The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) sealed an agreement to work together in joint projects in agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources, Nov. 11.

MATE is one of the largest agricultural-focused, multi-disciplinary higher education institutions in Europe.

The cooperation includes plant breeding and associated technologies, biotechnology, sustainable nature development, food safety and quality, training and educational programs, agricultural digitization and innovative agricultural technologies, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and planning and establishment of a Hungarian demonstration farm in the Philippines.

István Jakab, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, expressed his commitment to support the Philippine agriculture “with every means to achieve success in the future” in his speech.

“We would like to assist the Philippines not only through tangible outputs. We are also willing to share the methodology that helped our country succeed. We would be able to achieve the best possible result with continuous cooperation,” Jakab said.

Dr. John C. de Leon, DA-PhilRice executive director, and Prof. Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, Rector of MATE, signed the memorandum of understanding.

Mr. Jakab and Dr. Gyuricza are joined by Her Excellency Dr. Titanilla Toth, Hungary ambassador to the Philippines; Ms. Beatrix Kese, deputy state secretary for foreign relations of the national assembly; Mr. David Ambrus, deputy head of mission; and Mr. Gabor Lehocz, head of commercial section, Embassy of Hungary.

Representatives from the Office of International Relations of the Senate of the Philippines and officials from DA-PhilRice were also present during the event held at DA-PhilRice in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.