DEBESMSCAT-International Relations

𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐌𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) successfully conducted its Peace Corps Culminating Activity today, August 18, 2026, via Zoom, marking the successful completion of the Virtual Service Pilot Partnership and the Capacity Training for Agricultural Research.

The culminating activity brought together representatives from the Peace Corps Philippines and DEBESMSCAT to celebrate the accomplishments, learning experiences, and strengthened partnership developed throughout the engagement.

Representing the Peace Corps Philippines were Mr. Brian Cummins, Acting Country Director, Peace Corps/Philippines; Mr. Milo E. Cruz, Peace Corps Philippines Program Coordinator; Dr. Aaron J. Kingsbury, Peace Corps Mentor; and Ms. Amanda Martin Peace Corps Volunteer. From DEBESMSCAT, the activity was attended by Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, SUC President III; Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac, Jr., Vice President for Research, Extension, Innovation, Creative Works and Knowledge Management; Dr. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo, Director for International Affairs; and faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Ulysis L. Fererras, Dr. Donata L. Valler, Mr. Zaldy C. Ibañez Jr., Mr. Allan T. Cinco Jr., Dr. Maria Christina Rochelle D. Zaragoza, Mr. John Carlo V. Mortel, Mr. Nestor R. Vibas Jr., Engr. Laurence G. Almoguera, Dr. Michael O. Ogaya, Dr. Mohammad D. Dollison, Ms. Analyn M. Moniño, Mr. Melvin G. Tumbaga and Dr. Jona M. Royo from the College of Education.
The program provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication and contributions of everyone involved in the seven-month engagement. It also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in strengthening research capacity, promoting knowledge exchange, and developing innovative approaches in agriculture.

The Capacity Training for Agricultural Research provided DEBESMSCAT faculty members with valuable learning experiences and mentoring aimed at enhancing their research competencies and encouraging them to translate knowledge into practical and meaningful agricultural innovations.

The partnership also served as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning between the Philippines and the United States. Through the Virtual Service Pilot Partnership, participants were able to build professional relationships, share knowledge and experiences, and deepen their understanding of each other’s cultures and academic contexts.

DEBESMSCAT expresses its sincere appreciation to the Peace Corps Philippines for its continued support and collaboration, particularly to Mr. Brian Cummins, Mr. Milo E. Cruz, and Dr. Aaron J. Kingsbury, for their valuable contributions to the success of the partnership.

The culminating activity marks not an end, but a continuation of the shared commitment to research, innovation, international collaboration, and sustainable agricultural development.

HOLIDAY ADVISORY | AUGUST 2026
Please be informed that there will be no office transactions and classes at the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) on the following dates:
August 21, 2026 (Friday) – Ninoy Aquino Day: Special Non-Working Holiday
August 31, 2026 (Monday) – National Heroes Day: Regular Holiday
Regular operations shall resume on the next working day.
Please be guided accordingly.

HOLIDAY ADVISORY | AUGUST 2026

Please be informed that there will be no office transactions and classes at the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) on the following dates:

August 21, 2026 (Friday) – Ninoy Aquino Day: Special Non-Working Holiday
August 31, 2026 (Monday) – National Heroes Day: Regular Holiday

Regular operations shall resume on the next working day.

Please be guided accordingly.

Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day

DEBESMSCAT–Office of International Relations joins the people of Indonesia in commemorating their Independence Day this August 17.

Today, we honor Indonesia’s enduring spirit of freedom, unity, resilience, and national pride. May this celebration remind us that independence is strengthened through solidarity, respect for one another, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for every generation.

As fellow members of the ASEAN community, we celebrate the rich history, culture, and aspirations of Indonesia. May the friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia continue to grow through education, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.

Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia!
Happy Independence Day, Indonesia!

📢 BIPA PROGRAM CLASS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCEMENT

The International Relations Office (IRO) is pleased to announce the class schedules for the BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing / Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers) Program.
📣 Classes will start tomorrow, August 14, 2026.

