VSU seals back-to-back academic alliances with CNU and BISU to boost regional collaboration

Visayas State University (VSU) formalized new partnerships with Cebu Normal University (CNU) and Bohol Island State University (BISU) in back-to-back agreements on May 28 and 29, 2025, which aim to expand joint research and academic programs, and student exchange across the Visayas.

 Partnership with Cebu Normal University

The first agreement was formalized on May 28, 2025 at CNU Main Campus in Cebu City. Before the signing ceremony, VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes emphasized to CNU President Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr. the partnership considering the growing need for greater exchange not just of ideas but also of people and diverse ways of teaching, learning, and conducting research. 

“We want our students and faculty to grow not just within our own institution, but in collaboration with others who are equally committed to public service and academic excellence,” Dr. Yepes shared. 

CNU, known for its strong programs in education, teacher training, and public health, complements VSU’s academic strengths in agriculture, science and technology, education, and allied fields. 

This partnership will pave the way for mutual exchanges, particularly in areas such as curriculum development, research, and outreach to remote communities. 

Collaboration with Bohol Island State University

On May 29, VSU officials traveled to Tagbilaran City, Bohol, to finalize a similar agreement with BISU. As Bohol’s premier state university with focused expertise in applied sciences and technology driven research, BISU brings a wealth of complementary strengths to the table. 

The agreement outlines programs of student exchange, co-supervised thesis work, and shared use of research facilities. There is also a strong interest in collaborating on community-based projects related to agriculture, marine science, and disaster resilience. 

“When we look at regional development, it makes sense to link up with universities that are rooted in their own communities and driven by research,” President Yepes said, saying that the partnership allows the two institutions to learn from each other while addressing local issues with broader insights.

At the heart of both MOAs is student mobility. The agreements will allow students to study in each other’s institutions, participate in fieldwork, and engage in community extension projects.

Unlike traditional international exchanges, these local partnerships reduce financial barriers while enriching students’ learning with regional diversity. 

The agreements also promote research collaborations where faculty and student researchers will have opportunities for joint studies. There are ongoing discussions about organizing regional research conferences and setting up seed funding for joint projects. 

While these initiatives are just beginning, all three universities share a common vision to build trust through meaningful collaborations and focus on programs that deliver direct benefits to faculty and students. 

These independent but complementary partnerships with CNU and BIUSU form part of VSU’s broader push for greater regional engagements to realize its vision for inclusive, relevant, and community-rooted education. 

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for Goals. 

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