Prof. Larry Digal reported to Chancellor Murao of his fruitful meeting with former Japanese ambassador Yoshiaki Miwa on February 27, at the chancellor’s office, their first meeting after a number of years. In the meeting, Amb. Miwa extended an informal invitation to UP Mindanao, pending a formal invitation, to an upcoming meeting he arranged with Mindanao universities. He hopes to link Mindanao and Japanese universities through research collaborations, and related linkage. Amb. Miwa also stated his plans to expand the ongoing scholarship offering of the Mindanao-Japan Science & Technology Platform (MJ-STeP), which he heads. This will enable more scholars to craft academic programs, research, laboratory development, and link with Japanese universities. Ultimately, to attract more investments and enhance Mindanao development. He also proposed a webinar on satellite technology which can accelerate rural development.
Prof. Digal welcomed the invitation to the upcoming meeting of Mindanao universities. He suggested a portion of the meeting for a brief presentation on UP Mindanao’s Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park to involve collaboration with academic institutions in Region 11 and beyond. Prof. Digal recalled that Amb. Miwa had initiated and pushed for the UP Mindanao KIST Park.
Prof. Digal also introduced the Agri-Aqua Value Chain (AAVC) Laboratory, which he heads, and its expanding network and readiness to collaborations with universities and other partners.
Prof. Digal also informally invited Amb. Miwa to the International Conference on Agri Economics and Development in September, which is being organized by the AAVC Lab and its partners. Amb. Miwa accepted the invitation, saying he will spend more time in Mindanao.
In closing, the two men expressed their interest to continuing discussions and agreements on behalf of their respective institutions.
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Former ambassador Yoshiaki Miwa (left) and Prof. Larry Digal in UP Mindanao.