In a special ceremony dubbed PAGHONRA 2024, Partido State University extended its deepest appreciation and gratitude to its valued stakeholders from the Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Private Organizations, and Academes last March 6, 2024 at the RDE Training Hall. The event was one of the highlights of the 23rd PSU Charter Anniversary Celebration aimed to recognize the valuable support of its stakeholders in the implementation of PSU research and extension programs and activities. 
The said event was attended by PSU officials, awardees, honorees, and the focal persons for each project supported by the stakeholders. A total of 27 honorees were awarded a plaque of recognition for their distinct and lasting impact on the university. As industry partners they have provided invaluable expertise, resources, and guidance, fostering innovation and unwavering commitment to its shared goals. These organizations and agencies are namely:

Local Government Unit of Minalabac
Local Government Unit of Baao
Local Government Unit of Canaman
Barangay Local Government Unit Gimaga
Barangay Local Government Unit Vinagre
Barangay Local Government Unit Huyon-huyon
Barangay Local Government Unit San Sebastian
Barangay Local Government Unit San Vicente
Barangay Local Government Unit Gata
Barangay Local Government Unit Oring
Barangay Local Government Unit Haponan 
Barangay Local Government Unit Tabgon, Caramoan
Lagonoy Calamansi Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (LACAFA Agri-Coop)
University of the Philippines Los Baños-National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH)
Naga City Science High School
Nato National High School
Partido Agro-Industrial National High School
Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines
Reefs for Life
Breastfeeding Bicolanas
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region V
Caramoan Municipal Police Station
San Jose Municipal Police Station
Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)

The Partido State University recognized the roles of the abovementioned stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the university’s research initiatives and community engagements. 
Representatives from the various LGUs were commended for their continuous partnership and shared vision which has been instrumental in the completion of various research projects such as:

1.  The Bicol River Basin Project: Development of Comprehensive Early Warning System for Agri-Fishery Communities in the Bicol River Basin
   2.    Capacitating Displaced Women due to COVID -19 Pandemic through skills Training and Product Development
   3.    "3 in 1 Puto Making Machine; Skills and Technology Transfer Partnership"
   4.    "Combating Coastal Debris through Community-Based IEC Materials Developed Using Participatory Approach"
   5.    Ensuring Safety through Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Adaptation Training Program (ES-CBDRRM-CCATP) for Multi-Stakeholder and Local Government Units in 4th Congressional District, Province of Camarines Sur, Philippines
   6.    ESGUASM – CTCE – IMPACT (Enhancing Stunted Growth, Underweight and Severely Malnourished Children through Community Engagement
   7.    Community-Based Abalone Stock Enhancement and Other High-Value Commercial Marine Species Habitat Management Using Social Marketing Approach in Lahuy Group of Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur
   8.    Enhancing Regenerating Capacity of Mangrove Ecosystem through the Establishment of Mangrove Nursery

Moreover, Non-government organizations were acknowledged for their efforts in championing social causes that have helped enrich the university’s community outreach programs. These were the following:

1.    "Threat Perceptions and Maternal and Child Mortality in EMBRACE Project Sites in Camarines Sur, Philippines"
   2.    Mitigating Climate Change Impacts through Mangrove Ecosystems Management
   3.    Futures Thinking Initiatives for Sustainable Marine Ecosystems
   4.    BATU KA PALA Project (Babae Tunay kang Pinangpala) “Empowering Women in Partido Community through Social Enterprise Development”

The university also recognized the role of the academes from partner institutions in advancing knowledge exchange, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and promoting a culture of innovation and intellectual growth. These projects were:

1. MicroBead Technology: Enhancing Fish Gut Nutrition through Efficient Delivery System and Functionality of Microencapsulated Probiotics for Aquaculture
   2.    Research Capability Development Program (RCDP)
   3.    Capacity Development on Research Proposal Preparation and Implementation for Secondary School Teachers in Selected Schools in Partido District
   4.    Kuroshio Science

The collaboration between our university and various government agencies has been crucial in implementing our research and extension programs that align with national development priorities. We appreciate the continuous support and partnership we have received from the

1.  Establishment of ParSU Microbiology Testing Laboratory (ParSU-MTL)
   2.    "Combating Coastal Debris through Community-Based IEC Materials Developed Using Participatory Approach"
   3.    PADAGOS (Powering Anti-Illegal Drug Advocates to give Opportunities to the Society) Enhancing capacity and increasing confidence for drug surrenderers to sustain a responsive community-based rehabilitation program.
   4.    AGAPAY (Phase I)
   5.    Abaca Seedling Distribution to Farmers in Partido District

The University also recognized the role of People’s Organizations in empowering and enhancing opportunities for local communities to become self-reliant through processes, trainings, and facilities that positively impact their social and economic standing. Through a shared service facility, the University opened Developing Home-Based Entrepreneur-Related Opportunities to Support Household Economic Wellbeing in Times of Pandemic. This was made possible through the support of the Lagonoy Calamansi Farmers Agricultural Cooperative. 

