SLSU and BISU Strengthen Ties Through Buddy-Buddy Writeshop

October 3, 2025 – Southern Leyte State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and Bohol Island State University (BISU) have officially reinforced their academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the joint initiative, “Buddy-Buddy Writeshop: Writing Together Toward Scopus Publications.” The event was held on October 3, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the SLSU Main Campus, attended by university leaders, faculty, and researchers from both institutions.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President of SLSU, and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, University President of BISU, with the support of their respective Vice Presidents for Research, Innovation, and Extension, Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy (SLSU) and Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay (BISU).

This collaboration underscores both universities’ commitment to strengthening research productivity and publishing quality outputs in Scopus-indexed journals, while also advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

In his message of commitment, Dr. Jude A. Duarte stressed that collaboration is no longer optional but essential in advancing impactful research.

“We have realized that collaborative research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation. This time, we share our expertise and experiences in dealing with complex research, producing outcomes that are more impactful and aligned with global standards,” Dr. Duarte said.

He added that the partnership with BISU also deepens the cultural and academic ties between the two universities:

“Bohol and Southern Leyte share many similarities in culture—we are neighbors separated only by the sea. This collaboration builds not only research outcomes but stronger bonds between our institutions.”

Echoing this, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso emphasized that the MOA represents much more than a formality.

“This collaboration gives us a strategic opportunity to pursue rigorous scholarship, advance research excellence, and foster robust inter-institutional collaboration that will translate into high-quality, publishable research,” he noted.

Dr. Penaso also reflected on the closeness of the two provinces:

“Geographically, Bohol and Southern Leyte are only separated by the sea—we are truly neighbors. That nearness gives us the opportunity to converge and collaborate. This MOA is not only a legal instrument but a pledge to nurture ideas, elevate scholarly writing, and champion collaboration between SLSU and BISU.”

Closing the ceremony, Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay, BISU Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, expressed her excitement and optimism for the initiative.

“On behalf of BISU, I extend my deepest gratitude to SLSU for embracing this collaboration with such enthusiasm. We look forward to learning from your productivity and best practices, while also sharing our own success stories. Truly, this is a proud day for both our institutions,” she said.

MOA BISU 2

She further likened the relationship to a mathematical concept:

“If a relation becomes one-to-one, it becomes a function—and only then can it truly function well. That is the kind of partnership we want to build with SLSU.”

Under the signed agreement, SLSU and BISU will each host one leg of the Buddy-Buddy Writeshop, with a target of producing at least 20 journal-ready manuscripts. The initiative also aims to:

  • Strengthen collaboration across institutions

  • Build the scientific writing capacity of faculty researchers;

  • Ensure manuscripts are peer-review ready;

  • Submit outputs to Scopus-indexed journals in data mining and related fields.

Each leg of the writeshop will bring together researchers, directors, faculty, and support staff, ensuring broad participation and knowledge-sharing.

The event also featured welcome remarks by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, who stressed the need to “push the boundaries of research and scientific writing through collaboration,” and an introduction of institutional representatives by Engr. Emmanuel M. Cabanig and Ms. Ma. Solita J. Virtudazo. The reading of the MOA was delivered by Engr. Khorina O. Aguilar, Director for Research and Innovation.

The Buddy-Buddy Writeshop is now set to serve as a model of how neighboring state universities can pool expertise, resources, and experiences to achieve greater global visibility in research.

As Dr. Penaso concluded in his remarks:

“Mabuhay ang SLSU, mabuhay ang BiSU, and may God bless us all.”

This milestone marks not just a partnership, but a shared journey of academic excellence—proof that when institutions come together as neighbors and allies, they can bring Philippine research to the global stage.

 

 

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