BISU and VSU Formalize Academic Partnership thru MOA Signing

In a landmark initiative that underscores the spirit of collaboration and academic synergy, Bohol Island State University (BISU) and Visayas State University (VSU) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to pursue collaborative development in research, instruction, and extension. The ceremonial signing, led by Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of VSU, and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, President of BISU, marked the beginning of a purposeful collaboration built on mutual trust, shared goals, and a commitment to service and academic excellence aimed at promoting higher learning, innovation, and community transformation.

This is a historic move that signifies unity, purpose, and shared aspirations between Bohol Island State University (BISU) and Visayas State University (VSU). This partnership, formalized by Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, VSU President, and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, BISU President, promises not just the exchange of knowledge and resources, but the weaving together of shared values, institutional strengths, and a common vision for education in the Philippines.

During the MOA Signing Ceremony, Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangay-ay, VP for Research,Innovation, and Extension gave the welcome remarks. University Research Director Dr. Josephine B. Nalzaro stated the Statement of Purpose. Witnessing the ceremony were BISU Main Campus Director Dr. Samuel J. Gulayan, BISU Bilar Campus Director, Dr. Proceso M. Castil, Vice President for Academics and Quality Assurance Dr. Maria Lilibeth G. Castil, Dr. Benjamin N. Omamalin, Director of Instruction, Dr. Severino Salera Jr. , the Dean of the College of Agriculture. Also present from Visayas State University is SUC-ACAP Inc. Treasurer, Honey Sofia V. Colis, Dr. Suzette B. Lina, SUC-ACAP Inc. Secretary and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science of Visayas State University, Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso , VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Rachel Kim L. Aure, Director, Instruction and Evaluation.

Both University Presidents, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso of BISU and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, VSU and SUC-ACAP President expressed their message of commitment.

“𝘼 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚”

Dr. Yepes emphasized that the collaboration is rooted in a shared mission to uplift faculty, students, administrative staff, and the broader community. “This partnership that we are about to forge will bring fresh energy into our shared mission on promoting higher learning and expanding opportunities,” she said.

Highlighting VSU’s commitment to becoming a Global Green University, she underscored the importance of openness, honest exchange, and mutual learning:

“We are ready to learn from BISU, especially with its agriculture campus. We are ready to support one another’s efforts and explore new ways of serving our communities.”

Guided by the core values of STRIDES—Service, Truth, Resilience, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, and Social Justice —VSU sees this initiative as a pivotal step toward sustainable and inclusive education in the region.

“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨”

For Dr. Penaso, the moment is both ceremonial and deeply personal. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the agreement, he remarked:

“There are moments in leadership when we don’t just sign papers, we build promises. We don’t just shake hands, we connect histories. Today, this moment is exactly that.”

BISU, under his leadership, is prepared not just to meet the expectations of this partnership but to exceed them. The university stands proud, knowing that it will now have an opportunity to collaborate with VSU, the first institutionally accredited SUC and first Level 4 accredited institution in the country.

“This is not just a formal ceremony. It is a homecoming of purpose, a renewal of trust, and a continuation of friendship that has always been rooted in shared ideas.”

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒚 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅

As the two institutions look ahead, the partnership will focus on:

• Academic Exchange – joint training, faculty immersion, and student exchange programs;

• SMART Campus Innovations – technology-driven improvements to modernize campuses;

• Collaborative Research and Extension – joint initiatives that directly impact local communities and support sustainable development.

Beyond formalities, this MOA symbolizes a commitment to transformative education, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. With both universities guided by visionary leaders and strong institutional values, this partnership is poised to create ripples of change across the educational landscape of the Visayas and beyond.

𝑨 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆

“This collaboration may be formalized today,” Dr. Penaso noted, “but the roots run deep.” Both BISU and VSU recognize that the work ahead is not just administrative or academic—it is human, hopeful, and historic.

As Dr. Yepes aptly put it, this partnership reflects a shared sense of cause. It is a clear signal that together, institutions can rise stronger, serve better, and inspire future generations to transform their communities and their country.

Indeed, the journey ahead is not just one of cooperation—but of collective excellence, shared purpose, and a renewed promise to uphold the power of education.

The MOA outlines clear roles and responsibilities for both parties, ensuring a structured and sustainable partnership. Among the key areas of collaboration are: Exchange and Sharing of Resources, Technical Expertise Exchange Program, Academic Program Collaboration, Joint Research and Extension Programs, Monitoring and Evaluation, Commitment to Safety and Accountability.

𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅—𝑻𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓

This initiative represents a manifestation of trust, friendship, and shared aspirations. As both institutions commit to co-creating innovative solutions, nurturing future-ready students, and contributing to regional and national development, the partnership stands as a beacon of what Philippine higher education can achieve through collaboration.

“This is a homecoming of purpose and a renewal of trust,” said Dr. Penaso. “People will call this a memorandum, but we know it is a manifestation of trust, friendship and strengthening the power of education in our lives.”

Together, BISU and VSU step into a future defined not just by shared programs, but by shared purpose—a purpose rooted in education, service, and societal transformation.