Niigata Agro-Food University (NAFU) researchers met with key officials from Central Philippines State University (CPSU) on September 16, 2025, to explore possible research collaborations, student mobility programs, and joint education and training initiatives.

 Accompanied by representatives from Altertrade Japan Inc. and Altertrade Philippines Inc., the Japanese researchers presented their ongoing research initiative on bananas—highlighting research gaps that a NAFU-CPSU partnership could potentially address.

 After a courtesy call with the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Grenny I. Jungco; International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) Director, Dr. Joe-an Mae G. Escober; Research and Development Services (RDS) Director, Dr. Angelie Rose L. Lumba; and College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) Dean, Dr. Hanzel L. Pedrosa engaged in discussions with the visiting NAFU delegates to explore collaborative opportunities.

 The NAFU researchers also visited the CAF Plant Pathology Laboratory, where Cenphilians were conducting their own experiments to familiarize themselves with the facility and its equipment.

 The event concluded with a tour of various Main Campus project sites, led by the CPSU team, and a visit to the ongoing Ka-Peace-Tahan celebration, where the foreign visitors were introduced to local products and delicacies crafted by farmers and entrepreneurs.

 Niigata Agro-Food University (NAFU), located in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, specializes in agriculture, food development, and agro-industry.