Isabela State University (ISU) opened its doors for Tarlac State University (TSU) on May 8-9, 2024 for a benchmarking activity at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague. The delegation of TSU was headed and represented by Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed (Vice President, Research Development and Extension) with the aim of visiting and learning about the research and development centers of the University, especially its two (2) Niche Centers in the region for R&D (NICER).

While welcoming TSU, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) expressed the University’s commitment to facilitate access to its resources, expertise, and support networks to enrich the academic landscape and nurture a culture of collaboration and innovation.

“We remain wide open to continued dialogue and collaboration, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further strengthen our partnership and contribute to the collective advancement of academia,” Dr. Aquino added.

Followed by an open forum, the directors of the following research and development centers shared best practices and experiences in conducting research initiatives to facilitate the exchange of questions and ideas:

• Cagayan Valley Freshwater Fisheries Center (Dr. Isagani P. Angeles)
• Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Center (Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga)
• Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (Dr. Myleen R. Corpuz)
• Equipment Manufacturing Center (Dr. Joel M. Alcaraz)
• Center for Organic Agriculture Research Extension and Training (Dr. Artemio R. Martin)
• Smart Water Infrastructure and Management R&D Center (Dr. Lanie A. Alejo)
• Water Research and Development Center (Dr. Jeoffrey Lloyd R. Bareng)

“Hopefully, with our visit to your institution, we will be able to find some keys to unlock the doors for us to be able to reach that goal. With your help po, I believe we’ll be learning so much from you and sabi nga po namin din, what we aim for is to be able to have an impact to the community,” Dr. Mohammed expressed in his message while thanking the University for the opportunity of learning.

During the second day of their visit, the TSU delegation had a campus tour centering on the aforementioned centers, assisted through Dr. Jose P. Gallena, Jr. (Executive Director, ISU Echague).