THE MARIANO Marcos State University  collaborated with the Shandong Academic of Agricultural Sciences on the implementation of research and development projects including corn breeding and cultivation.

The two schools formalized the agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by MMSU President Shirley Agrupis and SAAS President Wan Shubo this week.

Under the agreement, MMSU and SAAS-Maize Research Institute committed to build the Agricultural Science and Technology Research and Development Center in Ilocos Norte to boost the corn industry in the region.

The universities also agreed to strengthen bilateral visits and exchanges which shall be done yearly.

Shubo believes that the R&D center will ensure food security in the countryside and will be a great opportunity to boost more comprehensive cooperation on a deeper level.

Agrupis gave assurances that the MMSU will do its share for the success of the collaboration.

“Once the activities are met, the MRI-SAAS will help promote the development of corn industry with Philippine partners and recommend Chinese agricultural companies to invest in maize commercialization,” the university said.

“Further, they shall endeavor to integrate their cooperation into China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Philippines’ national strategies,” it added.

Sun Yebao, Director of Shandong Foreign Affairs Office, vowed to support the partnership of the two schools by providing needed services for their cooperation.