Driven by a collective vision and shared leadership in transforming teacher quality initiatives, fostering research endeavors, and supporting community development, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) officially sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators V (PAFTE V), the Council of Deans for Teacher Education V (CoDTE V), and Saint Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon, Inc. (SLMCSI), establishing a partnership through its College of Teacher Education’s (CoTEd) Banaag Research Center (Teacher Quality Training, Research, Innovation & Development) and Community Lifelong Learning Center (CoTEd Extension Services), held on October 23, 2025, at the SorSU Boardroom, Sorsogon City Campus.
Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia, Jr. (Dean, CoTEd), who outlined the rationale for the Banaag Research Center and Community Lifelong Learning Center, highlighted their commitment to addressing challenges in Philippine education through CoTEd CARES (Community-based Research and Extension Services) that empower educators, learners, and communities.
CoTEd Dean Dr. Garcia stated, “This convergence is a bold step toward realizing the full potential of BANAAG and the SorSU Community Lifelong Learning Center as catalysts for change. It is a declaration that partnership is power, and that together—with the trust of the SorSU administration and the strength of regional alliances—we can build a future where every teacher is empowered, every learner is supported, and every community thrives.”
Aimed at promoting SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and other SDGs, the academic partnerships, focused on the two centers, encompass collaborative research projects, extension programs, capacity-building activities, community engagements, exchange of human resources, sharing of instructional resources, as well as other joint academic and professional development initiatives.
The leaders of the four institutions also shared inspiring messages of commitment. SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, emphasized that the establishment of the two centers underscores the university’s commitment to advancing quality education and empowering learners to overcome poverty and marginalization, acknowledging that these goals can be effectively achieved through the collective support of partner institutions.
SorSU President De Jesus remarked, “We sincerely believe that, together, all of us will be able to improve our teachers’ knowledge and skills – so that they themselves will effectively shape learners to become productive citizens and, in turn, promote the socioeconomic development of our society.”
Dr. Jonald B. Sia (President, PAFTE) expressed that the milestone is more than just the signing of documents but a powerful testament to SorSU’s unwavering commitment to teacher quality, research excellence, and lifelong community engagement—pillars that reflect its mission of service, innovation, and transformative education.
Dr. Lilinita Del Rosario (President, CoDTE V), noting that the partnership embodies their shared dedication to excellence, underscored, “Through this agreement, we unite our expertise and resources to create impactful programs that will not only elevate teaching standards but also contribute to the growing development of our educational community.”
Meanwhile, Sr. Maria Felipa Fe C. Javen, D.C. (President, SLMCSI) conveyed her appreciation for the meaningful partnership and its potential to achieve shared goals together, stating, “Education is an act of hope…One classroom and one community at a time are the pillars of our partnership…Mabuhay ang ating pagkakaisa para sa kalidad na edukasyon at panghabangbuhay na pagkatuto.”
The MOU signing among SorSU, PAFTE V, CoDTE V, and SLMCSI signifies a pivotal commitment to enhancing quality teacher education and fostering community development through impactful collaborative initiatives that empower educators and uplift communities across the region. (SorSU PIO)
