Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), presented to Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones the Center’s progress on the SEARCA Hub for Agriculture and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation (SHARING) and the soon-to-be open SEARCA iCREATE during his courtesy visit on 29 March 2022 at the Central Office in Pasig, Philippines.
As part of the 11th Five-Year Plan of Accelerating Transformation Through Agriculture Innovation (ATTAIN), SEARCA geared up its efforts to continue in providing wider access for farmers and families to innovative products and services.
Dr. Gregorio highlighted the two facilities as the Center’s way to promote farming innovation and learning spaces for learners in preparation for the post-pandemic.
“Here at SEARCA, we are one with DepEd in enriching the learning competencies of our Filipino youth. It is through these platforms where they can get their hands and minds in action and go crazy with their innovative ideas especially in the field of smarter agriculture,” said Dr. Gregorio.
SHARING is designed as an agri-museum and learning hub offering interactivity with art, science, and multimedia installations highlighting next-generation agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, the SEARCA iCREATE is an open-shared service venue for ideation, prototyping and hands-on learning activities and events through the use of LEGO blocks, robot kits, and MINECRAFT game-based education platforms.
Secretary Briones commended SEARCA for always promoting DepEd’s mandate in service to the Filipino youth.
“I applaud SEARCA for always making agriculture sexy. Thank you for your untiring dedication and support to DepEd”, said Dr. Briones.
Dr. Gregorio also presented institutional tokens to the Education Secretary. The tokens comprised winners of the SEARCA’s Annual Photo Contest that includes the DepEd Secretary’s Choice Award.
SEARCA staff who joined Dr. Gregorio in the courtesy visit were Mr. Joselito G. Florendo, Deputy Director for Administration; Ms. Beatrisa L. Martinez, Executive Coordinator, Office of the Director; and Mr. Nathan P. Felix, Senior Public Relations Associate. Also in the visit was the Director’s wife, Ms. Myla Beatriz A. Gregorio. (Nathan P. Felix)
