BGC, Taguig – The Visayas State University (VSU), through the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), has partnered with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to contribute science, technology, innovation, and institutional expertise to programs addressing some of the country's most pressing challenges in food security, nutrition, community resilience, youth development, health, and sustainable development.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 8, 2026 at [Shangri-La The Fort], Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. VSU was represented by president Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, together with the Director for Research Dr. Ivy G. Emnace and PhilRootcrops Director Prof. Marlon M. Tambis. MAP was represented by its President, Mr. Donald Lim with Atty. Dick Du-Balabad.

MAP is a leading organization of management practitioners committed to promoting management excellence for nation-building. Its work spans environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, shared prosperity, food security, youth development, health, and community resilience. Among its flagship advocacies is the Campaign Against Malnutrition and Child Stunting (CAMACS), which seeks to improve the nutritional status of Filipino children through a multisectoral approach.

Under the partnership, VSU and MAP will harness their respective networks, expertise, and resources to pursue convergent initiatives, particularly those linked to CAMACS and MAP’s Community-Based Resilience program. The collaboration recognizes the role of locally available, affordable, and research-based resources in addressing malnutrition and strengthening communities.

“For VSU and PhilRootcrops, this partnership opens an important avenue for bringing our root crop research, technologies, value chains, training, and best management practices closer to communities that need them most,” said Marlon M. Tambis, PhilRootcrops Director.

Areas identified for collaboration include providing access to information on root crop supply and value chains relevant to nutrition; pursuing research on value-added and fortified nutrition products; conducting training and sharing best practices in root crop production, processing, and utilization; and promoting root crops as renewable, affordable, accessible, and nutrient-rich food resources for Filipino families and future generations.

The partnership also creates opportunities to connect research and innovation with micro and small enterprises, investors, government institutions, industry, and communities, particularly in agri-aqua innovation and community-based development. MAP, for its part, will help strengthen Government-Industry-Academe collaboration and encourage enterprises focused on agri-aqua innovations.

The collaboration reflects the principle that complex national challenges cannot be addressed by one sector alone. Universities bring knowledge and innovation; government provides programs and enabling support; communities contribute local knowledge and action; and the private sector can help scale solutions and create sustainable opportunities.

For PhilRootcrops, the partnership is also a chance to show that root crops are more than agricultural commodities. They can be part of the solution to nutrition, food security, livelihood, community resilience, and sustainable rural development challenges.

Through this partnership with MAP, VSU and PhilRootcrops look forward to turning research and innovation into practical solutions that can reach more communities and contribute to a healthier, more resilient, and food-secure Philippines.

This article aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 15 – Life on Land; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.