PATTAYA CITY, Thailand – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) recently participated in the 2025 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Centre Directors Meeting (CDM) on 24 July 2025, where it showcased its strategic initiatives to advance agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.
Represented by Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla and other key officials, SEARCA presented three working papers during the two-day meeting. The presentations highlighted SEARCA’s Consortium for Agricultural Policy Research Initiatives (CAPRI) and the implementation of its School-plus-Home Gardens cum Biodiversity Enhancement and Enterprise (SHGBEE) program. Another key focus of SEARCA’s participation was its proposal for a new micro-credentials initiative, signaling SEARCA’s commitment to expanding accessible learning and credentialing opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.
Beyond the formal sessions, the SEARCA delegation engaged in productive networking with partners, including the University of Tsukuba, the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok. These discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborations, further strengthening SEARCA’s role as a regional leader.
The annual CDM provides a vital platform for all SEAMEO centers to report on their achievements, share knowledge, and foster synergy to advance education, science, and culture across the region.
