4 May 2026

Benguet State University and the Municipal Government of La Trinidad entered into a formal partnership to enhance local governance through improved statistical capacity and data management. This was done through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan and La Trinidad Mayor Roderick C. Awingan.

The MOA establishes a framework for technical collaboration in the fields of basic and advanced statistics, data analytics, and community profiling. The partnership aims to empower local government personnel and grassroots stakeholders by providing them with the necessary tools for evidence-based decision-making.

Under the terms of the agreement, BSU will provide technical expertise through faculty resource speakers and the development of specialized training modules. These educational initiatives are designed to support various sectors, including agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, and tourism. The University is also tasked with conducting data analysis and preparing terminal reports for completed community activities, ensuring that the research conducted translates into actionable insights for the municipality.

The Municipality of La Trinidad will support these implementation efforts by identifying program beneficiaries such as LGU personnel, barangay officials, and farmer groups. The local government unit also commits to providing the necessary venues, logistical support, and financial or in-kind resources to ensure the success of the approved activities. Both parties emphasized that all data collected during these community profiling activities will be handled in strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to protect the confidentiality of the involved stakeholders.

The MOA signing was witnessed by BSU VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences Dean Ederson G. Bawang, Statistics Department Chair Precious M. Valentin, Municipal Administrator Franco G. Bawang Jr., Executive Secretary Delmar O. Cariño, and Administrative Officer IV Cristopher C. Bansan. The three-year collaboration underscores the commitment of both institutions to promoting a more informed and digitally literate community in La Trinidad.//EJBawang