NVSU, DOST-PTRI ink MOA for strengthened research, innovation partnership

Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) formally sealed a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, solidifying their commitment to advance research, innovation, and development in the field of textiles and related technologies, held at the Board Room, NVSU Bayombong Campus, Sept. 1.

The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions in promoting sustainable textile research, capacity-building, and technology transfer, particularly in line with the country’s growing advocacy for science-driven solutions and eco-friendly innovations.

The partnership is also aligned with DOST-PTRI’s SEDA Pilipinas program, a national initiative that seeks to revitalize and expand the country’s sericulture industry.

Representing DOST-PTRI was Director Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., while University President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. and Dr. Jayson Q. Caranza, Dean of the College of Forestry, Environment, and Resource Management (CFERM), signed on behalf of NVSU. The event was witnessed by university officials, faculty members, and DOST representatives, with CFERM serving as the college directly engaged in implementing the partnership initiatives.

In his welcome message, Dr. Caranza gave a background of sericulture in NVSU, recalling its history in the early 1990s.

“Meron po kaming engagement with then NVSIT under the College of Forestry where it has established plantations before inside and outside the university. Ito ‘yung binubuhay nating muli. May the signing of this MOA be the start of stronger collaboration that will link science education and rural development. And together, let’s ensure that silk in Nueva Vizcaya becomes the symbol of sustainable growth and creativity for the region and for the nation,” he expressed.

Dr. Leaño, in his message, acknowledged NVSU’s long-standing involvement in the field, noting that the university, formerly NVSIT, had hosted numerous garments technology students in the past.

He explained that PTRI has now categorically identified the regions for expansion, with Nueva Vizcaya positioned as a lead point not only for Region II but also for Central Luzon.

He extended his gratitude to NVSU for sharing in the advocacy for textile innovation and sustainable growth.

For his part, Dr. Dumale highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stressing the need to understand the current state of the silk industry in the province.

He emphasized the importance of working with the provincial government and conducting consultations with farmers to strengthen sericulture initiatives.

“We see nothing but a bright future in this partnership,” Dr. Dumale said, expressing NVSU’s strong commitment to the collaboration.

Through this agreement, both parties will jointly undertake research and development projects, facilitate knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities to integrate science, technology, and innovation in textile applications and allied industries.

The partnership highlights NVSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen collaboration with national government agencies, boosting its mandate to become a hub for innovation and sustainable development in Region II and beyond.