The College of Engineering and Food Science (CEFS) of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) took a significant step towards fostering innovation and growth in the agricultural sector by hosting a dynamic Stakeholders’ Consultation and Interface Forum on April 23, 2025, at the CBSUA Auditorium. The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Camarines Sur I.
This collaborative initiative was a highlight of the CEFSTIVAL celebration, themed “Ready, CEFS, Go: Empowerment and Resilience through Innovations and Collaborations.” It successfully gathered a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including representatives from key government agencies, prominent industry partners, dedicated CBSUA faculty, and enthusiastic students.
Atty. Dominador F. Faurillo, CBSUA Vice President for Administration and Finance, underscored the mutual benefits of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership, with the invaluable support of government agencies and industry partners, will significantly amplify the university’s capacity to disseminate vital knowledge to a wider range of communities.”
The roster of participating government agencies and industry partners included the Bicol Learning Sites for Agriculture, Inc. (BLSA, Inc.), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), High-Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Camarines Sur I.
A crucial component of the forum was the Training Needs Assessment (TNA), conducted in partnership with local MSME food processors. This assessment was designed to pinpoint specific training gaps and requirements, enabling CEFS to develop customized programs that enhance their food processing skills and knowledge. The forum served as a vital platform for the convergence of ideas and the cultivation of future collaborations aimed at addressing the evolving needs of both the academic community and the wider society.
Representatives from the invited government agencies and partner industries delivered insightful presentations on their organizations’ initiatives, areas of expertise, and potential avenues for future collaboration. Their perspectives are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the College’s upcoming research, development, and extension (RDE) initiatives.
Dr. Christopher B. Dacer, Head of CBSUA’s Institutional Linkages and Special Projects Office, delivered an inspiring keynote message on “Industry-Academe Collaboration: Opportunities, Challenges, and as Key to Innovation and Growth.” He emphasized the pressing need to integrate academic expertise with the demands of the industry, particularly in critical areas such as sustainable agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
The formal MOA signing between CBSUA and DAR Camarines Sur I marked the culmination of the event, solidifying their shared commitment to sustainable development and inclusive innovation. Engr. Karen Mae R. Lim, Dean of the College of Engineering and Food Science, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership, stating that it would significantly expand the reach of both CBSUA’s initiatives and DAR’s community-based programs.
The MOA was officially signed by Atty. Faurillo and Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, CBSUA Vice President for Research and Innovation, representing CBSUA. DAR Camarines Sur I was represented by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Ricardo C. Garcia and OIC-Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Gerry L. Matamorosa of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division.
Dr. Ramirez affirmed CBSUA’s strong commitment to community service, emphasizing, “This partnership directly aligns with our university’s core mission to actively support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.” Through this impactful event, CEFS reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to building dynamic and meaningful partnerships that drive agricultural innovation, foster academic excellence, and contribute to the holistic development of the community in Bicol and beyond. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘳. 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘯 𝘘. 𝘌𝘥𝘮𝘢, 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦
