EATURE | Sorsogon State University – Castilla Campus held a warm and inspiring send-off program for three students and one faculty delegate preparing to travel to Vietnam for the SorNexus 2026 program. The delegation is composed of Chrisia Mae E. Escandor (BSAAS-3D), Kristine Mae D. Equipado (BSAB-3B), Mark F. Maravilla (BSAAS-2A), and Dr. Rochele N. Aragon as the faculty delegate. The event filled the university community with hope as the delegates prepared to carry the university’s pride across borders for the program scheduled from March 2 to 15, 2026.
Ms. Mari Anne B. Gojar (Coordinator, International Relations Office) opened the program by explaining that SorNexus 2026 aims to bring innovative farming ideas back to the Philippines and strengthen partnerships with other countries, including Vietnam.
Campus Director Prof. Andrew F. Detera followed by proudly introducing the delegates and recognizing their hard work and dedication to the program. He emphasized that SorSU is actively building partnerships with different countries, noting that this initiative marks the second international activity participated in by the Castilla Campus. He highlighted that this milestone reflects the campus’s growing commitment to global engagement and academic collaboration.
Prof. Mary Ann P. Caro (Program Chair, BSAB) and Ms. Melody L. Llabres (Program Chair, BSA Animal Science), also expressed their full support for the delegates. They reminded them that they carry with them the encouragement and confidence of their teachers, classmates, and the entire university community, who stand behind them every step of the way.
Dr. Rochele N. Aragon led the ceremonial send-off and delivered a message affirming the delegation’s commitment to uphold the University’s pride and dedication to international partnership. As their teacher and guide, she emphasized that the delegates are committed to representing their school with excellence and bringing back knowledge that will create meaningful impact.
Closing the event, Dr. Oscar Peter D. Pascual (Dean, College of Agriculture), highlighted the Vietnamese term “Đoi Moi” and encouraged the delegates to explore its meaning during their stay. He expressed hope that upon their return, they would fully understand and embody the essence of the term, which reflects the true spirit of the SorNexus program: innovation, transformation, and progressive change. Dr. Pascual noted that the send-off was not merely a farewell but the beginning of a meaningful journey rooted in innovation that will help farms and families grow stronger for years to come.
The delegates have already begun their preparations for the trip, and the entire SorSU community has expressed confidence that they will return as leaders ready to build a better future for their communities and for the country as a whole.
✒️: Roma J. Ervas | Feature Writer
📷: Jimboy A. Tabanao | Video Journalist, Roma J. Ervas | Feature Writer
