Partido State University (ParSU), Bicol University (BU), and Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) formalized a tripartite partnership earlier today, October 29, 2026, at USI in Naga City, opening opportunities for collaborative research, community-based extension initiatives, and international academic engagement that can create lasting benefits for communities.
Through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the three institutions will explore joint academic initiatives, interdisciplinary research, extension programs, faculty and student exchanges, joint publications, capacity-building activities, and resource sharing. By combining their expertise and institutional resources, the partners aim to generate knowledge, develop practical solutions to community concerns, and create opportunities for academic collaboration beyond institutional and national borders.
Possible areas of collaboration include community-based learning initiatives modeled after Bicol University's Academy-on-Wheels, which has also been carried out in partnership with international academic institutions.ย
The three universities may explore similar initiatives that bring faculty expertise and practical learning opportunities to communities while fostering knowledge exchange with international partners. ParSU can contribute through its faculty members and academic programs, connecting extension services with its internationalization efforts.
The partnership may also provide opportunities to collaborate on research related to USI's Tinambac Mussel and Clam Community Research and Innovation Program. ParSU's programs in Fisheries, Business and Management, and Nutrition and Dietetics, along with its laboratory facilities, offer expertise that may complement the initiative, particularly in studying local aquatic resources, food and nutrition, and livelihood opportunities. Through joint research, the three universities can explore ways to help communities make better use of local resources and apply research findings to their needs.
Beyond these prospective initiatives, the three universities are looking ahead to the 1st International Research Conference on Business and Innovation in 2027, which is envisioned to bring regional research and ideas to a wider international audience and encourage collaboration among researchers and institutions. Together, these initiatives reflect the partnership's potential to connect community-based extension, applied research, and international academic engagement.
In his message, Dr. Zarcedo emphasized that ParSU enters the partnership not merely as a beneficiary, but as an institution ready to contribute its faculty expertise, growing research capabilities, and established professional linkages. He underscored that the value of the collaboration will ultimately be measured not by the agreement itself, but by "the knowledge we create, the opportunities we open, and the lives we improve together."
Representing ParSU at the ceremonial signing were University President Dr. Zarcedo, College of Business and Management (CBM) Dean Dr. Jossie B. Romero, Department Chair Ms. Alyssa Guia S. Sales, CBM Extension Coordinator Ms. Rhesty R. Biares, and CBM Research Coordinator Dr. Emmanuel Onsay.
Also present were representatives of the two partner institutions: Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, Dean of BU's College of Business, Economics, and Management, representing BU President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, along with other BU officials; and Sr. Ma. Teresa Fatima Mueda, DC, Vice President for Christian Vincentian Identity and Mission, representing USI President Sr. Teresita A. Abastillas, DC, together with other USI officials.
For ParSU, the partnership opens opportunities to put its expertise and resources to work alongside fellow higher education institutions, advancing research and extension initiatives that address community needs while bringing the knowledge and innovations developed in the region to a broader international platform.
