By Crisdeniele Clemente

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Batanes State College (BSC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote and strengthen academic, research, and community development in both institutions on Friday, March 15, at the BSC Campus in Basco, Batanes.

Signed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and BSC President Dr. Djovi Regala Durante, the four-year agreement includes the conduct of conferences and capacity-building initiatives, sharing of academic materials and publications, engagement programs on instruction, research, and community for faculty, staff, and students, and collaborative research, innovation and extension projects aligned with the sustainable development goals.

Dr. Agrupis expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership and highlighted the university’s growing success in establishing linkages and collaborations with other institutions.

Mr. Kimio Takarada of Takara Inc. also joined Dr. Agrupis to discuss a potential partnership with BSC on garlic production and black garlic management system projects.

Also present at the event were Dr. Dionisio Bucao, MMSU director of research, innovation, and technology; Dr. Marilou Lucas, MMSU director of extension; Ms. Noralyn Legazpi, chief of the MMSU Garlic Research Center; and key officials of BSC and Takara Inc. (MKA_StratCom)