On 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 at the DAR Masbate Provincial Office. DAR is the Philippine national government office responsible for agrarian reform. The partnership strengthens agricultural development, technology transfer, and community capacity-building across the province, and it supports SDG 1: No Poverty by organizing training and programs to improve access to basic services for all.
The MOA 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 capacity-building programs, including training, workshops, and extension activities (outreach education delivered in communities) on sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and technical skills. They will also pursue technology transfer and commercialization, focusing on the adoption of mature technologies generated by DEBESMSCAT for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs).
The agreement further covers intellectual property protection, documentation, and utilization through DEBESMSCAT’s Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) expertise, as well as joint research initiatives, technical collaboration, and the development and implementation of grant-funded projects, both national and international.
Each institution has a defined role. DEBESMSCAT will contribute its academic and technical strengths by directly deploying experts, researchers, and students for extension, research, and training programs, providing technologies and research outputs suitable for ARBO adoption, and offering IPTBM services to protect and optimize intellectual property assets.
DAR–Masbate will facilitate community engagement by identifying and mobilizing ARBOs and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (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.
The MOA was signed on behalf of DEBESMSCAT by SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca; 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 IPTBM Office; and Engr. Alvin M. Ante of the College of Engineering. DAR–Masbate was represented by 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).
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 is 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,
