SEARCA in the News

Pinalakas ng Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) ang pagsusulong ng pandaigdigang oportunidad sa edukasyon at pagpapalawak ng kakayahan ng mga guro at propesyunal sa agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng paglahok nito sa forum na "Borderless Pathways: Global Scholarships and Exchanges for Educators" na pinangunahan ng Department of Education (DepEd) noong Mayo 29, 2026. Idinaos ang pagtitipon sa Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), kung saan nagsilbi itong isang sentrong plataporma upang pagdugtungin ang mga edukador sa iba't ibang scholarship at exchange programs mula sa mga… Read more

THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) created a new chapter in their 40-year relationship through a virtual signing of an agreement expanding their cooperation. Signed on May 29, 2026, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in academic, educational, and research initiatives to drive sustainable innovation in agriculture and fisheries across Southeast Asia. The agreement outlines joint research projects, scholarships, training programs, and the exchange of information and scientific materials. It aligns the partnership with SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan, Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems… Read more

"It's government funds in the first place. We have to deliver. Return on investment 'yan. Ano na'ng nangyari sa bilyon-bilyong pondo ng gobyerno? Kailangang bumalik in the form of money for the economy, jobs, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs." This was emphasized by Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), during the 2nd Science and Technology Impact Assessment Conference held at Acacia Hotel Manila on May 25–26, 2026. Serving as keynote speaker, Buendia called on researchers from higher education institutions, government R&D agencies, and non-profit organizations to submit proposals under the DOST… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines— The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)'s Consortium for Agricultural Policy Research Initiatives (CAPRI) held its onboarding workshop on April 27–28, 2026. The event convened representatives from national research institutions, development partners, and regional organizations from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing agricultural policy research and collaboration. SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking to address systemic challenges, including labor outmigration, an aging farming population, climate risks, and underinvestment in technology and infrastructure. She highlighted… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — As Southeast Asia confronts interconnected challenges in agriculture, climate and food security, attention is shifting toward how agricultural innovation reaches farmers and communities. The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has advanced the concept of agricultural innovation systems (AIS) as a framework for making that process more collaborative, inclusive and responsive to local realities. Rather than focusing solely on new technologies or scientific breakthroughs, AIS brings together institutions, policies, knowledge systems and stakeholders to support agricultural transformation. The approach emphasizes that innovation in agriculture succeeds only when research institutions, extension… Read more

STUDENTS, researchers, startups and engineers across Southeast Asia are invited to develop artificial intelligence solutions for agriculture through the Agritechnica Hackathon, an innovation initiative linked to Agrinnovate Southeast Asia Summit @ Agritechnica Asia 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand last May 22. The hackathon, organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in partnership with the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and the DLG Prototype Club, focused on creating practical AI-powered applications for farming and agricultural operations. Participants were tasked to address four agricultural technology challenges: real-time machine tracking, driver performance monitoring, field operation optimization under… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has released six policy briefs tackling urgent agricultural and rural development challenges across Southeast Asia. The collection spans digital agriculture, food security, enterprise development, and water sustainability. By examining critical issues in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, these publications offer evidence-based and scalable recommendations to help governments, institutions, and development stakeholders boost regional productivity, inclusivity, and resilience. In Malaysia, the research highlights how digital transformation can protect small businesses. The brief focused on small-scale fish processing and details how Internet of Things (IoT)… Read more

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has been recognized by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) as one of its dedicated partners during its Partners' Appreciation Program held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium on 8 May 2028. Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, received the plaque of appreciation. DepEd is SEARCA's focal agency in the Philippines under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Over the years, SEARCA and DepEd have worked together on initiatives such as the School-Plus-Home Gardens Project (S+HGP) and its offshoot… Read more

For decades, Philippine agriculture has carried a paradox. It remains one of the country's most essential sectors, feeding millions, supporting rural livelihoods, and sustaining local economies, yet it continues to lag behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors in productivity, modernization, and competitiveness. For Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Director Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, the answer lies not in a single reform, but in a coordinated push involving technology, education, policy reform, financial literacy, and stronger partnerships between government and the private sector. "Agriculture contributes only 9%-10% of our GDP, but it's the bloodline… Read more

BUTUAN CITY- Nagpadayag ang Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) nga ang padayon nga paglambo sa sektor sa mananap ug manok makatabang aron mabawi ang pagkunhod sa produksyon sa agrikultura karong tuiga, taliwala sa "triple shocks" nga giatubang sa Pilipinas tungod sa pagsaka sa presyo sa lana ug enerhiya, mas taas nga gasto sa abono, ug ang umalabot nga El Niño. Gipasiugda ni SEARCA Director Mercedita Sombilla nga kinahanglan padayonon sa gobyerno ang mga interbensiyon sa mnanap ug manok aron mapalig-on pa ang pagtubo sa sektor, ug dugangan usab ang suporta sa tanom pinaagi… Read more