UPLB has broadened its academic and collaborative horizons by forging partnerships with higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country. 

These new alliances, shepherded by the Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE), are poised to bolster academic exchange, research collaboration, and developmental initiatives, thereby elevating educational quality and institutional competencies.

On February 22, a landmark general cooperation agreement was inked with the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), ushering them in as UPLB’s 81st HEI partner. The ceremony was spearheaded by UPLB’s Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. and UEP’s President Cherry Ultra, cementing a shared vision for future collaboration.

The following day, February 23, more partnerships were signed. Leyte Normal University (LNU), Samar State University (SSU), and Urdaneta City University (UCU) became the 82nd, 83rd, and 84th partners, respectively. 

They are headed and represented by LNU President Evelyn Aguirre, SSU President Marilyn Cardoso, and UCU President Amihan April Alcazar.

Continuing this momentum into March, Caraga State University (CSU) and Marinduque State College (MSC) were welcomed on the 12th as the 86th and 87th partners, with the event facilitated by Chancellor Camacho. Rolyn Daguil of CSU and Diosdado Zulueta of MSC stood as representatives for their respective institutions.

The expansion culminated on March 18, with renewed and new agreements with Bohol Island State University (BISU), Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

A renewal of BISU’s general cooperation agreement, originally established in December 2021, was a highlight, with BISU President Anthony Penaso reaffirming their ongoing collaboration. OLFU and WMSU marked their commitments with Presidents Caroline Marian Enriquez and Ma. Carla Ochotorena, respectively, signing the MOUs with UPLB.

By the close of the first quarter of 2024, UPLB has impressively extended its list of HEI partners to nearly 90, reflecting its steadfast commitment to nurturing a collaborative educational landscape across the Philippines. (Ana Vera G. Oleta)