The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) held a hybrid Testimonial Ceremony on 3 August 2023 to honor and celebrate the graduation of the Center's 28 Full MSc and PhD scholars and 6 PhD Research scholars. Out of the 28 full scholars, 11 were co-funded by SEARCA's partners, namely the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD; National Taiwan University; Agropolis Fondation in France; and Tokyo NODAI and Nagoya University, both in Japan. The event was a joyous gathering attended in-person by eight graduating scholars together with their families while the rest of the honorees joined online. SEARCA staff and ongoing scholars witnessed the event.
The ceremony began with a procession of graduates symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, deputy director for programs, welcomed and congratulated the graduating scholars. Dr. Nur said that for scholars at UPLB, SEARCA was their home away from home, and she expressed a wish that the Center will always be remembered fondly. She also commended the graduates for their passion, dedication, and hard work in finishing their graduate degrees.
In his inspirational message, Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, emphasized that the pursuit of graduate studies is full of challenges in which patience, perseverance, intellect, creativity, and character are tested throughout the academic journey. He added that, "it is also a preparation for bigger challenges and opportunities ahead." Dr. Gregorio pointed out that learning should not stop even in times of pandemic; rather, "they must convert these challenges into opportunities to grow, to innovate, and be better and smarter individuals."
During the event, several graduates were recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and for completing their degrees on time. The presentation of awards added an extra layer of excitement to the ceremony. SEARCA awarded a Special Citation for academic excellence to three scholars:
- Dr. Karen Bautista, PhD Agronomy, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
- Dr. Manuel Da Costa, PhD Veterinary Public Health, IPB University, Indonesia
- Dr. Rini Widyastuti, PhD Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Indonesia
(Clockwise from left to right) Dr. Karen Bautista, Dr. Manuel Da Costa, Dr. Rini Widyastuti, and Dr. Vina Eka AristyaOn the other hand, Dr. Vina Eka Aristya, who completed her PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, was recognized as the Outstanding SEARCA Scholar for Fiscal Year 2022–23. The award recognizes Vina's academic excellence, including seven publications in scientific journals (two indexed in Scopus with one in a Q1-indexed journal), numerous papers presented in international conferences and garnering Best Presenter awards in two of these occasions, and other co-curricular engagements.
Special Awards were also given to the scholars who completed their degrees on time.
- Dr. Nget Raby, Cambodia, PhD Agronomy, University of the Philippines Los Baños
- Dr. Maria Christina Campita, Philippines, PhD Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University
- Dr. Manuel Da Costa, Timor Leste, PhD Veterinary Public Health, IPB University
- Dr. Rini Widyastuti, Indonesia, PhD Veterinary Medicine, IPB University
On behalf of the graduating scholars, Dr. Karen Bautista and Dr. Vina Eka Aristya expressed their sincerest gratitude to their SEARCA family and their loved ones for supporting them throughout their years of study. Karen shared her lessons learned on the importance of time, of patriotism, integrity, excellence, and spirituality, and the value of partnership, networking, and collaboration. Vina, on the other hand, exhorted her fellow scholars that the knowledge gained in their studies must benefit not just themselves, but their respective families, societies, and countries. Vina concluded her speech by saying that, "Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world."
Dr. Asdi Agustar, president of the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA), administered the RSAA Oath of Membership to the new graduates. In his closing message, Dr. Asdi congratulated the new graduates and reminded them to make use of the networks established during their studies when they return to their respective work. He also encouraged them to work together for the progress of the association and the welfare of the people.
The Testimonial Ceremony served as a fitting tribute to the graduates' accomplishments and aspirations, underscoring the Center's commitment to be the leading enabler and champion of excellence in agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.
