Photos courtesy of NBSC’s Public Affairs and Information Office and Dr Maria Leah Paola Estacio

The Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan School of Education (XU-SOE) paid a courtesy visit to Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) on 11 November 2025, to review and strengthen a strategic partnership that has been advancing teacher education quality in Northern Mindanao.

The XU delegation, led by Dr Edralin C Manla, Dean of the School of Education, was warmly received by Dr Jovelyn G Delosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs, representing NBSC President Dr Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, EdD, CESE, along with key academic officials. The visit aimed to reaffirm institutional ties, assess the progress of collaborative programs, and explore opportunities for partnership expansion beyond 2027.

The collaboration between NBSC and XU-SOE focuses on three strategic areas designed to elevate the quality of teacher education in the region: Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers honing, research in Teacher Education, and student leadership and formation. This partnership aligns Xavier University's identity as a CHED-recognized Center of Excellence in Teacher Education with NBSC's mandate under Republic Act 11284 to promote quality instruction, research, and extension services.

The BLEPT Enhancement Program, locally known as KALAMPUSAN, provides NBSC teacher education graduates with comprehensive review and synthesis sessions to strengthen their professional readiness. Dr Mary Cris J Go, Head of the Kalampusan Program Office, reported significant progress in the program's development. "What began as collaborative review sessions has evolved into an institutionalized program," Dr Go shared. "NBSC has developed capacity for independent review material development and validation, demonstrating the sustainability of this partnership model." The program reflects Xavier Ateneo's commitment to educational excellence and its Jesuit tradition of accompaniment—supporting partner institutions in building their own capacities rather than creating dependency.

The Teacher Education Research Conference (TERC) partnership provides NBSC faculty and students with platforms for scholarly dialogue, paper presentation, and publication opportunities. Ms Helen B Ajon, TERC Focal Person, highlighted how the collaboration has strengthened research dissemination and created valuable networking opportunities with other teacher education institutions in the region. This initiative supports both institutions' commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement in teacher education—core values in Xavier University's approach to academic excellence.

Ms Heterae Dairo of the Student Development Services, representing Ms Rowena E Bagongon, Director of the Student Affairs and Services Division, presented updates on NBSC's development of a four-year leadership program modeled after XU's Teacher Education Student Leadership Assembly (TESLA) framework. The program, facilitated through XU's Arrupe Educational Center, aims to develop morally grounded, socially engaged, and service-oriented student leaders—reflecting the Jesuit educational principle of forming "men and women for and with others." "Leadership formation is integral to our mission," said Ismael B Salarda, Director of the Arrupe Educational Center and faculty member of XU-SOE. "Through this partnership, we share our commitment to forming educators who serve with both competence and compassion."

In the welcome remarks delivered by Dr Delosa, the NBSC President emphasized the strategic value of the partnership in fulfilling NBSC's institutional mandate. "This collaboration represents our shared commitment to accessible, quality education for Northern Mindanao," the message conveyed. "By partnering with a CHED-recognized Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, we ensure that our future teachers receive world-class preparation."

Dr Manla responded with a message of solidarity: "Xavier University's Jesuit tradition calls us to walk with our partners in mission. NBSC's dedication to community development and quality education deeply aligns with our values of service and excellence." She emphasized that this partnership reflects Xavier Ateneo's strategic commitment to regional educational development, extending the benefits of quality Jesuit education to serve state institutions and their communities.

The courtesy visit concluded with an open discussion facilitated by Dr Christine C Royo, Head of the Institute for Teacher Education, where both institutions identified concrete next steps for the 2026-2027 period and explored possibilities for program expansion. Dr Delosa also provided the rationale and context for the meeting, emphasizing how the partnership supports NBSC's Quality Management System, particularly in curriculum and instruction, research, extension services, and student affairs.

With programs set to run through 2027, both institutions expressed commitment to sustaining and deepening their collaboration. The meeting concluded with a group photo and fellowship, reflecting the strong relationship that has developed between the two academic communities.

As Northern Mindanao continues to address challenges in education access and quality, this partnership demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between state colleges and centers of excellence. The NBSC-XU SOE collaboration directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

By strengthening teacher education programs, the partnership addresses the critical need for qualified educators in underserved communities, promoting inclusive and equitable quality education. The focus on research and evidence-based practice supports innovation in teaching and learning, while the student leadership formation component develops educators committed to social justice and community development.

This partnership reflects Xavier University's understanding of education as service—a mission to form competent, compassionate, and committed Filipino educators who will serve communities throughout the region while contributing to broader sustainable development objectives.

The NBSC-XU SOE partnership stands as a model of strategic institutional collaboration, combining Xavier Ateneo's Jesuit educational tradition with NBSC's commitment to accessible, quality teacher education for Northern Mindanao.