Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — Marinduque State University (MarSU) continues to strengthen its position in advancing science, technology, and innovation as it moves toward a developing partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), opening new pathways for research collaboration, academic exchange, and institutional capacity building.

A consultation and exploratory meeting held on June 4, 2026, at the MarSU Administration Lounge brought together representatives from PhilSA and key MarSU officials to discuss shared priorities in space science education and its applications in research, disaster resilience, and national development.

Representing the Philippine Space Agency were Reymar R. Diwa (Science Research Specialist II), Vioghn Jendrick M. Aquino (Science Research Specialist I), Keith Ann E. Cabello (Project Technical Specialist IV), Emmanuel Q. Ganancias (Project Technical Specialist II), and Andrei Miguel P. Piano (Project Technical Assistant V). The PhilSA delegation presented ongoing national space initiatives and explored possible areas of collaboration where MarSU can actively participate in research and development programs.

On behalf of Marinduque State University, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leodegario M. Jalos, Jr. represented University President Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, affirming the university’s strong commitment to expanding international and national partnerships in science and innovation. He was joined by Vice President for Research and Extension, Prof. Dr. Ma. Edelwine M. Blase; Chief of Staff and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the University President, Dr. Alfredo M. Ofrecio III; Head of DRRM, Mr. Mark Nel Pardilla; Head of Partnerships and Linkages, Dr. Ma. Jessica L. Semilla; and Presidential Assistant for Special Projects and Advocacies, Ms. Alchona Wayne T. Maigting-Labaguis.

The engagement was facilitated by the Director for International Relations and Linkages, Ms. Jholey Rose R. Leaño-Lancion, who guided the discussion on strategic alignment and possible institutional cooperation between MarSU and PhilSA.

Key areas identified for collaboration include joint research initiatives in space science and related technologies, internship opportunities for students with PhilSA, local and international postgraduate scholarship pathways, faculty immersion programs, and capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen academic and institutional expertise in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is currently being drafted to formalize the partnership, signaling a long-term commitment between MarSU and PhilSA to pursue collaborative programs and shared scientific and academic goals.

The Marinduque State University community also extended its sincere gratitude to University President Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta for his unwavering support, visionary leadership, and continued guidance in strengthening the university’s research culture and international linkages. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing MarSU’s direction toward global engagement and innovation-driven education.

As the partnership moves toward formalization, both MarSU and PhilSA look forward to building a sustained and impactful collaboration that will contribute not only to academic advancement but also to national development through space science and technology applications.

 

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