Biology students to undertake internship at UPLB’s Museum of Natural History

By John Vincent B. Toribio
                                                                               

Toward becoming a premier higher education institution, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) continues to actively partner with reputable Philippine universities - developing and implementing practicable and nurturing academic programs for its faculty and students.
 

On June 9, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis ceremonially signed new agreements with University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. to further promote academic, educational and mutual cooperation.

During a ceremony at the UPLB – Library, Dr. Agrupis expressed her desire to adopt UPLB’s long-standing brand of excellent and relevant training and research. “We are zealous to partner with a prestigious national university in developing virtuous human capital for the country,” she stressed.

Drs. Agrupis and Camacho signed a Memorandum of Agreement allowing MMSU biology students to have their 200-hour internship at the UPLB Museum of Natural History from July 11 to August 19, 2022.

The agreement opens for the students a customized technical, employer-driven internship which will focus on botany, mycology, zoology, microbiology and entomology. They will undertake online and field simulation exercises, individual and group analytical assignments, synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, a literature review, a scientific paper, demonstration on specimen preparation, and actual physical visit to museum collections.

Dr. Camacho pledged the guidance and mentoring of its seasoned researchers for the MMSU students to enable them acquire relevant competencies during their internship at the MNH.

The MNH has served as a center for research and documentation of Philippine diversity, having maintained a vast collection of flora and fauna for forty-five years now. Located at the CFNR Quadrangle, Upper Campus of UPLB in Laguna, the MNH consists of a diverse collection of 200,000 preserved Philippine animals, plants, cultures of living microorganisms, and other biota that showcase the country’s rich biodiversity.    

Dr. Alice Geraldine S. Hernando, the chair of the Department of Biology shared her delight about the agreement, thanking UPLB “for its immediate and encouraging response to elevate the training and instruction for the country’s future biologists.”

Furthermore, MMSU and UPLB entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to develop collaborative activities in various academic areas “on a basis of equality and reciprocity.”

The five-year agreement leads to the exchange of faculty, researchers, students; the conduct of joint research and extension projects, lectures, symposia, and capacity-building programs; and sharing of academic information and materials.

Dr. Camacho emphasized his confidence with MMSU as a proactive partner. “We expect for a very fruitful partnership with MMSU for instruction, research and public service, as we know it is one of the leading universities, not only in North Luzon but in the whole country,” he said.

Dr. Agrupis shared MMSU “will be a consistent contributor for positive change.”

The MOA and MOU signing was witnessed by UPLB officials: Prof. Rolando T. Bello, vice chancellor for administration; Dr. Fernando O. Paras, Jr., vice chancellor for planning and development; Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, vice chancellor for research and extension; Dr. Eileen Lorena M. Mamino, assistant to the chancellor and director for alumni relations; Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr, dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr. Greg T. Pawilen, director for institutional development in higher education; Dr. Marian P. De Leon, MNH Director; Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Officials from MMSU also graced the event: Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, Vice President for Research, Extension and Business; Dr. Bjorn S. Santos, Director for Research; Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, Director for the Science and Technology Park; Dr. Mee Jay A. Domingo, director for International Linkages and Partnerships; and this writer, chief for information services. (HLY/StratCom)