SEARCA in the News

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — A Filipino veterinarian is among five distinguished academics from Southeast Asia named recipients of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Regional Professorial Chair for Academic Year 2026–2027. Professor Adrian Ybañez of Cebu Technological University (CTU) was selected for his work in veterinary science, public health, and research development. He will deliver a public lecture under SEARCA's SUSTAIN initiative — Sustaining Transformation through Agricultural Innovation in Southeast Asia — alongside awardees from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Since 2012–2013, SEARCA has conferred the award on 72 academics in recognition of… Read more

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is rolling out a new online English-support program for its incoming scholars for Academic Year 2026-2027, aiming to better equip them for the rigors of graduate study at English-medium universities. Through its Education and Collective Learning Department – Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit (ECLD-GSIDU), SEARCA will offer the YES! (Your English Sidekick) Micro-credential to all incoming SEARCA scholars as part of the Center’s enhanced Graduate-on-Time Program. Developed by the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna, the… Read more

ECO Heutagogy, the self-directed, self-determined approach to learning applied in environmental contexts, can help communities contribute to the long-term health of watersheds that they rely on. It can also help increase watersheds’ resilience and adaptability to changes, while improving their functions such as water supply, flood regulation, soil stabilization, and support for biodiversity and livelihoods. The framework linking community-led learning with watershed protection was presented at the 16th Asian Conference on the Social Sciences (ACSS) 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, on May 9–13. The research paper was written by Cyril John Nagal, a scholar at the DAAD-Southeast Asian Regional Center for… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has officially reinstated its Professorial Chair Program for the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). This initiative marks a renewed commitment to recognizing academic excellence and reinforces the long-standing institutional partnership between the two organizations. As SEARCA’s host institution, UPLB serves as a vital partner in implementing regional programs, providing graduate scholarship study posts, and contributing expertise to research initiatives. With UPLB’s Chancellor serving on the SEARCA Governing Board, the revival of this program is a timely recognition of their enduring collaboration… Read more

Limang kilalang akademiko mula sa Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Pilipinas, at Thailand ang ginawaran ng SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair para sa Academic Year 2026–2027, bilang pagkilala sa kanilang mahahalagang ambag sa pananaliksik, pagtuturo, at inobasyon na naglalayong palakasin ang agrikultura at kaunlaran sa kanayunan sa Timog-Silangang Asya. Ayon sa Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), ang taunang pagkilala ay ipinagkakaloob sa mga natatanging akademiko na may malaking ambag sa pagsusulong ng Sustaining Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (SUSTAIN) sa rehiyon. Mula nang ilunsad ang programa noong Academic Year 2012–2013, umabot na sa 72 eksperto ang kinilalang… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — Five distinguished experts from universities across Southeast Asia have been awarded the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair for Academic Year 2026–2027, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research, instruction, and innovation in support of agricultural and rural development in the region. The SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair Award is an annual recognition given to outstanding academics who have made significant contributions to Sustaining Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (SUSTAIN) in Southeast Asia. Since the academic year 2012–2013, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has conferred the award on 72 highly accomplished… Read more

Muling binuhay ng Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) ang Professorial Chair Program para sa University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), bilang patunay ng patuloy nitong pagkilala sa kahusayan sa akademya at pagpapalakas ng matagal nang ugnayan ng dalawang institusyon sa pagsusulong ng agrikultura at napapanatiling kaunlaran sa Timog-Silangang Asya. Kasabay ng pagbabalik ng programa, iginawad ng SEARCA ang Professorial Chair para sa Academic Year 2026–2027 kay Prof. Dixon T. Gevaña, direktor ng UPLB Forestry Development Center, bilang pagkilala sa kanyang mahalagang ambag sa pagsasama ng agham, paggawa ng polisiya, at pangangalaga sa… Read more

FIFTEEN staff members of Bahay ni Maria in Laguna attended a refresher training on sustainable home gardening conducted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) last June 22, 2026. The aim was to equip new personnel with skills to maintain the site's garden. The session at the Bahay ni Maria, which shelters abandoned elderly persons and children with special needs in Calamba, Laguna, was led by Anna Gale Vallez, program specialist at the SEARCA Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD), along with Sister Marie Sosoban of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of… Read more

LOS BAÑOS / ILOILO, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) have formalized their partnership through a virtual signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 29 May 2026 via Zoom. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in academic, educational, and research initiatives, including joint research projects, scholarships, training, 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 through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia), reflecting the institutions' shared commitment… Read more

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is rolling out a new online English-support program for its incoming scholars for Academic Year 2026-2027, aiming to better equip them for the rigors of graduate study at English-medium universities. Through its Education and Collective Learning Department – Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit (ECLD-GSIDU), SEARCA will offer the YES! (Your English Sidekick) Micro-credential to all incoming SEARCA scholars as part of the Center's enhanced Graduate-on-Time Program. Developed by the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los… Read more