DR. VIRGILIO Julius P. Manzano, a professor of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, is currently in Japan on a Matsumae International Foundation research fellowship.

Manzano, also director of the Ilocos Norte Science Community, is being hosted by Mizoguchi Masaru of the University of Tokyo for the entire duration of the grant (April 1, 2009-Sept. 30, 2009).

The fellowship covers a monthly stipend of Y240,000; a lump sum of Y100,000 upon arrival in Japan; and air transportation, among others.

The MIF is a private organization inviting to Japan non-Japanese young research workers of outstanding character. The founder, Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae, believed that for Japan to co-exist peacefully with other nations of the world, it should try to prepare a forum for Japan’s international activities, thus, the establishment of the foundation.