DEBESMSCAT initiates partnership meeting with United States Peace Corps

August 2, 2024 – DEBESMSCAT held a partnership meeting with the United States Peace Corps on August 2, 2024 at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur. An independent government agency of the United States, the Peace Corps trains and deploys volunteers to provide development assistance to developing countries, including the Philippines.

In this potential partnership, the Peace Corps will deploy volunteers online through its Virtual Service Pilot (VSP) Project to DEBESMSCAT. Meanwhile, DEBESMSCAT shall host the volunteers, who will serve as experts for training its college faculty and personnel on topics to be agreed upon by the two organizations.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the possibility of conducting training on the applications of the geographic information system (GIS) software QGIS in natural resources management. The successful implementation of this training will support DEBESMSCAT in its data-driven efforts for the environmental sustainability of its campuses, especially its Main Campus in the Municipality of Mandaon, which covers an area of 3,660 hectares, including classified timberlands. It will also pave the way for the college to create a pool of GIS experts who may eventually serve as technical consultants for local government units in their mapping requirements for their land use and development plans.

The DEBESMSCAT delegation was composed of President Arnel Millesca, Vice President for Academic Affairs Elreen Delavin, Graduate School Dean Rodolfo Burac, International Relations Officer Jofer Asilum, and Public Information Officer Genesis Tumbaga. On the other hand, representing the Peace Corps was Response Program Manager Milosil Edles Cruz. The meeting was initiated by Philippine Science High School-Bicol Region Campus Director Lorvi Pagorogon, who formerly served as Research and Development Services Director of DEBESMSCAT.

By: EnP. Jofer B. Asilum – International Relations Officer