South Korea to Help Enhance Agri Genome-Based R&D in the Philippines
The Republic of Korea (South Korea), represented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Philippines, represented by the University of the Philippines (UP), are going to collaborate on a project that will strengthen science and technology adaptation in agriculture through the enhancement of genomics R&D in the country.
KOICA and UP are poised to 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 Friday, July 14, at Board of Regents Room, 4th Floor, Manuel L. Quezon building, in UP Diliman.
The joint initiative aims to strengthen science and technology adaptation in the agricultural sector, establish the UPLB Agricultural Genomics Research Center (UPLB-AGRC), enhance genome-based research and development (R&D) capabilities, and foster stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.
The project will be implemented in UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna, for six years. The Korean government has pledged up to 14,950,000 USD (KRW 18,089,500,000) to support the project and the Philippine government has committed to ensure the project’s sustainability.
This collaborative venture involves establishing the UPLB-AGRC, procuring R&D and office equipment, developing the UPLB-AGRC Mid-Term Operational Plan, and conducting activities to enhance R&D capabilities and strengthen academic partnerships.
Both KOICA and UPLB have pledged their commitment to achieving these objectives. KOICA will dispatch experts to provide technical advice and support, oversee the establishment of the UPLB-AGRC, assist in developing operational plans, enhance R&D capabilities, and foster academic partnerships.
This collaboration involves invitational training activities, seminars, conferences, scholarships, internships, and more. Further details regarding these activities will be collaboratively discussed and finalized among KOICA, UP, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
