The Advanced Energy and Green Building Technologies team of Mariano Marcos State University visited Ashikaga University (AU) in Japan on December 4-8 to learn about their renewable energy and green building technologies.

Supported by the CHED-funded project, "Development of Degree Programs in Advanced Energy and Green Building Technologies in support of RA 11393," the group gained new understanding of green energy. They scouted energy resources, tested advanced laboratories, and reviewed green energy research at AU. Following their visit to Ashikaga, the team proceeded to Tokyo University to discuss potential partnerships and collaborations with experts in green building.

The visiting delegation is composed of Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for planning and strategic foresight, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, vice president for research, development, and innovation; Dr. Bjorn Santos, director of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center and concurrent director for sustainability and futures thinking; Engr. Willen Mark Manzanas, College of Engineering secretary; and Engr. Vladimir Ibañez, chair of the computer engineering department.

In July this year, MMSU and AU renewed their partnership through a five-year memorandum of understanding. The two institutions agreed to jointly organize conferences and capacity-building initiatives and conduct research collaboration in various fields.