The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) from Taiwan visited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) today, February 22, to explore potential collaborations in agricultural development.

Ambassador Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Taiwan Representative of TECO in the Philippines, led the delegation of the TECO officials. They were warmly welcomed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis  through a courtesy meeting at the MMSU Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall.
Part of the discussions include the inspection of agricultural production sites and assessment of innovations in agri-products within the province of Ilocos Norte.

Showing interest in the possible partnership, Dr. Agrupis shared the huge agricultural lands of Batac for the team to explore and the university’s research-based food products such as black garlic, tomango (tomato and mango) ketchup, and kamangeg (mountain potato). She also underscored the agri-fishery aspect of the Promoting Research and Innovation to Strengthen Transformation of Industries and Enterprises (PRISTINE) initiative. 

Ambassador Chow expressed his appreciation and support towards MMSU for future collaborative opportunities in education and agriculture sectors.

After the meeting, the TECO officials visited the MMSU Food Innovation Center, National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center, and the university`s vegetation cover in front of the College of Agriculture, Food And Sustainable Development. They were accompanied by Dr. Sheila Baquiran, university accommodation chief. (MKA, StratCom)