THE MARIANO Marcos State University has formalized a three-way partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila and Bauertek Pharmaceutical Technologies Corporation to advance industry-based microcredential programs in probiotics and functional foods.

A memorandum of agreement was signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, and Bauertek General Manager Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez.

The partnership establishes collaboration under the CHED-supported iPath-Pro initiative, which aims to develop job-ready, ladderized learning pathways.

The project seeks to deliver flexible, industry-aligned microcredentials in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and innovation-driven fields, with UP Manila serving as the academic partner and Bauertek providing industry expertise.

CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, who initiated the project during her term as MMSU president, underscored the importance of community-engaged innovation and affirmed the Commission’s support for flexible learning and stronger academe–industry linkages.

University and industry leaders, together with the iPath-Pro team led by Dr. Doreen Domingo and Dr. Dionisio Bucao, highlighted the project’s role in strengthening translational education, quality assurance, and workforce development.

The initiative positions MMSU as a regional hub for stackable microcredentials while contributing to national human capital development through sustained collaboration among academe, industry, and government.