QUEZON City — The Republic of Korea, represented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Philippines, represented by the University of the Philippines (UP), are set to collaborate on a project that would strengthen science and technology adaptation in agriculture through the enhancement of genomics research and development in the country.
KOICA and UP will sign a Record of Discussions to collaborate in conducting the project, “Capacity-Building for Higher Education and the Establishment of Agricultural Genomics Research Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños” on 14 July in UP Diliman.
This joint initiative intends to strengthen science and technology adaptation in the agricultural sector; establish the UPLB Agricultural Genomics Research Center (UPLB-AGRC); enhance genome-based R&D capabilities; and foster stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Korean government has pledged up to 14,950,000 USD (KRW 18,089,500,000) to support the project, while the Philippine government has committed to ensuring the project’s sustainability.
The collaborative venture involves establishing the UPLB-AGRC, procurement of R&D and office equipment, development of the UPLB-AGRC Mid-Term Operational Plan, and conducting activities to enhance R&D capabilities and strengthen academic partnerships.
Both UPLB and KOICA have pledged their commitment to attaining these objectives. Meanwhile, KOICA will dispatch experts to provide technical advice and support, oversee the establishment of the UPLB-AGRC, assist in the development of operational plans, enhance R&D capabilities, and foster academic partnerships.
The collaboration also involves invitational training activities, seminars, conferences, scholarships, internships, etc. Further details on the activities will be discussed and finalized among KOICA, UP, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Reference
UP Los Baños. (2023, July 13). South Korea to Help Enhance Agri Genome-Based R&D in the Philippines.
https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/south-korea-to-help-enhance-agri-genome-based-rd-in-the-philippines/