By Stephanie Camille Ilar 

To advance research and development on probiotics and functional foods, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and The Philippine Society for Probiotics and Functional Foods, Inc. (PhilProFF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today, August 15, at the FEM Hall Conference Room.

The partnership seeks to strengthen collaboration in research and capacity building, resource sharing, and support, leading to programs and initiatives in health, nutrition, and sustainable development that contribute to nation-building.

Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. was Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga, who emphasized the need to “maximize the opportunities offered by the agreement to deepen understanding and expand the impact of joint efforts.”

Meanwhile, Prof. Rhian Jaymar Ramil, Chief of the Functional Foods and Nutraceutical Research Center and Program Leader for IFP Probiotics Research, said the collaboration will create more opportunities to train people and make better use of shared knowledge, facilities, and networks.

“With this partnership, we are optimistic that this will move probiotics and functional foods research forward,” Dr. Ramil said.

PhilProFF president Dr. Rodney Perez expressed confidence that the MOU marks the beginning of more collaborative undertakings with MMSU.

“This will surely open new opportunities for innovation, research, and knowledge exchange that would help advance our shared goals in promoting probiotics and functional foods in the Philippines,” he said.
Also present during the ceremonial signing were PhilProff Business Manager Dr. Maria Auxilia Siringan and Auditor Dr. Francisco Elegado.

As part of this partnership to promote healthy and secure food systems in the country, PhilProFF will hold its Biennial Conference and Scientific Meeting on October 16-17, which MMSU will host.