Sorsogon State University strengthened its partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Regional Office V (DENR-ROV) and other government agencies through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on Pili Genetic Resources Access Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project, held on June 30, 2025, at The Marison Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay.
The MOU signing marks a pivotal achievement for the project as it establishes the regional and site-level collaboration among government entities, NGOs, POs, and private sector stakeholders. This reinforces their shared commitment to advancing ABS-related initiatives in policy development, capacity building, research, enterprise development, and biodiversity management.
SorSU was represented by Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training) during the ceremony. The event was also attended by representatives from various regional agencies, including DENR, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), the Bicol Consortium for Industries, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (BCIEERD), as well as academic institutions such as Bicol University (BU) and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA).
In reference, the ABS Project aims to further promote economic opportunity and enhance biodiversity conservation for local and indigenous communities through equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. Additionally, it focuses on producing bio-products from local genetic resources, particularly Pili (Canarium ovatum & Canarium luzonicum) in the Bicol Region. (SorSU PIO)
Photo credit: Ms. Angel Lasala-Dio
