A DELEGATION from Ilocos Norte-based Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) recently met with officials of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to seek support for institutional development.
The group included MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., Director for Innovation and Technology Dionisio Bucao, Director for Internationalization, Linkages and Partnership Jeanette Dials, and Chief of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research Peter James Gann.
Welcoming them were SEARCA Center Director Mercedita Sombilla, Deputy Director for Programs Nur Azura binti Adam, Senior Program Head for Education and Collective Learning Maria Cristeta Cuaresma, Program Head for Research and Thought Leadership Gerlie Tatlonghari, and Unit Head for Partnerships and Partnerships Sharon Malaiba.
In the meeting, Manzano sought MMSU's affiliate membership with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources to enhance its internationalization programs.
Cuaresma explained the application process and requirements.
Manzano also explained MMSU's mission to boost research productivity to enhance its global ranking, with a goal of increasing its publications.
"To support this initiative, we intend to submit proposals for SEARCA's Seed Fund for Research and Training in two areas: cultivation and postharvest strategies for the safety of fresh market tomatoes and onions, and enhance awareness and use of indigenous vegetables for nutrition and sustainability," Manzano said, noting that MMSU's flagship program is agri-fisheries.
Sombilla committed SEARCA's support for technical guidance and institutional assistance to MMSU. Noting MMSU's interest in conducting research on dragon fruit and black garlic, Sombilla said SEARCA could facilitate connections with universities and institutions in Southeast Asia with expertise in those crops.
Malaiba said these research topics are suitable for showcasing in the SEARCA Agriculture and Development Seminar Series and the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagements webinar series.
The MMSU delegation likewise mentioned exploring the possibility of collaborating with other universities on team teaching. Gann explained that, through partnerships, MMSU can leverage the strengths of multiple teachers to enhance their students' learning experiences.
Sombilla asked Gann to identify the specific courses that MMSU needs assistance with. "The Center can help develop the program and identify their potential faculty counterparts," Sombilla said.
Following the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed to formalize the institutional cooperation between both schools.
MMSU is an institution of higher learning offering advanced instruction in the arts, agricultural and natural sciences, and technological and professional fields. It is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as a Center of Development in Agriculture, Biology, Forestry and Information Technology, and one of the few national universities for agriculture and fisheries education in the Philippines.
SEARCA offers institutional development support to enhance the foundational capacity of agricultural universities in Southeast Asia. It is a Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization center of excellence in agriculture.