LOS BAÑOS, Laguna | October 19, 2026 — Strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, agricultural innovation, and community development, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) formalized its institutional partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 19, 2026, at the Executive Conference Room, Office of the Chancellor, Main Library, UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna.
DEBESMSCAT was represented by Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, SUC President III; Dr. Mohammad Dollison, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAgS); and Engr. Laurence G. Almoguera, CAgS Research Program Chair. The agreement establishes a framework for academic cooperation between the two institutions, opening opportunities for collaboration in instruction, research, extension, and other mutually agreed academic initiatives.
Under the MOU, DEBESMSCAT and UPLB aim to strengthen their institutional ties through faculty and researcher exchanges, student exchanges, internships and on-the-job training, collaborative research and extension projects, lectures, symposia, capacity-building programs, and the exchange of academic information and materials. These initiatives are intended to encourage knowledge sharing, enhance academic capabilities, and create opportunities for students and faculty members to benefit from the expertise and resources of both institutions.
A notable highlight of the occasion was UPLB’s donation of a copy of the Review Questions for Agriculturists Licensure Examination (AgLE) Reviewer to DEBESMSCAT. The learning resource represents a valuable addition to the College’s academic references and may support the preparation of agriculture students for the Agriculturists Licensure Examination. It also reflects the importance of sharing educational resources in strengthening agricultural education and helping future professionals prepare for their chosen careers.
For DEBESMSCAT, the partnership is more than a formal institutional agreement. It is another step toward realizing its DAMGO—the College’s aspiration to transform lives and create meaningful opportunities through quality education, research, innovation, and community engagement. By building stronger connections with established academic institutions such as UPLB, DEBESMSCAT continues to pursue opportunities that can enrich its academic programs, strengthen research initiatives, and improve learning support for its students.
The collaboration also reinforces the role of state universities and colleges in advancing the country’s agricultural sector. Through shared expertise, research collaboration, student development, and extension initiatives, both institutions can help connect academic knowledge with the needs of farming communities and other stakeholders.
The MOU shall be valid for three years from the date of the latest signature, subject to the terms and conditions stipulated in the agreement. Specific collaborative activities will be developed through separate agreements and implemented in accordance with the policies, resources, and requirements of both institutions.
As DEBESMSCAT continues to expand its network of academic partners, this collaboration with UPLB underscores its commitment to turning institutional aspirations into concrete opportunities for learning, discovery, and service.
Ladies and gentlemen,
