SEARCA in the News

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—A transformative shift toward regenerative agriculture is vital for securing the future of food and restoring the environment in Southeast Asia. This was the central message delivered by Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in her keynote address at the 5th International Conference on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in the Tropics (IC-FSSAT). Held both virtually via Zoom and onsite at Hasanuddin University in Makassar, Indonesia, on 29 October 2025, the gathering convened global thought leaders to address urgent agricultural and ecological concerns under the… Read more

Scientists, government regulators, and media professionals convened on October 14, 2025, for a national forum aimed at strengthening biotechnology communication and policy support in the Philippines. Held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, the event was jointly organized by Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), CropLife Philippines, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to promote multi-sector dialogue on biotechnology research, regulation, and public adoption. In her opening remarks, Dr. Ruby Roan Cristobal, president of SciCommPH, emphasized biotechnology's role in ensuring food security, improving public health, and enhancing climate resilience. She called on journalists… Read more

The 7th University Consortium (UC) Faculty Forum gathered faculty, researchers, and policymakers from Southeast Asia to advance science, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships for sustainable agriculture and global food security. Central Mindanao University (CMU) hosted the forum on Sept. 24–25, 2025, in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon under the theme "Building a Sustainable Future: Agriculture in a Green Economy for Global Food Security." Dr. Jose Valmorida, CMU vice president for academic affairs, delivered the welcome message and stressed the need to align agricultural research with green economy principles to protect food systems and the environment. He also noted the milestone of… Read more

PASIG CITY, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) advanced the conversation on lifelong learning and workforce readiness with its recently concluded Roundtable Discussion on Micro-Credentials in Southeast Asia: Lessons for the Philippines. Held on 30 October 2025 at Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, the hybrid event brought together regional and national leaders in education, government, and industry to examine opportunities and best practices for micro-credentialing in the region. Organized with the support of the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), the roundtable forms part of SEARCA's six-month Regional Scoping… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, PHILIPPINES – Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), paid a courtesy visit to the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 19 November. Mr. Salim was welcomed by Ms. Sharon Malaiba, Unit Head of the Partnership Unit; Dr. Nova Ramos, Head of the Training for Development Unit; Ms. Adoration Robles, Head of the Budget Unit; and Mr. Rey Tirso Abamonga, Head of General Services. He was accompanied by Mr. Christian Cangao, Information Officer of TFNet. During the meeting, Ms. Malaiba presented SEARCA's… Read more

Savannakhet, Lao PDR—A new biotechnology-based innovation is empowering local farmers in Savannakhet province to transform agricultural waste into cost-effective, organic nutrient solutions for hydroponic crops. Supported by a grant from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) under the Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS), this initiative is equipping farmers with practical tools to boost production, reduce expenses, and enhance sustainability. Hydroponic farming in Lao PDR has enabled water savings, higher yields, and faster crop cycles compared to traditional farming, but reliance on imported nutrient solutions from neighboring countries such as Thailand… Read more

MANILA, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) participated in the National Biotechnology Week 2025, held from 28 to 30 October 2025 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. Featuring the theme "gAIn Biotech, growing Artificial Intelligence, nurturing Biotechnology," the event convened government agencies, academic institutions, students, and private sector partners to emphasize how artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology are propelling sustainable agriculture, food security, and human capital development. The Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) led this year's celebration, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced as host for… Read more

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has underscored the vital role of the science-policy-practice interface in achieving resilient and sustainable food systems. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Food, Environment, and Culture (ICFEC), held from 5 to 7 November 2025 at the Hotel Supreme, SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla advocated for a bold, systemic shift in Southeast Asia's agrifood sector. In her keynote address, Dr. Sombilla championed the Science-Policy-Practice Interface (SPPI) as a bridge connecting research, governance, and community action. Emphasizing the importance of stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration… Read more

THE Philippines is on the cusp of a biotechnological revolution, with the potential to transform the country's agriculture, food security, and public health. A recent forum in Manila brought together scientists, regulators, and media professionals to discuss the latest advances in biotechnology and its applications in the country. The event, organized by Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH), CropLife Philippines, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture on October 14, 2025, highlighted the vital role of biotechnology in addressing the country's pressing challenges. Dr. Ruby Roan Cristobal, President of SciCommPH, emphasized that biotechnology is crucial for… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Enhancement (SAFE) Acceleration Program, a joint initiative of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Villgro Philippines, has helped three gender-inclusive agri-enterprises across Southeast Asia expand climate-resilient business models and attract key investments. Launched earlier this year, the SAFE Acceleration Program provided mentorship, market validation, and investment readiness support for early-stage agricultural enterprises. Over four months, participating enterprises joined diagnostic panels, learning labs, masterclasses, and peer exchanges, including 36 hours of one-on-one mentoring from 16 experts and trainers. The program culminated in the… Read more