SEARCA in the News

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) convened experts, researchers, and stakeholders for its Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) on 12 February 2026, featuring a comprehensive discussion on the transformative potential of free trade agreements (FTAs) for the agriculture sector. Invited resource speaker Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), emphasized that FTAs remain powerful instruments for agricultural growth—but only when paired with strong domestic policies that ensure equitable benefits for smallholders and sensitive sectors. In his presentation, "Free Trade… Read more

Matagumpay na idinaos ng UPLB Graduate School Students Council (GSSC) ang GS Scholarship Fair noong ika-24 ng Marso 2026 sa International Student and Cultural Center, University of the Philippines Los Baños bilang ikalawang araw ng GS Week 2026. Dinaluhan ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba't ibang institusyong nag-aalok ng lokal at internasyonal na scholarship kabilang ang Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), at Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campus Institute (ASCI). Layon ng nasabing aktibidad na ilahad ang iba't ibang scholarship opportunities… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — Twelve undergraduate students from the University of Tsukuba visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 24 February 2025 as part of their Social Impact Project designed to deepen their understanding of agriculture's role in sustainable development. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Nomura Nakao, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Taiwan at the Bureau of Global Initiatives; the Manager of International Admissions; the Associate Director of the Division of International Exchange Support under the Student Support Center; and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Life and Environmental… Read more

The SEARCA Travel Grants Program supports Southeast Asian professionals, researchers, and graduate students to attend conferences that advance sustainable agricultural development. Grants of up to USD 1,200 are available for paper presentations, poster presentations, or participation in scientific fora, emphasizing knowledge sharing, collaboration, and publishable outputs. Program Overview The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) provides travel grants to enable knowledge dissemination, collaboration, and capacity building in sustainable agriculture. The program focuses on: Enhancing scientific dialogue and collaboration among researchers, scholars, and development organizations. Promoting sustainable agricultural transformation through research outputs. Facilitating publishable outputs… Read more

Central Mindanao University (CMU) earned recognition at the 4th Women Empowerment and Leadership in Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (WELA) International Conference 2026, bringing home the Best Paper and Best Poster Awards during the event held on March 17–19, 2026, at Cavite State University (CvSU). With the theme "Inclusive Leadership and Foresight for Sustainable Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources," the conference gathered delegates from at least eight countries and was supported by key institutions, including Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — Six students from Nagasaki University visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 26 February 2026 as part of the Global Social Responsibility (GSR) Short-Term Study Program, aimed at deepening their understanding of Philippine business, culture, economy, and entrepreneurship. The students were accompanied by Asst. Prof. Bebio Vieira Amaro of Nagasaki University and Asst. Prof. Rei Chino Pua of the University of the Philippines Los Baños – Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (UPLB-DAME). Nagasaki University, a national institution in Japan, is recognized for its strong commitment to promoting… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) reinforced its collaboration with Spain as it hosted the second installment of the Meet the Diplomat Series (MDS) on 19 March 2026, featuring two officials from the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines. The session brought together representatives from the Los Baños Science Community, academic institutions, and partner organizations to explore deeper cooperation in agriculture, education, and innovation. SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla underscored Spain's development priorities—ecological transition, sustainable growth, and community empowerment—and highlighted how both Spain and Southeast Asia serve as… Read more

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines — Ten Development Communication and Communication students from Ateneo de Naga University visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 6 March 2026 to learn how effective communication drives agricultural development across the region. During the learning visit, Ms. Zara Mae Estareja, SEARCA Senior Associate for Public Relations, briefed the students on the Center's 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia). She explained how SEARCA advances agricultural innovation through its 4Ps framework: boosting farmer incomes (Pocket), enhancing food security (Plate)… Read more

In early February 2026, 475 students from across Southeast Asia arrived in Penang, Malaysia, with one shared goal: to show that young people can solve real problems. Over four days, they did exactly that. The 14th Regional Congress of the Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists (SSYS), held from 9 to 12 February, brought together student researchers from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Guided by 127 teacher advisors, they presented 174 projects on some of the region's most urgent challenges — from water scarcity and climate change to food security and clean energy. Organised… Read more

THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) are set to host the CBSUA-SEARCA Joint International Conference 2026 on March 18-21 in Camarines Sur. Through the 7th International Conference on Education, Environment and Agriculture and the 4th International Conference on School-plus-Home Gardens and Biodiversity Enhancement and Enterprise, the conference will bring together global and regional experts to advance sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient agri-food systems across Southeast Asia. SEARCA Center Director Mercedita Sombilla said the conference is expected to "contribute significantly to the development of policy pathways… Read more