With reinforced efforts in advancing international collaboration and environmental sustainability, Biliran Province State University formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP).

RRC.AP is a specialized center within the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), located in Pathumthani, Thailand. Established to address environmental and sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, RRC.AP serves as a knowledge hub and facilitator for regional cooperation on different environmental issues.

Held on November 28 at the BiPSU HAVC, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. and Dr. Guilberto Borongan, director of AIT RRC.AP, represented their respective organizations in formalizing the agreement, which establishes a five-year partnership aimed at promoting research, innovation, and capacity-building efforts in addressing pressing environmental challenges. 

In an interview, Dr. Cañezo said that the partnership is another step for BiPSU in its vision of becoming a world-renowned university responsive to the needs of both local and global communities. 

“We are so glad to have joined hands with AIT RRC.AP,” the university president said. “We aim to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge and solutions addressing climate change and sustainable resource management.”

The MOU outlines collaborative initiatives between the two institutions, particularly in the areas of research, waste and resource management, climate change adaptation, and pollution mitigation. 

WIth the understanding memorandum, both BiPSU and the RRC.AP agreed to promote joint research projects, knowledge-sharing through webinars and other activities, and the exchange of faculty and researchers. Additionally, the partnership includes initiatives to publish research outputs and explore innovative solutions for global environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, Dr. Borongan expressed gratitude for the partnership. “At the Asian Institute of Technology, we want to expand our reach,” the director said. “With our new president [of AIT] just being installed this year, we aim to strengthen partnerships with various institutions in different parts of the world."

Dr. Borongan also emphasized the potential for joint research initiatives between faculty members of both institutions, depending on the specific needs of both parties, particularly in advancing solid waste management strategies.

He also encouraged the university to send students for exchange programs and faculty members for graduate studies in Thailand. "The Asian Institute of Technology offers many scholarships that you can take advantage of," he stated.

The RRC.AP Director also mentioned that they offer self-paced online courses, which interested applicants can access through their e-learning platform at [elearning.rrcap.ait.ac.th](http://elearning.rrcap.ait.ac.th).

Key officials also attended the ceremonial signing including Dr. Susan S. Bentor, vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Roland Niez, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services;Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Matias Bentor, School of Graduate Studies dean; Dr. Analiza Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development; Dr. Conception Gayrama, director of the University Learning Resource Center; Dr. Alvin Ampong, director of Extension Services; and Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, legal officer III and director of the Internationalization Affairs Office.

This recent engagement, through the School of Graduate Studies, aligned on the university’s ongoing efforts to establish meaningful international linkages and contribute to global academic and research initiatives.

[This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]