On September 17, Isabela State University (ISU) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bauertek Farmaceutical Technologies, Corp. to strengthen collaboration in turmeric research, cultivation, and sustainable sourcing for herbal-based product development.
The said agreement was sealed in the presence of Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) and Mr. Richard Nixon C. Gomez (General Manager of Bauertek), representing the herbal manufacturing company.
The University was also represented by Dr. Isagani P. Angeles, Jr. (Vice President for Planning and Development), Dr. Precila C. Delima (Vice President for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Hilda A. Manzolim (Vice President for Administrative and Finance Services). They were joined by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (Commissioner, CHED and 6th University President of ISU), who have also established partnership opportunities with Bauertek during his term.
The new agreement is an addition to the long-standing collaboration between ISU and Bauertek, which first took root in the development of Indian turmeric propagation within the University. Bauertek initially provided the starting turmeric variety, while ISU refined and implemented propagation protocols that are now widely applied across the University and satellite farms.
At present, ISU cultivates turmeric across its research and production sites, laying the groundwork for its supply to Bauertek. Under the MOA, the company will source fresh turmeric rhizomes from ISU to be processed into herbal-based health products at the ISU Echague Herbal/Food Processing Facility.
Through the MOA, both institutions highlighted the agreement’s value, pointing to its role in advancing academic-industry partnerships, sustainable agriculture, and local economic growth.
The MOA is expected to open new opportunities for innovation, research utilization, and value-adding initiatives that will benefit ISU, Bauertek, and the farming communities of Isabela and beyond.
Photo Courtesy: Bauertek Farmaceutical Technologies, Corp.