DMMMSU welcomed Mr. Taegyong Choi, a KOICA Overseas Volunteer (KOV), who will be deployed at the DMMMSU-SLUC College of Agriculture for the “Sustainable Mushroom Farming for Rural Development and Food Security” project from April 2025 to January 2026. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen local food security through knowledge exchange and capacity-building.

This deployment is in response to the request of DMMMSU for a World Friends Korea (WFK) – KOICA Overseas Volunteer (KOV) to assist in enhancing its agriculture program. Following an assessment by KOICA headquarters, the University was selected as a host institution for KOV Batch 94 deployment.

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) has approved Mr. Choi’s placement and has endorsed the issuance of a Special Non-immigrant Visa through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

During the courtesy visit to La Union Governor Rafy Ortega-David, DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., and SLUC Chancellor Dr. Joanne C. Rivera, the local officials welcomed the partnership, recognizing its potential to contribute to the province’s agricultural development and community resilience.

DMMMSU President Manuel, Jr. emphasized the university’s commitment to this international partnership for sustainable agriculture.

“This collaboration with KOICA strengthens our mission to advance agricultural innovation and food security. We look forward to meaningful knowledge exchange that will benefit our students, faculty, and local communities”, he said.

Mr. Choi was accompanied by Mr. Kevin B. Bricia, Assistant Program Manager of World Friends Korea-KOICA, who reaffirmed KOICA’s dedication to supporting sustainable projects in the region.

KOICA is a South Korean government agency responsible for implementing the country’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs and promoting sustainable development in partner countries.  (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)