DepEd recognizes SEARCA in advancing quality education

MANDALUYONG CITY – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has been recognized by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) as one of its dedicated partners during its Partners’ Appreciation Program held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium on 8 May 2028.

Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, received the plaque of appreciation.

DepEd is SEARCA’s focal agency in the Philippines under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Over the years, SEARCA and DepEd have worked together on initiatives such as the School-Plus-Home Gardens Project (S+HGP) and its offshoot initiatives, namely, the School-Plus-Home Gardens cum Biodiversity Enhancement and Enterprise (SHGBEE) in Palawan, Philippines and Cambodia, and the School Edible Landscaping for Entrepreneurship (SEL4E) in Rizal, Philippines.

The partnership has also expanded into innovation-driven education, introducing agri-robotics training in DepEd schools in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. They also signed a memorandum of agreement for a Scoping Study for Micro-credentials in Southeast Asia, anchored in DepEd’s 7-7-7 flagship programs under the Philippine SEAMEO Council Presidency.

The two institutions also co-hosted the dialogue “From Farms to Classrooms: Nourishing Futures Together” in Batangas, Philippines, which convened educators, agricultural cooperatives, and local policymakers to explore how local agriculture can strengthen school nutrition programs and advance DepEd’s vision of universal school feeding.

This recognition affirms SEARCA’s role as a trusted partner in promoting agriculture-based learning and ensuring that education reforms translate into better opportunities and brighter futures for Filipino learners.

In line with its mandate and its 12th Five-Year Development Plan: Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia (SUSTAIN Southeast Asia), SEARCA is committed not only to engaging youth in agriculture by supporting the integration of agriculture into basic education, but also to equipping teachers to deliver context-based, learner-centered instruction that connects classroom learning to real-life agricultural practices.

Moreover, the Center champions transformative reforms in agricultural education to ensure it remains relevant, responsive, and future-ready.