CMU graduate students join the 10th UC-SEARCA Summer School in Bogor, Indonesia
Graduate students represented Central Mindanao University at the 10th University Consortium (UC)–SEARCA Summer School held on September 22–October 6, 2026, in Bogor, Indonesia.
Hosted by IPB University, the event gathered participants from across Asia to foster regional collaboration in agricultural research. Among the delegates were Mr. Romil J. Tan, a PhD student specializing in Soil Science, and Ms. Mechie Ann C. Florida, a PhD student in Animal Science, both from CMU’s College of Agriculture. They joined delegates from University Consortium (UC) member institutions from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan. This diverse representation underscored the collaborative spirit of the consortium and the importance of regional partnerships in advancing agricultural and environmental sciences.
Grounded in a holistic agro-maritime framework, the summer school examined the sustainable management of interconnected terrestrial, agricultural, coastal, and marine ecosystems in response to global environmental challenges.
The curriculum was divided into two stages. An online preparatory phase on August 18–28, 2026 established essential background knowledge through orientation sessions, foundational lectures, self-study modules, and collaborative networking. This paved the way for an intensive in-person immersion in Indonesia (September 22 – October 6, 2026), where students engaged in interactive coursework, peer exchanges, and field studies. Expeditions to Situ Gunung Nature Tourism Park, Gunung Walat Educational Forest, and the Pulau Seribu archipelago exposed delegates to varied ecosystems and local community resource management practices.
At the conclusion of the program, participants presented their group findings to a panel of evaluators. Each group also showcased cultural performances during the closing ceremony, fostering camaraderie and cross-cultural appreciation.
The participation of CMU’s graduate students in the UC-SEARCA Summer School significantly enhanced their academic and professional development. The program provided them with valuable opportunities to engage with international researchers and experts from diverse disciplines. Beyond knowledge acquisition, the experience strengthened their skills in research, collaboration, and cross-cultural communication. Most importantly, it expanded their professional networks, enabling them to contribute more effectively to academia and the broader scientific community.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its multi-national university network, alongside SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by advancing sustainable agromaritime management across terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems. It also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through international academic training and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by fostering regional environmental resilience. [Information from Mr. Romil J. Tan and Ms. Mechie Ann C. Florida]
