A five-year Institutional Cooperation Agreement has been signed between Southeast Asia Regional Center for Graduate Study in Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and Catanduanes State University (CatSU).
Pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), SEARCA and CatSU agree to collaborate in the implementation of programs, projects and activities related to faculty development, agricultural and rural development and to exchange scientific materials, knowledge products and information.
The agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony on January 11, 2023 by SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio and CatSU President Patrick Alain Azaza.
Gregorio opened the virtual ceremony by saying that universities play an important role in SEARCA’s 11th five-year plan, which focuses on promoting interconnectivity between academia, industry and government (AIG).
“The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the climate and the value chain of agricultural food systems. Therefore, universities must demonstrate their ability to assume social responsibility in shaping reforms not only for their students and teachers, but also for their education system,” he says.
Witnesses were Associate Prof. Joselito Florendo, Deputy Administrative Director of SEARCA; dr Ramon Felipe Sarmiento, CatSU Vice President for Research, Expansion and Manufacturing 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 a witness.
With SEARCA’s ongoing Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)-funded leadership development program for higher education institutions (HEIs), Gregorio looks forward to CatSU’s future participation in this initiative.
Responding positively to the collaboration between both parties, Azanza noted that the collaboration would help CatSU prepare for internationalization.
He said CatSU is one with SEARCA in cultivating agricultural innovation among colleges as the university rises to the challenge of introducing new and emerging innovations in agricultural education.
Catanduanes-based CatSU, a research and higher education institution, is billed as the Green University of the Philippine East Pacific Coast.
The University is committed to promoting excellence in holistic and inclusive education, attuned to the demands of a diverse world to shape productive and value-filled lives.
Azanza said they see huge potential in research into food security and climate change on the island, which could be important aspects of the partnership.
“With this in mind, CatSU looks forward to enhancing the skills of our faculty and researchers. We look forward to a very fruitful 2023 as we continue this endeavor,” he said.
Also present at the virtual signing ceremony were Associate Prof. Ts. Nur Azura Binti Adam, Assistant Program Director; Corinta Guerta, Technical Advisor to the Director; dr Gerlie Tatlonghari, Program Manager, Research and Thought Leadership Department; Sharon Malaiba, Head, Partnerships Department; Beatrisa Martinez, Executive Coordinator, Director’s Office; and mom Victoria Bravo, Executive Assistant, Office of the Assistant Director of Programs; Sonny Pasiona, Senior Associate, Communications; and Nathan Felix, Senior Associate, Public Relations, all from SEARCA.
