A courtesy visit and exploratory meeting were recently conducted to explore potential collaboration between Kyoto University (KU) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) through its International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) Program.
Held on February 7, 2025 at the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center in Los Baños, Laguna, the meeting was initiated at the request of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), KU’s long-standing academic partner.
With a shared commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation, the discussions revolved around fostering academic and research exchanges between Filipino and Japanese scientists. The meeting also provided a platform to explore opportunities for graduate research assistantships, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and joint projects that could drive innovation in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors
Leading the KU delegation was Dr. Tetsuo Sawaragi, Executive Vice-President for Research, Ethics, Integrity, Code of Conduct, and International Affairs. Joining Dr. Sawaragi were Ms. Hidemi Nakagawa, Ms. Takako Yabuuchi, Ms. Chisato Saito, Mr. Taro Sovobe, Dr. Teiji Nawata, and Dr. Shuji Hisano. Each bringing expertise in international research collaboration and academic exchange.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora led DOST-PCAARRD in welcoming the esteemed guests, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to advancing research and development through global partnerships. In his message, Dr. Ebora emphasized the significance of expanding the iGREAT Program by strengthening partnerships with leading global institutions such as KU. He also expressed DOST-PCAARRD's openness to exploring further collaborative initiatives beyond iGREAT, identifying potential joint research areas that align with both institutions’ strategic priorities.
Joining Dr. Ebora from DOST-PCAARRD were Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos; Institution Development Division (IDD) Director Fezoil Luz Decena; Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD) Director Lilian Bondoc, and other DOST-PCAARRD personnel.
In response, Dr. Sawaragi thanked DOST-PCAARRD for the warm welcome and acknowledged the alignment of KU's academic and research programs with DOST-PCAARRD's initiatives. Both parties expressed optimism on future collaborations, particularly in facilitating the participation of government officials, faculty members, and researchers from UPLB and other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) under the iGREAT scholarship grant.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to pursue collaboration on the iGREAT Program. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be prepared as an initial step. Dr. Ebora conveyed his hope that the partnership would formally commence within the year and welcome the first cohort of scholars by the upcoming semester.
This visit represents an important step towards strengthening international collaboration and advancing capacity-building efforts through joint research and education initiatives. It also marks a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of the iGREAT Program, reflecting DOST-PCAARRD's commitment to engaging with world-class institutions like KU.