The Department of Agriculture (DA) has signed a five-year partnership with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand to boost agricultural innovation, strengthen food security, and train future leaders in the farm sector.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding at AIT’s campus in Bangkok. He said the collaboration will help address major agricultural challenges such as climate change, limited resources, and threats from pests and diseases.
Under the agreement, the DA and AIT will work together on joint master’s and PhD programs, professional training, research projects, consultancy services, and academic publications. The partnership also aims to turn research findings into practical solutions that can help farmers and improve the agricultural sector.
Officials said the initiative will help build a pipeline of trained agricultural professionals while encouraging knowledge exchange between the Philippines and Thailand. It is also expected to support the development of technologies and farming practices that improve productivity and resilience.
The collaboration will focus on key issues such as climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management. Both institutions said they will monitor the results of the partnership to ensure it benefits farmers, researchers, and rural communities.
The five-year agreement highlights the role of academic and government partnerships in advancing agricultural research, innovation, and workforce development in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
