Officials from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 6 May 2025 to seek support for its institutional development. The delegation included Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr., University President; Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Director for Innovation and Technology; Prof. Jeanette Dials, Director for Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership; and Dr. Peter James Gann, Chief of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research.
They were welcomed by Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director. With her were Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs; Dr. Maria Cristeta Cuaresma, Senior Program Head, for Education and Collective Learning; Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, Program Head, for Research and Thought Leadership; Ms. Sharon Malaiba, Unit Head for Partnerships, and Partnerships Unit staff.
MMSU is a premier institution of higher learning in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The university offers advanced instruction in the arts, agricultural and natural sciences, and technological and professional fields. Recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Development in Agriculture, Biology, Forestry, and Information Technology, MMSU is one of the few national universities for agriculture and fisheries education in the Philippines.
During the meeting, Dr. Manzano expressed MMSU's interest in pursuing affiliate membership with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) to enhance their internationalization programs. Dr Cuaresma explained the application process and the requirements.
Moreover, Dr. Manzano emphasized the university's mission to boost research productivity to enhance its global ranking, with a goal of increasing their publications. To support this initiative, he said they intend to submit proposals for SEARCA's Seed Fund for Research and Training on two areas: cultivation and postharvest strategies for the safety of fresh market tomatoes and onions, and enhancing awareness and use of indigenous vegetables for nutrition and sustainability. Dr. Manzano also noted that MMSU's flagship program is agri-fisheries, highlighting their strong commitment to its expansion and investment.
Dr. Sombilla underscored the importance of enhancing MMSU's agriculture-focused programs. She assured the delegation that SEARCA will continue to provide technical guidance and institutional assistance to MMSU.
Furthermore, the MMSU team shared their interest in conducting research on other high-value crops in the Northern Philippines, specifically dragon fruit and black garlic. Dr. Sombilla said SEARCA could facilitate connections with universities and institutions in Southeast Asia with expertise in those areas. Ms. Malaiba remarked that these research topics are suitable for showcasing in the SEARCA Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) and the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagements (SOLVE) webinar series.
On the other hand, Dr. Gann mentioned that they are exploring the possibility of collaborating with other universities on team teaching. He explained that through this, they can leverage the strengths of multiple teachers to enhance their students' learning experiences. Dr. Sombilla requested that Dr. Gann identify the specific courses and share this information with SEARCA, so the Center can help develop the program and identify their potential faculty counterparts.
The meeting concluded with a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding for institutional cooperation, with Dr. Sombilla and Dr. Manzano as signatories.
As a Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization center of excellence in agriculture, SEARCA offers institutional development support to enhance the foundational capacity of agricultural universities in Southeast Asia.