UP Manila, Visayas State University signs MoU to strengthen partnerships on biotech
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
The Philippines is among the Southeast Asian nations that have embraced biotechnology, promoting responsible use through research and innovation in agriculture, animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation.
UP Manila (UPM) and Visayas State University (VSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership in biotechnology. This collaboration focuses on joint research, publications, consultancy, and academic exchanges. The agreement stems from a long-standing mentor-mentee relationship between UPM Vice Chancellor for Research Leslie Dalmacio and VSU Biotechnology Department Head Donna Christene Ramos.
VSU, recognized for its agricultural research, continues to expand its efforts in biodiversity studies, supported by government and institutional funding. VSU President Prose Ivy Yepes emphasized the university’s commitment to research in biodiversity, climate change, food security, One Health, and artificial intelligence. She highlighted VSU’s Advanced Research and Innovation Center, including the Tuklas Lunas Center, which focuses on drug discovery.
UPM Chancellor Michael Tee expressed support for the collaboration, noting its potential in drug development for both humans and animals, aligning with discussions with FDA Director General Zacate. He underscored how research from universities can shape national policies and government initiatives.
VSU is also advancing toward establishing its College of Medicine, following the passage of Republic Act No. 11974, championed by Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari and Sen. Francis Escudero. Plans include a community-based medical program, with guidance from CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III and potential collaborations with UPM.
During their visit to UPM, the VSU delegation toured key medical and research facilities, including the Philippine General Hospital, the Clinical Simulation Laboratory, and the National Institutes of Health. These facilities, developed under CHED’s LAKAS program, serve as models for other state universities in medical education and research.
UP Manila (UPM) and Visayas State University (VSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership in biotechnology. This collaboration focuses on joint research, publications, consultancy, and academic exchanges. The agreement stems from a long-standing mentor-mentee relationship between UPM Vice Chancellor for Research Leslie Dalmacio and VSU Biotechnology Department Head Donna Christene Ramos.
VSU, recognized for its agricultural research, continues to expand its efforts in biodiversity studies, supported by government and institutional funding. VSU President Prose Ivy Yepes emphasized the university’s commitment to research in biodiversity, climate change, food security, One Health, and artificial intelligence. She highlighted VSU’s Advanced Research and Innovation Center, including the Tuklas Lunas Center, which focuses on drug discovery.
UPM Chancellor Michael Tee expressed support for the collaboration, noting its potential in drug development for both humans and animals, aligning with discussions with FDA Director General Zacate. He underscored how research from universities can shape national policies and government initiatives.
VSU is also advancing toward establishing its College of Medicine, following the passage of Republic Act No. 11974, championed by Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari and Sen. Francis Escudero. Plans include a community-based medical program, with guidance from CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III and potential collaborations with UPM.
During their visit to UPM, the VSU delegation toured key medical and research facilities, including the Philippine General Hospital, the Clinical Simulation Laboratory, and the National Institutes of Health. These facilities, developed under CHED’s LAKAS program, serve as models for other state universities in medical education and research.
