Isabela State University enters the pharmaceutical field as Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Department of Science and Technology- Region II (DOST-R02) and Bauertek Corp., this morning (January 14).
Bauertek Corp. is the first Filipino-owned pharmaceutical firm, manufacturing herbal supplements that aid treatment of various diseases.
It was founded by the company’s current general manager Mr. Richard Nixon Gomez, who participated in the MOA Signing, together with University President Dr. Ricmar Aquino, and DOST-Isabela Director Marcelo Miguel, representing Engr. Sancho Mabborang of DOST-R02.
The University will play part in the area of research, producing knowledge inputs to maximize efficiency of raw materials used in the making of herbal supplements. The University will also be housing facilities and machineries for the pre-production and processing phase.
It would mobilize the University’s extension arm as said undertaking aims to engage local farmers in the production of raw materials, helping them economically. The efforts would be backed by DOST, supporting the arranged initial financial matters, together with the provision of technical and technology support.
Some 10-hectare area of the Echague Main Campus was dedicated as initial model plantation of “Malunggay”, one of the herbal plants needed, for further study and strategical measures regarding development and expansion concerns. Filipino Chinese Chamber, thru Board of Regents member, Private Sector Representative Mr. Charles T. Lim, promised a building that would accommodate the needed equipment.
In a speech, President Ricmar Aquino expressed gratitude for choosing ISU as the SUC partner. He believes that the University can be able to deliver its counterpart, as it currently leads the region in R&D field.
The University President also viewed the undertaking as a way to “provide better opportunities for Isabelinos, especially the farmers”. He added, “I am confident that as this collaboration prospers, the farmers will be equally benefited”.
The forging of MOA was an off-shoot from President Aquino’s meeting with Dr. Gomez and DOST Secretary, Dr. Fortunato Dela Peña in Pampanga last year.
