Cultivate & Connect: SorSU Castilla Campus Welcomes Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) Delegates for Academic and Cultural Collaboration
In its continued effort to strengthen global collaboration and academic linkages, Sorsogon State University – Castilla Campus, through its International Relations Office (IRO), warmly welcomed the delegates from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK), Indonesia, during the event titled “Cultivate & Connect: An Academic and Cultural Exchange between SorSU, CBSUA, and UMK,” held on October 13, 2025, at the Office of the Campus Director, SorSU Castilla Campus.
The visit formed part of the ongoing collaboration between CBSUA and UMK from October 5 to 30, 2025, designed to immerse participants in various academic and cultural activities across higher education institutions in the region. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural development, research collaboration, and academic excellence through international partnerships.
Delegates received a warm welcome from student leaders, university organizations, and the Performing Arts Club (PAC) through a cultural performance and greetings at the main gate, followed by a welcome meeting attended by officials and representatives from each participating institution.
Prof. Andrew F. Detera, Campus Director of SorSU – Castilla Campus, led the program with a message of hospitality and collaboration, emphasizing SorSU’s commitment to fostering global academic relations and strengthening institutional linkages. Messages of support were also delivered by Mr. Emilio O. Ibarbia, Chairperson of the Agribusiness Department; Mr. Francis Leo M. Loberanes, Chairperson of the Agricultural Technology Department; and Mr. Arvin Saluna, BAT Faculty Member. They collectively underscored the importance of engaging with international counterparts to enrich the academic programs of CBSUA and SorSU and to broaden students’ perspectives through shared learning and cultural understanding.
Representing UMK, Ms. Heny Alpandari, S.P., M.Sc., and Ms. Winda Widyastuti, S.P., M.P., together with students Alfi Fadilla, Khilmiana Pradita Rahmawati, Amalia Intan Sabila, and Aril Ardiantpo, expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and meaningful exchange experience. They highlighted how such initiatives strengthen collaboration and foster mutual understanding among global academic institutions.
The meeting featured institutional presentations and exchanges where SorSU, CBSUA, and UMK shared their programs, best practices, and extension initiatives. Delegates also engaged in discussions with key SorSU officials, including Dr. Rochele N. Aragon (Dean, College of Agriculture), Ms. Melody L. Llabres (Program Chair, BAT), Prof. Mary Ann P. Caro (Program Chair, BSAB), Ms. Mari Anne B. Gojar (Coordinator, IRO), Ms. Celine D. Noga (Coordinator, SDS), Mr. Brian Gabriel J. Buenaobra (Coordinator, Research & Development), Ms. Ana May Rubang (Coordinator, Extension & Training), Dr. Rose Anne Cleotilde I. Sambo (Faculty Member & Campus Veterinarian), and Zedrick Escobedo (SSC President) contributed insights on academic leadership, research, extension, student development, and internationalization, reinforcing the shared goal of innovation and global collaboration.
As a gesture of appreciation, the delegates were awarded certificates and simple tokens of gratitude, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and friendship among the three institutions. As part of the mutual learning exchange, The Bloom Publication proudly presented to the delegates the second volume of its campus magazine.
To further highlight the academic and cultural exchange, the delegates participated in classroom and field observations, where Indonesian students engaged in discussions, laboratory sessions, and hands-on activities such as the cleft-grafting of Pili seedlings. This was followed by a campus tour showcasing SorSU’s academic areas, laboratories, and facilities. Demonstrating their shared commitment to environmental sustainability, the delegates also joined a tree-planting activity and the “Tilad ng Pili” (Pili Nut Cracking Activity) initiative, symbolizing growth, unity, and ecological stewardship.
Through this academic and cultural exchange, Sorsogon State University – Castilla Campus reaffirms its role as a research university committed to excellence and global cooperation, paving the way for sustainable education, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding. The partnership among SorSU, CBSUA, and UMK embodies a shared vision of advancing international education and promoting sustainable community development.
Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus
