On November 27, the Collaboration Meeting and Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between the Japan Water Agency (JWA) and Isabela State University (ISU) was held.

Prior to the opening of the event, Mr. Tatsushi Yasuhara, Executive Director of JWA, delivered the opening remarks. He welcomed the ISU delegation and expressed hope that their collaboration—especially the ongoing feasibility study to enhance dam capacity in the Philippines—would deepen further, building on partnerships developed through past academic exchanges. He also noted that the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding is expected to advance technical cooperation and lead to concrete joint projects.

Next, organizational introductions were conducted by both JWA and ISU.
 Mr. Nobuyuki Ichihara, Director General for International Affairs at JWA, presented an overview of JWA, focusing particularly on IWRM and NARBO activities.
 Following this, Prof. Orlando Balderama, Vice President for Research and NARBO Focal Person of ISU, began by showing an introductory video about ISU. He then highlighted the importance of strengthening future IWRM implementation and explained initiatives such as Smart Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM). He also discussed projects in the Cagayan River and Magat Dam being undertaken in collaboration with JWA. Additionally, he provided information on AI-driven STREAM ASIA and the ASEAN Satellite Hub with Kyoto University. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of building a strong relationship between ISU and JWA.

Afterward, the MOU Signing Ceremony took place, during which Messages of Commitment were delivered by representatives from both organizations.
 Prof. Boyet Batang, President of Isabela State University, stated that the strong collaboration leveraging JWA’s dam expertise and ISU’s local knowledge around Magat Dam should continue sustainably in the future.
 Mr. Ichihara expressed gratitude for ISU’s continued engagement since becoming a NARBO member, particularly in supporting the Magat Dam project, and noted that this collaboration could lead to larger future projects. He also emphasized continued cooperation for future plans and mutual capacity-building.

Next, Mr. Michio Ota, Senior Specialist for Water Resource Engineering, International Affairs Division, Management and Planning Department, JWA delivered a key presentation titled “Potential Activity Based on the Cooperation between ISU and JWA.” He explained active support to RBOs for the Benchmarking Program, as well as responses to visits from Indonesia’s PJT1 & Inalum and the Sameura Dam rehabilitation project. A detailed explanation of JWA’s funding sources was also provided. Using the IWRM spiral approach, he concluded with an outline of potential activities based on future cooperation between ISU and JWA.

In the subsequent discussion, JWA conveyed to the ISU side that, if possible, they would like to dispatch staff to the symposium scheduled for next May. JWA also shared the current progress on the IWRM Guidelines. ISU reiterated that the IRWM project is extremely valuable for the Philippines and emphasized once again their desire to be part of this project. JWA stated that they would like to report on the progress at the 6th NARBO Webinar planned for next year, and expressed their intention to give the project concrete form at the NARBO General Meeting, which is being considered for two to three years from now.

Lastly, Prof. Isagani Angeles, Vice President for International Affairs at ISU, delivered the closing remarks. Speaking on behalf of ISU, he expressed his gratitude once again for being invited today, and encouraged everyone to visit the Philippines. He concluded by stating that he hopes to further strengthen this collaboration—one that leverages JWA’s technical expertise and ISU’s local connections—to make a meaningful impact on the region.