In a virtual ceremony on February 24, 2021, China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Huang Xilian and DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, signed the MOAs that covered eight projects in the country. Also in attendance was Philippine Ambassador to China, Hon. Oscar Sta. Romana.
This was the culmination of 45 years of discussions on the two countries’ cooperation in research, which started with a joint communique announced by China and the Philippines in 1976. In her opening message, DOST Usec Rowena Guevara traced the history of the collaboration. Sec de la Peña, Amb. Huang and Amb. Sta. Romana gave their messages of encouragement.
Eight joint research projects by various Philippine universities and their counterparts institutions in China have been given the Notice to Proceed. Two are led by UP Engineering Faculty: one by Dr. Richard Espiritu of DMMME, and the other by Dr. Jeark Principe of DGE. UP NEC Deputy Director DGE Professor Dr. Ariel Blanco took an active part in firming up the projects, with the timely assistance of UPERDFI member and former UP Regent Dr. Francis Chua.