📚 CLASS SCHEDULE

👩‍🏫 Faculty and Non-Teaching Personnel
📅 Every Friday
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM

🎓 Students
📅 Every Saturday
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM

💻 GROUP CHAT (GC)
A Group Chat (GC) has been created for the online classes. Participants will be added to the GC to receive important announcements, class links, learning materials, and other updates regarding the BIPA Program.

📌 For inquiries and other concerns, please visit or coordinate with the International Relations Office (IRO).

Selamat belajar!

DEBESMSCAT Strengthens Regional Internationalization Efforts Through RISE Academy Mentoring Program

Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) actively participated in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings Mentoring Program, titled “RISE Academy: Rankings, Innovation, and Sustainability for Global Excellence,” held on August 11-12, 2026, at Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon City.

The Day 1 session brought together a total of twenty (20) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the Bicol Region, with the goal of strengthening institutional readiness for international ranking participation and enhancing the capacity of HEIs in innovation documentation, sustainability reporting, and international ranking submissions.

The initiative was led by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED RO V) and focused on equipping participating institutions with the knowledge, strategies, and technical competencies needed to effectively demonstrate their academic, research, extension, innovation, and sustainability initiatives in international ranking platforms.

Representing DEBESMSCAT as one of the mentors, Dr. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo, Director of the International Relations Office, shared her expertise and experience in internationalization and WURI participation. She served as a mentor during the activity, providing guidance to participating HEIs on innovation identification, documentation strategies, category alignment, narrative development, and the preparation of competitive WURI submissions.

Through expert-led mentoring sessions, technical workshops, consultations, and peer-learning activities, participating HEIs were guided in aligning their institutional initiatives with internationally recognized ranking frameworks, particularly WURI’s innovation-focused evaluation and THE Impact Rankings’ sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-based indicators.

CHED RO V Regional Director Demetrio Anduyan emphasized that the goal of participating in global rankings goes beyond institutional recognition. He highlighted that rankings should serve as a measure of progress while ultimately contributing to better institutions, globally competitive students, and stronger communities.

Dr. Bantillo’s participation as a mentor reflects DEBESMSCAT’s growing contribution to the internationalization and global competitiveness of higher education in the Bicol Region. Her involvement also highlights the College’s commitment to sharing institutional knowledge, expertise, and best practices to help other HEIs strengthen their international ranking initiatives.

Day 2 of the RISE Academy, held on August 12, 2026, focused on the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings, with emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) alignment, sustainability reporting, data preparation, and evidence-based submission strategies. The session further equipped participating HEIs with knowledge and practical approaches for effectively documenting their sustainability initiatives and strengthening their submissions for international rankings.

🎉 Congratulations to the Selected Participants for the BIPA Program! 📚

The International Relations Office of Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) proudly congratulates the selected students, faculty, and personnel who will participate in the BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing / Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers) Program.

This program offers an excellent opportunity to learn the Indonesian language, deepen intercultural understanding, and strengthen global engagement through international collaboration.

📌 Selected Participants

STUDENTS
1. BEVIAN B. VILLANTES
2. MARIAN R. BATAHOY
3. ALYSSA M. QUINTANA
4. LOURAINNE JOY B. ROYO
5. ARNIE CLAIRE R. ARIZOBAL
6. SANDRA A. RELOX
7. JIAH MAE VILLALOBOS
8. DOMENIC JADE M. FLOREN
9. YLAIZA MARIE REYES BELLO
10. ARCENAS, RAYCHELLE MARIE LUPANGO
11. JASCHETTE MARIE B. MEDINA
12. JAMAICAH U. SANCHEZ
13. VIA DISABEL LABASTIDA
14. RP REEL O. ACOSTA
15. MAE ANN R. BANTILLO
16. RICH VEE A. LIBOT
17. THALIA NICOLE M. GUARDAME
18. KYLA P. BALASA
19. RAYMUNDO P. BORRES JR.
20. JOJEAN MONTECALVO
21. ASHLEY ALANIB
22. MICHAELA A. MEDINA
23. HANNAH MAE G. CARPON
24. NIMFA MAE A. SOLASCO
25. EARL JED L. DE GUZMAN
26. DARLENE JEE A. SANDIG
27. MONICA CLEOFE
28. MELISSA MAUREN BULGAN
29. Irene Mae Luzong Maceda
30. Mery-Joy Toling Arabis

