By Office of Public Affairs
March 24, 2023– The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with a consortium comprising three universities in the Philippines, namely the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) on March 24, 2023.
The MoA includes implementing the CHED-approved research program titled, “Advancing Ilocos Indigenous Food Systems Through Academia-Industry Collaborative Research and Innovations Toward Healthy Food Security.” As part of the agreement, the consortium and AIT, with the support and coordination of MMSU, have committed to conducting capacity-building activities that will enhance the Science, Technology, and Innovation Capacity for Probiotic Food Systems Program.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President, stated that this collaboration comes at the right time as AIT plans to expand partnerships in the region. He believes this partnership is not just a simple agreement, but a powerful source that brings diverse minds and ideas together. He looks forward to a fruitful collaboration.
Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, President of MMSU, expressed her gratitude and stated that this collaboration would lead to a strong partnership with AIT for capacity building. They aim to develop the human capital of the Philippines that is locally responsive and locally competitive.
The event was also attended by ISPSC President Dr. Gilbert R. Arce, and DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, JR. The event was also attended by several officials and representatives from the universities involved in the training program at AIT under this MoA.
Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, Director for Science and Technology, and Ms. Arlene L. Gonzales, Associate Professor and Chief of International Program, represented MMSU, while Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, Vice President for Research, attended the meeting from DMMMSU.
The event was also attended by Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD); Prof. Dieter Trau, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Prof. Anil Kumar Anal, Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources, SERD; Dr. Loc Thai Nguyen, Associate Professor, FAB Department and Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director, Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, OIPA; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, OIPA and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA
