April 13, 2026 — In a significant step toward strengthening agricultural education and regional development, the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture formally entered into a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday.
The ceremonial signing underscored both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and resource sharing across the Bicol Region.
The agreement was officially attested by Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, SUC President IV of CBSUA, and Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, SUC President III of DEBESMSCAT. They were joined by key university officials, including Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, DEBESMSCAT Vice President for Academic Affairs and representatives from the CBSUA Office of the President, who witnessed the milestone event.
Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on several key areas aimed at enhancing instruction and research. These include joint research and extension initiatives to address community needs, faculty and student exchange programs, and the sharing of academic resources such as library materials and instructional tools. Capacity-building activities, including seminars, workshops, and training sessions, will also be jointly conducted.
The partnership further provides for adjunct faculty support, particularly in specialized fields such as Agricultural Biosystems Engineering, Agribusiness, Environmental Science, and Agroforestry, enabling both institutions to leverage shared expertise.
In their messages, both university leaders emphasized that the partnership goes beyond formalities, describing it as a mutually beneficial engagement that will drive progress in internationalization efforts and quality assurance standards.
A joint committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the agreement and to identify new opportunities for collaboration. The MOA will remain in effect for an initial period of three years, subject to renewal based on the success of joint initiatives.
The collaboration marks a new chapter for students and educators in the region, as DEBESMSCAT and CBSUA unite their strengths to advance agricultural innovation and holistic academic development in Bicol.
Ladies and gentlemen,
