THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) in Los Baños, Laguna, highlighted their green projects to visiting women leaders from Vietnam on May 8 to support the sustainable transformation of agricultural systems across Southeast Asia.
Maria Carla Dolores, Searca Research and Thought Leadership senior program associate, presented AquAsean, which aims to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector in Southeast Asia.
Emil John Cabrera, Searca Emerging Innovation for Growth Department program head, presented the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub (RSBH), which transforms rice straw into valuable products, including mushroom substrates, mulching materials, animal bedding and bioenergy in the form of biogas and biochar. He highlighted the RSBH’s benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health and increased income for farmers.
Cabrera showcased Searca’s work on agri-mechanization and artificial intelligence (AI) as key enablers of circular and climate-resilient food systems. The innovations included an open-systems tractor design featuring modular, customizable machinery that can be locally adapted to specific farm conditions, as well as AI-driven solutions that support precision, efficiency and reduced labor requirements.
Loise Ann Carandang, senior associate for partnerships and linkages at the Searca Partnerships Unit, discussed the Center’s MS and PhD scholarship offerings, which enable young professionals to pursue advanced studies in agriculture and related sciences. The Young Forces for Agricultural Innovation, in particular, organizes learning events, webinars and career orientations that reposition agriculture as an enticing and viable career path.
The visit was funded by the European Union and implemented by GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Center, Visible Impact and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
