She learned more about SEARCA’s programs and activities in a briefing led by Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Director. In particular, Dr. Saguiguit explained that SEARCA’s focus for the next five years is on inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD) as embodied in the Center’s Tenth Five-Year Plan.
Senator Villar requested SEARCA to regularly send the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food information on the studies it has conducted for their reference in crafting bills for legislation.
Moreover, Senator Villar is looking to SEARCA to provide her and the Committee she chairs guidance and support studies to push her advocacy on poverty alleviation in the rural sector through family farms, participation in the value chain, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Saguiguit said this aligns nicely with SEARCA’s focus on ISARD.
The meeting was held before the seminar that Senator Villar delivered at the special dialogue hosted by SEARCA under its Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS).