Representatives from the University of the Philippines Visayas headed by Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro had a meeting with Iloilo governor, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on August 8, 2023 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to discuss ways on how UPV can collaborate with the province on its proposed provincial research agenda. 

UPV researchers presented various research programs on fisheries and aquaculture, food security, health, coastal resource management, among others. Present in the said meeting were representatives from CFOS headed by Dean Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap; the Institute of Aquaculture by Dr. Mary Jane A. Amar, Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan, Mr. Fredson Huervana and Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols; the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies by Director Caridad Jimenez, Asst. Prof. Liberty N. Espectato and Asst. Prof. Joshua Regalado; and  the Institute of Fish Processing Technology by Asst. Prof. Lhumen Tejano; the School of Technology by Dr. Johannes Magpusao; and the Office of Continuing Education and Pahinungod (OCEP) Director, Prof. Maria Theresa Albaña. 

Other provincial officials present in the meeting included Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Mr. Mario Nillos of the Planning Office, and heads of various provincial offices. 

This initiative of the Province of Iloilo is part of the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo (MorProgres Iloilo) project of Governor Defensor which aims to collaborate with research institutions of the province to maximize the research outputs of Ilonggo minds so as to disseminate and be utilized by constituents and stakeholders. Chancellor Clement Camposano has earlier given a commitment to Governor Defensor that UP Visayas will assist the province in this endeavor and the University’s continued support towards sustainable development in the region.