By Karen de la Cruz, StratCom Correspondent

Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, president of the Mariano Marcos State University, joined Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc in welcoming officials from Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China yesterday, October 16, for the historic signing of a Joint Work Plan between the sister provinces. 

Around 30 officials from the Chinese provincial government, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Dezhou University were delighted by the Ilokano warmth. They were led by Shandong Vice Governor Deng Yunfeng, along with SAAS President Li Xiangdong and DU President Zhao Changlin. 

      
Anchored in the two provinces' 20-year partnership, the JWP aims to define a framework of cooperation and collaboration in the fields of economy, education, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, science and technology, and culture, and promote common prosperity and development between the provinces. 

The sisterhood workplan particularly outlines the activities Ilocos Norte and Shandong will venture into in the coming years. These include business and trade exchanges, connecting government officials, institutions, and businesses to help local businesses from both provinces to expand and to find new opportunities. It also aims to establish direct flights from Shandong to Ilocos Norte to improve accessibility. 

Furthermore, the JWP also directs MMSU-SAAS and MMSU-DU academic and research engagements, including the launch of the MMSU-SAAS Maize Joint Research and Development Center and MMSU-DU International Joint Laboratory for Smart Agriculture held today, October 17. 

The possibility of establishing a Philippine Youth Exchange Base, and strengthened personnel exchanges and cooperation is also being eyed. 

Other MMSU officials who joined the event were Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, director for internationalization, linkages and partnerships; Prof. Hery Yumul, director for strategic communication; and, Prof. Luvee Hazel Aquino, former university board secretary. (JVBT, StratCom)