NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines—The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), successfully launched the Fifth International Summer Short-term Program (ISSP) on 17 November 2025.
First held virtually during the 2021 pandemic, the ISSP has evolved into a dynamic platform for international academic mobility, hands-on training, and collaborative research. Now in its fifth year, the intensive program offers international students three key sustainability tracks: Crop Biotechnology, Tropical Mushroom Pharming, and Precision and Digital Agriculture.
Dr. Parsons Hail, Director, International Affairs Office (IAO), CLSU
Dr. Emil Ubaldo, Chief of Mobility and Intercultural Linkages, CLSU-IAO
During the opening program, Dr. Parsons Hail, Director of the CLSU International Affairs Office (IAO), welcomed guests and provided a short overview of the program while Dr. Emil Ubaldo, CLSU-IAO Chief of Mobility and Intercultural Linkages, introduced the representatives from participating institutions.
The program's wide reach gathered 23 participants from six countries in Southeast and East Asia, representing 11 universities, including eight from the UC: IPB University, Universiti Putra Malaysia, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universitas Brawijaya, Visayas State University, Maejo University, Central Mindanao University, National Chiayi University, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Aurora State College of Technology, and the host institution, CLSU.
SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla
In her video message, SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla congratulated CLSU for spearheading the program and conveyed her well wishes to the participants. Sombilla emphasized that the ISSP aligns with SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan focused on Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia or SUSTAIN Southeast Asia, which aims to accelerate the transformation of agricultural systems across the region. She encouraged the participants to use their new skills to champion sustainable agriculture and help build a more food-secure future for Southeast Asia. She also commended CLSU and the other participating UC members for their continued partnership and leadership.
Providing background on the consortium's work, Ms. Blessie Saez, Senior Program Associate at SEARCA's Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD), gave an overview of SEARCA and its role within the UC, and detailed the consortium's current membership, programs, and activities.
Ms. Blessie Saez, Senior Program Associate at SEARCA's Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD)
Dr. Khin Mar Cho, CLSU Adjunct Fellow and International Agriculture, Food Systems and Nutrition Specialist
Dr. Khin Mar Cho, CLSU Adjunct Fellow and International Agriculture, Food Systems and Nutrition Specialist, shared her experiences when she was a student and urged the participants to make the most of the program. She advised them to enjoy the experience and the friendships they will build, while also staying focused on the program's core objectives.
In a closing message, Dr. Ravelina Velasco, CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), expressed her gratitude and pride in the ISSP's growth, having been involved since its inception as a lecturer and organizer for the aquaculture track. She said it was humbling and inspiring to witness the program's growth over five years, and she thanked SEARCA and the UC, along with lecturers, coordinators, organizers, and all the participants for their continued support and contributions. She expressed hope that the program will spark deeper cooperation and shared learnings moving forward, and that the knowledge gained, friendships formed, and cultural exchanges experienced will inspire continued collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
Dr. Ravelina Velasco, CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)
Adding a vibrant note to the kick-off was the presence of Siel, the Green Cobra, CLSU's official mascot. Siel embodies the cobra's defining traits—strength, agility, and resilience—mirroring the university's commitment to academic excellence and leadership, while its green color symbolizes growth, vitality, and sustainability. Serving as an ambassador of the university, Siel also enhances CLSU's visibility and brand recognition across various events, materials, and campaigns.
The ISSP remains a flagship initiative of the CLSU-SEARCA-UC partnership, strengthening regional academic cooperation and equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders with the skills needed to drive sustainable transformation in Southeast Asia.
From left: Dr. Evaristo Abella, CLSU President; Siel, the Green Cobra, CLSU’s official mascot; Dr. Khin Mar Cho, CLSU Adjunct Fellow; Ms. Blessie Saez of SEARCA, and Dr. Parsons Hail, CLSU-IAO Director