Collaboration of RTU and NARIT Enhances Astronomical Studies

By| Juan Jose Parnaso

As the only university in the Philippines that offers Diploma in
Bachelors and Masters degrees in Astronomy, Rizal Technological
University (RTU) astronomy students will benefit from the collaboration
of RTU and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand
(NARIT) which intended to uplift astronomical technology, research and
curriculum.
The said MOU sets out specific areas on cooperation of sharing
expertise, exchange visits of students, and improve astronomy
curriculum for enhancing students success. Part of the deal is the
acquisition of updated and advanced technologies and equipment.
As the only university in the Philippines invited by NARIT for
collaboration, Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, RTU president, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Chiang Mai, Thailand on May
15 formalizing the partnership between the two institutions.
NARIT is a national research organization for astronomy in
Thailand and it was established on 2004. It enables development of a
collaborative research network both regionally and globally aiming to
enhance knowledge in astronomy. Its core mission is to undertake and
to support relevant research astronomy that are authoritative and
stimulating.
The exchanges of students, studies, research and information
between Thailand and the Philippines will improve RTU curriculum,
knowledge, and technology which is beneficial to RTU astronomy
students.
Collaboration with NARIT entails sizeable fund made by RTU for
astronomical equipment needed in the joint research project. With this
collaboration, Department of Earth and Space Sciences of RTU is doing
its utmost to maximize return, particularly to its students and the
public in general.
"Ganap namin binibigay ang aming makakaya dahil high level
MOU ito involving two countries na hindi lang RTU ang makikinabang
kundi ang buong bansa sa larangan ng siyensya", Dr. Torres said.
We are doing our utmost collective effort because this is an
high level MOU involving two countries that will not only benefit RTU

but the whole country in the field of scientific studies and research,
Dr. Torres said
"Nagpapasalamat at masaya kami sa pagtutulungan ng RTU at
NARIT, mabibigyan kami ng makabago at nararapat na mga gamit sa
aming mga pag-aaral at researches na matagal na naming minimithi,"
__________ said
Furthermore, RTU had already signed 27 MOU with the different
state colleges and universities in the Philippines with ultimate objective
of uplifting scientific and technological education particularly in the
field of astronomy.