VSU inks partnership ties with 3 SUCs in Masbate, Sorsogon and Agusan del Sur

In a significant move towards strengthening inter-university collaboration and enhancing agricultural education and research, the Visayas State University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with three state universities and colleges, namely Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), Sorsogon State University (SorSU), and Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT).

The ceremonial signing, held on the evening of August 14, 2024, at the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) Building, was attended by the Presidents of the four cooperating institutions: Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes representing VSU, Dr. Arnel B. Millesca for DEBESMSCAT, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus for SorSU, and Dr. Joy C. Capistrano for ASSCAT. 

The MOA signing was witnessed by the four Vice Presidents of VSU, namely Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso (Academic Affairs), Dr. Elwin Jay V. Yu (Administration and Finance), Dr. Santiago K. Peña, Jr. (Research, Extension, and Innovation), and Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño (Planning, Resource Generation and Auxiliary Services).

In a light moment filled with laughter and some reminiscing of past experiences, VSU President Yepes expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of pooling resources and expertise to advance agricultural education and research in the Philippines.

“Our partnership with these three esteemed institutions is important for us here in VSU because we need to strengthen our ties and connections with more SUCs so that together we can pool resources and harness our combined strengths to innovate and drive positive change in the agriculture and allied sectors,” Dr. Yepes said. 

Presidents Millesca, De Jesus, and Capistrano are long-time friends of the newly appointed Chief Steward of VSU. Aside from the MOA signing, they are also part of the dignitaries who attended the formal Investiture Ceremony of VSU President Yepes held on August 15, 2024, at the Binaybayon Convention Center.

A Shared Vision for Agricultural Advancement

The MOA outlines a framework for possible collaboration in various areas, including joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, capacity-building programs, and the development of innovative agricultural technologies. The agreement aims to foster a collaborative environment where each institution can contribute its unique expertise and resources towards common goals.

Dr. Arbel B. Millesca, the President of DEBESMSCAT, shared that VSU has long been mentoring them and hopes for greater collaboration that will yield tangible projects between his institution and VSU under President Yepes.

“On behalf of the entire DEBESMSCAT family, thank you President Yepes for formalizing our partnership. We are all looking forward to the fulfillment of our respective responsibilities not only on paper but the actual implementation of such provisions. We can definitely start this partnership through our upcoming second international multidisciplinary conference called I-RODEO where experts of both VSU and DEBESMSCAT can engage in research that highlights our respective vision for agricultural advancement,” Dr. Millesca stated.

In her message, SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus emphasized the strengths of VSU as a well-recognized institution of higher learning not just in the Philippines but also globally being the main reason for her to push for collaboration between the two institutions.

“Hindi ko naman talaga kilala ang VSU pero nagulat ako when I went to Germany with another SUC President. We were told by our partners there that there are only two universities that they know in the Philippines, and that is UP and VSU. Sabi ko, anong meron sa Visayas State U at bakit nabanggit dito sa Germany? Nagtaka talaga ako,” Dr. De Jesus revealed.

Because of that, President De Jesus searched for VSU on the internet and has long been eager to partner with the university since her trip to Germany. And since they are good friends with the newly appointed leader of VSU, she’s delighted to engage with the university in pushing for a shared vision for agricultural advancement in her home province.

For her part, ASSCAT President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano shared how grateful she is to formalize her institution’s partnership with VSU being seen as a big sister university among many SUCs in the country.

“Aside from attending the very important investiture of a dear friend President Yepes, I have to take the challenge of partnering with VSU. We are glad that VSU is already expanding its reach because there are many things that VSU can do to help ASSCAT. And I’m personally excited for this knowing that President Yepes will support us in this direction,” Dr. Capistrano remarked.

The MOA signing ceremony marks the beginning of a promising partnership, setting the stage for transformative projects and initiatives that will shape the future of agricultural education and research in the countryside.

[This article is in line with Sustainable Development Goals: 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).]

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