SEARCA Chief Urges New Agriculturists to Lead Change

Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in Agriculture, delivered an impassioned address to more than 3,000 newly licensed agriculturists at their oath-taking ceremony on Jan. 20, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The event was hosted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and came just days before a milestone in the agriculture sector—the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill No. 2906, or the Philippine Agriculturists Act, on Jan. 27, 2025. The legislation seeks to elevate professional standards, enhance recognition, and provide long-overdue support for agriculturists nationwide.

Dr. Gregorio congratulated the new agriculturists and acknowledged their dedication, as well as the unwavering support of their families throughout their academic and professional journey.

Calling them the “beta generation of agriculturists,” he underscored their role as changemakers, innovators, and future leaders in Philippine agriculture.

“Today, you are not just licensed professionals; you are trailblazers who hold the potential to transform Philippine agriculture and address pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity,” he said.

Dr. Gregorio introduced SEARCA’s strategic vision under its 12th Five-Year Development Plan (2025-2030) and outlined three key actions for agricultural transformation.

The first is attracting young people into agriculture by promoting it as a modern, dynamic, and rewarding career.

The second is revolutionizing the agricultural value chain by leveraging digitalization and technology to modernize processes.

The third is ensuring inclusivity by involving marginalized groups, including women, youth, and the elderly, in building a sustainable and equitable agricultural system.

Dr. Gregorio urged the new agriculturists to rise to the challenge.

“The world needs passionate, innovative, and committed agriculturists. I challenge you to lead boldly, embrace change, and drive innovation fearlessly,” he declared.

The ceremony coincided with the Senate’s Jan. 27 passage of the Philippine Agriculturists Act on its third and final reading, with unanimous support from 23 senators. The Act establishes a regulatory framework to uphold professional standards and improve recognition and remuneration for agriculturists.

“As the agriculture profession in our country celebrates this pivotal moment, SEARCA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the next generation of agriculturists in driving sustainable and inclusive agricultural development,” Dr. Gregorio said.