18/08/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก
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. Ibaรฑez 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. Moniรฑo, 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 otherโs 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.