THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-Visayas forged a partnership agreement with the Department of Science and Technology Region VI to join five other major research institutions in creating a network of laboratories in Western Visayas.

The collaboration was an initiative of the DOST as laboratory analysis plays a critical role in research and development, enforcement of government policies as well as quality assurance.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the DOST, UPV, and five other major research institutions last month.

UPV was represented by Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano while the other research institutions were represented by Dr. Leobert Dela Peña of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Roselyn Usero of Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative, Director Ramar Niel Pascua of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau Region VI, Jessica Esmao of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Director Rowen Gelonga of the DOST.

“Western Visayas Laboratory Network (WVLabNet) was created to streamline laboratory services that are available in the region,” the university said.

“This will create harmonious relationships between these laboratories that will ease transactions between industry partners and research institutions,” it added.

Dr. Carmelo Del Castillo of UPV National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology said that Western Visayas has a lot of potential and outstanding capability in terms of research.

“This is just the start of something bigger for Western Visayas,” Del Castillo said.