“Charity begins at home.”

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval have renewed enduring institutional synergies through a shared forum held today, July 23, at the university Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAV-C).

This activity served as a platform to formalize and strengthen collaborative efforts toward inclusive, research-driven, and sustainable community development.

Recognizing the symbiotic relationship of Naval as the province’s commercial center and BiPSU being the lone university in the province, Naval Mayor Hon. Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina reiterated its commitment to tap BiPSU’s academic expertise in the planning and implementation of development initiatives.

Through the DASIG Naval Development Plan, an updated total of 23 programs targeting various sectors of community progress were presented, wherein Mayor Espina emphasized the university’s valuable role in anchoring these initiatives through rigorous research and on-the-ground implementation.

These development programs are designed to complement the mandates of BiPSU’s academic units, such that the EduAKSYON program supports the personal and professional development of faculty and students from the School of Teacher Education (STED), the SIGLA program echoes the health and wellness initiatives of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), the LUNTIAN program strengthens the environmental and agricultural advocacies of the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SABFoRM), the ASENSO program resembling the community-centered economy goals of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), and the SULONG TURISMO program aligns with the tourism and entrepreneurial development agenda of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME).

This collaborative endeavor ensures that academic institutions transcend campus boundaries, becoming vibrant weavers of societal progress.

“Our history of collaboration is not new,” University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP stated. “From the DASIG meeting at Dasig Hall where we discussed 18 ongoing LGU projects, to our involvement in the crafting of Barangay Development Plans for 26 barangays—BiPSU has stood by LGU Naval as a thinking, working, and listening partner.”

Moreover, the partnership is expected to generate impactful, evidence-based research that directly addresses pressing local issues, just like the Naval water system, a matter requiring scientific and sustainable solutions. 

In her presentation, Mayor Espina also shared a visionary roadmap for the town’s future. Among the priority projects are the construction of a new road behind BiPSU Naval Campus to help decongest traffic in the town center, and the development of an emerald lagoon—a potential eco-tourism attraction envisioned to include floating restaurants, parks, and other green enterprises that will boost the local economy while preserving the environment.

“This growing synergy of LGU Naval and BiPSU features our shared goal to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of AmBisyon Natin 2040, a long-term national aspiration for a ‘Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay’ for all Filipinos,” Mayor Espina spoke.

The event was graced by BiPSU key officials, including Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Roland A. Niez, Vice President for Students and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Director for Research and Development Office Dr. Pearl Irish V. De Paz, Director for Innovation Office Mr. Jeruel Espinazo, Director for Extension Services Office Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie G. Coton, along with school deans and research chairpersons.

Also present are prominent officials from LGU Naval, composed of Local Youth Development Officer and Program Lead for BATAN-ON, SULONG TURISMO and BAHAGHARI Mr. Levi Pateo Jr., Municipal Administrator Atty. Mario L. Opeña, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Leonardo Madeja Jr., Municipal Human Resource and Management Officer and Program Lead for iSALIKSIK, INOBASYON, LUNTIAN, RESIKLO and KAWANI Dr. Elwin O. Moncada; Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Lawrence Christian Manco, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Mr. Raul Villordon, Municipal Engineer Joemundo Leones, Municipal Assessor Engr. Gregorio Nuevo, Ms. Cristy Louise Dadizon of the MSWDO, Municipal Tourism Officer Mr. Jerome Pitao, PESO Manager Mrs. Marieta Ebio, and Program Lead for ASENSO, AGAP, I Matter, SIGLA and NAVALEÑA AKO Dr. Gerah Japson. Also in attendance was Mr. Dexter C. Narrido, formerly the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Naval, who currently serves as the MLGOO of Kawayan.

According to Prof. Cañezo, BiPSU’s vision to be an internationally recognized university responsive to local and global needs does not begin at international conferences; rather begins in the neighborhood. With BiPSU and LGU Naval’s united vision, the DASIG Naval Development Plan weaves academic excellence with community progress, forging a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Naval—where local roots grow global dreams.

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[This article aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 4: Quality Education, No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]