West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the University of San Agustin (USA) formalized an academic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on Sept. 11, 2026, at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, opening opportunities for collaborative research, academic resource exchange, and faculty and student engagement between the two institutions.
Representing USA were Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA; Dr. Hyacinth B. Bangero; Mr. Normon A. Laurista; and Mr. John Paul Mondejar. WVSU was represented by President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, and CRISMed Director Dr. Geneveve Parreño-Lachica.
The MOU establishes a framework for academic cooperation in science, mathematics, and science and mathematics education, covering collaborative research, research grant development, academic resource exchange, faculty and student engagement, and other mutually beneficial academic activities.
The partnership also provides a framework for the two institutions to pursue research and capacity-building initiatives that can strengthen the knowledge and skills of their faculty and students.
As an initial activity under the partnership, USA hosted the Action Research for Augustinian Learning Workshop, providing an avenue for knowledge sharing and research capacity-building. WVSU faculty members served as resource persons, sharing their expertise in action research and related areas with participants.
The collaboration brings together the institutions’ shared interest in strengthening research and academic development, while creating avenues for faculty and students to learn from one another and participate in future joint initiatives.
The partnership reinforces WVSU’s commitment to advancing research, academic development, and meaningful institutional collaboration, as the University continues to build linkages that expand opportunities for knowledge creation, capacity-building, and academic engagement.
