By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

The National Institute of Technology, Oyama College in Japan and Mariano Marcos State University are bent to explore areas of collaboration on probiotics research and development. This transpired in a meeting between NIT President Noriyuki Hori and the MMSU delegation headed by University President Shirley C. Agrupis on July 22.

According to Dr. Agrupis, the research work of NIT is aligned with the MMSU-based Indigenous Food Research Consortium in Region I. This CHED-funded research program involves isolation, genotypic and phenotypic characterization, and efficacy testing of probiotics from fermented vegetables.

The NIT, which has vast expertise on probiotics, was introduced by the Ashikaga University to MMSU key officials. This became part of their ongoing mission trip in Japan.

Joining Dr. Agrupis in the Japan mission trip are Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, director for internationalization, linkages and partnerships; Dr. Marlowe Aquino, director for planning; Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, dean of the College of Teacher Education; Dr. Romelyn Lagura, faculty member of the elementary education department; Prof. Philistia Mercuria Bagayas, principal of the University Laboratory Schools; Prof. Rhian Jaymar Ramil, faculty member of the pharmacy department; and Atty. Cheska Arla Agrupis, executive assistant to the MMSU president. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)