December 2, 2025 — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)–Masbate Province formalized a comprehensive partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held at DAR Masbate Provincial Office. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening agricultural development, technology transfer, and community capacity-building across the province.
The MOA was signed on behalf of DEBESMSCAT by SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, along with Dr. Erwin H. Malto, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Alvin M. Mahawan, Director for Research and Development Services; Engr. Marco Angelo R. Dejucos, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Office; and Engr. Alvin M. Ante, faculty from the College of Engineering.
Representing DAR–Masbate were members of its Program Beneficiaries Development Division: Ma. Theresa B. Bacayo (OIC–CARPO), Engr. Ricky R. Tambal (OIC–PCAO), Erika Dela Cruz (ARPO I – Development Facilitator), and Maria Cassandra L. Arizala (ARPT – Development Facilitator).
The partnership establishes a formal and non-exclusive collaboration to promote rural and agricultural development in Masbate. Under the agreement, DEBESMSCAT and DAR–Masbate will jointly pursue initiatives in technology transfer and commercialization, focusing on the adoption of mature technologies generated by DEBESMSCAT for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs).
It also covers intellectual property protection, documentation, and utilization through DEBESMSCAT’s IPTBM expertise, as well as joint research initiatives, technical collaboration, and capacity-building programs including training, workshops, and extension activities on sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and technical skills.
The agreement further enables the development and implementation of grant-funded projects, both national and international.
DEBESMSCAT will contribute its academic and technical strengths by deploying experts, researchers, and students for extension, research, and training programs, providing technologies and research outputs suitable for ARBO adoption, and offering Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management services to protect and optimize IP assets.
DAR–Masbate will facilitate community engagement by identifying and mobilizing ARBOs and ARBs for participation in joint activities, coordinating with local officials for permits and site access, and assigning a permanent focal person to ensure smooth implementation and communication between the parties.
Both institutions emphasized that the MOA is not a financial obligation but a framework for equitable and efficient coordination on future joint projects, each to be covered by specific agreements and budget arrangements.
The partnership represents a significant milestone in DEBESMSCAT’s mission to expand its research and extension footprint and in DAR–Masbate’s commitment to delivering comprehensive support services to agrarian communities.
Through combined resources, technical expertise, and community reach, the initiative is expected to drive innovation, strengthen local agriculture, and uplift farming communities across Masbate.
Ladies and gentlemen,
