SEARCA, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, made significant contributions to the 48th Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) High Officials Meeting, held in Thailand in November 2025. The event celebrated SEAMEO's 60th anniversary and focused on the theme 'Leading Through Learning: Empowering Schools and Communities in Southeast Asia'.
SEARCA's participation was notable, with Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director, Assoc. Prof. Joselito Florendo, and Ms. Julie Ann Barril representing the organization. A key achievement was the formal approval of SEARCA's 12th Five-Year Development Plan, 'Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia)', a significant step towards sustainable agriculture.
SEARCA also presented several working papers, including a landscape analysis of school meals programs, a platform for agricultural policy research, and an agricultural outlook series. The Rice Straw Biogas Hub project, which transforms rice straw into biochar, compost, and clean energy, was highlighted as a model for eco-innovation. SEARCA's Postgraduate Micro-Credential on Food Security and Climate Change, funded by Erasmus+, was also showcased.
On the final day, SEARCA participated in the SEAMEO Inter-Centre Collaboration (ICC) Partnership Coordination Meeting, exploring strategies for advancing STEM and climate change education. SEARCA's commitment to education, rural development, and innovation in Southeast Asia was emphasized, aligning with SEAMEO's Strategic Plan 2021–2031.
