Ma. Theresa P. Crispino-Cachero, Mary Ann Ysabel Y. Orpilla, Dianne A. Peralta, and Glennadi R. Rualo recently attended a14-day training on Advanced Probiotics: An Immersive Learning & Product Development at Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Khlong Nueng, Thailand.

This training is part of the CHED LAKAS approved project titled Advancing Ilocos IFP Food Systems through Academia-Industry Collaborative Research and Innovations toward Healthy Food Security. DMMMSU participants were joined by representatives from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) and from the industry partner of the project, BAUERTEK Corp. Fourteen (14) trainees composed the team.

The participants were exposed to best practices in advanced methodologies on probiotics research. The training includes lectures and hands-on experiences on isolation, characterization, functional screening, and molecular identification of probiotics. It also included industry visit/ Immersion activities at Food Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasertsat University and Thai-Danish Farm.  

Meanwhile, DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., joined Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis; and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) Dr. Gilbert R. Arce for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with AIT for research and capacity building. This aims to develop the human capital of the Philippines that is locally responsive and locally competitive.

The MoA includes the implementation of the CHED-approved research program. As part of the agreement, the consortium and AIT, with the support and coordination of MMSU, have committed to conducting capacity-building activities that will enhance the Science, Technology, and Innovation Capacity for Probiotic Food Systems Program.

Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, DMMMSU Vice President for Research and Extension, also attended and witnessed the ceremony. (By Ma. Theresa P. Crispino-Cachero)