Mercedita Sombilla

Dr. Mercedita Sombilla is the Center Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). She is a recognized expert in agricultural economics, food security, and rural development, with decades of experience in policy research and program implementation across Southeast Asia. Before joining SEARCA, Dr. Sombilla served as Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations at the Philippine Department of Agriculture, where she led initiatives on climate resilience, agri-food systems, and inclusive growth. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota and has contributed extensively to regional strategies promoting sustainable agriculture and innovation-driven rural transformation.