LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) honored its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 graduating scholars in a testimonial ceremony. Held at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium and livestreamed via Zoom, the event celebrated the academic achievements of 39 full-degree scholars and 13 PhD research scholars hailing from various study posts across Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, France, and the Netherlands. The ceremony highlighted the scholars' remarkable dedication, resilience, and excellence in their respective fields, all of which are aimed at advancing agricultural and rural development.
Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs, welcomed the attendees, commending the graduates for their perseverance. She also extended gratitude to SEARCA's vital partners in its scholarship programs. Nur encouraged the graduates to remain engaged with SEARCA through its alumni network, continuing their impactful work toward inclusive and sustainable development in their home countries and the broader region.
In her keynote address, Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, emphasized the graduates' pivotal role as changemakers in Southeast Asian agriculture. She reaffirmed SEARCA's dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development, urging the graduates to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications to enhance the farming communities' productivity and sustainability. Sombilla concluded 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."
A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of the SEARCA Academic Achievement Awards to four exceptional scholars:
- Dr. Bates Bathan: Achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0, published in Scopus-indexed journals, and presented at eight international conferences.
- Dr. Bhakti Etza Setiani: Maintained a GPA of 3.98, with nine journal publications and nine conference presentations.
- Dr. Dian Kusumaningrum: Obtained a GPA of 3.94, with six publications, seven conference papers, and multiple accolades, including international research grants.
- Dr. Nor Akhlisah binti Zulkipli: Completed her PhD in just over three years, with 10 publications and awards from national and international competitions.
Special Citations were also awarded to Dr. Delfim da Costa and Dr. Richelle Mae Mendoza-Olpot for their laudable academic performance and timely completion of their PhD programs. Ten other scholars also received special awards for graduating on time.
Kusumaningrum, representing the graduating scholars, delivered an inspiring message about their resilience and shared purpose during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how SEARCA became a supportive family. Nor, a DAAD-SEARCA scholar, shared her journey through personal loss and mental health struggles, emphasizing the significance of compassion and community. She reminded her peers that true success is measured by the lives they impact and the legacy they create.
The ceremony concluded with the oath-taking of the new members of the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA).
The testimonial ceremony was a meaningful celebration for graduates, their families, and SEARCA staff, showcasing the Center's commitment to excellence in agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.