Collaborative efforts of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI), and Texas Tech University (TTU) have reached a historic milestone through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which highlights the PhilDOST-Texas Tech Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program. The MOU signing was held on March 25, 2024, at DOST-PCAARRD.
This marks the beginning of a pioneering partnership to propel human resource development in agriculture through premier and cutting-edge post-graduate education and research training in the United States.
The PhilDOST-Texas Tech Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program signifies a steadfast commitment to nurture top-tier human resources in agriculture specializing in plant genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. This visionary program will furnish promising Filipino doctoral candidates with unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research under the mentorship of distinguished faculty members from TTU.
During the MOU signing ceremony, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, underlying its pivotal role in knowledge advancement and empowerment of future generations of researchers and scholars. He also highlighted the significance of international cooperation in attaining collective goals and shaping the future of scientific inquiry.
Dr. Ebora remarked, "This collaboration embodies the essence of international cooperation, harnessing the combined strengths and resources of the Philippines and the United States towards a shared objective: the advancement of knowledge and the empowerment of the next generation of researchers and scholars."
DOST-SEI Officer-in-Charge Albert G. Marino echoed Dr. Ebora's sentiments, emphasizing the program's pivotal contribution to fostering highly skilled human resources in vital agricultural domains. He underscored DOST-SEI’s unwavering support to comprehensive scholarships covering tuition fees, living stipends, travel expenses, and other benefits.
TTU Associate Department Chair for Research and Graduate Programs Benildo de los Reyes shared his zeal for the program and his enduring aspiration to enrich Philippine science and technology. He pledged hands-on mentorship for scholars, ensuring their journey towards tangible contributions that elevate scientific and technological standards in the Philippines.
The signing ceremony heralds a monumental milestone among DOST-PCAARRD, DOST-SEI, and TTU, laying the groundwork for a mutually enriching collaboration that fosters sustainable development and economic prosperity poised to yield benefits for both countries.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from DOST-PCAARRD, including Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Juanito T. Batalon, Institution Development Division Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division Director Lilian G. Bondoc, Crops Research Division Director Leilani D. Pelegrina, Senior Science Research Specialist Jesselle S. Laranas, and the secretariat.
Other notable attendees include DOST-SEI’s S&T Scholarship Division Chief Peter Gerry Gavina, International Rice Research Institute Consultant Casiana Vera Cruz, and University of the Philippines Los Baños Institute of Biological Sciences Associate Professor Nonnatus Bautista.