On February 16, 2026, a delegation of lecturers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted an academic visit to University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, Philippines, to attend and actively participate in the international scientific forum titled International Seminar on Abaca (Musa textilis): Production Systems, Disease Challenges, and Fiber Utilization. The event was organized by the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, Tagum-Mabini Campus, and took place at the AVR, Agri Building, Mabini Unit, Davao de Oro. The seminar brought together academics, researchers, and practitioners from various countries who share a common interest in the development of natural fiber commodities, particularly abaca (Musa textilis), which is widely recognized for its high economic value and strong potential in sustainable industries.
The UGM delegation consisted of Prof. Dr. Ir. Siti Subandiyah, M.Agr.Sc., Prof. Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Ir. Arif Wibowo, M.Agr.Sc. from Department of Plant Protection UGM and Prof. Ir. Alva Edy Tontowi, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng. from Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering UGM. During the forum, the UGM delegates served as keynote contributors, presenting materials on key challenges in abaca production systems, plant disease management, and innovations in fiber utilization for industrial applications. Their presentations emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in enhancing both productivity and fiber quality.
In addition to contributing to the seminar, the UGM delegation also delivered guest lectures to students, offering valuable insights into the latest developments in plant protection science and industrial engineering in a global context. This academic interaction fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge and strengthened students’ capacity to understand sustainable agriculture issues. Furthermore, the visit was marked by the initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UGM and the University of Southeastern Philippines, as a strategic step to expand collaboration in research, education, and technological development, particularly in relation to abaca fiber commodities.
This activity reflects UGM’s strong commitment to strengthening international collaboration and promoting research-driven innovation with tangible impacts on agricultural and natural resource-based industries. Through interdisciplinary and cross-border synergy, the initiative is expected to generate adaptive and sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges.
This participation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological innovation, this initiative contributes to the development of sustainable production systems while strengthening global networks in environmentally friendly natural fiber industries.
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