Several delegates from Universities Canada visited UP Los Baños on November 8 for a short tour and discussions on possible research and academic collaborations.

Universities Canada is a network of Canadian universities that provide a collective voice for the promotion of their interests in instruction, research and innovation in higher education. It also seeks international partnerships in different aspects of higher education.

Delegates on the tour started at the Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, where they witnessed a showcase of innovative technologies developed by the institute and other units within the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology.

They also visited the Institute of Plant Breeding where they were welcomed by National Scientist Dolores K. Ramirez, and then to the UPLB National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology headed by Director Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo. 

A short luncheon program was held at the UPLB Makiling Botanic Gardens. 

On behalf of UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel Bantayan welcomed the delegates and conveyed the University’s gratitude to the delegates and the Canadian Embassy for their continuous support. 

Vice Chancellor Bantayan highlighted the establishment of the Philippines-Canada Network for Sustainability, the launching of the Project MOCHA which is funded by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, and the collaborative project between Royal Roads University on climate action leadership. 

This visit is part of the University’s effort to internationalize research through collaborations and partnerships. 

Among the delegates, Capilano University is one of the recent new partners of the University. 

UPLB’s network of Canadian university partners has grown significantly, expanding by five institutions in the last year alone, bringing the total to eight.

The new partner universities are Capilano University, Royal Roads University, University of Saskatchewan, Queen’s University, and Dalhousie University.

UPLB aims to solidify and expand its existing partnerships with Canadian universities through formal agreements. 

The University has already initiated discussions with Dalhousie University, and the University of Guelph through Asst. Prof. Winifrido Dagli of the College of Development Communication to explore potential areas of collaboration. 

Additionally, UPLB plans to seek out new partners next year to contribute to the realization of its research and extension agenda called UPLB AGORA.

The delegates are composed of Jacques Fremont, president and vice chancellor of University of Ottawa; Carole St. Laurent, associate vice president of the International of Kwantlen University; Chris Botrill, associate vice president of the International of Capilano University; Christopher Adams, Rector (College President) of St. Paul’s College; and Mario Pinto, vice president for research and international of the University of Manitoba. (John Paulo S. Quitoriano)