Isabela State University (ISU) received delegates from the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) and FDN Integrated Farm for an Academic Visit and Research & Development Tour on February 25, 2025 at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague.
The said visit is part of the engagement between NDMU and FDN Integrated Farm for the benchmarking of various agricultural facilities and practices within the Province of Isabela. Joining the delegation were: Bro. Pat Corpus (President, Notre Dame of Marbel University), Mr. Francis Nitura (General Manager, FDN Integrated Farm), Ms. Ruby Cruz (President and CEO, Primera Foliar Co.), and Mr. David Cruz (President and CEO, Dragon Drone PH).
In his welcome message, Dr. Jose P. Gallena, Jr, (Cluster Executive Officer, Echague Campus) expressed that the visit is not only an opportunity to observe but is an avenue for the exchange of ideas, practices, and aspirations to the continuous improvement of systems
“Let this benchmarking initiatives be the foundation of future collaborations that will benefit not just our respective institutions but the entire country,” Dr. Gallena added.
Following the opening ceremony, the delegates visited several ISU Research Centers, such as:
- Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (CVCDC)
- Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center (CVSRRC)
- Technical Vocational Education and Training – Competency Assessment Center (ISU-TVET-CAC)
In support of the endeavor, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President), represented by Dr. Orlando F. Balderama (Vice President, Research and Development Extension and Training), said that the heart of ISU’s research enterprise is the dynamic network of 32 R&D centers, the largest in Northern Luzon, which drives innovation across multiple disciplines.
“Welcome to ISU and we look forward to our shared exchanges and our shared mission for our future powered by knowledge and innovation,” Dr. Balderama added as he welcomed the delegates.
“As a university, we aim to ensure that we are effective in terms of training our young people. Our hope lies in our young people, preparing the young people for the future,” Bro. Corpus said as he explained the importance of the activity in the services of NDMU.
