The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture marked a significant advancement in its institutional commitment to inclusive development through the formalization of a partnership with the Local Government Unit of Baao at the IP community today, April 10, 2025, in Caranday, Baao, Camarines Sur. The Memorandum of Agreement is one of the products of the extension program of the CBSUA Regional Center for Indigenous People entitled SIRIP Program (Strengthening Indigenous Resources, Initiatives, and Potentials).
Through this program, CBSUA and LGU Baao affirm a shared vision for the empowerment, cultural preservation, and holistic development of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Baao, Camarines Sur.
The MOA signifies more than a ceremonial milestone. It establishes a framework for long-term, collaborative interventions geared toward inclusive education, the promotion of Indigenous rights, cultural revitalization, and sustainable community development. Through this partnership, CBSUA and LGU Baao aim to ensure that IPs/ICCs (Indigenous Peoples/Indigenous Cultural Communities) are not left behind in the broader landscape of regional and national development.
This initiative exemplifies CBSUA’s enduring commitment to social equity and inclusive governance by supporting the self-determination, resilience, and well-being of Indigenous communities. The MOA sets the foundation for future joint undertakings that will continue to uplift the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the IPs/ICCs in Baao, Camarines Sur.
The ceremonial signing of the MOA was led by Hon. Jeffrey Bisenio, Municipal Mayor of Baao, and Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, CBSUA President, represented by Prof. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation. The event was witnessed by key stakeholders and officials, including the OIC Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Atty. Charo C. Limbo, represented by Ms. Catharina Rivera; Prof. Vladimir R. Foronda, Director of the CBSUA Extension Services Division; Hon. Maricel Abaño, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Baao; Mr. Marielito H. Almelor, Program Chair of the CBSUA-GED; and Dr. Jesusa B. Taumatorgo, Director of the CBSUA Regional Center for Indigenous Peoples and the principal proponent of the SIRIP Program.
The presence of representatives from various sectors further underscored the multi-agency support for the initiative. Among those in attendance were Mr. Roque Pilingon, representing the Sangguniang Bayan; Ms. Hiezyle B. Gumabao from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO); Ms. Sarah Flora Balares of the Local Civil Registrar; Mr. Angelito Amacox B. Sangcap, Tourism Operations Officer; Dra. Maricel Bermejo, Specialist II from the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education – Camarines Sur, and Ms. Fritzie Bayrante from the Municipal Health Office. |𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵
