Isabela State University (ISU) had a tripartite meeting with Bauertek Corporation and the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) to discuss possible partnerships and collaborations after the recent inauguration of the One-Health Product Research and Development (R&D) Facility and the formalization of ISU projects funded by DA-BAR.

The said meeting was presided over by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President), Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez (General Manager, Bauertek Corporation), and Dr. Junel B. Soriano (Director, DA-BAR), respectively.

Among the challenges discussed in the meeting is the delay in rhizome propagation, specifically for the Indian Turmeric variety that is currently being produced by the University.

According to Bauertek Corporation, this challenge can be overcome by improving land preparation and planting along with setting a maximum number of hectares every month allocated for the Turmeric plantation. In addition, DA-BAR also suggested for the University to prepare a roadmap and an agenda to set a direction for ISU in its Turmeric venture.

Upon the completion of the meeting, the following possibilities were discussed:

• For ISU and Bauertek Corporation to enter into an agreement regarding the supply and buying of raw Turmeric for research and production purposes;
• For ISU and Bauertek Corporation to enter into an agreement regarding the use of their facilities for production and marketing, along with conducting joint researches and providing support for ISU’s research and modernization; and
• For ISU to open up its Turmeric venture for local farmers and for students who are supported by the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF).

These possibilities will be discussed further to finalize its details and come up with a sustainability plan that would safeguard the interests of both institutions and uphold doing research as one of the main mandates of the University.

“Let’s do our best, pagtulungan natin. Nagdaan na ang pandemic, let’s make a legacy here. This is a good opportunity to participate in the global market and this is happening at ISU,” Dr. Gomez expressed during the said meeting as he remembered that ISU is the first State University and College (SUC) partner of Bauertek Corporation.