Embarking on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, a delegation of esteemed faculty members from Central Philippines State University’s (CPSU) Forestry Department visited Utsunomiya University and Tottori University to strengthen international partnerships and bolster the university’s research programs.

Led by Forestry Department Head Mr. Gregorio D. Predo, the CPSU delegation included Prof. Mary Ann S. Dagunan, Prof. Mae Flor G. Posadas, Dr. Wendel A. Pangaral, and Forester Dominic L. Billen and was accompanied by Mr. Koichi Takenaka, Senior Researcher of the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), who served as their primary liaison and technical coordinator.

The delegation engaged in a series of academic and field-based activities across several Japanese cities from October 18 to 26, 2025, focusing on sustainable upland agriculture, forest ecosystem rehabilitation, and climate-resilient rural development—a visit made possible through JIRCAS’s invitation.

Their itinerary included a courtesy visit and research planning and discussion at JIRCAS Headquarters in Tsukuba, focusing on collaborative initiatives in sustainable agriculture and forestry innovation.

The delegates also had meetings with the respective faculty members of Agriculture and Research and university officials from Utsunomiya University and Tottori University to explore academic cooperation and technology transfer.

Moreover, the CPSU team also had the Chizu Forestry Advanced Site Tour in Tottori Prefecture, where they observed Japan’s advanced community-based forest management systems, mechanized logging techniques, and integrated watershed protection projects.

The delegates also visited the Kanto Regional Forest Technology and Support Center in Ishioka City, where they studied experimental forestry research and industry linkages.

The CPSU delegation’s travel was guided by the following objectives: (1) to reinforce institutional partnerships with JIRCAS and Japanese universities; (2) to benchmark Japan’s technological advancements and policy frameworks on forestry, agriculture, and mountain livelihood systems; (3) to explore collaborative research and academic exchange opportunities aligned with CPSU’s sustainable development and research agenda; and (4) to represent CPSU in discussions promoting international cooperation for resilient and inclusive rural development.

The success of the Japan collaborative visit was made possible through the support of Mr. Koichi Takenaka, JIRCAS President Dr. Koyama Osamu, and JIRCAS Project Leader Dr. Toshihiko Anzai.

The delegation also acknowledges the valuable coordination and exchange facilitated by Professor Kazutoshi Osawa, Ph.D., Executive Advisor to the President of Utsunomiya University, and his team, including Mr. Yusuke Okuno, Master’s Student of the Graduate School of Regional Development and Creativity, for their assistance in academic engagement and field coordination. 

The delegates extend gratitude to the Faculty of Agriculture of Tottori University for accommodating the CPSU delegates and sharing their research innovations in upland and forestry systems.

The team expresses heartfelt thanks to CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca for his full approval and support of this international mission; to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), Research and Development and the College of Agriculture and Forestry for administrative facilitation; and to all institutional partners who contributed to the success of this academic exchange and collaborative visit.

Photo owned by: CSPU Forestry Department