Naga City, October 27, 2023 – In a historic moment that promises to shape the future of education and cooperative development in the Bicol Region, the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) and Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) formalized a collaborative partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The momentous event took place on October 27, 2023, at 10:00 in the morning, at BISCAST’s Conference Room.

The signing of the MOA was led by Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III, the OIC Regional Director of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the driving force behind this transformative partnership. With him were Engr. Zaldy G. Bermejo, Acting Asst. Regional Director and CPDAS’ Chief, as well as CRITS’ Chief, Monina M. Bechayda.BISCAST was represented by its President, Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, who was joined by Dr. Jake M. Laguador, Vice President for Academic Affairs. On the other side, CNSC’s President, Dr. Marlo M. De La Cruz, PECE, was accompanied by Dr. Rosalie A. Almadrones, Vice President for Research and Extension.

The significance of this partnership was further emphasized by the presence of distinguished guests, including Naga City Cooperative Development Officer (CDO), Mr. John Paul N. Buendia, and Naga City Cooperative Development Council (NCCDC) Chairperson, Ms. Maria Daisy Granada-Geolin. CDA’s Cooperatives Development Specialist II, Emalyn Ruth I. Borja, and other CDA representatives, Jon Andrei Emmanuel O. Banday and Larry L. Villaluz, were also in attendance. Mr. Richard Nabua, BISCAST’s President’s Executive Assistant and Public Information Officer, lent additional support to the event.The MOA signifies a groundbreaking agreement that will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between these two esteemed educational institutions. It aims to promote research, extension, and development activities that will have a direct and positive impact on the cooperative sector in Bicol Region.

Among the key focus areas of this partnership are research and development initiatives, technology transfer, and cooperative education. Both BISCAST and CNSC will work together to enhance the quality of education, create opportunities for students and faculty, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region.Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III, the OIC Regional Director of CDA, expressed his excitement about the potential of this partnership. He stated, “This collaboration between BISCAST and CNSC is a testament to the power of education and cooperative spirit. It is through such partnerships that we can drive positive change in our communities and strengthen the cooperative movement in the region.”

Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, President of BISCAST, and Dr. Marlo M. De La Cruz, President of CNSC, both voiced their commitment to this partnership and their shared goal of nurturing the intellectual and social development of the Bicol Region.