AGOO, LA UNION – Mr. Jae Sung Jung, a former Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) volunteer and now the Consul General of Korea in Sri Lanka, revisited Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC) on May 22, 2024. 

During the visit, SLUC Chancellor Joanne C. Rivera underscored the impact of the fruitful partnership between DMMMSU-SLUC-College of Agriculture and KOICA which began in 2006.  “Backyard Sow Model,” the project initiated by Mr. Jung, significantly upgraded the swine stocks of the university which provided genetically superior gilts and sows, as well as improved pigpens, leading to the establishment of the AI Swine Center. These advancements enhanced swine management instruction and generated sustained income for the university up to the present.

Chancellor Rivera also shared the plans of the campus to further improve the piggery, laboratories, and university-owned lots in Alipang, Rosario, La Union.

Dr. Jesus Jarata, Director for International Affairs, presented the strategic internationalization plan and recent achievements of DMMMSU. He also sought Mr. Jung’s assistance in expanding the internationalization efforts of the university.

Mr. Jung expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reminisced about his time as a KOICA volunteer in Nagtagaan, Rosario, La Union.

KOICA is a program that implements and administers grant aid and technical cooperation programs provided by the Korean Government.

(by Zander Christopher Mercado)