As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen international academic collaborations, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) engaged in exploratory partnership discussions with the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan during the Friends of Saskatchewan Networking Reception on February 24, 2026, at Makati Diamond Residences.
Representing CBSUA were Dr. Raquel M. Reapor, University International Relations Officer, and Dr. Ernesto D. Doloso Jr., Calabanga Campus Administrator, who met with Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, and Dr. Patricia McDougall, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic of the University of Saskatchewan.
The reception was held in honor of the official visit of Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewanβs Minister of Advanced Education.
During the discussion, Dr. Keshen expressed a strong interest in potential collaborative research initiatives, particularly in areas concerning Indigenous Peoples and related community-based engagements. Dr. McDougall highlighted possible synergies in agriculture, aligning with CBSUAβs flagship academic programs.
Both Canadian universities signified openness to faculty mobility, student exchange programs, and guest lecture engagements. They also conveyed interest in visiting CBSUA campuses as part of future collaboration initiatives.
The initial dialogue will be followed by a series of online meetings and formal communications toward the possible formalization of academic partnerships. | Report from Dr. Raquel M. Reapor, photos from Dr. Ernesto D. Doloso Jr.
