Reinforcing its commitment to transformative education and community development, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) partnered with the Department of Education – Schools Division Office (SDO) of Gapan City, Alua Elementary School, and Sapang Elementary School through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) held at the Conference Room of the NEUST San Isidro Campus on June 22, 2026.

The partnerships form part of the University’s Globalized Research-based Extension and Training through the Comprehensive Program for Empowerment and Development (GREAT-COPED), an extension initiative aimed at empowering communities through responsive and sustainable educational programs.

In her message, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo emphasized that bridging communities is one of the key pillars of the University’s GLOBAL framework, highlighting the importance of forging meaningful and sustainable partnerships that create positive impact beyond the campus.

“We have the same desire to serve and make a difference. We view this partnership as a long-term commitment, and we believe that lasting progress is achieved when institutions support one another over time,” she said.

Through the agreements, NEUST, particularly its College of Education–San Isidro Campus (SIC), will implement extension projects tailored to the specific needs of each partner institution.

For Sapang Elementary School, the collaboration will pave the way for the implementation of Project PRESS: SIC Faculty Brings Journalism Expertise to Elementary Classrooms, an initiative designed to enhance journalism education among teachers and pupils.

Project PRESS includes journalism skills workshops, school publication development, media literacy sessions, classroom integration of journalism activities, hands-on writing clinics for pupils, and mentorship programs to sustain campus journalism initiatives in elementary schools.

The project also underscores the shared commitment of NEUST and Sapang ES to integrate modern educational practices and strengthen community engagement by equipping learners and educators with communication and storytelling skills essential in today’s information-driven society.

Meanwhile, Alua Elementary School will benefit from LIWANAG ARAL: Level Up! 21st Century Teaching Strategies in Action, an extension program focused on enhancing teachers’ competencies in innovative and learner-centered instruction.

This initiative will provide workshops on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, classroom management, ethical teaching practices, and technology integration, complemented by demonstration teaching and professional mentoring sessions.

Designed to support educators participating in the 54th Provincial Scout Jamboree, the program also seeks to empower teachers with practical strategies that promote active learning and meaningful classroom experiences.

Further strengthening its partnership with the basic education sector, NEUST and the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Gapan City also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the GREAT-COPED program for the implementation of the Cultural and Sports Development Program titled “Liwanag Siglakas: Dance Sports.”

The program aims to promote students’ physical fitness, artistic expression, discipline, and community engagement through organized dance sports activities, training sessions, and capacity-building initiatives that nurture both athletic excellence and holistic development among learners.

Apart from the MOA, NEUST and DepEd-Gapan also formalized a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in developing initiatives that integrate modern technology into educational practices.

Through this partnership, both institutions seek to provide stakeholders and beneficiaries with opportunities to design and implement systems that enhance community engagement and address the practical needs of organizations, ultimately improving lives and fostering stronger ties within the community.

Schools Division Superintendent of the Gapan City Department of Education Dr. Enrique Angeles Jr., CESO VI, Alua Elementary School Head Ma. Jasmin Reyes, and Sapang Elementary School Principal Dr. Reden Daqui likewise expressed their commitment to strengthening their partnership with NEUST in delivering responsive and sustainable programs for their learners and communities.

Highlighting the value of collaboration between educational institutions, Dr. Angeles Jr. emphasized the longstanding partnership between NEUST and DepEd.

“Nakikita natin ang tunay na kahalagahan ng partnership. Simula’t simula pa lamang ay ang NEUST ay laging nakaagapay sa DepEd. Iisa po ang layunin natin—ang mapabuti at mapasaayos ang mga batang mag-aaral ng ating Kagawaran,” said Dr. Angeles Jr.

NEUST was represented by Dr. Jugo, Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, Dr. Marivic Villegas, Extension Services Department, and Dr. Pastora De Guzman, NEUST San Isidro Campus Director, along with other faculty members and staff.

Also in attendance were teachers and staff from DepEd SDO Gapan City and DepEd SDO Cabanatuan City.

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