Mindanao State University – General Santos hosted a meeting with the Consul General of Japan in Davao Hon. Yoshiaki Miwa which took place at Conference Hall, Y Building on April 20, 2021.  The aim of the event is to communicate knowledge and discuss potential partnerships relevant to the Tuna Research programs of the university’s College of Fisheries (COF).  

Chancellor Dr. Anshari P. Ali welcomed Hon. Miwa and the attending body. In his message, Dr. Ali stated that the formed friendship is a good indicator of future collaboration with other international universities for scholastic objectives and activities. On the other note, Hon. Miwa stressed the importance of Tuna fishery and research of its social and economic impacts in Mindanao. He also mentioned that the partnership of the MSU-Gensan with Kendai University could serve as an avenue to a new breadth of knowledge and research capabilities. 

During the meeting, the College of Fisheries, headed by Dean Ariel Ortiz and its faculty presented the issues and concerns of tuna fisheries and highlighted the importance of aquaculture development.  The College of Agriculture, led by Dean Edward Lapong and its faculty attended the event and expressed interest in partnering with international universities for its future endeavor on research and development. 

Also present during the event were Dr. Edna P. Oconer – Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Chief of Staff Mohamad Alia’an Abdulatifh, Dr. Josh Elisha Octura – Director of  Quality Assurance Management Services Office, Dr. Keno Jay Balogbog – Assistant Director of Extension Services, Dr. Anderson Villa – Director of the Office of International Affairs, Dr. Malona Alinsug – Director of Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring Office, Prof. Tersa Castillo – University Registrar, Dr. Jovar Pantao – Director of Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, and Ms. Lorraine Dagalangit – Director of Internal Audit Services. 

Finally, the event culminated with Hon. Miwa’s closing remarks, in which he expressed his good wishes and appreciation to MSU-Gensan. In solidarity, he joined the Muslim community through a dinner in celebrating Iftar – the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.