The Victoria City government reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural development and educational advancement through the ceremonial signing of two agreements at the Victorias City Hall on Thursday, June 26.
The city government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation Inc. (PHILSURIN), becoming the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to officially partner with PHILSURIN in advancing sugarcane productivity.
The city government and PHILSURIN aim to empower local sugarcane farmers by introducing appropriate farming technologies and new high-yielding, climate-resilient sugarcane varieties, a press release from Victorias said.
The collaboration is expected to boost farm productivity, improve the income of farmers, and further strengthen Victorias City’s sugar industry.
Victorias City Mayor and Congressman-elect Javier Miguel Benitez underscored the importance of research in advancing the agricultural sector, particularly the sugar industry.
This partnership signifies a progressive step toward improving sugarcane production and securing better economic opportunities for local farmers, he said.
He also shared plans to conduct a town hall meeting with farmers, planters, and the City Agriculture Office to align future initiatives under the agreement.
PHILSURIN Chairman of the Board Francis De La Rama said the collaboration has the potential to serve as a model for effective cooperation between local government units and the private sector in revitalizing the sugarcane industry.
The MOU was formally signed by Benitez, Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Abelardo Bantug III, PHILSURIN Chairman of the Board Francis De La Rama, and PHILSURIN Regional Coordinator Bernie Dequinto.
MAPUA PARTNERSHIP
The City Government also formalized its partnership with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
This partnership will benefit Victoriasanons through special scholarship offerings under Mapúa Malayan Digital College’s Continuing Education Program, the press release said.
The program offers a range of professional development opportunities, industry-relevant skills, and competency-building programs, it said.
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The agreement seeks to extend these benefits to local employees, alumni, and interested learners from Victorias City, enhancing lifelong learning and workforce competitiveness.*