By Crisdeniele H. Clemente 

Looking into possible areas of cooperation, visitors from the Korean Embassy visited Mariano Marcos State University for an exploratory meeting with President Shirley C. Agrupis and other university officials at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall today, August 18. 

Counselor of Commercial Attache Kwon Soonhyun, third secretary Kim Dosik, deputy director of human resource development service of Korea (HRD) Kim Daeho and director of Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Dr. Lee Kyuseong were convened at the office of the president to discuss potential educational and business initiatives. 

Other representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) were Mr. Eunsup Kim, country director, and officials of Exim Bank (Korea Export and Import Bank).

The primary focus of the visit was to discuss strong points of the university which may be considered for partnerships and support.

The possible offering of the Korean Language in MMSU was also discussed during the meeting. This initiative aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn the Korean language and open doors for future educational and professional endeavors.

Moreover, keen interest in agriculture endeavors and selection of Ilocano talents for employment were also tackled during the meeting, especially on agricultural engineering. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her interest and wishes for the Korean embassy and KOICA to foster stronger ties with the university.

Joining the President are Vice President for Planning and Development Ami Ruth Cocson, VP for Research and Extension Nathaniel Alibuyog, Faculty President Marlina Lino, and Assistant Professor Ryan Roi Domingo. Mr. Jefferson Baloaloa of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – INvest Office also joined. (HLY/JBVT, StratCom)