UNDERSCORING the vital role of the science-policy-practice interface (SPPI) in achieving resilient and sustainable food systems, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is advocating for a bold, systematic shift in Southeast Asia's agrifood sector.
SEARCA Director Mercedita Sombilla said the center is campaigning for the SPPI as a bridge connecting research, governance and community action.Emphasizing the importance of stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration and dynamic knowledge exchange, she introduced the triple nexus approach — linking food, environment and nutrition — as a framework for cross-sectoral coordination that leads to healthier diets and resilient ecosystems.
Sombilla mentioned SEARCA's integrated efforts through flagship programs that combine research, policy advocacy, technology incubation, and capacity building.
These are climate-smart and digital agriculture initiatives, bolstered by policy briefs and institutional development; safeguarding and sustaining the integrity of halal food project, which works to harmonize halal standards across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; building the enabling environment for the uptake of modern agricultural biotechnology called the Bump-Up Biotech project, designed to promote biotechnology adoption through evidence-based policies, farmer training, and media outreach; and rice straw biogas hub, a scalable model for converting rice straw into bioenergy and value-added products.
Highlighting SEARCA's commitment to inclusive agri-enterprise development, Sombilla cited value chain initiatives in calamansi and coconut and introduced the Consortium for Agricultural Policy Research Initiatives or Capri, a regional network dedicated to advancing evidence-based policy in support of sustainable agriculture.
"Bridging science, policy and practice is vital for transforming agriculture in Southeast Asia. The goal is not just higher yields, but resilient livelihoods, restored ecosystems and secured nutrition for future generations," she said.
During the 3rd International Conference on Food, Environment and Culture or Icfec held on Nov. 5 to 7, 2025 at the Hotel Supreme in Baguio City, Sombilla also championed the vital role of the SPPI.Anchored on the theme "Global Conversations and Cooperations on Science, Technology, Innovations, and Culture Towards Sustainable Communities," Sombilla said the conference signaled a shift from academic outputs to tangible impacts in local communities.
She added that through SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan, Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia or SUSTAIN Southeast Asia, the center is championing science-led and culturally attuned solutions for inclusive and sustainable food systems throughout the region.