SEARCA shortlists the 2007 Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT) grantees who will be awarded on the Center's 41st anniversary on November 27.

(From L to R): Dr. Arnulfo Garcia, Sen. Edgardo Angara, UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco, and Director Arsenio Balisacan award the SFRT to Maria Lea Villavicencio, UPLB, one of the 2006 grantees

It is envisaged to provide chosen research and training project proposals with limited start-up funds intended to enhance chances of securing long-term support from donor agencies. A seed fund for research/training grant ranges from $10,000 to $15,000.

The project started in 2005 wherein seven proposals were granted: three from the Philippines and four from Vietnam. The following year, SFRT awarded nine proposals: three from the Philippines, two from Indonesia and Vietnam, one from Lao PDR, and one joint proposal from Thailand and Philippines.

All project proposals are evaluated by using a pre-determined set of criteria. For this year, the Evaluation Committee are composed of: National Scientist Dr. Gelia Castillo, SEARCA Visiting Research Fellow Dr. Donato Antiporta, SEARCA Training Manager Dr. Maria Celeste Cadiz, and SEARCA RDD Manager Dr. Arnulfo G. Garcia.

The committee's final decision will be announced by mid-November in time for the awarding ceremonies. (Ranell Martin M. Dedicatoria, KMU)