CMU joins 24 global institutions in advancing sustainable agriculture at Taiwan summit
Central Mindanao University (CMU), through its College of Agriculture (CA), strengthened its international engagement in sustainable agriculture as its dean, Dr. Judith D. Intong, joined representatives of 24 agricultural universities and institutions at the 2026 Agricultural Summit Taiwan held at National Taiwan University (NTU) on October 22–23, 2026.
Anchored on sustainability and innovation, the two-day summit brought together academic leaders and agricultural experts to discuss pressing challenges in global agrifood systems, including climate change, food security, and agricultural sustainability.
The program featured six thematic areas: net-zero carbon emissions, plant health, biotechnology, smart agriculture, animal health, and sustainable agriculture. Participants also engaged in parallel sessions focusing on Net-Zero and Sustainability, Innovation and Technology, and Agri-Bio Health and Wellness.
Dr. Intong participated in the session on Net-Zero and Sustainability, contributing the perspective of Philippine agriculture, particularly the challenges and opportunities faced by smallholder farmers and upland farming communities.
The summit opened with messages from NTU President Wen-Chang Chen, University of California, Riverside Chancellor S. Jack Hu, and NTU College of Bioresources and Agriculture Dean Yu-Pin Lin. Their remarks emphasized the vital role of universities in advancing climate action, strengthening food systems, and developing the next generation of agricultural scientists.
A major outcome of the summit was the signing of a Joint Declaration by all 24 participating institutions, including CMU through its College of Agriculture. The declaration outlines commitments to collaborative research on net-zero and sustainable agriculture, faculty and student exchanges, and the sharing of smart agriculture innovations.
The agreement provides opportunities for CMU to strengthen international research collaboration and academic exchanges while exploring approaches that can support climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines.
“This participation ensured that the perspective of Mindanao agriculture — with its unique challenges in smallholder farming, upland agriculture, and climate resilience — was part of the global conversation,” Dr. Intong shared.
CMU’s participation reflects its continuing commitment to internationalization and agricultural research collaboration, with the goal of bringing relevant global knowledge and innovations to benefit local farming communities and strengthen sustainable agrifood systems.
Expressing her appreciation for the university’s support, Dr. Intong said, “…[I] sincerely thank the University Administration for the support provided to represent the CMU College of Agriculture and Philippine agriculture and to engage in critical discussions with fellow academic leaders and scientists that will shape future research partnerships and innovations.”
The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Judith D. Intong, Dean, CA]
