MMSU inks MoA with UP Manila and Bauertek for iPath-Pro project
By Jimmbeth Zenila Fabia, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) sealed its partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and Bauertek Pharmaceutical Technologies Corporation (BT) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on January 19 at the Center for Flexible Learning.
The MOA was signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, and Bauertek Pharmaceutical Technologies Corporation General Manager Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez. The agreement aims to strengthen industry–academe collaboration under the Industry-Based Microcredential Pathways Toward Graduate Programs in Probiotics and Functional Foods for Sustainable Health and Nutrition (iPath-Pro).
The dual MOA signing formally established MMSU’s partnership with UP Manila as the project’s academic partner and with Bauertek as its industry partner. The iPath-Pro project is a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)–supported initiative designed to deliver industry-aligned, ladderized microcredentials that equip learners with specialized, job-ready competencies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other innovation-driven fields.
The ceremonial signing was graced by CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, the project’s main proponent during her term as the 7th MMSU President. In her message, she emphasized the project’s goal of engaging communities in the development of products they can directly use and consume. “Let us not be complacent with what we are doing now. Instead, let us be noisier outside. CHED will always support projects like this,” she said.
CHED’s presence underscored the project’s alignment with the Commission’s thrusts on flexible learning pathways, lifelong learning, and stronger higher education–industry linkages. Also present were university and industry leaders, as well as members of the iPath-Pro project team led by Dr. Doreen Domingo and Dr. Dionisio Bucao, project staff and Director of Research.
In his message, President Manzano highlighted that the partnerships reflect MMSU’s strategic direction toward translational education and innovation-driven workforce development. He noted that iPath-Pro positions MMSU as a regional hub for microcredential delivery that directly responds to industry needs while maintaining strong academic rigor.
Chancellor Tee affirmed UPM’s commitment to support the project through academic expertise, curriculum co-development, and quality assurance to ensure that the microcredentials meet national and global standards in health, life sciences, and technology-based education.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gomez emphasized the importance of industry participation in bridging skills gaps and accelerating the translation of scientific knowledge into industry-ready competencies. He stressed that collaboration with industry is vital in shaping relevant training programs that prepare learners for real-world applications.
The event concluded with a shared commitment among the partners to sustain collaboration throughout the project’s implementation.
Earlier, MMSU also entered into a separate agreement with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), signed by President Manzano and AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li. The agreement focuses on Domain 3—Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health, and designates AIT as MMSU’s partner in implementing microcredential offerings through academic and industry-based expertise and facilities.
The iPath-Pro project is envisioned to provide flexible, stackable learning opportunities for students, professionals, and industry practitioners. Through the combined strengths of MMSU, UP Manila, and Bauertek, the initiative aims to contribute to national human capital development and innovation-led growth.
Jan, 29, 2026 03:12:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
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