grade 4 and 7 teachers. These… Read more

THE Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Rizal in partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has empowered Rizal province through sustainable food production for schools and communities. A groundbreaking initiative conducted under the School Edible Landscaping for Entrepreneurship (SEL4E) in Rizal, the training was held at Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School and Morong National High School in Morong, Rizal. SEARCA director Glenn Gregorio said the training aims to establish home gardening as a cornerstone for improving the food and nutrition security of schoolchildren and their families in the province. At… Read more