Iloilo: The provincial government of Iloilo is planning to collaborate with state universities and colleges (SUCs) for localized research focused on the development of the value chain in food varieties.
According to a news release by Philippine News Agency, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced the initiative in a press conference on Friday, saying that the provincial government has already engaged in preliminary talks with target universities, including the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). A formal collaboration agreement is expected to be signed by November.
The government is aiming to formalize what Governor Defensor described as the 'first local research and development in the country,' focusing specifically on the food value chain in both the province and the city of Iloilo.
In addition to domestic partnerships, the provincial government is also exploring international collaborations, welcoming Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman and Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner Guy Boileau. According to Defensor, the government can engage with Canadian academic institutions for research and development as well as scholarship exchanges.
Governor Defensor noted that he will reach out to the Canadian Ambassador once the collaboration with local universities has been formalized.