The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Communication formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) ACTIon Research Project (Assistance, Collaborations, Trainings, and Other Interventions on Research Project) today, September 3, at the university board room, strengthening their collaborative efforts in advancing communication and research development.
In her welcome address, Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa, Dean of the COC, emphasized the significance of the partnership, describing it as more than an agreement but a “commitment to excellence, mutual support, and shared success in advancing scholarly works.” She noted that the collaboration was built on friendship, nurtured through research conferences, and envisioned to elevate WVSU’s research culture while creating meaningful impact not only within the academe but also in the wider community.
An overview of the partnership was presented by Prof. Prabhat Ranjan B. Ubas of the UPV ACTIon Research Project and Prof. Joesyl Marie D. Aranas, Chair of the WVSU Development Communication Division.
The ceremonial signing was led by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposana, who both underscored the long-standing academic ties between the two institutions.
In his message, Dr. Villaruz expressed optimism that the collaboration will enhance the research competencies of WVSU faculty and students while opening broader avenues for partnership. Chancellor Camposana, meanwhile, reaffirmed UPV’s commitment to sharing expertise and strengthening regional academic networks through cooperative endeavors.
Under the agreement, UP Visayas, through its ACTIon Research Project Team, will provide technical assistance to WVSU by designing and implementing capacity-building programs on research conceptualization, implementation, and dissemination. The team will also extend consultations, manuscript review and editing sessions, proofreading and copyediting services, and guidance in the development of research guidelines. Both institutions will likewise co-create mechanisms for data sharing and collaborate on at least one publishable co-authored academic paper.
In support of this initiative, WVSU-COC, through its Development Communication Division, will provide logistical assistance for research activities. It will also facilitate linkages between UPV and WVSU researchers, organize research forums, and officially recognize the contributions of the UPV ACTIon Research Project Team.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Early Sol A. Gadong, UP Faculty Regent, who praised the initiative as a model for inter-university collaboration that fosters research excellence and bridges academic communities.
Through this MOA, both institutions commit to cultivating a stronger research culture that not only uplifts scholarly output but also generates sustainable solutions with relevance to society.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
