In a significant step towards international scientific collaboration, the Pangasinan State University inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) in India, on June 9-11, 2025 that aims to jointly develop and promote advanced technologies in salt production.
The CSIR-CSMCRI, a premier research institute and leading scientific research organization in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, is an international partner of the DOST NICER ASIN Center, in its mission to revitalize the Philippine salt industry through research and the development of modern and practical salt production technologies.
University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas led the official PSU delegation in India composed of Vice President Dr. Razeale Resultay of the Research, Extension and Innovation (REI) Division, Dr. Ian D. Evangelista of the Local and International Affairs; Engr. Rex Basuel, program leader for ASIN Center and Engr. Roy Flores, study leader for ASIN center.
“This technical visit to CSIR-CSMCRI is a key component of the ASIN Center’s second-year work plan. As we all know, PSU is the home of the ASIN Center in the Philippines. This visit aimed to strengthen collaboration, enhance capacity building and facilitate knowledge exchange between the institutions,” President Galas said.
Dr. Galas added that this partnership plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable salt production in the Philippines by integrating scientific research, technological innovation and industry applications
They were joined by ASIN Center proponents and partners, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) led by Region I Director Teresita Tabaog and Engr. Geraldo Gamir (program leader for Salt) and personnel from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) led by the Vice President for Research Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog and Dr. Rodel Utrera, chief of the CoastER center.
Day 1 saw the formalization of the MOUs and a meeting with Director Kannan Srinivasan of CMCSRI to establish long-term collaboration in joint research and knowledge transfer and a tour of the facility.
On the second day, the Philippine delegation was immersed on trainings on membrane-based separation technologies, salt processing and desalination techniques.
CSIR-CSMCRI also provided guidance on the setup of the ASIN R&D Center, including recommendations for laboratory facilities and equipment.
A Field Visit to the Centre for Integrated Salt Technologies and Advanced Research Station (CI STARS) in Gujarat including technology demonstrations transpired on the third day.
It also paved the way to promote faculty and student exchange programs that foster cross-cultural learning, academic immersion, and mutual professional development.
From Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the Philippine delegation proceeded to Agra, Uttar Pradesh to ink a landmark MOU with the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (DBRAU in June 13. The five-year MOU establishes a comprehensive and flexible framework designed to fioster reciprocal growth and opportunities across a wide spectrum of academic and research endeavors.
With more international partnerships, PSU continues to enhance and facilitate collaborative research projects and joint scientific publications aimed at addressing shared academic and societal challenges, thereby enhancing the research capacities and global relevance of the institutions.
