The College of Agriculture of Xavier University was founded in 1953 by Fr. William F. Masterson SJ. Eleven years after, in 1964, SEARSOLIN, as an offshoot of the College, began with full support from MISEREOR, Germany. Since then, it has trained thousands of rural, social development leaders from different parts of Asia, Pacific and Africa.
SEARSOLIN Directors
Fr. William F. Masterson S.J., 1964–1984
Fr. Antonio J. Ledesma S.J., D.D., 1984–1993
Anselmo B. Mercado, Ph.D., 1993–2007
Fr. Josenilo G. Labra S.J., 2007-2012
Fr. Rene C. Tacastacas, S.J. 2012-present
Programs offered
The Social Leadership Course is offered annually from June to December and is packaged in a monthly modular form in a series of ten modules that allows the participants more flexibility to select and stay for a shorter or longer period. The modules are:
The SEARSOLIN program has always been deliberately integrated and generalist, believing in training the whole person to enable her/him to be at the service of all, through the blending of value courses and social sciences as well as management and practical skills. SEARSOLIN focuses on the 'head', the 'heart', and the 'hands'. The pedagogy is more "hands-on" than strictly academic. The community live-in training of several months provides a unique experience and rich socio-cultural dynamics during which the international participants develop fellowship, camaraderie and leadership values and skills.
East because it is in Asia, it builds on the rich cultural and religious traditions of the East.
Asia because SEARSOLIN's home is Asia and its trainees mainly come from the three sub-regions of Asia — South, Southeast, and East — even as it welcomes also participants from the Africa and the Pacific Islands.
Rural because its concerns are focused on rural development issues, including rural poverty alleviation as challenged by food security.
Social because it talks of the human person in society and deals with the imperatives of social justice.
Leadership because it strives to form leaders with conscience, competence, and commitment; leaders with a clear vision and the social skills needed for the development tasks ahead.
Institute because it is a training center with a time-tested program and a continuing fellowship among development workers in the field in the countries of Asia and the developing world.
