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On June 16th, 2021 AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ Vice President for Government and Global Relations Matt Hebb and Philippine-based Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Shirley Agrupis, in a ceremony held virtually, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a new partnership to bring the two institutions together for international collaboration in agriculture, aqua-fisheries and aquaculture through academic, research and community engagement exchanges.

"It’s not simply enough for us to produce more fish - respect for our environment requires that we must do this sustainably," explained Dr. Miriam Gordon, Assistant Dean International, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ Faculty of Agriculture.  "Our Faculty of Agriculture, and the aquaculture department are committed to finding new innovations to bring about greater food security to solve global hunger and produce the next generation of researchers and leaders that will advance this agenda."

The partnership aims to improve aquaculture and fisheries programs to help realize the sustainable development goals:

#14) Life Below Water,
#13) Climate change action,
#1) No poverty,
#4) Quality Education, and
#17) Partnership toward the goals.

"Our approach to partnership is give, share, take and sustain; a philosophy in which we build our strength by complementation and collaboration with our partner institution," said Dr. Shirley Agrupis

“All aspects of our mission as a university are greatly enhanced by globalization. We look carefully for partners that share values with us, share commitment to the dynamism of the relationship and want to share our commitment to inject energy, enthusiasm and dynamism into this relationship," said Mr. Matt Hebb.

Initiatives will begin this year, so stay tuned for information on exciting opportunities to get involved!