Dalhousie University Associate Vice President for Global Relations Balakrishnan Prithiviraj recently visited the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) to discuss potential areas for collaboration in plant disease management, plant-microbe interaction, and sustainable production.
During Dr. Prithiviraj's trip to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), UPLB Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel Bantayan requested to arrange a visit to DOST-PCAARRD and explore partnership opportunities between the two institutions. During the meeting, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (R&D) Juanito T. Batalon welcomed the guests and highlighted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between DOST and Universities Canada on June 16, 2023, marking a timely context for Dr. Prithiviraj's visit.
Dr. Bantayan introduced Dr. Prithiviraj, noting that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, with numerous Canadian universities including Dalhousie seeking collaborative ventures in the Philippines.
UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. expressed his hopes to leverage the institutional support from Dalhousie University, emphasizing potential convergence on scholarship initiatives between UPLB and DOST-PCAARRD.
DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division Supervising Science Research Specialist (SRS) Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang provided an overview of the Council's initiatives on plant disease management, plant-microbe interaction, and sustainable production. At the same time, DOST-PCAARRD Institution Development Division Senior SRS Rita Rowena B. Laquinon highlighted the Council’s human resource development programs, particularly the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) Program.
Dr. Prithiviraj praised the informative presentations and emphasized the common research interests between Dalhousie University and DOST-PCAARRD. He then outlined Dalhousie University's research strengths, including sustainable ocean systems, healthy communities, sustainable food systems, climate technology, culture and society, and digital innovation. He also expressed particular interest in collaborating on aquaculture, fishery production, fish diseases, digital and precision agriculture, seaweed use in agriculture, plant biostimulants, soil health management, and organic agriculture.
Following an insightful presentation by Dr. Prithiviraj, Dr. Juanito Batalon expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration. He emphasized that joint R&D in areas of mutual interest could be supported through parallel funding mechanisms and capacity-building activities, including DOST-PCAARRD’s Balik Scientist Program and iGREAT Program.
Dr. Prithiviraj inquired about the specific R&D mechanisms in place. In response, Dr. Bondoc referred to successful models, such as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Economic Cultural Office (MECO-TECO) and e-ASIA International Joint Research Programs. She also mentioned the co-funding mechanism with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), where DOST-PCAARRD provides counterpart funds. These initiatives were cited as potential models for future collaborations with Dalhousie University.
As the discussions drew to a close, Dr. Bantayan summarized the key points on advancing the collaboration through the iGREAT Program, identifying specific joint R&D areas, and determining the appropriate partnership framework, either as an MOU or as a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
DOST-PCAARRD Directorates’ Photo Opportunity with Dr. Prithiviraj. (Image credit: PCMD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos closed the meeting, expressing gratitude to Dr. Prithiviraj and reaffirming DOST-PCAARRD's commitment to a wide-ranging collaboration with Dalhousie University. He emphasized the importance of the Green and Blue Economies for the sustainable development of the Philippines and highlighted the strong historical links of DOST-PCAARRD with Canadian institutions. Dr. Carlos extended his best wishes for the continued success of Dalhousie University's endeavors with UPLB and other partnerships forged during the visit, enhancing the bond between the Philippines and Canada.
"On behalf of DOST-PCAARRD, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Balakrishnan Prithiviraj for his invaluable visit. We look forward to meaningful partnerships and joint projects between our institutions," Dr. Carlos concluded.
The meeting underscores a promising future of collaborative research and development between Dalhousie University and DOST-PCAARRD, aimed at advancing agricultural and aquatic sciences in both nations.