The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) have committed to work closely to fuel up the development and transfer of innovative technologies not only in the Philippines, but also in Southeast Asian region.
The PCAARRD and SEARCA signed on April 29 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to "develop and promote cooperation on education, training, research, technology transfer, and agri-incubation for the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.”
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora described their partnership with SEARCA, a non-profit organization established by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) in 1966, as a critical strategy to develop and transfer innovative technologies, and expand networks and mutually-share resources.
“We envision this partnership to generate power for the people through our future capacity building activities and knowledge exchange. Let this partnership create possibilities of progress as we venture into joint technology transfer and commercialization projects,” he said in a statement.
"We also hope that this partnership will implement programs that will deliver positive socio-economic impact for the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia. Together, let us continue to build a competitive innovation ecosystem,” he added.
SEARCA is tasked to provide high-quality graduate study and research in agriculture; promote, undertake, and coordinate research programs related to the needs and problems of the Southeast Asian region; and disseminate the findings of agricultural research and experimentation.
Under the MOU, DOST-PCAARRD and SEARCA "agreed to implement scientific and technological cooperation through joint research and development; support to technology transfer and commercialization research; exchange of information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and scientific/technical publications, and information.”
The exchange of scientists and technical experts; capacity building activities (e.g. scholarships, internships, mentoring, and research enrichment/sandwich trainings); and joint conduct of and participation in scientific seminars, trainings, conferences, symposia, and workshops are also expected between the two parties as provided under the MOU.
The MOU was signed by Ebora and SEARCA Director Glenn B. Gregorio.