The Los Baños-based, Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is preparing for a leadership transition, which will mark the end of Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio's tenure as Center Director from 2019 to 2025.
As a center of excellence under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), SEARCA serves the 11 SEAMEO Member Countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
During his stewardship, SEARCA strengthened its role as a key driver of agricultural and rural development across Southeast Asia. Dr. Gregorio's vision steered the Center toward advancements in academic programs, digital transformation, and international partnerships with a focus on addressing critical issues such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Gregorio's tenure saw a significant expansion of SEARCA's academic footprint. He championed graduate education, supporting countless master's and PhD students through 14 joint programs with research institutions and leading universities across Asia and Europe. Enhanced scholarship benefits and the establishment of the prestigious Outstanding SEARCA Scholar Award attracted and recognized top academic talent.
Recognizing the need for regional intellectual contributions, Dr. Gregorio launched 24 regional professorial grants to promote innovation in education and research in critical areas like food security and climate resilience. Furthermore, the Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (Level UP HEI AFAR) Project funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) empowered 612 faculty members from 60 universities and strengthened them in terms of securing millions in funding, including grants for future-proof agriculture initiatives, publishing research, institutionalizing policies, and forging vital networks. Level UP HEI AFAR mobility activities led to MOUs with international universities, curriculum enhancements, new extension programs, and even the addition of overseas mentors as adjunct faculty at Philippine HEIs.
SEARCA's global network experienced remarkable growth under Dr. Gregorio. The SEARCA-established Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) expanded from nine to 16 member universities, spanning Asia, Canada, and Germany, which fostered unprecedented research mobility and academic collaboration. Initiatives like the Postgraduate Micro-Credentials for Food Security and Climate Change (PMC FSCC) Project, supported by Erasmus+, and the UC Young Researcher Grant provided vital support to early-career researchers.
SEARCA also played a crucial role in shaping regional policy, contributing to the development of key frameworks such as the ASEAN Guidelines for Digital Technologies in Agriculture and the ASEAN Regional Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture, both endorsed by ASEAN Ministers. Strategic roadmaps for key commodities like maize, pulses, and processed pork were also developed and directly benefitted stakeholders in the region, particularly Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Digital learning and knowledge-sharing were prioritized through the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagement (SOLVE) webinar series, reaching over 28,000 participants across 29 countries. To engage the next generation in agriculture, initiatives such as the Youth Forces for Agricultural Innovation (#Y4AGRI) and the Young Agripreneurs Building Opportunities, Nurturing Growth (YABONG) Bootcamp were launched.
Dr. Gregorio's leadership sparked a wave of support for agricultural innovation that empowered researchers, entrepreneurs, and young agripreneurs across Southeast Asia. SEARCA awarded USD 350,000 in Grants for Research towards Agriculture Innovation Solutions (GRAINS) to 29 projects in eight countries that fueled the development, testing, and scaling of innovative prototypes in digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, and circular farming. He also championed agri-enterprise incubation as exemplified by the Accelerating ACT program in Cambodia and the multi-country Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Enhancement (SAFE) Accelerator to bridge market gaps through mentorship and diagnostics.
He also focused on strengthening SEARCA's operational backbone. Cloud-based systems, agile policies, and robust financial management were implemented and resulted in high budget utilization and positive audit results. A strong emphasis was placed on staff development, with wellness programs, leadership coaching, and career development opportunities introduced.
Dr. Gregorio's leadership and contributions also earned him international acclaim while at the helm of SEARCA, including recognition as one of the 2024 World's Top 2% Scientists list by Stanford University and the 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in Agriculture awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission.
SEARCA will host a Leadership Turnover Ceremony on 24 March 2025 to officially mark the transition of leadership from Dr. Gregorio to Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, who will begin her term as Center Director on 1 April 2025.
The ceremony will be officiated by Dr. Huon Thavrak, Country Representative of Cambodia and Chair of the SEARCA Governing Board.