FACULTY MEMBERS/PERSONNEL
1. ARLENE B. CARMEN
2. RAISE TORM C. DALANON
3. JOPER C. ESCALANTE
4. FROILYN A. ANCAJAS
5. NIKKI FAITH A. BANTILLO
6. ROWELYN M. RAMISO
7. JOEY V. PARDEÑO
8. BERNARD M. BARRUGA
9. MICHAEL L. ESTREMIDA
10. BRAYAN S. MADALAGA
11. ELLA P. LOTIVIO
12. RAIZA M. PADASAS
13. CRYSTEL ANGELOU C. ILUSTRE
14. DIANA LYNN R. CRISTOBAL
15. JANE H. MERCADO
16. FRANCIS BARREDO BEGORNIA
17. JERAH TAYTAYAN CEBUANO
18. JELLAH MAE G GLORIANE
19. JOYCE A. MANCAO

The BIPA Program Evaluation is now complete. Thank you for your participation! Please stay tuned for further announcements.

DEBESMSCAT proudly joins the nation in celebrating ASEAN Month 2026 with the theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together."
This celebration reminds us of the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility among ASEAN Member States in building a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive region. As an institution committed to excellence, innovation, and global engagement, DEBESMSCAT continues to strengthen regional partnerships and empower future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development across Southeast Asia.
Together, let us celebrate our shared heritage, embrace our diversity, and work hand in hand toward a brighter and more connected ASEAN community.
Happy ASEAN Month 2026! 💙🌏
�

DEBESMSCAT proudly joins the nation in celebrating ASEAN Month 2026 with the theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together."

This celebration reminds us of the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility among ASEAN Member States in building a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive region. As an institution committed to excellence, innovation, and global engagement, DEBESMSCAT continues to strengthen regional partnerships and empower future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

Together, let us celebrate our shared heritage, embrace our diversity, and work hand in hand toward a brighter and more connected ASEAN community.

Happy ASEAN Month 2026! 💙🌏

�

Today is the last day of application! 😊

📢 CALL FOR APPLICANTS! ✨
Free Online Classes in BIPA Level 1
(Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing / Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers)

Great news! DEBESMSCAT Faculty Members and Students! 🎉
The International Relations Office (IRO) invites interested faculty and students to join the FREE Online BIPA Level 1 Program and discover the beauty of the Indonesian language and culture.
📚 Program Details:
✅ 14 Meetings
✅ 2 Hours per Meeting
✅ Every Saturday
✅ Online Learning Sessions
This program aims to develop participants’ basic Indonesian language skills and promote cultural understanding.

📌 Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
Register now at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgDHU8TEHJeObIDgpUPcYgsLatrnoMnbabuWJjnr0GREzOZQ/viewform?usp=header

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn a new language and expand your global perspective!

For inquiries and application details, please contact:
Dr. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo
Director, International Relations Office
📱 09388162766
📧 [email protected]
📍 Visit the International Relations Office, Admin Building, DEBESMSCAT.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO THE 2026 EXAM FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN TURKIYE

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is pleased to inform interested parties of the call for applications to the 2026 Exam for Foreign Students for Higher Education in Türkiye administered by the Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) of the Republic of Türkiye.

The TR-YÖS/2 is an examination for foreign students who intend to pursue higher education in Türkiye. The examination will be conducted on 11 October 2026, while the application period is open from 09 July to 03 August 2026.

Application period: 09 July – 03 August 2026
Examination date: 11 October 2026

Interested applicants may access further information regarding the examination through the official TR-YÖS website at https://tryos.osym.gov.tr.