BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
IFUGAO (June 30)—A Japan-based university is collaborating with the only higher education institution in the province of Ifugao to promote collaboration in education, research and other related fields starting this year.
To do this, the Niigata University (NU) of Niigata Prefecture, Japan has formalized its partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ifugao State University (IFSU) signed by NU President Dr. Tatsue Ushiki and IFSU President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon in a virtual ceremony on June 21.
According to Richard Baliao, IFSU Department of Communication, Public and International Affairs director, the MoU contains the commitment of the two universities to enhance the mutual introduction of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) regions in Sado (Japan) and Ifugao (Philippines), exchange of researchers by holding joint seminars, among others; joint implementation of educational programs; among others.
For both presidents of the two universities, Ushiki looks forward that this partnership will foster friendship between the two universities while Dugyon expressed delight in the new partnership with an offshore school.
“As a university that envisions excellence amidst rich cultural heritage, IFSU remains true to its commitment to strong research leadership and culture to intensify the conservation of the rich cultural heritage,” Dugyon added.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, who was represented by the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Tachikawa Jumpei, lauded NU and IFSU and expressed hope that the partnership will inspire actions toward GIAHS sites’ sustainable conservation.
Koji Nakamura, Adviser of ISMTP; Professors Hisashi Nagata and Mitsoyo Toyoda of Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability; and Akemi Hirayama Aiko Kita of International Affairs Office, all from NU joined the virtual ceremony.
Also present in the said ceremony were Judy Baggo, Director of Department of GIAHS Center; Clyde Sam Pumihic, Program Coordinator of ISMTP under GIAHS Center; and Shaime Faith Latap, International Relations Officer under DCPIA, all from IFSU.
NU was established in May 1949. It is a national university and has carried on the time-honored traditions fostered in the land of “Koshi,” an old name for Niigata, which means “high ambition” in Chinese characters.
With “Autonomy and Creativity” as its philosophy, NU has functioned as a repository of knowledge committed to development both locally and globally from the viewpoints of education, research, and contribution to society.
NU strives to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to address unforeseen future issues and promote state-of-the-art research in conventional research fields.