The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Batangas State University (BatStateU) on 8 October 2020 via an online platform.
The MOU between SEARCA and BatStateU is a five-year collaboration in the areas of education, training, and research with special focus on innovative agritechnologies, agribusiness incubation, and technology transfer.
The MOU signatories were Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director, and Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU President.
Dr. Gregorio said “Partnership is our number one priority in SEARCA’s 11th Five Year Plan and we would like to engage and collaborate with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) who actively pursue innovations in agriculture, economics, environment, forestry, agri-incubation, and technology transfer to help elevate the quality of life of agricultural farming families.”
Dr. Ronquillo replied “We are neighbors, if your house is burning, I’ll be the first to throw a pail of water; and if my tree is fruiting you will also be the first to share in my harvest.”
Dr. Ronquillo presented BatStateU’s state-of-the-art facilities such as the technology business incubator Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation, and the first Knowledge Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park registered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). KIST Park is a prime destination fostering collaboration between universities, industry players, locator companies, and tech startups, including agricultural entrepreneurs.
Mr. Joselito G. Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, and Prof. Albertson D. Amante, BatStateU Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services and Head of Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation, signed as witnesses to the said MOU.
The event was also attended by SEARCA representatives Dr. Rico C. Ancog, Program Lead for Emerging Innovation for Growth (EIG); Ms. Lichelle Dara E. Carlos, Program Specialist for EIG Agri-Incubation; and Engr. Christopher T. Cabardo, Program Specialist for EIG Technology Transfer; and Prof. Glenn N. Baticados, innovEIGhts Consultant.
Dr. Ancog said “BatStateU, with its motto ‘Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives’ is the ideal partner that SEARCA is looking for in our Academe-Industry-Government Model. We look forward to operationalize the SEARCA innovEIGhts Model fueled by our partnership.”
BatStateU, a premier national university that develops leaders in the global knowledge economy, is the first state university in the Philippines with engineering and information technology programs accredited by the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or ABET – Engineering Accreditation Commission and Computing Accreditation Commission.
Established in 1966, SEARCA is one of 26 specialist institutions of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). SEARCA is mandated to strengthen institutional capacities in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia through its core programs on Education and Collective Learning, Research and Thought Leadership, and Emerging Innovation for Growth.
