MMSU partners with AIT Thailand for international symposium and microcredential programs
Strengthening its global academic network, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) the 4th International Symposium on Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development (DRSD 2025) and formalized a partnership with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement during the 4th International Symposium on Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development (DRSD 2025), held on November 24-26.
Co-organized by MMSU, the symposium brought together international experts, researchers, and educators to discuss strategies for enhancing disaster resilience and sustainable development practices in the region. Through this partnership, MMSU and AIT aim to expand joint research collaborations, promote capacity-building programs, and create innovative learning opportunities for students and faculty.
MMSU delegates who attended the onsite event were Research Director Dionisio Bucao, Graduate School Dean Doreen Domingo, International Programs Chief Mark Joseph Pastor, and Director for Sustainability and Futures Thinking Arlene Gonzales.
Dr. Bucao presented the development paper, "Building Resilient Agricultural Systems in Climate-Vulnerable Areas of Ilocos Norte through Science and Technology-Based Community Farm Models," under Session 1-A: Climate Change - Mitigation, Adaptation, and Nature-based Solutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Domingo, as one of the authors, presented “Alcohol-Induced Kidney Damage: A Hidden Public Health Risk Linking Disaster Preparedness and Sustainable Development.”
Dr. Pastor shared his research on educational leadership and disaster risk governance, highlighting schools as anchors for community resilience. Dr. Arlene L. Gonzales also served as a plenary panel speaker, along with international experts, for the session on Delta and Coastal Socio-Ecological Systems, where she discussed MMSU’s initiatives on sustainability and environmental resilience.
MMSU also had online presenters who shared their expertise in climate science, geospatial analysis, disaster governance, coastal resilience, and sustainable development. These included Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, Rodel Utrera, Christopher Zamuco, Christine Mata, Dr. Sherlyn Nicolas, Joemel Agreda, Lea Abbigay, and Jade Calumpit.
During the event, MMSU and AIT formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of agreement to launch a new microcredential program under the Industry-Based Microcredential Pathways Toward Graduate Programs in Probiotics and Functional Foods for Sustainable Health and Nutrition (iPath-Pro) funded by CHED HUSAY, which aims to offer short-term, specialized training in probiotics and functional foods. Dr. Domingo represented MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. in the signing.
On AIT’s side, AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li signed the agreement. He was accompanied by Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD) Professor Siddharth Jabade; Chair of Academic Senate, Prof. Anil Kumar Anal; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director for International Affairs; and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer of International Office.
The microcredential focuses on Domain 3 - Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health, offering advanced training in probiotic and functional food technologies. It features three flexible and stackable microcredentials: Sustainable Process Design, Nutrition Label Compliance Analysis, and Innovative Food Packaging Solution. These offerings support MMSU’s goal of providing globally aligned training, strengthening its biotechnology capabilities.
On 27–28 November, MMSU delegates held meetings with AIT, Kasetsart University, and Mahidol University to explore international partnerships. Discussions with AIT leaders focused on innovation ecosystems, business incubation, short-term training programs, student innovation opportunities, microcredential development, and joint research in sustainability, biotechnology, and disaster resilience.
At Kasetsart University, MMSU met with Faculty of Education leaders to discuss Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), faculty exchanges, virtual lecture series, and joint research in education, governance, and sustainability. At Mahidol University, MMSU explored collaboration on the Carbon Neutrality Campus Network, regional sustainability courses and certifications, climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and faculty and student mobility programs.
The collaboration focuses on the development of microcredential programs and the expansion of joint research initiatives, underscoring MMSU’s commitment to advancing disaster resilience, sustainable development, and international academic linkages.
Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Office
Dec, 04, 2025 09:56:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
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