By Jareason Fabre

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today, May 6, at the SEARCA headquarters to strengthen collaboration in education, training, and research.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and SEARCA Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla led the signing of the agreement, which will be valid for five years and may be renewed. 
The ceremony was witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Joselito Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration; Assoc. Prof. Peter James Icalia-Gann, Chief of MMSU’s Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research; Dr. Dionisio Bucao, MMSU Research Director; and Dr. Jeanette Dials, Director for Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships.

In support of the new partnership, MMSU submitted several research program proposals for seed funding under SEARCA’s support mechanisms. These proposals focus on key areas such as enhancing MMSU’s academic and research partnerships with Southeast Asian universities, improving food safety in tomato and onion production, promoting the use of indigenous vegetables in Ilocos, and advancing sustainable agriculture through a university-based farm tourism module. MMSU also included the Bamboo Research and Development Program and proposed further work on key commodities like dragon fruit, tomatoes, and black garlic.

As of writing, MMSU has seven SEARCA alumni, including Dr. Manzano and Dr. Gann. 

The university aims to become a regular member of the SEARCA University Consortium. For now, the University is applying for affiliate membership as its first step toward joining the network.
MMSU recognizes SEARCA as a lead institution in promoting agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia. As MMSU aspires to find its niche in the ASEAN region and emerge as a top-tier university, this partnership aligns with the university’s vision of strengthening regional linkages. 

Aside from SEARCA, the MMSU delegation is currently in Metro Manila and nearby areas to build stronger partnerships with key institutions, particularly in research, education, and internationalization.