27 July 2026

A delegation from the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) – Abucay Campus visited BSU on July 27, 2026, to benchmark the University’s agricultural research initiatives and academic programs, and to explore opportunities for future collaboration in instruction and research.

The visit began at the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC), where Darwin Basquial, Director of the Center, welcomed the delegates. Grace S. Backian, Chief Science Research Specialist, provided additional insights on the varieties of purple and white yam, while Alma D. Santiago, Science Research Specialist II and Head of the Training and Extension Division, presented the Center’s history, background, mission, and vision. Jennie B. Balao, Senior Science Research Specialist and Head of the Crop Management and Seed Production Division, showcased tissue-cultured yam samples and toured the delegates around the Center’s facilities, including the purple yam drip irrigation greenhouse, purple yam hydroponics greenhouse, and acclimatization greenhouse.

During the open discussion, the delegates raised queries on the morphological characteristics of purple and white yam, which were addressed by the NPRCRTC representatives.

The delegation also visited the College of Agriculture, where they were welcomed by Constantino T. Sudaypan, Dean of the College, together with faculty members from the Departments of Soil Science, Plant Pathology, and Entomology. Discussions centered on the College’s academic programs, institutional protocols, and research initiatives, with the delegates engaging in an exchange of ideas on agricultural education and research.

The benchmarking activity provided the BPSU delegates with valuable insights that may be incorporated into the University’s plans and programs in agricultural sciences, while reaffirming BSU’s commitment to fostering academic partnerships and sharing research-based knowledge with fellow higher education institutions. //WMarcos, PJGadang