The guest of honor during the opening ceremonies was Atty. Alberto T. Muyot, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd). In his message, Atty. Muyot affirmed the Department’s support to SEARCA as its focal agency in the Philippines. He also commended the accomplishments of the Center which carry the Philippines’ goodwill and support to other governments of the Southeast Asian region, particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD).
As the highest policymaking body of SEARCA, the GB discussed the Center’s strategies and directions in boosting the region’s agriculture and rural development sectors through SEARCA’s core programs of graduate education and institutional development, research and development, and knowledge management. It also advised SEARCA Management of improvements in its administrative processes and procedures to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the delivery of its services and programs.
The SEARCA GB is composed of representatives of the 11 member countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). This year’s meeting was attended by GB members from seven countries including Dr. Haji Mohd Zamri Bin Haji Sabli, Acting Assistant Director of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education, Brunei Darussalam; Dr. Ngo Bunthan, Rector of the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), Cambodia; Dr. Bounheuang Ninchaleune, Dean of Agriculture, Savannakhet University, Lao PDR; Dr. Luis Rey I. Velasco, Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), representing Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., UPLB Chancellor; Associate Professor Dr. Komsan Amnueysit, Vice President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, representing Dr. Numyoot Songthaniapitak, Chairman of Rajamangala University of Technology Network, Rajamangala University Technology Lanna; Dr. Acacio Cardoso Amaral, Dean of Agriculture Faculty, National University of Timor Lorosa’e, Timor-Leste; and Dr. Tran Van Dien, Rector of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam.
Also in attendance were Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Director, and Dr. Tinsiri Siribodhi, Deputy Director for Administration and Communication, SEAMEO Secretariat (SEAMES) representing Dr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, SEAMES Director, both ex-officio members of the SEARCA GB.