By Ismael B Salarda

In a landmark move towards enhancing educational standards and opportunities, Xavier Ateneo, through its School of Education, and Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) have solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 30 April 2024.

The signing ceremony was attended by a delegation from Xavier Ateneo, led by Dr Edralin C Manla, the Dean of the School of Education; Dr Charity Rose Absin, Director of the IDEA Program and SOE Graduate School Program; Mr Ismael B Salarda, Director of the Arrupe Educational Center, and Maria Maricar Apao from SOE’s Administrative Staff. Representing NBSC were its esteemed President Dr Catheryn Roween C Almaden, Dr Jovelyn Delosa, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, other personnel who hold key offices, and the faculty members of their Teacher Education Program.

Dr Almaden expressed hope that the partnership would foster an empowering collaboration between the two institutions. She emphasized the potential for this partnership to have a lasting impact on its stakeholders, including students, parents, and the community at large.

The partnership aims to empower both institutions, particularly in areas such as the review program for the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT), research collaborations, and students’ leadership formation and development. Dr Delosa expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it would make reaching their goals easier and more effective.

Dr Manla emphasized the importance of mutual respect and excellence in the partnership, highlighting the lasting impact it would have on stakeholders, including students, parents, and the community. Both institutions expressed hope that this collaboration would foster an empowering and fruitful partnership, bringing back the essence of permissiveness and gratefulness in their shared goals for educational advancement.