The MSU-Naawan project on eDNA metabarcoding application to faunal biodiversity research in Philippine mangrove ecosystems headed by Dr. Venus E. Leopardas made a way to forge an agreement between the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), through Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña, UPLB Professor and Director of the Forestry Development Center.

The Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) was signed February 17, 2023 at the Office of the Chancellor, UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna, with Chancellor Elnor C. Roa representing MSUN and Chancellor Jose V. Camacho representing UPLB and witnessed by other officials of both campuses.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between the two universities to develop academic and educational cooperation and promote mutual understanding, develop collaborative activities in the academic areas of interest, on a basis of equality and reciprocity like exchange of faculty and researchers, exchange of students, conduct of collaborative research and extension projects, conduct of lectures, symposia, and capacity-building programs, exchange of academic information and materials, and promote academic cooperation.

Other officials present are MSUN VCRE Renoir A. Abrea; MSUN VCAA Gergie A. Ambato; UPLB CFNR Associate Dean Analyn L. Codilan; UPLB Director OIDHE Greg T. Pawilen, and UPLB CEAIT Dean Rossana Marie C. Amongo.