A five-year agreement was forged between the Southeast Asia Regional Center for Graduate Study in Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) with the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) for institutional cooperation.
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), SEARCA and CatSU agree to collaborate in undertaking programs, projects and activities related to faculty development, agricultural and rural development and exchange scientific materials, knowledge products and information.
The accord was signed in a virtual ceremony on January 11, 2023 by SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio and CatSU President Patrick Alain Azanza.
Gregorio opened the virtual ceremony by saying universities play an important role in SEARCA's 11th Five Year Plan, which gives focus on promoting the Academe-Industry-Government (AIG) interconnectivity.
"The Covid-19 pandemic changed the climate and value chain of food systems of agriculture. That is why, there is a need to demonstrate the abilities of universities to take on social responsibilities in shaping reforms not only for their learners and educators but for their educational systems," he said.
Witnesses were Associate Prof. Joselito Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration; Dr. Ramon Felipe Sarmiento, CatSU Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs; Dr. Lily Custodio, CatSU Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Zyra Mae Tumala, CatSU Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services Director, as witnesses.
With SEARCA's ongoing Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)-funded Leadership Development Program for higher education institution (HEIs), Gregorio looks forward to CatSU's participation in this initiative in the future.
As a positive response to the collaboration between both parties, Azanza noted that the collaboration would help CatSU gear toward internationalization.
He said CatSU is one with SEARCA in cultivating agricultural innovations among HEIs as the university is up for the challenge to introduce new and emerging innovations in agricultural education.
A research and HEI, the Catanduanes-based CatSU is dubbed as the green university of the Philippine eastern pacific seaboard.
The university envisions to foster excellence, holistic and inclusive education attuned to the demands of a diverse world toward the formation of productive and value-laden lives.
Azanza said they see a huge potential in exploring food security and climate change on the island that could be important aspects of the partnership.
"Carrying these in mind, CatSU looks forward to upgrading the skills of our faculty and researchers. We look forward to a very fruitful 2023 onwards as we pursue this endeavor," he said.
Also present during the virtual ceremonial signing included Associate Prof. Ts. Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs; Corinta Guerta, Technical Advisor to the Director; Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, Program Head, Research and Thought Leadership Department; Sharon Malaiba, Head, Partnerships Unit; Beatrisa Martinez, Executive Coordinator, Office of the Director; and Ma. Victoria Bravo, Executive Assistant, Office of the Deputy Director for Programs; Sonny Pasiona, Senior Associate, Communications; and Nathan Felix, Senior Associate, Public Relations, all from SEARCA.