Partido State University (ParSU) participated in a landmark consortium meeting and Memorandum of Understanding signing with Kansas State University (K-State) as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and expand global engagement.
The engagement brought together leaders from various State Universities and Colleges across the Philippines, with ParSU represented by its President, Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo, alongside Director for International Affairs, Leih Anne R. Odoรฑo.ย
The consortium meeting and MOU signing were held on March 19, 2026, at the Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, and were co-hosted by the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in partnership with K-State.
The collaboration seeks to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Philippine higher education through strengthened academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, faculty mobility, and the development of innovative educational programs. It is closely aligned with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ACHIEVE Agenda, particularly in advancing internationalization, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening institutional capacity through strategic global linkages.
Representing Kansas State University were distinguished experts across research, agriculture, and extension. These include Dr. Manuel R. Reyes, Research Professor at the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab (SIIL), a DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist and SEARCA Senior Fellow recognized for his leadership in international capacity-building initiatives in sustainable agriculture and research development; Dr. Vara Prasad, University Distinguished Professor and R.O. Kruse Endowed Professor of Agriculture, internationally acclaimed for his contributions to agricultural sciences; Dr. Jonathan ย , Professor and Extension Water Resource Engineer, known for his work in sustainable water resource management and irrigation technologies; and Ms. Sarah Maass, State Leader and Program Director for Kansas 4-H Youth Development and Extension Assistant Professor for K-State Research and Extension, who plays a key role in youth development and community-based extension programs.
This partnership builds on prior engagements, including a MOU inked on 2021 involving 15 SUCs led by Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, which laid the foundation for sustained cooperation in research, innovation, academic exchange, and capacity-building.
Through this engagement, ParSU deepens its global linkages while creating opportunities that enrich academic growth and sustain institutional development.
