MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION OFFICE OF HU…

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Research Development and Innovation Office (NRDIO) under the supervision of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, responsible for the preparation of the Hungarian Government’s decisions on research, development and innovation strategies, hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”;

Acknowledging the mutual advantages in promoting and pursuing scientific and technological cooperation;

Sharing the common desire to further strengthen scientific and technological collaboration;

Referring to the Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Hungarian People’s Republic signed on 22^nd of February 1980; and the Framework Agreement between the Government of Hungary and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Technical Cooperation signed on 13^th of July 2020;

Have reached the following understanding:

PARAGRAPH I
SCOPE OF COOPERATION

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to promote and develop scientific and technological cooperation between the Participants, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations and on the basis of the principles of equal rights and mutual advantage.

In the conduct of such cooperation, other institutions such as universities and scientific and technological organizations, local government units, and private enterprises, etc. of both countries may participate when deemed appropriate and mutually agreed upon.

PARAGRAPH II
MODES OF COOPERATION

The Participants will carry out scientific and technological cooperation through the following:

a)	Joint Research and Development;
b)	Exchange visit and foreign mission of scientists, researchers, and experts;
c)	Capacity building activities (scholarships, fellowships, and training programs);
d)	Exchange of information on RDI policies and strategies and programs;
e)	Promotion of collaboration between other relevant scientific institutions and organizations from the Philippines and Hungary; and
f)	Other forms of cooperation as the two Participants may mutually agree upon and within their competences.

PARAGRAPH III
AREAS OF COOPERATION

The Participants will execute the modes of cooperation mentioned in Paragraph II, in fields mutually agreed upon and within their competences, which include, but not limited to, the following areas:

a)	Sustainable Agriculture (including Aquaculture);
b)	Infocommunication Technology (includes Spectrum Monitoring and Earth Observation); and
c)	Quantum Technology.

PARAGRAPH IV
IMPLEMENTATION

To implement the scientific and technological cooperation provided for in Paragraph II, the Participants will negotiate and conclude specific project arrangements or protocols in accordance with the provisions of this MOU.

The specific project arrangements or protocols will contain, among others, detailed description of the programs and activities to be jointly undertaken, the manner in which such will be carried out, the cooperating institutions, their rights and responsibilities and the financial arrangements.

These negotiations may be conducted through a Joint Commission, wherein the members of which shall be appointed by the Signatories and to which appointed experts can be added, and who can meet as agreed by the Signatories.

PARAGRAPH V
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Matters pertaining to intellectual property rights that may arise from any project or activity pursuant to this MOU shall be determined and agreed upon by the Participants prior to the implementation of said project or activity.

PARAGRAPH VI
AMENDMENTS

The provisions of this MOU may be amended or modified only upon the mutual written consent of the Participants. Such amendment shall come into effect in accordance with subparagraph 1 of Paragraph VIII and shall constitute an integral part of this MOU

PARAGRAPH VII
SETTLEMENT OF DIFFERENCES

Any differences arising from the interpretation and/or implementation of this MOU shall be resolved amicably through negotiations or consultations between the Participants through diplomatic channels.

PARAGRAPH VIII
EFFECTIVITY, VALIDITY AND TERMINATION

This MOU shall come into effect upon signature by the Participants.

This MOU shall remain valid for a period of five (5) years and shall automatically be renewed for similar periods, unless terminated earlier by one of the Participants upon six (6) months prior written notice to the other Participant.

In case of expiration or termination of this MOU, ongoing joint projects shall be carried out to their completion in accordance with the specific project arrangements.

Signed in Taguig City on 08 April 2022 in two originals written in English language.

Entry into Force: April 8, 2022