With around 275 local and international participants, the University of San Agustin (USA) kicked off the 2nd Iloilo International Conference on Advanced Natural Products Technologies (I2CANProTech II) organized by the USA Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) and Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) at the 7th Floor of the CPMT Building, March 6.

Delegates from the United States of America, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, China, Australia, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines were welcomed by Dr. Raymond J. Andersen, keynote speaker from the University of British Columbia, followed by a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony which emphasized the celebration of the university's 120th anniversary.

"With a partnership with the government, recognizing our expertise, [...] it shows that the university is growing also, we are developing, and [...] we are faithful to the mandate. We want to be responsive to the needs of the community and society and to maintain our identity as the University of San Agustin," said University President Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Commendador, O.S.A.

Further, the event held a closed-door press conference with Dr. Jaime C. Montoya of the DOST Philippines Council for Health, Research & Development, Dr. Raymond Andersen of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz, a National Scientist from the Philippines, Dr. Mary J. Garson of the University of Queensland, Dr. Nor Hadiana Ismail from the Universiti Teknologi Mara, Dr. Jonel P. Saludes of the University of San Agustin, and Fr. Frederick C. Commendador, O.S.A., discussing the notable advancements and discoveries produced by this event.