The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 12 February 2026 at the SEARCA Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
The MOU was signed by TFNet’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, and SEARCA’s Center Director, Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Rico C. Ancog, SEARCA’s Deputy Director for Administration, and Mr. Christian Cangao, TFNet’s Information Officer.
TFNet and SEARCA share similar and complementary objectives, and the MOU reflects their mutual commitment to collaborate in undertaking joint programmes, projects, and consultancies, as well as in exchanging information, research findings, and knowledge products, and expanding their respective networks.
During the discussion, Dr. Sombilla expressed SEARCA’s interest in supporting capacity building initiatives, particularly TFNet’s upcoming FruitNext programme, which is designed for the younger generation. SEARCA also indicated its openness to providing scholarships for graduate students in agriculture from TFNet Member Countries.
Following the signing ceremony, Mr. Salim was invited by SEARCA to deliver a talk entitled “Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Importance and Impacts on the Agriculture Sector” as part of SEARCA’s Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS).
