A first in Bicol Region

            TAU signs deal with Cam Sur’s CBSUA

After months of exploratory talks and inception meetings, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) formalized its partnership with Region V’s Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) through a Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at TAU’s Farmers’ Training Center on 2 March. CBSUA is TAU’s first official collaborating Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the Bicol Region.

CBSUA has a lot to offer to its partner higher education institutions. In 2020, it was recognized as one of the country’s top-performing state universities and colleges (SUCs) with the highest number of Level III accredited programs.

This is what TAU hopes to tap as it strengthens its agricultural and bioresources-related programs and systems. In his message, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, TAU President, appealed for insights from the CBSUA delegate. “I hope that when you go around the (TAU) campus, you’ll also take note of those which we could enhance. Please help us in improving our services and facilities,” Dr. Max implored.

As part of the salient provisions of the MOU, both parties are also expected to share expertise and resources. “We hope that we could learn from your experience,” Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, CBSUA President, stated. Dr. Naperi also mentioned that they prioritized TAU as it is one of the very few SUCs in the country with a proven international reputation.

Also, TAU and CBSUA administration and faculty are expected to coordinate their efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set to be attained in 2030. Aside from this, the collaborating institutions will also undertake joint research and project development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU-External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) led a roundtable discussion on TAU’s experience in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, QS Stars, World Universities with Real Impact, and UI Green Metric. Dr. Ferrer oriented the group with the procedures, strategies, and policies implemented by TAU during its application to said university rankings publications. This is part of a series of benchmarking activities requested by CBSUA leadership.

CBSUA, an HEI situated in Pili, Camarines Sur, envisions becoming the country’s Center for Organic Agriculture. In 2009, it was designated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a National University/College of Agriculture (NUCA).

Text by Mr. Jerome L. Duque

Photo by Mr. Jayson J. Elenzano