Benguet State University (BSU) and Apayao State College (ASC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance educational quality, advance research, and strengthen community engagement. The agreement was formalized on August 19, 2024, at the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Function Hall, with ASC President John N. Cabansag and BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila leading the signing ceremony.

BSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Samuel S. Poliden opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks, expressing optimism for the success of the collaboration.

This was followed by the presentation of areas of collaboration outlined in the MOU by CHK Dean Marlon S. Tabdi.

Through the MOU, both parties committed to share resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance curricula, student and faculty exchange, research collaboration, and extension activities, particularly within the Bachelor of Physical Education program.

Both parties agreed on the further details of their partnership. BSU will contribute its expertise and resources to curriculum development, encourage participation in exchange programs, identify research projects, and actively engage in community initiatives. In turn, ASC will lead efforts to enhance curricula, coordinate exchange programs, collaborate on research projects, and spearhead community outreach activities and workshops.

Comila expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, emphasizing its importance for both universities in achieving their goals of delivering quality education and excellent services to their communities. He also highlighted the value of working together.

Cabansag also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “This is now a positive manifestation that we will have a very active collaboration. Our engagement with BSU will be dwelling on exchange program, faculty and students, training capacity and many more activities for the welfare of our students and both BSU and ASC,” he said. He looked forward to more collaboration with BSU not only in physical education but in all academic endeavors.  

In his closing remarks, CHK Secretary Ryan B. Batinay encouraged both parties to cooperate and nurture the collaboration, hoping it would bring positive impact to both BSU and ASC communities.

The signing ceremony featured performances by the BSU Combative Club and the Mesomorph Band with musical performances.//EBawayan