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2026 Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumni (OSSA) Awardees

Celebrating Excellence, Leadership, and Impact Across Southeast Asia

For six decades, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture or SEARCA has nurtured leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have advanced sustainable agricultural and rural development across Southeast Asia. In celebration of its 60th Anniversary, SEARCA proudly recognizes the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumni (OSSA) Award, honoring distinguished alumni whose professional achievements embody SEARCA's mission, values, and commitment to transforming lives through education, research, innovation, and service.

The 2026 OSSA Awardees represent the best of SEARCA's scholarship legacy. Through excellence in teaching, research, public service and community development, they have contributed significantly to advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening institutions, empowering communities, and improving livelihoods throughout the region.

From 2016 to 2026: A Continuing Legacy

Ten years after the recognition of the 2016 OSSA Awardees, SEARCA proudly honors a new generation of outstanding alumni whose accomplishments continue to shape the future of agriculture through education, research, public service and community development in Southeast Asia. The 2026 OSSA Awardees exemplify the same spirit of excellence, leadership, innovation, and service that distinguished the inaugural awardees and has defined the SEARCA scholarship community for decades.

2016 OSSA Awardees

Together, the 2016 and 2026 OSSA Awardees showcase the enduring impact of SEARCA's investments in human capital and capacity development, demonstrating how graduates of the Center's scholarship program continue to address pressing regional challenges and contribute to sustainable and resilient futures for agricultural and rural communities.

Meet the 2026 OSSA Awardees

Teaching

Dr. Prasong Tanpichai

Thailand

Ph.D. in Agricultural Education
University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1998

Associate Professor
Department of Human and Community Resource Development
Kasetsart University (KU) - Kamphaeng Saen Campus

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Public Service and Community Development

Dr. Weerapon Thongma

Thailand

Ph.D. in Extension Education
University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2000

President
Maejo University (MJU)

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Dr. Asikin Yoeu

Cambodia

M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics
University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2010

Under Secretary of State for International Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF)

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Research

Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan

Philippines

M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics
University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1982

Secretary
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)

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2026 OSSA Awarding Ceremony

20 October 2026 | 3:00 p.m.

Program

3:00
Processional
3:05
SEAMEO Colors
3:10
Welcome Message

Dr. Mercedita Sombilla
Center Director, SEARCA

3:15
AVP About the Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumni (OSSA) Awards
3:20
Opening Message

Assistant Secretary Roger Masapol
Philippine Department of Education

3:30
Introduction of the Selection Committee Members
3:35
Overview of the OSSA Selection Process

Dr. Gil Saguiguit, Jr.
Chair, OSSA Selection Committee

3:40
Announcement of the 2026 OSSA Awardees

Teaching:
Dr. Prasong Tanpichai

Public Service and Community Development:
Dr. Weerapon Thongma
Dr. Asikin Yoeu

Research:
Dr. Arsenio Balisacan

5:00
Closing Message

Dr. Rico Ancog
Deputy Director for Administration, SEARCA

5:05
SEARCA Song

Photo Opportunity | Fellowship Dinner cum SEARCA Alumni Homecoming

Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Serlie Jamias, SEARCA Alumna

Contact

Education and Collective Learning - Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development (ECL-GSID)

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
UPLB Campus, College, Los Baños, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Tel:
  • +63 49 554-9330 to 39
  • +63 49 536-2290
  • +63 2 8657-1300 to 02 (local 2200 to 2203)
Email:

Click here for more information about SEARCA Graduate Scholarships.

Highlights of the OSSA 2016 Awards

2016 OSSA Introduction

OSSA 2016 Awarding Ceremony