Highlights: Experts Steer Discussions During the Plenary Sessions
During the 13th Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) National Congress and 2026 Philippine Agriculturists' Summit, prominent experts from the agricultural- and tech-industries gathered on the virtual stage for a series of plenary sessions held from 13 to16 July 2026.
The banner theme for this year’s convention was "The future of agriculture: Empowering agriculturists through artificial intelligence, microcredentials, and transdisciplinary approaches."
The keynote speaker, Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, Director of the DA - Bureau of Agricultural Research, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration as registered agriculturists in addressing the challenges facing the Philippine agriculture sector.
“It is the responsibility of our profession as Registered Agriculturists to collaborate across boundaries, and respond to problems collectively,” she emphasized.
The first plenary session featured Dr. Jaemie D. Ruiz-Chua, Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, and Mr. JB O. Doria, who affirmed the important role of agriculturists and the PAA in linking research, policy, and farming communities. They also discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI), when used ethically and strategically, can contribute to food security and inclusive agricultural development.
The second plenary session shifted the discussion from technology adoption to transdisciplinary collaboration, featuring Mr. Sebastian Felipe Bundoc, Hon. Congressman Brian Poe Llamanzares, and Ms. Meliza F. Abeleda. The session emphasized how innovation can extend beyond traditional academic research and benefit from collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
Attention then turned to the competencies and learning pathways needed by Filipino agriculturists. Plenary Session 3 featured Dr. Greg T. Pawilen, Mr. Orly Seachon, Jr., and Dr. Dennis Franco M. Layug, who advocated for continuous skills development and lifelong learning. As such, they presented microcredentials as a pathway toward future-ready Registered Agriculturists.
Finally, Ms. Liezel Ocheda, Ms. Karmela Joan R. Trillanes, and Mr. Jim Leandro P. Cano wrapped up the plenary sessions by sharing initiatives from their respective organizations in advancing Agriculture 5.0. The session highlighted that agricultural transformation requires not only digitization but also social inclusivity through policy support and continued capacity building.
The PAA extends its sincere gratitude to all invited resource persons and leading experts for gracing this year’s Philippine Agriculturists’ Summit. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences and for steering each session with such enthusiasm and meaningful discussions.
