THREE state universities partnered with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture in pursuit of training and technology transfer.

The Tarlac Agricultural University and Laguna State Polytechnic University signed agreements under which they will work together on areas of mutual interest such as education, research, and training.

Meanwhile, the Batangas State University also signed an agreement with special focus on innovative agricultural technologies, agribusiness incubation, and technology transfer.

Signatories to the five-year memoranda of understanding include SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, TAU president; Dr. Mario R. Briones, LSPU president; and Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU president.

Gregorio said SEARCA’s collaboration with agricultural universities is part of its strategy to harness academe-industry-government interconnectivity to revitalize the agriculture sector.

He added that through its 11th five-year plan focused on Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation, SEARCA serves as gateway to the future of agricultural development by building an open innovation and open science spaces. These will serve as the venue for emerging trends and opportunities for agriculture and rural development in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region.

TAU has a Sustainable Mechanized Agriculture for Research and Technology Agriculture Center for climate-resilient crop production. It educates learners and farmers on innovations in agriculture, food security, and sustainability.

“The Center aims to carry out its mission of fostering the implementation of smart agriculture in many ways. It will be a platform for forging interdisciplinary research collaborations across disciplines, both within and outside TAU,” Guillermo said.

On the other hand, LSPU’s Technology Business Incubation for Agri-Fishery and Natural Products nurtures business start-ups in agricultural, aquatic and natural resources-based techno-enterprise.

BatStateU has a Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation and the first Knowledge Innovation and Science Technology Park registered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. KIST Park is a prime destination fostering collaboration between universities, industry players, locator companies, and tech startups, including agricultural entrepreneurs.