In a continued interest to strengthen research and academic collaboration, a delegation from the Nagoya University Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences (NU-GSBS) visited the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) in Los Baños, Laguna, to identify mutual areas of interest in research and development (R&D) and scholarship opportunities.
Dr. Lilian G. Bondoc, Director of the Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD), welcomed the delegation, together with Dr. Ronilo O. de Castro, Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of the Institute Development Division (IDD), and Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Livestock Research Division (LRD).
Leading the NU delegation was Dr. Satoshi Ohkura, Vice Dean of the NU-GSBS and Professor at the Department of Animal Sciences. With Dr. Ohkura were Dr. Sho Nakamura, Asian Satellite Campus Institute (ASCI) Designated Associate Professor from the Department of Animal Sciences (DAS), Dr. Witaya Suriyasathaporn, ASCI Designated Professor from the DAS, and Dr. Sotaro Chiba, Associate Professor at the Department of Plant Production Sciences of the GSBS.
Dr. Ohkura introduced the graduate school and its academic and research programs, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and academic exchange.
The GSBS is one of Nagoya University’s premier academic units, recognized for its strong foundation in biological and agricultural sciences. Its research and instruction cover diverse areas, including forest and environmental resources, plant production sciences, animal sciences, and applied biosciences. Dr. Ohkura expressed the school’s openness to collaborate in joint research that advances innovation and capacity-building in these areas.
Also present during the meeting are Dr. Leilani D. Pelegrina, Director of the Crops Research Division (CRD) and For. Lawrence Adolph M. Amada, Science Research Specialist II of the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD). Discussions highlighted potential collaboration in dairy science, animal breeding and genetics, plant diseases, and watershed management.
Potential collaborations on scholarships were also highlighted through the discussion of the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT) program. Dr. Decena emphasized that the iGREAT program provides full academic support to Filipino scholars to pursue advanced studies abroad, such as in Nagoya University, with re-entry research grants. The grant allows graduated scholars to conduct high-impact research upon completing their studies, ensuring that the expertise gained are sustained and utilized for national development.
Moving forward, DOST-PCAARRD and the NU-GSBS agreed to sustain dialogue and explore the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will outline the framework for cooperation, paving the way for joint activities that promote science, innovation, and capacity development.
The potential partnership between DOST-PCAARRD and the NU is envisioned to contribute to the advancement of agricultural science and technology, support shared goals toward sustainable development and global competitiveness in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sector.