LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is set to host the second Meet the Diplomat Series (MDS) on 19 March 2026, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in Manila. The event aims to highlight the deepening bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Spain, particularly in the areas of economics and education. It will be held at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. (GMT +8:00).
Launched on 23 February 2026 as SEARCA's newest knowledge-sharing platform, the MDS opened with its inaugural session featuring Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Philippines. She discussed how Thailand-Philippines cooperation in agriculture can spur employment, strengthen food security, and support sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
Building on this momentum, SEARCA now welcomes officials from the Embassy of Spain in Manila for the second installment of the series to share insights on diplomatic, economic, and educational collaboration. Ms. Silvia Torices, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, will discuss economic relations between the Philippines and Spain, highlighting trade, investment, and emerging opportunities in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Ms. Beatriz Jimeno, Education Advisor, will present opportunities for academic partnerships between the Philippines and Spain that can benefit students, researchers, and regional institutions.
Rooted in SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia), the MDS serves as a strategic platform for aligning foreign policy priorities with regional agricultural and rural development goals. Through this initiative, SEARCA strengthens its engagement with the diplomatic community and enhances its role at the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy.
The series offers ambassadors and diplomatic officials a venue to present country updates, foreign policy priorities, development directions, and cooperation opportunities across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and beyond—including, in this case, Spain. These exchanges keep discussions timely and valuable for agricultural stakeholders in the region.
Attendees will include diplomatic officials, policymakers, researchers, academics, and specialists from various fields, fostering a dynamic exchange of insights and opportunities for collaboration.
Through the MDS, SEARCA reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusive, innovation-driven, and globally-aligned agricultural solutions. The platform enables stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the critical issues in agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability—and to appreciate their broader implications for regional stability and global relations.