SEARCA in the News

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria) continues to strengthen its commitment to agricultural education and rural development as its Sumilao Extension Class received a donation of academic resources from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on October 13, 2025. The initiative supports USTP Claveria's ongoing efforts to advance learning and innovation in agriculture across Bukidnon. Established in 1966 under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), SEARCA is a non-profit regional center dedicated to promoting agricultural education, research, and rural development in Southeast… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Nagoya University (NU) forged an agreement on Oct. 13, 2025 to launch the NU-SEARCA Joint Transnational PhD Scholarship for Philippine Nationals. At the signing, NU was represented by Yamauchi Akira, director of the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) and Asia Collaborative Development Department (ACDD), Global Multi-Campus Institute, while SEARCA was represented by Director Mercedita Sombilla. Reviving ties established in 1986, the partnership empowers Filipino working professionals to pursue doctoral studies in critical fields like engineering, agriculture, international development, and environmental studies —… Read more

Makassar, 30 Oktober 2025 – Petani tak selamanya ada di ladang, begitu pula professor tak selalu mengajar di ruang kuliah. Keduanya bisa saling belajar di lapangan, pada sesi "Farmers Go to Campus" dalam ajang the 5th FSSAT (Food Security Sustainable Agriculture in the Tropics) di Universitas Hassanuddin (UNHAS), Makassar. Bertempat di Fakultas Pertanian UNHAS berlangsung pertemuan international tahunan yang mempertemukan sejumlah pakar dan akademisi di bidang pertanian. Sebanyak 7 perwakilan negara, yakni Indonesia, Perancis, Saudi Arabia, Jerman, Taiwan, Inggris dan Sri Lanka hadir dalam acara yang berlangsung 29-30 Oktober 2025. Beragam tema dibahas, seperti keanekaragaman hayati, pertanian regeneratif, digitalisasi pertanian… Read more

The SEARCA Photo Contest 2025 is now accepting entries. This year's theme highlights the crucial stages of agriculture after the harvest. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2025. Organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, the contest aims to showcase the unseen people and processes that bring food to our tables. It moves beyond traditional farm imagery to tell a more complete story. Beyond the Harvest: A New Visual Narrative The theme, "Beyond the Harvest: People and Processes in the Agriculture Value Chain," seeks to illuminate the entire food journey. This includes… Read more

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) introduced its pioneering Dayami Hub concept under the Rice Straw Biogas Hub project during the Agrifuture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held in Bangkok on 23–24 September 2025. The event, organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG Asia Pacific), brought together over 300 participants from government agencies, private enterprises, innovation entities, and sustainability groups from more than 20 countries across Southeast Asia and beyond. With the theme "Clean Practices and Green Innovations for a Sustainable Agri-Food System," the conference highlighted efforts toward sustainable and environmentally… Read more

MANILA, Philippines — On October 14, 2025, key stakeholders in science, regulation, and media gathered for a forum at the Century Park Hotel, Manila, jointly organized by Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), CropLife Philippines, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). This event aimed to foster dialogue on biotechnology research, regulation, and adoption in the Philippines. In her welcome message, Dr. Ruby Roan Cristobal, President of SciCommPH, highlighted biotechnology's vital role in food security, public health, and climate resilience. She called on media professionals to strengthen science reporting and utilize credible sources to inform… Read more

Tatlong gender-inclusive na agri-enterprise sa Timog-Silangang Asya ang nabigyan ng lakas upang palawakin ang kanilang mga negosyong lumalaban sa epekto ng climate change at makahanap ng oportunidad sa pamumuhunan, sa ilalim ng Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Enhancement (SAFE) Acceleration Program. Ang programa ay isang pinagsanib na inisyatiba ng Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) at Villgro Philippines. Sa loob ng apat na buwan, ang mga kalahok ay nakatanggap ng mentorship, tulong sa market validation, at suporta upang maging handa para sa pamumuhunan. Nabuo ito sa isang online na SAFE Impact Showcase noong ika-3… Read more

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Nagoya University (NU) officially signed a memorandum of agreement on 13 October 2025 to establish the Nagoya University-SEARCA Joint Transnational PhD Scholarship for Philippine Nationals. The formal signing reaffirmed the two institutions' enduring partnership, which traces its roots back to 1986. Tailored for working professionals in engineering, agriculture, international development, and environmental studies, the transnational PhD scholarship program enables participants to earn their doctorates without leaving their current employment or home countries. The innovative initiative blends face-to-face supervision with online engagement and provides Filipino students the… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Enhancement (SAFE) Acceleration Program—a collaborative initiative by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Villgro Philippines—has empowered three gender-inclusive agri-enterprises across Southeast Asia to scale up climate-resilient business models and unlock critical investment opportunities. Launched earlier this year, the SAFE Acceleration Program offered mentorship, market validation, and investment readiness support for early-stage agricultural enterprises. Over a four-month journey, participants underwent diagnostic panels, interactive learning labs, masterclasses, and peer exchanges, culminating in 36 hours of personalized mentoring from 16 experts and trainers. This initiative concluded with… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Nagoya University (NU) formally signed a memorandum of agreement on 13 October 2025 to establish the Nagoya University-SEARCA Joint Transnational PhD Scholarship for Philippine Nationals. The signing ceremony reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, which began in 1986. The transnational PhD scholarship program is tailored for working professionals in the fields of engineering, agriculture, international development, and environmental studies, allowing them to pursue doctoral studies without leaving their jobs or countries. It will combine face-to-face supervision with online engagement, offering Filipino students an opportunity to visit… Read more