LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines – Three books on climate change and related environment concerns were published here recently.

Much earlier, another book was launched by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization-Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEAMEO SEARCA).

The latest publication to roll off the press was "Learning and Coping with Change: Case Studies of Climate Change Adaptation in Southeast Asia."

Read more: Books on climate, environment concerns launched

LILONGWE, Malawi – The Philippines, through the Climate Change Commission (CCC), joined the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network's Project Steering Committee on the invitation of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). 

Read more: CCC joins National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network’s Steering Committee, SEARCA shares...

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines, and the Municipality of Boston in Davao Oriental, Philippines conducted an orientation as a kick-off activity of the pilot project titled "Community-based Waterways Clearing Project as an Adaptive Measure to Reduce Flooding" on 10 March 2017. 

Read more: Community-based waterways clearing operation kicks off in Davao Oriental

The Nagoya University (NU) and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) conducted a workshop last 16 March 2017 at the SEARCA Headquarters to formulate the strategic action plan of collaboration in research and development. In accordance with the respective mandates of NU and SEARCA and within the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two institutions have agreed to work together on common areas of interest that will advance efforts to develop human resources towards inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development as well as food and nutrition security in Southeast Asia amidst threats of climate change and changing agricultural environment. 

Read more: Nagoya University and SEARCA kick off partnership by defining framework of collaboration in a...

MANILA, Philippines – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) joins the Department of Agriculture (DA) and President Rodrigo Duterte in launching the National Color-Coded Agriculture Guide (NACCAG) Maps at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang on 7 March 2017.

Read more: SEARCA joins DA and President Duterte in launching national color-coded agricultural guide maps

INDANG, CAVITE – Dr. Ruel M. Mojica delivered his first Professorial Chair Lecture titled "Socio-Economic and Environmental Assessment of a Microcontroller-based Coffee Roasting Machine: Implications for Market Potential and Technology Commercialization" on 8 March 2017 at the Cavite State University. SEARCA Director, Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr. delivered his inspirational message and commended Dr. Mojica for being one of the few Southeast Asian Professorial Chair grantees. Dr. Saguiguit mentioned that his grant reflects Dr. Mojica's proven track record and passion for research on coffee production. 

Read more: Agricultural Engineering Professor concludes Professorial Chair Lecture

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Nagoya University are set to have a workshop on 16 March 2017 at the SEARCA Headquarters. The workshop aims to develop the framework of collaboration in research and development between the two institutions. 

The potential areas for joint project development include, among others, academic exchange for graduate education in agriculture and natural resources, as well as R&D activities related to agrobiodiversity, food safety and quality assurance, efficient production of dairy cattle, problem soils under climate change, waste recycling, and pest management.

The meeting will be attended by five Nagoya University Officials/Professors led by Dr. Akira Yamauchi, Director of the International Cooperation Center for Agricultural Education (ICCAE) and Professor of the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences. SEARCA will be represented by its Director, Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., Program Heads, Project Development and Technical Services Head, its Senior Fellow for Food Safety Dr. Maria Concepcion Lizada, and selected staff. (Maria Katrina R. Punto)

LOS BANOS, LAGUNA – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) through Dr. Lucrecio L. Rebugio, Principal Researcher, delivered a presentation on the findings of the project "National Action Plans for Mitigation in Rice: Comparative Assessment of Institutional Setting and Possible Entry Points for Intervention in the Philippines and Vietnam" on 1 March 2017 at the SEARCA Headquarters. The project is a collaboration between SEARCA and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) aimed at increasing understanding of the institutional settings of climate change policy in agriculture, specifically mitigation in rice. 

Read more: IRRI-SEARCA study examines the dynamics of implementing climate change mitigation policy in rice...

SEARCA Professorial Chair grantee, Dr. Ahmad Zaharin Aris, conducted his lecture on the 'Impact of Climate and Land-Use Changes on Water Quality' at Bilik Sidang Utama, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on 21 February 2017. 

Read more: SEARCA Professorial Chair Grantee Delivers Study Results at UPM

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), as commissioned by the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), conducted and hosted the forum titled "Regional Forum on State-of-the-Art of Agricultural Research and Development and its Implications to ASEAN Integration" held on 27-28 February 2017.

Read more: 52 R&D practitioners attend regional forum on state-of-the-art of agri R&D and its implications...