“You [our partners] count on us to honor every commitment with integrity, consistency, and excellence. And in the same way, we trust you to remain active partners in creating opportunities that help our students, our faculty, and our institutions grow together—these are the very foundations of a partnership that lasts.”

These were the words of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) President Dr. Rhodora Jugo as the University formalized thirteen (13) Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with various local government units, government agencies, educational institutions, private organizations, cooperatives, and community partners on July 22, 2026, at Nieto Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

The partnership signing, spearheaded by the University’s Extension Services Department through the GREAT-COPED (Globalized Research-Based Extension and Training for Comprehensive Program for Empowerment and Development) program, reinforces NEUST’s commitment to expanding impactful extension initiatives, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable community development across Nueva Ecija and neighboring communities.

Among the partners were the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Maria Ceasar San Pedro; the City Government of Cabanatuan represented by Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara; the Municipal Governments of General Tinio represented by Mayor Sherry Ann Bolisay, Pantabangan represented by Mayor Monaliza Agdipa, Santa Rosa represented by Mr. Von Howen Flores, and Santo Domingo represented by Mayor Leonido De Guzman Jr.

Also joining the partnership were representatives from the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), represented by Vice President Honeylet Nicolas; the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Battalion, Philippine Army, represented by Col. Michael Bautista, PA; the Commission on Evangelization of the Diocese of Cabanatuan, represented by Rev. Fr. Ryan Adrian Aguinaldo; the Cabanatuan Private School Administrators Association, represented by Mr. Nestor Londerio; the Golden Valley Agriculture Cooperative, represented by Mr. Frederick Narne; the Calabasa Women’s Livelihood Association (CWLA), represented by Ms. Christy Paulo Vino; and the Laur Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, represented by Mr. Junel Seniedo II.

The agreements establish collaborative frameworks for research, extension, capability-building, technical assistance, livelihood development, agriculture, education, environmental sustainability, and other community-centered initiatives that will benefit partner institutions and their respective communities.

In her message, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Jean Guillasper welcomed the partner institutions, emphasizing that collaboration remains a vital driver of inclusive and sustainable development.

“Your presence reflects our shared aspiration to transform ideas into action and opportunities into lasting outcomes as we formalize these partnerships,” she said.

Meanwhile, partner representatives expressed their appreciation and commitment to sustaining the collaboration through programs that would create meaningful impact in their respective sectors and communities.

“[Kami] po ay buong-pusong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ito na kami po ay isa sa nagkaroon po ng pagkakataon na kayo po ay makasama upang magbigay po sa amin ng dagdag kaalaman at willing po ang aming samahan na ang lahat po ng kaalaman ang makuha namin sa inyo at sa lahat po ng ating mga partner ay aming pong gagamitin para sa higit na pagpapalawak ng aming samahan na ibabahagi namin po sa mga kababaihan,” said Vino, President of CWLA.

“Dahil po sa NEUST, kami po ay nabigyan ng oportunidad na magkaroon ng isang produkto na dekalidad at nakatulong sa mga farmers po, [hindi na] pagdating po ng [panahon na] sobrang baba po ng kamatis ay tinatapon na lang po. Ang aming tomato prunes, which is one month pa lang po, ay nagkipag-compete po kami sa provincial at nananalo po kami bilang champion ng food innovation,” added Seniedo II, Chairman of Laur Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.

Also in attendance were NEUST key officials, faculty members, and staff who will lead and implement the various extension projects and collaborative initiatives under the signed agreements.

Through these collaborations, NEUST continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for inclusive growth by translating knowledge, research, and innovation into meaningful programs that empower communities and contribute to sustainable development.

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