A key outcome of the gathering was the formal adoption of SEARCA’s 12th Five-Year Development Plan (FY 2025/2026–2029/2030), themed SUSTAIN Southeast Asia: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation. The updated plan signals a strategic shift towards accelerating inclusive, climate-resilient, and technology-enabled growth in Southeast Asian agriculture.
SEARCA Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, the Center’s first woman leader, presented the strategic agenda to Governing Board representatives from the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries. She emphasized SEARCA’s commitment to translating research into meaningful policies and innovations that uplift farming communities across the region.
Governing Board Chair Assoc. Prof. Huon Thavrak of Cambodia highlighted the urgency of the new agenda, calling for stronger collective action to drive agricultural transformation. Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam were also in attendance.
The meeting likewise brought together key partners, including Assistant Secretary Cilette Liboro-Co of the Philippine Department of Education, who underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of the agriculture sector. Representatives from SEAMEO Associate and Affiliate Members—such as SEAOHUN, the University of Tsukuba, and the Embassy of Morocco—joined virtually, reaffirming SEARCA’s expanding collaborative network.
UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho, Jr., representing the host institution, reiterated UPLB’s support for SEARCA’s forward-looking initiatives and its growing regional impact.
The newly approved Five-Year Development Plan is expected to strengthen research-to-policy innovation ecosystems, build institutional capacities, and scale transformative solutions in partnership with universities, governments, development agencies, and farming communities across Southeast Asia.
The meeting concluded with a unified commitment from the Governing Board to advance SEARCA’s strategic directions and uphold its vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready agriculture sector for Southeast Asia.
Here are some photos from the meeting:
