Continuing its global engagement and collaboration, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) has been participating in the highly anticipated Intensive Program 2024 (IP2024) hosted by the VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, which commenced on January 29, 2024.
This event was made possible through the partnership of Synergy, the Province of West Flanders, Global Minds, VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Howest University of Applied Science, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), and other HEIs from the Philippines, including Isabela State University, Nueva Viscaya State University and Saint Maryโs University who also participated the said event. The nature of this collaboration reflects a commitment to fostering global collaborations and expanding the horizons of knowledge and cultural understanding.
The delegation from CBSUA is composed of seven (7) students from the four (4) campuses of the university: John Odo Esguerra, Emmanuel A. Dematera, Faye Boncodin, Lourdes Maria I. Apongol, Hanna Pearl M. Santelices, Cindy Medalla, and Rendel M. Del Valle. The team was headed by Prof. Vladimir R. Foronda, PhD., the National Coordinator for IP2024 (Philippines), and the IP faculty coaches, Dr. Philip N. Talay, Engr. Lynet Alto-Cruzat and Ms. Dindy Deanne Orit, to assist both participants from CBSUA and other higher education institutions from the Philippines.
A significant aspect of this cross-cultural engagement was the participation of approximately 48 Belgian and Filipino students. This diverse group united under the banner of the IP2024 to tackle real-world industry challenges focusing on climate change, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The program’s structure mirrors its commitment to practical and impactful learning. Students are tasked with defining problems, engaging in comprehensive case studies, and ultimately contributing to developing solutions. This hands-on approach ensures that participants grasp theoretical concepts and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The opening ceremony featured a unique “quick dating game.” This engaging session quickly connected participants, fostering new friendships and opening discussions about shared interests and differences. The afternoon session was graced by the dignitaries of West Flanders, who extended a warm welcome to everyone. Consul General a.h. Ronny R.G. De Blaere, representing the Embassy of the Philippines, emphasized his unwavering support for this endeavor, highlighting the significance of diplomatic ties in education and cultural exchange.
Ms. Lies Verstraete, the program head of IP2024, shared her excitement and outlined the details of the program for the coming weeks. Her enthusiasm set the tone for a dynamic and enriching learning experience.
The national delegates from the Philippines and Belgium were comprehensively introduced by the Dr. Foronda of CBSUA and Ms. Joke Calcoen of VIVES UAS, and likewise expressed their sincere gratitude to the event organizing committee, partner higher education, and its support institutions.
Ms. Tine Ternest, the Head of the Global Engagement Office of VIVES, expressed her gratitude and challenged participants to collaborate in devising diverse and relevant solutions to the identified case problemsโthe very purpose of this two-week intensive program.
On 10 February 2024, the IP2024 is expected to close with the students presenting their prototype solutions to their respective case problemsโthe Ambassador of the Philippines in Brussels, HE Jaime Victor Ledda, Consul General a.h. Ronny R.G. De Blaere, industry partners, and VIVES officials will be present. |๐๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฐ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐2024 ๐๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฆ๐จ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ
