𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐢 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), led by President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, conducted an online exploratory meeting with Chiang Mai University (CMU), represented by Dr. Tonapha Pusadee, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation of the Faculty of Agriculture, on January 21, 2026, via Zoom. The meeting aimed to initiate formal engagement between the two institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration.

Participants from JHCSC included Dr. Jerry B. Superales, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension; Dr. Vilma C. Grengia, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Raymond Indangan, Director of the Internationalization and External Linkages Office; Prof. Ruel S. Lasagas, Research Director; Dr. Joel M. Sabellano, Extension Director; Dr. Moises Glenn G. Tangalin; Atty. Esther Marie S. Ringon, Chief Legal Officer, and faculty members involved in related fields.

The discussion centered on the presentation of proposed collaborative areas delivered by Dr. Superales. Key topics included rice research on native and endemic varieties, which emphasized the need for specialized training for JHCSC faculty through online capacity-building programs to be led by experts from CMU.

Another area explored was tropical greenhouse research and training aimed at developing controlled environment agriculture. These proposed initiatives aim to support joint research, technical exchanges, and collaborative academic activities that benefit both institutions.

The meeting concluded with agreements on the next steps, including the identification of focal persons from both institutions, with Engr. Jecar Dadole was designated as JHCSC’s focal person, and Dr. Pusadee represented CMU. An open forum followed the discussions, allowing participants to raise concerns and share insights.

Both institutions also discussed the possibility of formalizing the partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding, which would pave the way for student and faculty mobility programs, collaborative instruction, research, extension, and internationalization initiatives, further strengthening JHCSC’s global linkages and institutional capabilities through strategic partnerships.