Recognizing the value of collaboration in working towards building climate-resilient communities, the Oscar M. Lopez Center renewed its partnership with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) during a virtual ceremony via Zoom on 23 February 2021.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, OML Center executive director, and Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director, with Mr. Joselito G. Florendo, SEARCA deputy director for administration, and Ms. Perpilili Vivienne A. Tiongson, OML Center associate director. 

One of the earliest partners of the Center since its founding in 2012, SEARCA is a non-profit organization working to build capacities in agricultural and rural development. 

During his opening remarks, Dr. Lasco recalled previous collaborative projects of the OML Center and SEARCA, such as the development of the online course on “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management in Policies, Plans and Investment toward Inclusive and Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development”, and writeshops and publications on climate change adaptation. 

Mr. Sonny Pasiona, communications associate of SEARCA, shared that the two organizations are developing a project that will feature and support youth actions on climate-smart agriculture as the overall theme.

Closing the virtual ceremony, Dr. Gregorio acknowledged the importance of nurturing relationships with existing partners who have been with SEARCA through the years and have witnessed and supported the organization’s mission of innovating the lives of farmers. 

Watch the virtual MOU signing via our Facebook page.

Visit SEARCA’s website to know more about the organization and the work that they’re doing.

To stay updated on the developments on the Center’s other projects, visit our website and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or subscribe to the OML Center mailing list.