Benguet State University and the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), through the DA-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), have formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance crop-related research and development in the country. This agreement establishes collaborative initiatives in crop improvement using biotechnology and new plant breeding innovations.
The MOU signing was held on March 18, 2025 at the BSU Office of the President. BSU is represented by its President Kenneth A. Laruan and the DA-PhilRice is represented by its Executive Director John C. De Leon. This was witnessed by DA-CBC Chief Roel R. Suralta, BSU VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, and BSU Office of the Research Services Director Ruth S. Batani.
The MOU outlines the agreement between BSU and DA-PhilRice on the guiding principles for the partnership, implementation of the collaborative projects, human resource development, and agreement of joint ownership and sharing of collaborative project outputs.
This collaboration would further contribute to ensuring food security, resiliency, alleviating poverty, and contributing toward national development.//EBawayan