During the meeting, Dr. Cuaresma presented the current capacity building activities of the Center geared toward developing institutions in general, and its human resource, in particular. This includes SEARCA’s Institutional Development Assistance (IDA) program, which aims to help young and strategic higher education institutions improve their competencies in instruction, research, and extension. Also discussed are SEARCA programs tied up with capacity building of specific institutions that include both degree and non-degree trainings, study tours, and other such activities. On the other hand, Dr. Sevilleja forwarded a copy of CLSU’s concept proposal on Promoting University Research for Scientific Excellence (PURSE) program.
Being the world’s window to Southeast Asia, SEARCA can link the Philippine SUCs to a consortium of international universities and related organizations.
The CLSU is one of the reputable agricultural universities in the Philippines, known for its veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and crop sciences programs. It is also the lead agency of the Science Community in Central Luzon. (Jesselle S. Laranas)