On September 7, 2023, DR. Anna Marie D. Barroga, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Annabelle B. Francisco, Vice President for Research, Extension and Internationalization, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), the Republic of the Philippines, paid a very first visit to the main campus of Kasetsart University in Bangkok.  They had a discussion with certain administrative and faculty members of Kasetsart University, in the particular fields of Agriculture and Aquaculture, namely Assistant Prof. Dr. Yaowapha WAIPRIB, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Fisheries, Assistant Prof. Dr. Sukkrit NIMITKUL, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Assistant Prof. Dr. Shermarl Wongchaochant, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Assistant Professor Dr. Pasajee Kongsil, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, and Dr. Arunee Wongkaew, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, about the opportunities for research and training collaboration between both universities.  ISPSC was looking for international partners to join in a project entitled “A Future-Proof Agriculture for Ilocos Sur: Innovative, Sustainable, and Inclusive”, the main objective of which was to enhance capacity of researchers and academic staff by sending them for trainings abroad with international partners, basically beneficial to boost and sustain the production of fish, staple food (rice and corn), livestock, and high value crops for farmers in Ilocos Sur and nearby provinces.  Thus, these two vice presidents intended to meet with the concerned members of Kasetsart University, where ISPSC decided to be a partner because of its international academic reputation and excellence in agricultural sciences.  According to their discussion, they expressed their willingness to initiate such activities as student and faculty exchanges, student internships, hosting visiting professors and scholars both in person and virtual sessions, and workshops.  Besides, they planned to visit research stations of Kasetsart University at Kamphaeng Saen Campus in order to discuss more specific details in the areas of their mutual interests, including aquaculture, horticulture, agronomy and crop science, then develop an MOU before creating any formal agreements and binding contracts.  

            Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) is public higher education institution located in the Northern part of the Philippines. Soon to be a university, the University of Ilocos Philippines, it is composed of seven (7) campuses which specializes in Agriculture, Fisheries, Social Science, Education, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Engineering and IT/IS.  ISPSC is included in the 2023 WURI (201-300), and is currently undergoing its QS Stars rating application, and THE rankings evaluation.  For further information about Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, please visit https://ispsc.edu.ph/home/