Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — In a meaningful step toward strengthening academic partnerships and fostering collaborative research initiatives, representatives from De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), headed by Deputy Provost for Research Dr. Johnny A. Ching, paid a courtesy visit and conducted benchmarking activities at Marinduque State University (MarSU) on June 1, 2026.

The DLSU-D delegation was warmly welcomed by MarSU President Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, together with the University’s vice presidents and key officials, during a short program held at the university. On behalf of the institution, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Ma. Edelwina M. Blase formally welcomed the guests and expressed MarSU’s appreciation for the visit, highlighting the importance of academic exchanges and collaborative engagements in advancing higher education and research.

In his message, President Zulueta warmly received the delegation and emphasized the value of strengthening the partnership between Marinduque State University and De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. He underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to innovation, research excellence, community development, and internationalization.

For his part, Dr. Ching expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by MarSU. He also shared his personal sense of belongingness, noting his connection as a MarSUan and a proud Marinduqueño. He conveyed optimism about the opportunities that both institutions can pursue together through research, academic exchanges, and institutional collaborations.

Following the traditional putong ceremony and welcome program, the visiting delegation and their MarSU counterparts engaged in a series of benchmarking sessions and focused discussions aimed at identifying potential areas for collaboration and exchanging best practices.

Among the offices and units involved in the benchmarking activities were the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, headed by Atty. Crispin Francis M. Jandusay, Boac Campus Director, Assoc. Prof . Julie P. Rodelas, and the General Services Unit, which shared MarSU’s initiatives and best practices on Solid Waste Management and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management with Dr. Ching and the DLSU-D team.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, led by Associate Professor Marvin P. Plata, explored possible collaborative opportunities with the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, particularly in programs and services that promote student welfare and development.

Likewise, the Information Unit, headed by Ms. Desiree M. Sto. Domingo, engaged in productive discussions with the DLSU-D Strategic Communications Office through its Director, Ms. Angie Chui, focusing on communication strategies, information dissemination, and institutional branding.

Academic collaboration was also explored between the College of Information and Computing Sciences of MarSU, led by Dean Dr. Ronjie Mar Malinao, and the College of Information and Computer Studies of DLSU-D represented by Associate Dean Dr. Rolando Barrameda and his team. Discussions centered on academic programs, research opportunities, technology integration, and faculty and student development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, headed by Dr. Ma. Edelwina M. Blase, met with the Office of the Deputy Provost for Research led by Dr. Johnny A. Ching, Research Director Dr. Jose Aims Rocina and team to discuss prospective research collaborations, capacity-building initiatives, and strategies to further strengthen the research culture of both institutions.

Beyond the university visit, the DLSU-D delegation also conducted an initial ocular inspection in selected areas of Marinduque as part of the proposed collaborative research project between MarSU and DLSU-D focusing on the long-term impacts of the Marcopper mining disaster three decades after the incident. The initiative aims to generate valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations that can contribute to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and policy development in the province.

The successful courtesy visit and benchmarking activity demonstrated the commitment of both institutions to building meaningful partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries. Through the exchange of expertise, best practices, and collaborative research efforts, MarSU and DLSU-D continue to pave the way for innovative solutions and transformative educational experiences that will benefit their institutions and the communities they serve.

The activity was facilitated by the Office of International Relations and Linkages as part of MarSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen local and international partnerships that support the University’s vision of becoming a premier institution of higher learning, research, innovation, and sustainable development.