SEARCA was invited to join the meetings as observer upon the recommendation in the CIRDAP meetings held in Delhi, India in 2013 that SEARCA be a member of CIRDAP’s Technical Committee for the next two years. SEARCA also joined the 29th CIRDAP Technical Committee Meeting (TC-29) and International Workshop on Best Practices held in September 2014 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bangladesh-based CIRDAP is a regional intergovernmental and autonomous organization established in 1979 with 15 member countries (i.e., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam), seven of which are also served by SEARCA. In view of this, CIRDAP and SEARCA signed a formal agreement in July 2014 to collaborate in developing joint programs, projects, and other related activities in capacity building and research as well as exchange knowledge resources.
With Dr. Saguiguit at the Fiji meetings was Ms. Adoracion T. Robles, Unit Head for Management Services and Executive Coordinator, Office of the Director.
Photo shows Dr. Saguiguit (right) conferring with Dr. Cecep Effendi, CIRDAP Director General, about collaborative activities in countries common to both institutions. (Leah Lyn D. Domingo)