The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 5 (DA RFO 5) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 18, 2025, signaling a commitment to enhancing environmental management practices. The event took place at Sta. Catalina Hall, FOD Building, DA RFO 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.
The agreement centers on supporting the DA’s adoption of the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS). Under the MOA, CBSUA will assist in the implementation of the EMS by providing essential services, including training, technical support, and capacity-building activities. This partnership will ensure that DA RFO 5’s environmental initiatives meet international standards and further strengthen environmental responsibility in the region.
Key officials from both institutions attended the signing. DA RFO 5 Regional Director Rodel Tornilla represented the Department together with the Director of DA-BAR, Dr. Junel Soriano, Chief of Research Division, Dr. Maria Christina Campita, Center Director of ATI-RTC 5, Dir. Elsa Parot, and OIC for RTD for Research and Regulations, Mr. Lorenzo Alvina. While CBSUA was represented by Dr. Emerson Bergonio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, through Prof. Maria Rosario Garol. Other notable signatories included Ms. Rose Lynnor Matos, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, Ms. Katrina Gepilano, Assistant Director for Local and National Quality Assurance, and Dr. Philip Talay, Director of the University Resilience Center and Dean of the College of Economic Management.
“This collaboration reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, research-driven development, and inclusive economic farming in the agriculture and fisheries sector,” said Director Tornilla. “Through our partnership with CBSUA, we strengthen our adherence to the ISO EMS. When we visit the CBSUA for a benchmarking activity for our Quality Management System, right then and there the University President, Pres. Albert Naperi offered the expertise of the CBSUA, (this time with our ISO EMS).”
The MOA signing also took place alongside additional agreements involving the institutionalization of the Bicol Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research, and Extension Development Network (BAFRREDN). CBSUA was one of the members in this broader collaboration aimed at strengthening agricultural and fisheries research and extension efforts across the region.
“Our president would like to convey the message that CBSUA as a long partner with DA is always ready to collaborate in any processes and structures that the DA is initiating. Together with the other SUCs in the region, we would like to build a network where collaboration and partnerships among the agricultural and fisheries sectors, especially on research, and we could do research sharing and expertise sharing as well. VPRI would also like to extend her message that the network is well supported and that our Extension Services Division (ESD) programs and projects will be aligned with the goals of the network,” said Dr. Talay.
With the MOA in place, both institutions have expressed their commitment to working together to promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
