DMMMSU, headed by President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., and Apayao State College (ASC), represented by President Dr. John N. Cabansag, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at DMMMSU Central Administration, Bacnotan, La Union.

In the agreement, DMMMSU, through the National Apiculture Research, Training, and Development Institute (NARTDI), will assist ASC in establishing the Apiculture Satellite Center in Apayao.

In her message, Dr. Angelita T. Gonzales, DMMMSU Vice President for Research Development and Innovation, underscored the importance of establishing academic collaboration as an instrument in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“May we be inspired by what we are doing not only for our professional growth but also for the growth of our educational institution and the community in general,” Dr. Gonzales added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cabansag expressed his gratitude to DMMMSU for strengthening its partnership with ASC in the establishment of the Apiculture Satellite Center and voiced his hope that the signed MOA will have a positive impact on the lives of the farmers in Apayao and further enhance the extension programs of ASC.

“With this undertaking, we can foster our vision, fulfill our mission, and propel our College to become a university,” Dr. Cabansag added.

NARTDI Executive Director Dr. Joseph A. Panas, ASC Program Chair for BSA Dr. Rowena E. Gasmena, and ASC Agri Project Coordinator Dr. Geronimo L. Digma witnessed the MOA signing.

Following the MOA signing, ASC conducted a benchmarking activity with DMMMSU-Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator, North La Union Campus, Sericulture Research and Development Institute. An orientation seminar was conducted with the ASC project team on December 12, 2023, which served as the initial step of the collaborative project.  (Lester E. Orpilla)