TO further boost its internationalization efforts, the Mariano Marcos State University has signed a partnership agreement with Dezhou University and Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by officials of MMSU, DZU and SAAS earlier this month on educational and cultural exchanges.

Through the five-year partnership, MMSU and DZU will exchange faculty, researchers and students, conduct international cooperation projects to and enhance cultural exchanges.

The two universities will also offer scholarship grants and establish a Philippine Research Institute, build Philippine Youth Exchange Base and set up a joint laboratory for smart agriculture.

These initiatives will be completed through the creation of the Shandong-Ilocos Norte Humanistic Education Exchange.

“I strongly believe that the synergistic collaboration between our universities will pave the way for a promising future, marked by our strong commitment and initiatives,” MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis said.

Meanwhile, MMSU and SAAS are set to construct a Maize (corn) Joint Research and Development Center between Shandong and Ilocos Norte.

They will also conduct germplasm exchange and corn variety experiments, carry out various collaborative research, and strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The MOU signing ceremony in China was witnessed by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and several department heads of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.

The provincial government will oversee the travel arrangements, accommodations, and visa facilitation for delegates from China who will travel to Ilocos Norte.

It will also organize a ten-day Cultural Exchange program for students and professionals. Additionally, an English Enrichment Scholarship will also be offered by the provincial government for English Language learners to study in MMSU.