By Office of International Affairs
A high-level delegation from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) visited AIT on 27 October to explore expanded areas of academic and research collaboration.
During the meeting, AIT and the delegation discussed opportunities to broaden the partnership through initiatives such as micro-credential and short training programs, visiting faculty and researcher exchanges, student mobility and joint activities, dual-degree program development, faculty secondment with Philippine universities, and strengthening research and capacity-development activities. AIT also highlighted the potential to recruit Filipino faculty from the Philippines. The delegation welcomed this proposal as a positive step toward enhancing academic cooperation and diversity. AIT expressed its appreciation to DOST-SEI and PCAARRD for their continued support and for being among the Institute’s most valued partners. At present, AIT hosts 31 DOST-supported scholars, with 20 studying in SERD, 10 in SET, and 1 in SOM. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding scholarship opportunities for Filipino students. Further, on 28 Oct, DOST-SEI and PCAARRD delegates met AIT DOST scholars to discuss their progress and listen to their presentations.
Collaboration between AIT and DOST began in 2003 with the signing of an MoU supporting professional master’s programs. This partnership broadened in 2020 with the signing of an MoU between AIT and PCAARRD, focusing on joint research and capacity building. In 2025, the relationship reached another milestone with the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between AIT, DOST-SEI, and PCAARRD, reinforcing shared goals in science, technology, and human resource development.
Over the past two years, the partnership in the Philippines has been actively strengthened through regular visits by the Dean of SERD, Prof. P. Abdul Salam and the Dean of SET, Prof. Sangam Shrestha, whose engagement with DOST and PCAARRD has played a vital role in expanding collaborative activities. The meeting concluded with optimism for continued growth in academic exchange, research collaboration, and institutional partnership in the years ahead.
The delegation included Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, Director IV of DOST-SEI; Mr. Peter Gerry P. Gavina, Chief Science Research Specialist; and Ms. Sheryll Lee R. Sales, Science Research Specialist ll from DOST-SEI. Representing PCAARRD were Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director, Office of the Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Service and Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of the Institution Development Division. From AIT, Prof. Abdul Salam, Dean of School of Environment Resources and Development; Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of School of Engineering and Technology and Co-Director of GWSC; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of Office of International Affairs and Dr. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, Office of International Affairs joined for the meeting.
