The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), through its Education and Collective Learning Department-Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit (ECLD-GSIDU), will offer the YES!, or Your English Sidekick, Micro-credential to incoming SEARCA scholars for Academic Year 2026–2027 to support their preparation for graduate study.
The YES! Micro-credential is an online, asynchronous learning program developed by the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to strengthen scholars' English communication skills as they prepare for graduate study in universities where English is the medium of instruction. The program forms part of SEARCA's continuing efforts to provide academic and language support under the Graduate-on-Time Program.
The micro-credential builds on SEARCA's previous Basic English Course, which was traditionally conducted in person before scholars proceeded to their respective study posts. As scholars' needs changed, SEARCA introduced YES! as an online alternative that lets scholars learn at their own pace and access materials wherever they are. The program includes modules on basic English grammar, academic reading, and academic writing. To support diverse learning preferences and varying internet conditions, the modules are available through structured Moodle lessons, downloadable PDF materials, and video lectures.
SEARCA will complement the asynchronous micro-credential with online consultation sessions via Zoom every Friday starting in July. The five-week consultation program will provide real-time interaction, feedback, and guidance. It will also allow scholars to raise questions, share concerns, and receive support as they prepare for graduate study and life in their host universities. The sessions will cover academic communication, daily survival communication, social communication and relationship building, intercultural communication, and professional and academic confidence.
By combining asynchronous modules with synchronous consultation sessions, SEARCA aims to provide incoming scholars with a more responsive, learner-centered English communication support program. The initiative reflects the Center's commitment to helping its scholars adjust confidently to their academic environments and succeed in their graduate studies.