The ASEAN Social Forestry Network Strategic Response Fund (ASRF) is being implemented by SEARCA through the support of SDC. It is a flexible funding mechanism aimed at providing small grants to ASEAN Member States (AMS) in aid of policy development and decision-making on social forestry as it relates to climate change, food security, and poverty alleviation.
SEARCA Officials led by Director Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr. and the ASRF Regional Program Coordinator, Ms. Amy Lecciones briefed Mr. Sreeram about SEARCA, its organizational structure and operations, and the ASRF project.
Presentations on the Center’s accounting and financial management procedures, internal control systems, and other administrative procedures were given by the Unit Heads concerned.
Mr. Sreeram commended SEARCA for its finance and administrative system and procedures which he found consistent with internationally-accepted standards. He then reviewed and replied to the questions earlier raised by the potential external audit service providers in relation to the 
financial review of the ASRF project (Ma. Edeliza R. Silot).