Isabela State University (ISU) and Philippine Normal University – North Luzon (PNU-NL) embarked on a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the use and transfer of the Higher Education Research and Innovation (Project HERAI) on April 16, 2024 at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague Campus.

Anchored in the principles of Times Higher Education (THE), The Impact Rankings (TIR), and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), Project HERAI is poised to revolutionize how the academic community perceive, assess, and enhance educational outcomes.

Central to Project HERAI’s mission is to focus on aspects such as equitable access, lifelong learning, and educational excellence. It emerges as a transformative force harnessing the power of data and innovation to propel the University towards excellence in education. The HERAI portal can provide data about ISU, particularly on research on early years and lifelong learning education, proportion of graduates with teaching qualification, lifelong learning measures, and proportion of first-generation students.

“This collaboration signifies a commitment to innovation, research, and collective action in pursuit of educational advancement. By harnessing the power of data analytics and technology, we aim to transform the landscape of education, ensuring that our institutions are equipped to meet the evolving needs and challenges of the 21st century,” Dr. Ma. Rita A. Reario (Campus Director, Academic Affairs) said in her opening message on behalf of Dr. Jose P. Gallena, Jr. (Executive Officer, Echague Campus).

According to Dr. Edward B. Panganiban (Program Leader, Project HERAI), the main focus of the agreement with PNU-NL is to transfer the technology developed by the Project HERAI for the assessment of performance on a basis for SDG 4: Quality Education.

The partnership allows PNU-NL to utilize the HERAI portal as an innovative tool in assessing research performance and be empowered with data analytics and insights to facilitate evidence-based decision-making processes aimed at enhancing educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

“So we are very much happy that after this Project HERAI, we are praying na manganganak pa ito ng iba pang projects that will engage ISU and PNU-NL to make Region 2 as a benchmark of other universities in the region, and eventually of course in the Philippines,” Dr. Marinel P. Dayawon (University Director, Instruction) hoped in her message representing Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) and Dr. Boyet L. Batang (Vice President, Academic Affairs).

Upon the signing of the MOA, a Certificate of Partnership was given to PNU-NL which formalized the collaboration and both Universities’ commitment to excellence and sustainability.

“This partnership is more than just an agreement on paper. It signifies the shared commitment to a brighter future of education. It embodies the spirit of SDG where collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge are paramount. Together, PNU-NL and ISU HERAI team have the potential to become a beacon of educational excellence, thriving in empowering future generations,” Dr. Jandy S. Danzalan (Director, PNU-NL Research, Extension, Quality Assurance, and Development) affirmed in his response during the ceremony.