Ms. Beatriz Jimeno-Ortas, education advisor of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and officials of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) led by director Dr. Glenn Gregorio met to broach areas of possible collaboration on 2 March 2023.
The meeting explored SEARCA's programs on the internationalization of education in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, as the Center is mandated to produce and equip agricultural professionals in the region.
Ms. Jimeno-Ortas also explored a possible partnership between SEARCA and the Green European University (UNIgreen), an Alliance of eight European higher education institutions that promote excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation in sustainable agriculture, green biotechnology, and environmental and life sciences.
Dr. Gregorio discussed several SEARCA projects and programs on smart agriculture, school and home gardens, scholarships, and other entry points where the Embassy of Spain could bridge SEARCA to relevant institutions in Spain.
Dr. Gregorio led the SEARCA delegation. With him were Assoc. Prof. Joselito Florendo, SEARCA deputy director for administration; Dr. Maria Cristeta Cuaresma, senior program head, Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD); Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, program head, Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD); and Ms. Sharon Malaiba, head, Partnerships Unit (PU).