THE Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) and New Zealand are exploring potential collaboration on climate-smart agriculture.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh visited the Searca headquarters on September 12, with discussions focused on revisiting potential joint initiatives with the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Center (NZAGRC) on climate-smart agriculture.
Searca Director Glenn Gregorio said this was previously discussed with officials of the New Zealand Embassy in Manila in Los Baños, Laguna, on August 27.
Known for its efficient production of dairy, beef and sheep, New Zealand’s agriculture sector is a key driver of the country’s economy. Also, according to Searca, New Zealand is committed to achieving net-zero carbon and is developing and promoting innovative farming practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We acknowledge Searca’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and rural development in the Southeast Asian region. It’s great to see what you’re doing,” McIntosh said during the meeting.
Nur Azura Adam, Searca deputy director for programs, gave an overview of the potential joint capacity-building initiatives on climate-smart agriculture. She also mentioned the center’s prospect of engaging NZAGRC experts as speakers for the Searca Online Learning and Virtual Engagements webinar series.
On extending Searca’s scholarship grants to New Zealanders, Adam explored the development of a training program on greenhouse gas emission measurement tools and facilities.
Maria Cristeta Cuaresma, senior program head of Searca’s Education and Collective Learning Department, proposed engaging with the Global Research Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases.
Highlighting the center’s partnerships and linkages, Gregorio introduced the Consortium for Agricultural Development, Research and Extension or Cadre and the Southeast Asian University Consortium (UC) for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources.
He noted that UC, Searca and Kasetsart University in Thailand offer the Master of Science in Food Security and Climate Change, and develop a micro-credential program on food security and climate change.
Gregorio also underscored Searca’s research focus on carbon neutrality and expressed interest in learning from New Zealand’s pioneering net-zero carbon initiatives.
In her visit to Searca, McIntosh was accompanied by David Pennycook, second secretary; Dyan Rodriguez, international development cooperation manager; Jao Yabut, policy adviser; and Moira Uycoco, executive assistant to the ambassador, all of the New Zealand Embassy Manila.
The delegation toured the Searca Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation, also called the Sharing AgriMuseum.
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