By AIT Public Affairs
June 2 2023: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and The Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) consortium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 2 June 2023.
The objective of this MoU is to foster collaboration between AIT and CVAARRD member institutions for professional capacity building, joint research, training and experiential exchanges, and research visits.
The scope of the MoU includes establishing collaboration in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources research, and development with the aim to bridge the gap in utilizing and commercializing research outcomes. This collaboration will contribute to the development of self-reliance in research and development management and capacity building. The scope also includes the development and implementation of the capacity building PhD / Master’s Program, short-term experiential exchanges and research visits, short course training, workshops, and learning programs. Additionally, the MoU covers the sharing of information and materials in the fields of Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR), which are of mutual interest, organizing joint conferences, seminars, and events as well as joint research activities and publications.
Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President of Academic Affairs AIT said, “We are happy to collaborate with your consortium, as it aligns perfectly with our work. Our partnership holds tremendous potential; together, we can significantly impact the region and globally.”
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, RRDCC Chair/University President of Isabela State University (ISU) said, “This partnership emphasizes the importance of expertise across diverse sectors, extending beyond Asia, and together, we aim to enhance human resources, fostering vibrant research and development”.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President of Academic Affairs at AIT, and Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, RRDCC Chair/University President of Isabela State University (ISU). The signing ceremony was witnessed by 10 officials from ISU.
The Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) consortium is a non-profit organization which was created to promote science and technology applications for agriculture, aquatic, forestry, and natural resources (AANR) sectors. It will serve as an avenue for joint planning, monitoring, evaluation and sharing of resources through collaborative interventions among its members through the implementation of Research and Development Management and Coordination, Strategic Research and Development/Extension, Research and Development Results Utilization, Capability Building and Governance, and Policy Analysis and Advocacy.
