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 Development Unit (ECLD-T4DU) received the award on behalf of the Center during the "25th SERP-P Anniversary and Annual Networking Meeting" held at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City, Philippines.
Ms. Bernice Anne De Torres (second from left) holds the plaque of recognition presented by PIDS President Dr. Philip Arnold Tuaño to SEARCA as one of the 10 most active SERP-P members.
Since becoming a SERP-P Network member in May 2013, SEARCA has steadily contributed studies, policy briefs, journals, and other knowledge products, with updates managed by Ms. Mina Talatala, Library and Archives Associate, Knowledge Management Unit.
SEARCA’s print knowledge products, including the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD), policy briefs, and Agriculture and Development Notes, were showcased during the event and made available to participants at no cost.
This year's award affirms SEARCA continued impact, following five earlier recognitions from PIDS—in 2019 and from 2021 to 2024.
"SEARCA has been consistently recognized as one of SERP-P's most active and valuable contributors," Mr. Ezekiel Nicomedes, SERP-P Coordinator and Project Manager, said.
Ms. Mina Talatala of the Knowledge Management Unit presents the plaques of recognition received from PIDS over the years.
Nicomedes explained that one of the key roles of a SERP-P Network member is contributing content by uploading research outputs to the online portal, thereby making these resources more accessible to policymakers, educators, students, development practitioners, and the wider public.
SERP-P featuring SEARCA's research outputs and other knowledge products on agriculture and development
He added that network members are also encouraged to support knowledge-sharing and collaboration by participating in forums, roundtable discussions, and research advocacy initiatives organized by PIDS and SERP-P.
SEARCA's active participation in SERP-P strengthens evidence-informed policy dialogue and scaling digital knowledge dissemination, which are touchstones of its 12th Five-Year Development Plan focused on Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). By widening access to SEARCA studies and knowledge products, the Center helps deliver on its target outcomes—increasing farmers' income (Pocket), improving food security and nutrition (Plate), building climate-resilient agri-food systems (Place), and empowering people and institutions (People).