THE MARIANO Marcos State University has renewed its partnership with the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences of Gifu University in a bid to boost international collaborations.

The two institutions held a meeting last Friday, December 2.

GIFU-UGSAS dean Professor Ken Hiramatsu thanked MMSU President Shirley Agrupis for the university’s commitment in realizing fruitful joint activities in the past years.

“We are not just here to to renew the friendship between Gifu University and MMSU, but also to discuss future collaborations,” Hiramatsu said.

MMSU and the Gifu University agreed to cooperate in international exchange programs by allowing their faculty, personnel and students to pursue graduate and undergraduate studies in both schools.

Sharing MMSU’s recent research on natural drug-testing, Agrupis said “Ilocos Norte is endowed with natural resources that are yet to be tapped, and this is a research window so wide that needs collaboration.”

MMSU Research Director Dr. Bjorn Santos, meanwhile, presented the research engagements of MMSU to GU emphasizing the “research as quality engine of excellence” and as one of top priorities of the university.

Prof. Kohei Nakano and Prof. Tomio Yabe, vice deans of UGSAS; Prof. Tohru Mitsunaga, dean of faculty of applied biological sciences; and Prof. Kunio Yamada, vice dean of faculty of applied biological sciences also joined the meeting.

Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU vice president for research, extension, and business; Dr. Doreen Domingo, dean of graduate school; Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, director for international linkages and partnerships; Marlowe Aquino, director for planning; Dr. Alice Geraldine Pagaling, chair of biological sciences; and faculty members of biological sciences were also present.