Our Governance
Legal Status and Host Government Relationship
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) was established under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Charter and holds the legal capacity to enter into contracts, manage property, and institute legal proceedings. It enjoys privileges and immunities comparable to those accorded to United Nations institutions in the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries.
The Philippine government hosts SEARCA on the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Los Baños, Laguna. As an international organization operating in the Philippines, SEARCA maintains formal ties with the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the submission of its annual report and proposed operations budget for review and approval. This relationship reflects the host country's commitment to SEAMEO and ensures that SEARCA operates under protocols applicable to international entities.
Governance and Accountability
SEARCA upholds institutional accountability through a structured governance system anchored in its Enabling Instrument and strategic planning cycle. The Center's operations are governed by Five-Year Development Plans (FYDPs) and overseen by its highest policymaking body, the SEARCA Governing Board.
The Governing Board ensures that SEARCA's strategies align with SEAMEO's regional goals and that the Center operates transparently, efficiently, and ethically. The Board is responsible for setting policy, approving budgets and reports, and evaluating organizational performance.
SEARCA's strategic direction is defined in its FYDP, which outline its goals, key result areas, and performance targets. Each new FYDP is evaluated and approved by the SEARCA Governing Board before presentation to the SEAMEO High Officials Meeting (HOM). Once confirmed to align with SEAMEO's regional priorities at the HOM, the FYDP is presented to the SEAMEO Council for final approval.
As a SEAMEO regional center, SEARCA reports to the SEAMEO Council through its designated Philippine focal agency, the Department of Education (DepEd). Coordination and compliance with the SEAMEO Secretariat guidelines align SEARCA's activities with the broader SEAMEO objectives and mandates.
At the same time, SEARCA maintains accountability to its host country by regularly coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to comply with national protocols for international organizations.
