With continuous effort and unwavering dedication to advance biodiversity conservation and research, the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines has forged a memorandum of agreement with the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and the University of the Ryukyus in Japan. This partnership, rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), aims to facilitate comprehensive research endeavors while respecting sovereignty over biological resources.

Under the memorandum of agreement, signed by respective representatives, including DA Secretary FRANCISCO P. TIU LAUREL, JR., MSU-Naawan Chancellor ELNOR C. ROA, Ph.D., and University of the Ryukyus President MUTSUMI NISHIDA, Ph.D., both academic and regulatory responsibilities are defined.

The collaboration requires the observance to relevant regulations governing the collection, transportation, and study of biological and genetic resources. This includes securing necessary permits, obtaining consent for material transfer agreements, and acknowledging regulatory bodies in published reports.

Fundamental to this initiative is the promotion of scientific and academic endeavors while ensuring ethical practices in research. The agreement highlights the commitment to utilize research outcomes solely for academic purposes and to deposit discovered holotypes to the National Museum of the Philippines.

This partnership signifies a concerted effort towards understanding and preserving biodiversity, surpassing geographical boundaries. By leveraging the expertise and resources of each institution, the collaboration holds promise for generating invaluable insights into the rich biological heritage of the Philippines and beyond.

In line with these collaborative efforts, MSU at Naawan is fully dedicated to making significant contributions to biodiversity conservation through innovative research projects. The strong commitment of MSUN is testament to their goal of contributing to safeguard our planet's biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.