In a seminar held on 20 August 2025, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) highlighted the pressing need for coastal communities in Southeast Asia to be integrated into national and local development strategies through the blue economy. This event, part of the Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS), featured Dr. Ma. Carmen Ablan-Lagman from De La Salle University (DLSU), who presented her insights on rethinking coastal poverty amid emerging economic opportunities.

SEARCA seminar advocates inclusive blue economy policies to combat coastal poverty. (2025, September 20-21). DailyGuardian, p. 6.