2016 Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumni (OSSA) and Emerging Leaders in Transition Economies (ELITE)
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) officially launched the search for the Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumni (OSSA) during an OSSA Selection Committee meeting held on 26 September 2025. This initiative aims to honor SEARCA graduate alumni who embody the Center's core values and philosophy and have demonstrated excellence in their professional fields, made impactful contributions to public service, and engaged in initiatives that advance sustainable agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.
2016 coffee table book featuring the OSSA and ELITE awardeesDuring the meeting, the OSSA Selection Committee reviewed the 2016 OSSA cycle, including the award categories and selection criteria. The achievements of the 2016 OSSA awardees—previously highlighted through public forums and a commemorative coffee table book—served as an important reference for this year's program.
For the upcoming cycle, the committee has refined the criteria and confirmed four award categories to better reflect the current landscape of agricultural and rural development, including emerging challenges and innovations across the region.
The call for nominations is scheduled for release in mid-October 2025, and the new cohort of OSSA awardees will be honored during SEARCA's 60th anniversary celebration in November 2026.
The meeting concluded with a strong call to action for all SEARCA alumni to actively participate in the nomination process and help celebrate the legacy and impact of SEARCA scholars throughout the region.