Partido State University commemorated its 23rd Charter Anniversary last March 4-8, 2024, with a series of events and activities that highlighted the institution’s remarkable journey of academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement. Students, faculty, staff, guests, and stakeholders were brought together to honor PSU’s achievements and contributions over the years. 

Since its establishment in 2001, PSU has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing quality education and fostering holistic development among its students. The university has continuously expanded and reinvigorated its academic programs and services to cater to the evolving needs of the local and global job markets. 

The festivities commenced with the Opening and Flag Ceremony at the PSU main entrance followed by a Parade around the Poblacion of Goa. The parade was enhanced by vibrant floats promoting the flagship programs of the colleges and enthusiastic yells, creating a captivating and thrilling experience for spectators.  After the parade, the Eucharistic Mass also followed. Several small business enterprises also added to the celebration as they provided delicious treats and refreshments for the spectators during the celebration. Various colleges conducted simultaneous activities that showcased the creative talents and ingenuity of the students and faculty. Parallel activities include Lecture Seminars, Film shows, Cosplay, Art Exhibit, Literary and Dance Contests, Poster Presentations and Cultural Shows. These activities amplified the excitement and created a sense of unity among participants and spectators alike. It also fostered a sense of pride and connection within the ParSU Community. These activities comprised Days 1-2 of the Charter Anniversary. 

Day 3 of the anniversary celebration brought another notable moment as outstanding faculty members were recognized during the PARSU PARANGAL, and students were honored at the Students Recognition Rights for their significant contributions in various fields. The ceremony included presentation of awards to those who excelled in academics, teaching, research, community service, and leadership roles. Furthermore, stakeholders who continuously supported PSU’s research and extension programs and activities were acknowledged during the 2nd PAGHONRA event. This recognition served as a testament to PSU’s dedication to nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Days 4 and 5 were composed of Friendship games and Tree-planting activities. 

As Partido State University looks ahead to its future, it remains dedicated to its vision of becoming a leading education institution known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The 23rd Anniversary celebrations served as a reminder of the university’s achievements and the collective efforts of its stakeholders in fulfilling its vision. 

With its continued commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community service, Partido State University is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its students, the communities it serves, and the society at large. As it celebrates this significant milestone, PSU looks forward to many more years of success and continued growth. 

The Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series brings eminent, successful, and reputable scientists and intellectuals, educators, businessmen, economists, political figures, artists, policymakers, and other professionals to Partido State University (ParSU) to give a lecture, inform and share significant ideas that will provide the ParSU community with different perspectives and topics of thought. The lectures aimed to inform the ParSU community about the recent development in a particular field and provide a venue for the presentation of findings from a particular field highlighting crucial solutions, debates, and dilemmas in contemporary issue.

The inaugural lecture for the Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series features Dr. Rafe M. Brown, a renowned scientist and Professor from Kansas University, Biodiversity Institute and History of Natural Museum. Dr. Brown is a pivotal figure in several critical areas of study, including evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetic systematics, and conservation genetics of terrestrial vertebrates in island archipelagos of Southeast Asia. His collective understanding of the Southeast Asia’s ecological dynamics and ecological challenges positions him in the forefront of biodiversity conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the region.

The Partido State University (ParSU) and the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), represented by Dr. Raul G. Bradecina and Dr. Geraldine de Jesus, respectively. The MOU is focused on collaboration and the development of joint research investigations. The universities will exchange researchers, share expertise on climate resilience, marine biology, marine science, and fisheries, and disseminate collaboration-generated technologies. Additionally, they will collaborate on publications relating to their research.

The MOU is an instrumental agreement that will make our institutions' visions a reality and help us achieve our missions. Through research, extension, and collaboration, we will uplift the socio-economic status and promote sustainable development in the Bicol region.

We are confident that our joint studies will bring about a significant impact, especially in marine-centered studies, where the Bicol region has proven research potential. Our MOU marks a pivotal step towards conducting joint studies ranging from biodiversity assessment, species identification and characterization, distribution model and mapping, socio-cultural studies, and biogeography mapping.

This success was made possible by Dr. Michael A. Clores, our Project Leader, and the research associates Eljenmer Sindo, Elluna Bigcas of the ParSU and Dr. Richard Dumilag- a research collaborator from the SorSU. All of them are involved in the CHED LAKAS-funded project titled "Phytochemical Characterization of Macroalgae for Food and High-Value Products."