Marinduque State University (MarSU) recently took a significant step towards advancing its research and extension initiatives by hosting an exploratory meeting with BauerTek Farmaceutical Technologies (BFT). The meeting was held at the MarSU OP Conference Room on August 13, 2024 as a collaborative effort between MarSU and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Marinduque, bringing together key stakeholders to explore potential partnerships in pharmaceutical research and development.

The meeting was attended by 20 participants, including representatives from MarSU’s Research and Extension Department, the Deans of the Colleges of Environmental Science, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and officials from DOST and BauerTek. BauerTek was represented by Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, General Manager, and Atty. Rodrigo Reyna, Legal Counsel for BFT and the Filipino Inventors Society.

Strengthening Ties Between Academia and Industry

BauerTek’s decision to engage with MarSU is particularly noteworthy as the company typically collaborates with universities in Regions 1-3. However, this meeting was made possible through the connection of their consultant, Atty. Augusto Lim, a Marinduque native from Sta. Cruz, underscoring the importance of local ties in fostering new partnerships.

During the meeting, BauerTek provided an in-depth overview of their operations and highlighted their interest in malunggay as a major crop for collaboration in Marinduque. Dr. Gomez emphasized BauerTek’s advanced technology for harvesting malunggay leaves and their plans to establish a processing facility in Marinduque. He assured that BauerTek would handle the knowledge and technology transfer while purchasing the dried malunggay produced locally, provided it meets their stringent quality standards.

Collaborative Opportunities and Future Steps

MarSU also shared its ongoing research projects, particularly the work of the College of Allied Health Sciences on local botanical plants and their medicinal properties. However, due to current facility limitations, these studies can only progress to the phytochemical screening stage. BauerTek’s involvement could propel these studies further, offering advanced research capabilities and industry expertise.

The open forum during the working lunch allowed for vibrant discussions, with participants from both sides expressing enthusiasm for the potential collaboration. Notably, DOST volunteered to facilitate a courtesy call to the provincial government to discuss the collaboration further with the governor, emphasizing the importance of institutional and governmental support.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Collaboration

The exploratory meeting concluded with several key agreements, including the identification of collaboration areas, the formation of initial agreements on roles and contributions, and an invitation for MarSU representatives to visit BauerTek’s state-of-the-art facility in Guiguinto, Bulacan. This visit will provide MarSU with a firsthand look at BauerTek’s production standards, which are claimed to be ten times higher than regular pharmaceutical products.

With the foundation laid for a promising partnership, MarSU and BauerTek are set to embark on a journey that will not only benefit the university’s research community but also contribute to the broader development of Marinduque’s agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Stay tuned for more updates as MarSU continues to build bridges between academia and industry, driving innovation and development in the region.

(Ella Joy Marbello, PFT/Science Research Specialist I)

Photos by C. Olores/OMIA