The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through the Biology Department of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Research and Innovation Cluster, formally sealed its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – Naga City Schools Division Office for the implementation of the Practical Research Opportunities for Biology Educators (PROBE) Program.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony held at the CBSUA Board Room, 3rd Floor, Administration Building, on February 20, 2026. The ceremony was followed by a Laboratory Exposure Tour designed to provide STEM teachers and students with firsthand experience in university-level laboratory facilities and research environments.
The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between higher education and secondary institutions. The PROBE Program aims to enhance research mentoring competencies among STEM teachers while providing students with authentic exposure to scientific investigation and laboratory practices. By opening its facilities to partner schools, CBSUA transforms its laboratories into shared learning spaces that promote inquiry, innovation, and applied learning.
In his message, Atty. Dominador F. Faurillo, Vice President for Administration and Finance, emphasized the importance of institutional partnerships in advancing academic excellence.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dariel A. Palmiano, Vice President for Research and Innovation, highlighted the University’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and stakeholder-responsive services within its communities. Assoc. Prof. Shela V. Ruiz, PROBE Program Leader, presented the program overview, outlining its objectives, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes.
Schools Division Superintendent Susan S. Collano, CESO V, affirmed that the collaboration will help bridge gaps in research mentoring and laboratory literacy among secondary school teachers and learners.
Following the formal signing, participating schools—including Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS), Naga City Science High School (NCSHS), Concepcion Pequeña National High School (CoPeNHS), and Cararayan National High School (CaraNHS)—were given a tour of CBSUA’s laboratory facilities and services.
The Laboratory Exposure Tour featured visits to the Food Testing Laboratory, Science Centrum and Laboratory, Complementary Food Processing Facility, and the CBSUA Agri-Ville Learning Hub. These facilities provided demonstrations of food safety testing, advanced scientific instrumentation, product development processes, and integrated agricultural innovations.
Through the PROBE Program, CBSUA reinforces its role as a catalyst for research development and STEM advancement in the region. The initiative empowers teachers with strengthened research mentoring skills, inspires students through experiential learning, and fosters a sustainable academic partnership with DepEd. Ultimately, the collaboration represents a shared commitment to elevating scientific capability and nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧. 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘝. 𝘙𝘶𝘪𝘻, 𝘒𝘔𝘊 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘉𝘚/𝘊𝘈𝘚-𝘚𝘊
