In line with the University’s trajectory to deliver quality international education as it aspires to become globally competitive yet locally responsive institution, a ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sorsogon State University (SorSU) and Pinoy Reading Buddies (PRB), Inc., USA was held on July 24, 2023, at the SorSU Board Room, Sorsogon City Campus to mark the partnership for the internalization of Project LOTUS (Localized Tutorial Services), an extension project of the College of Teacher Education.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, and Ms. Rowena R. Jimenez (Executive Director, PRB, Inc.) led the ceremonial MOU signing with Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus) and Ms. Pacita D. Fortin (Board of Director Member, PRB, Inc.) as witnesses. Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs) expressed his gratitude to the PRB, CoTED, and administration for the partnership and emphasized that PRB’s vision aligns perfectly with the University’s mission, core values, and commitment toward community development and that the MOU signifies the beginning of the collaboration that will undoubtedly shape the educational landscape of the region. He also encouraged everyone to embrace the partnership wholeheartedly and seize the opportunity to partake in transformative educational experiences for the students and contribute to the growth and development of the community.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jimenez narrated the background of PRB, a US-based non-profit organization whose mission is to build engagement in reading and learning, develop thinking skills, and a growth mindset to empower Filipino students. She highlighted that the literacy problem in the country is systemic, which calls for the need to work together for change, growth, and evolution, and through partnership, both parties can learn and explore together.
As a response, Dr. De Jesus expressed her appreciation and gratitude to PRB and CoTEd. She stated that she is overwhelmed with where the University is now in terms of internationalization. She stressed that this partnership is another blessing on what the University has accomplished for a year since the beginning of her term. She also emphasized that this is another service to the community and shared her dream that one day, all SorSUeños will say, “𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵, 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘚𝘜. 𝘋𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘺𝘰, 𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺 𝘬𝘰”. She ended her message by highlighting that as long as we serve the community with the heart, that would be enough as it follows the core of the University as the 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘗𝘶𝘴𝘰.
Dr. Vivien L. Chua (Director, International Relations Office), Ms. Rialyn L. Dogcol (IRO Coordinator, Sorsogon City Campus), Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia, Jr. (Dean, CoTEd), Shayne Kate A. Gozo (Extension Coordinator, CoTEd), and CoTEd Program Chairs: Prof. Susan Mae A. Jamoralin and Prof. Anabell A. Manga were also present in the said signing. Prof. Jackielyne M. Bosquillos (BSNed/BEEd Program Chair) was one of the focal persons during the planning and meetings on activities relevant to the partnership.
SorSU and PRB consider the collaboration as a milestone as it opens up endless possibilities for the sustainable development of education, and they all expressed excitement for the lined-up activities to realize the goals and aspirations of the project. (SorSU CoTEd)
