Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Student Development and Services Office (SDSO), hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with key officials from Samar State University (SSU) on August 14 at the university hostel.

The activity is part of a project funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) titled “Empowering Equity Target Students: Enhancing Access and Success in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region VIII.”

SSU was appointed by CHED to lead this project, which aims to enhance the target students’ access and success in higher education across Region VIII and highlighting the university’s enrollment process.

Notably, BiPSU is the first university to host a visit from SSU. This visit will be followed by similar activities across the region, marking a significant step towards regional collaboration.

Attendees of the event included Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student and External Affairs (VP SEA) and the designated University Focal Person for the project; Dr. Norma M. Duallo, SDSO Main Campus Director and the designated Campus Focal Person; and Mr. Perly Cortes, SDSO Biliran Campus Chairperson and the appointed facilitator. Students and parents from both BiPSU Main and Biliran campuses also participated.

In addition, BiPSU signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region, including Leyte Normal University (LNU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and University of Eastern Philippines (UEP).

In an interview, Dr. Duallo emphasized the potential benefits of this partnership, noting that it will enhance the quality of service in terms of admission, retention, and graduation processes.

“It is beneficial because it will improve the delivery and quality of service in terms of admission, retention, and graduation,” she stated.

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