LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) celebrated the academic achievements of its graduating scholars in FY 2024-2025 in a solemn and inspiring testimonial ceremony held on 17 July 2025 at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium and livestreamed via Zoom.
The event recognized 39 full-degree scholars and 13 PhD research scholars from various study posts across Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, France and the Netherlands. The ceremony highlighted the scholars' dedication, resilience, and excellence in their respective fields.
Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs, warmly welcomed attendees and commended the scholars for their perseverance and commitment to advancing agricultural and rural development across Southeast Asia. She also acknowledged the role of SEARCA's partners in its scholarship programs for their vital support. Dr. Nur encouraged the graduates to remain engaged with SEARCA as members of the Center's alumni network and to continue championing inclusive and sustainable development in their home countries and the region.
In her keynote message, Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, emphasized the graduates' role as changemakers in Southeast Asian agriculture. She affirmed SEARCA's dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development, and urged the graduates to use their expertise to bridge research and real-world applications to improve the productivity and sustainability of farming communities. She closed with empowering advice: hone your skills, link research with practice, uphold SEARCA's values, be a catalyst for change, and think boldly to tackle challenges like climate change and food insecurity.
Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the SEARCA Academic Achievement Awards to four exceptional scholars: Dr. Bates Bathan, who achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0, published in Scopus-indexed journals, and presented in eight international conferences; Dr. Bhakti Etza Setiani, who maintained a GPA of 3.98, with nine journal publications and nine conference presentations; Dr. Dian Kusumaningrum, who obtained a GPA of 3.94, with six publications, seven conference papers, and multiple accolades including international research grants; and Dr. Nor Akhlisah binti Zulkipli, who completed her PhD in just over three years, with 10 publications and awards from national and international competitions.
Dr. Bates Bathan
Dr. Bhakti Etza Setiani
Dr. Dian Kusumaningrum
Dr. Nor Akhlisah binti Zulkipli
Special Citations were also awarded to Dr. Delfim da Costa and Dr. Richelle Mae Mendoza-Olpot for their commendable academic performance and timely completion of their PhD programs. Ten other scholars were also recognized with special awards for graduating on time.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating scholars, Dr. Dian Kusumaningrum delivered a heartfelt message celebrating the resilience, diversity, and shared purpose of her fellow graduating scholars. She reflected on the challenges of pursuing graduate studies during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized how SEARCA became more than a scholarship provider—it became a family and a source of hope. She honored the unique research journeys of her fellow scholars and their collective commitment to advancing agriculture and sustainability in Southeast Asia. She closed her speech with a touching poem, and the heartfelt declaration, “Once a SEARCAn, always a SEARCAn."
On the other hand, Dr. Nor Akhlisah binti Zulkipli, a DAAD-SEARCA scholar, shared a deeply personal and emotional testimony. She recounted her academic journey marked by loss of family members, mental health struggles, and accomplishments, including winning the 3-Minute Thesis Competition during one of her lowest moments. Her message underscored the importance of compassion, community, and staying connected, reminding her fellow graduates that true success lies not in titles, but in the lives they touch and the legacy they leave behind.
The ceremony concluded with the oath-taking of the new members of the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA), administered by RSAA President Dr. Asdi Agustar, who also delivered the closing remarks.
The Testimonial Ceremony was a meaningful celebration for the graduates and their families with SEARCA staff, reflecting the Center's unwavering dedication to championing excellence in agriculture and rural development across Southeast Asia.