The Philippine Embassy reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that administrative and academic officials from the College of Science of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) visited Brunei Darussalam from 25-27 May 2012 and met with their counterparts from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to discuss possible areas of cooperation in the field of education and research.

The visit is also intended to promote relations and mutual understanding between faculty, staff and students between the two universities and to undertake research projects in the future based on the principles of equality and reciprocity.

On 26 May 2012, the 10-man Faculty Council led by Dr. Maribel G. Nonato, Dean of the College of Science of UST met with their counterparts from the UBD led by Pengiran Dr. Iskandar Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Dean of the College of Science.

The Faculty Council expressed UST's keen interest in closely working with UBD on the following areas:

1. Exchange of academic and administrative staff and students;
2. Cooperation in research in the fields of natural products, biodiversity, sensors and molecular biology research;
3. Exchange of academic materials, publications, and other scientific information; and
4. Pursuit of other educational and academic exchanges.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will soon be drafted between the two universities to underscore their commitment in undertaking collaborative efforts particularly in the field of educational programs and scientific research.

Madame Mayie E. Ochoa, wife of Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa, accompanied the UST officials during their meeting with their UBD counterparts. Mrs. Ochoa is herself a former member of the Faculty of Pharmacy of UST.

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa hailed the positive outcome of the initial meeting among UST and UBD officials, noting that this will hopefully lead to further exchanges. "I am confident that in the pursuit of academic excellence and scientific research, an MOA will soon be signed to formalize exchanges between the leading educational institutions from both the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam." END

Administrative and academic officials from UST visiting the Science and technology research center of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

(Center: Dr. Maribel G. Nonato, Dean of the College of Science of UST exchanging gifts with Pengiran Dr. Iskandar Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Dean of the College of Science, UBD. Far left: Madame Mayie Ochoa, wife of Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa, who is also a faculty member of UST)

Ambassador Nestor Z. Ochoa and Madame Mayie Ochoa together with the faculty members of UST.