SEARCA News

Seven studies published in the December 2025 issue of the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD)—a publication of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)—examine emergent trends in Asian agriculture. These papers explore long-standing themes such as digitalization, gender inclusion, climate adaptation, and data systems that are increasingly shaping policy and practice across the region. It is commonly believed that limited buying capacity restricts farmers' access to information and communication technology (ICT), limiting their participation in a digital society. Nonetheless, in the study "Exploring Forms of Capital in Farmers' ICT Use and Its… Read more

For many smallholder farmers in the Mekong region, growing and selling crops often means relying on middlemen, accepting uncertain prices, and having limited access to timely technical advice. Innovation has now arrived at the farmers' hands through a smartphone application—the Mekong Farm app. By connecting farmers with buyers, value chain actors, peers, and agroecology experts, the app is beginning to turn everyday mobile phones into tools for market access, learning, and informed decision-making. Led by Greenovator, the enhancement of the Mekong Farm app was funded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Grants… Read more

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), showcased the Center's initiatives in smart agriculture, carbon neutrality, One Health, and biotechnology at the 2025 X Agriculture Forum held on 2 December 2025. The event was hosted by the National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Bioresources and Agriculture (CBA). In her presentation, Sombilla discussed SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP): Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). This plan guides the Center in implementing programs and initiatives that accelerate the shift from subsistence… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—Representatives from Don Bosco - One TVET Philippines, Inc. and various Don Bosco training centers visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 3 December 2025 to learn about the Center's best practices in agricultural innovation, sustainability, and institutional collaboration. Don Bosco - One TVET Philippines, Inc. is the national coordinating office for the network of Don Bosco training centers across the Philippines, providing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to young Filipinos. Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs, provided the visitors with an overview of… Read more

PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines—The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has recognized the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as one of the top contributors to its Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) database in 2025. PIDS is the Philippine government's primary socioeconomic policy think tank, and the SERP-P database is an online resource containing studies and materials from PIDS and other academic and research institutions. Ms. Bernice Anne De Torres of SEARCA's Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD) and Mr. Stoix Nebin Pascua of SEARCA's Education and Collective Learning Department – Training for… Read more

Dr. Rico Ancog, a highly awarded academic leader and researcher, has been appointed as the new Deputy Director for Administration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) effective 1 December 2025. Ancog is a Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and a recognized UP Scientist. He was the Dean of the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) from 2021 to 2025. He has risen through the ranks at SEARCA, previously serving as a Program Specialist of the Research and Development Department (now known as the Research and… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines —The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Executive Program for Leaders in Asian Agriculture and Development (LAAD): Focus on Southeast Asia. The program, which combines online and in-person learning, aims to strengthen the leadership and innovation capacities of professionals navigating the rapidly evolving agrifood landscape in the region. Designed for leaders working in government agencies, private agrifood enterprises, academia, civil society, and development organizations, the program will equip participants with a deeper understanding of contemporary agrifood challenges and the strategies needed… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—Former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Dr. Karl Kendrick Chua underscored that agricultural productivity is the missing foundation in the Philippines' long-delayed structural transformation during a seminar hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 14 November 2025. NEDA has been renamed as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). Speaking at the SEARCA Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS), Chua said the Philippines remains a stable but not yet a prosperous economy. He emphasized that true prosperity cannot be achieved unless the country begins its transformation… Read more