BEIJING, China — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) underscored its dedication to regional cooperation and progressive policy formulation in agricultural and rural development as it participated in the 30th anniversary celebration of the China Center for Agricultural Policy (CCAP), held from 17 to 19 October 2025.
The event, hosted at Peking University, convened leading institutions and renowned experts to commemorate CCAP’s achievements as a premier agricultural policy think tank. Through its robust connections with China’s decision-making bodies and international partners, CCAP continues to play a significant role in promoting effective agricultural and rural development strategies across Asia.
Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director of SEARCA, represented the organization during the anniversary celebration and participated in the CCAP Advisory Committee Meeting. Sombilla reaffirmed SEARCA’s resolve to strengthen its longstanding partnership with CCAP, building on years of joint research efforts in agricultural economics and rural transformation.
At the International Conference on Rural Transformation, Development, and Policy in Developing Countries, Sombilla presented the results of the study, “Insights into the Structural Challenges of Philippine Agricultural Transformation through Analysis of Production Growth Trends.” Using data from the Philippine Statistics Authority spanning 2000–2024, the study focused on rice and corn—two staple crops that signal the structural health of Philippine agriculture. Findings indicated that initial production gains, supported by technology and policy, ultimately tapered off. A quadratic trend analysis suggested existing farming practices may have peaked, highlighting the urgent need for structural reform and innovation.
Sombilla also shared a breakpoint analysis that revealed key changes in production patterns associated with policy adjustments and climate events. She emphasized the importance of separating temporary from deep-rooted structural challenges—a crucial step for developing robust, evidence-based agricultural policies.
In her concluding remarks, Sombilla advocated for a shift away from piecemeal approaches and toward comprehensive agricultural reform. She called for strategic investments in irrigation, mechanization, climate-resilient infrastructure, and enhanced research-to-farm linkages. Additional recommendations included fostering cooperative farming, strengthening value chains, and developing a national dashboard for data-driven agricultural governance.
SEARCA’s active engagement at the CCAP milestone event demonstrates its sustained commitment to regional collaboration, shared knowledge creation, and transformative agricultural policy. The Center remains dedicated to promoting food system resilience and inclusive innovation across Southeast Asia.