Searca to hold 45th year rites

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) will celebrate its 45th anniversary from Nov. 21 to 25 at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños (UPLB.)

Searca is the center for agriculture of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (Seameo), of which the Philippines is a charter member.

Established in 1966, Searca is mandated to promote agricultural and rural development through research and development programs and other measures.

Dr. Ramon C. Barba will receive the Dioscoro L. Umali Achievement award for agricultural development in ceremonies that highlight the celebration.

Barba is a renowned plant scientist whose work revolutionized the mango industry, according to a statement quoting Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., Searca director. Barba, the statement said, will be the first Filipino to receive the award.

Launched in 2007, the Umali Award was named after the late Dr. Dioscoro Umali, Searca’s first director.