BukSU, BRIT, CMU sign International Research Agreement

MALAYBALAY CITY – Bukidnon State University signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fort Wort Botanic Garden/Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Central Mindanao University for International Research Collaboration on August 11, 2022.

BukSU’s obligations as part of this collaboration is to: a) provide technical assistance and support in the implementation of the bryophyte collection in Mindanao b)assist in preparing for and carrying out field inventory and taxonomic studies on bryophyte in selected areas in Mindanao c) assist CMU in obtaining all applicable permits and other necessary documents needed in the implementation of the field work for the collection of bryophyte species d) agree to divide all specimens collected among the herbaria of FWG/BRIT, the Philippine National Museum, CMU, and BukSU, with holotypes deposited at PNH, and isotyes at BUKH and FWG/BRIT and e) coordinate with CMU in all project expeditions and activities.

Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez, BukSU President, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations, Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lalevie C. Lubos, COA Dean, Dr. Marilou Espina, COT Dean, Dr. Jiemalyn Paulican, Extension Unit Director, Dr. Mercidita S. VIllamayor, COE Dean, Dr. Nestor Y. Cipriano, COB Dean, and Dr. Omar A. Tantoy, Asst. to the Research Director, and Ms. Marites Egar, BS Biology Program Coordinator attended the said undertaking.

Part of this collaboration is the Botanical Expedition of the research project entitled “Plant Discovery in Southern Philippines” in which BukSU Research Director Dr. Lesley C. Lubos is the Philippine Project Collaborator.

The said activity was funded by Fort Wort Botanic Garden/Botanical Research Institute of Texas which took place at Pantaron Mountain Range, specifically in Mt. Malimumu and Mt. Natampod in San Fernando, Bukidnon and Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz, Digos City, Davao del Sur on July 17-August 8, 2022.

Dr. Peter W. Fritsch Vice-President, Fort Wort Botanic Garden/Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, University Professor Emeritus, Philippine Project Lead Collaborator – Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), Dr. Darin S. Penneys, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Dr. Florfe M. Acma, Director, CEBREM, Dr. Fulgent P. Coritico, Coordinator, CEBREM, Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez, BukSU President, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, BukSU VP for Research, Extension, and Innovations, Dr. Lesley C. Lubos, BukSU Research Director, and Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, CMU President were the signatories of the MOA.

The signed MOA shall remain valid and effective for a period of two years from the date of signing. (Diana Rose B. Lagoy/OP-IPS with a report from Dr. Lesley C. Lubos/Research/BGH)