The Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus (SorSU-CC) recently conducted a benchmarking activity dubbed as Openness to Novel Exchanges with the theme: “One: CBSUA and SorSU” at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Pili Campus on May 16, 2023. This aimed to benchmark the selected HEI’s existing agricultural programs and curriculum design, strategies and methods in internationalization, QMS forms, organizational structure, and to train stakeholders for internationalization activities.
The team composed of its Campus Director, Prof. Andrew F. Detera; IRO Coordinator, Ms. Mari Anne B. Gojar; and Career & Placement/ILDO Coordinator, Mrs. Melody L. Llabres, was welcomed by the CBSUA university officials at the Office of the Vice President for Business and External Affairs (OVPBEA) headed by Prof. Cesar Armando S. Camba, Sr.
The opening program started with the welcome remarks and message of support of Atty. Dominador F. Faurillo, Vice President for Administration and Finance. This was followed by the message of Prof. Andrew F. Detera, SorSU-CC Campus Director. He stated the objectives for conducting the benchmarking activity and gave heartfelt thanks to CBSUA for accommodating the team.
In a fruitful dialogue, Dr. Marilyn Balderas, Dean of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), together with the BSA and BAT Program Chairpersons gave a glimpse of the said college, its programs, and curriculum design. The exchange of questions and answers revolved around curriculum adjustments, student exchange programs, budgetary requirements, strategies, experiences, challenges and problems met, and how they handled and solved them.
Dr. Ana E. Mirana, Vice President for Academic Affairs, rendered an inspirational message where she expressed her gratitude and support to SorSU’s internationalization journey. The QMS forms and CBSUA’s organizational structure were discussed by Ms. Katrina Gepilano, ISO Co-chair and Dr. Christopher B. Dacer, Director of Institutional Linkages and Special Projects, respectively.
On CBSUA’s internationalization, Prof. Julie Amara M. Bondilles, Director of the International Relations Office, generously shared their policies, strategies, and best practices, including their international partners. She also answered more queries from the visiting team during the open forum.
Prof. Cesar Armando S. Camba, Sr., VPBEA, formally closed the activity by saying that they are just one message away and they hope that the objectives for the activity were attained. He also emphasized the importance of collaborations and partnerships among SUCs.
The team believes that the technical assistance CBSUA provided will help strengthen SorSU’s internationalization. This benchmarking activity was initiated by the SorSU-Castilla Campus International Relations Office in coordination with the Career & Placement/Industry Linkages and Development Office.
Report by Ms. Mari Anne B. Gojar
Photos by SorSU-CC and CBSUA-PIO
