VSU recognized by DA-PhilRice for longstanding partnership in rice science

Visayas State University (VSU) was recognized by the Department of Agriculture-Philipine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) as one of its longstanding partners during the Rice R4DE Appreciation Night on November 25, 2025, an event held as part of PhilRice’s 40th founding anniversary. 

The university was represented by VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, who received the recognition on behalf of the institution. 

The partnership between PhilRice has taken shape through years of work in research, student training, farmer engagement, and technical exchanges. These efforts have produced programs and opportunities that shaped learning experiences for students and strengthened connections between researchers and farming communities. 

One example of this enduring partnership is the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on joint rice research and development undertakings, which formally opened doors for faculty and researchers to participate in studies that support the country’s rice sector. 

In more recent years, the collaboration has included initiatives such as the revival and development of rice-based products in Leyte, a project that brought together VSU experts and PhilRice specialists to innovate and improve local food enterprises linked to the rice value chain. 

Apart from institutional ties, PhilRice has also served as a professional home to many #ProudViscans who have become scientists, engineers, and field practitioners. 

During the Appreciation night, President Yepes delivered a message describing how the partnership has grown in practical, grounded ways.

“VSU appreciates how our relationship with PhilRice developed not through grand plans but through steady work that continues to produce real outcomes. We hope that VSU and PhilRice can continue widening student pathways, pursue more research engagements, and strengthen community work linked to innovations in rice productions,” President Yepes said. 

She also noted that PhilRice remains an important partner of the university and conveyed VSU’s eagerness to continue this partnership in the years ahead.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

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