A mass signing of Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with the theme, “Unity Mass Signing: CPAG and Interlocal Partners in an Indigenous and Gender and Development (GAD) Research and Extension Programs” was held at the BSU Gymnasium on April 12, 2023. This was organized by the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) and attended by Private Partner Agencies of Benguet State University(BSU) along with the government officials of Benguet from its Governor, the Mayors and Vice-Mayors of the thirteen municipalities. 

Dr. Renebeth G. Donguiz, dean of CPAG said “The BSU through CPAG formerly known as Institute of Public Administration (IPA) has been working with you for decades now, thanks to Research and Extension Coordinator Atty. Julie M. Binaldo-Velasco for initiating the MOA Mass Signing activity, an activity that aims to formalize and strengthen our collaborative working relationship towards inclusive participatory and progressive future governance. Indeed, your presence has already inspired us to think more and to do more.” 

President Felipe Salaing Comila likewise shared an inspirational message that there may be challenges to be encountered but one must go on, we still have to let the University pursue its goal in enlightening the people. He further encouraged the government officials to continue opening campuses in their respective locality except Bokod and Buguias as BSU campuses were already opened.
    
Sharing some challenges, Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas addressed the issue of the lack of classroom facilities, and expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the municipal Mayors and Vice-Mayors to create more classrooms. He added that he talked with Congressman Eric Go Yap about cooperation in creating classrooms to augment the funds from the government. 
    
Meanwhile, the Mayors, Vice-Mayors and other Representatives from the different towns, along with the partner agencies of BSU including Cordillera Quest, Calajo, Mcdonald’s La Trinidad, and TiongSan branches in La Trinidad and Baguio also expressed their gratitude. They added that they hope for more alliance with BSU as they continue to create programs that can help both parties and other concerning individuals.
    
“With the integration of the GAD program, the CPAG had facilitated the implementation of our programs for the Extension and Research Activities. In integrating GAD perspective, it's necessary that there’s a participation of women, men, and LGBTQ+ in problem identification to ensure that individual concern for all genders are being addressed,” said Dr. Estrellita M. Daclan, University Gender and Development director.
  
“It is with highest gratitude for this moment, at last we are able to give meaning to our partnership, at last we can say that BSU-CPAG with our partner agencies have a formal relationship. It has been a long time that the CPAG has been conducting research for our local government units to come up with research-based ordinances…..” said Atty. Julie M. Binaldo-Velasco as she gives her remarks to close the said activity.//KKKiaso & NYagyagan (BaComm Interns)