MANILA—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 message to over 3,000 newly licensed agriculturists at their Oath-taking Ceremony held on 20 January 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center. The event was hosted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Dr. Gregorio’s inspiring remarks were timely as the agriculture sector celebrated a landmark achievement just days later with the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill No. 2906, or the Philippine Agriculturists Act, on 27 January 2025. The legislation aims to elevate the standards of the agriculture profession and provide long-overdue professional recognition and support to agriculturists nationwide.
In his speech, Dr. Gregorio congratulated the newly licensed agriculturists and acknowledged their hard work and the unwavering support of their families throughout their academic and professional journey.
Referring to them as the “beta generation of agriculturists,” Dr. Gregorio emphasized 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,” Dr. Gregorio remarked.
He introduced SEARCA’s forward-thinking strategy embodied in its 12th Five-Year Development Plan (2025-2030) and outlined three critical actions for transforming agriculture. First is attracting youth into agriculture by promoting agriculture as a modern, dynamic, and rewarding career. Second is revolutionizing the value chain by leveraging digitalization and technology to modernize agricultural processes. And third is ensuring Inclusivity by involving marginalized groups, including women, youth, and elderly populations, in creating a sustainable and equitable agricultural system.
Dr. Gregorio challenged the new agriculturists to rise to the occasion.
“The world needs passionate, innovative, and committed agriculturists. I challenge you to lead boldly, embrace change, and drive innovation fearlessly,” he declared.
This inspiring ceremony coincides with a significant milestone for the agriculture sector. On January 27, 2025, the Senate passed 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 support the next generation of agriculturists to help drive sustainable and inclusive agricultural development,” Dr. Gregorio said.#
