Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Vice-Chancellor of University of the Philippines Los Baños hosted a tour of the university’s campus in March for a Brock delegation, which included President and Vice Chancellor Lesley Rigg, Interim Vice-President, External Meaghan Rusnell, and Director, Brock International Christina Bosilo. From left are Bosilo, Bantayan, Rigg and Rusnell. A Brock delegation embarked on a strategic visit to the Philippines recently to foster global partnerships and advance the University’s reputation for academic excellence on the international stage.
President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg was joined by Meaghan Rusnell, Interim Vice-President, External, and Christina Bosilo, Director, Brock International for the trip, which took place from Saturday, March 16 to Sunday, March 24.
Last fall, Universities Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines, signalling the countries’ commitment to increasing collaboration amongst post-secondary institutions. The two countries are celebrating 75 years of bilateral diplomatic relations this year.
Building on a successful visit to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in October 2023, Brock identified two potential partners in advance of the trip. During their visit, Brock delegates signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) and with Isabela State University.
“Partnerships like these are vital for Brock’s continued global impact,” said Rigg. “Together with our international partners, we are opening up a world of mutually beneficial opportunities for research, innovation and learning that transcends borders.”
UPLB, a comprehensive university recognized as a Center of Excellence by the CHED, holds exemplary achievements in various fields including agriculture, biology and information technology. Brock’s partnership with UPLB holds immense potential for joint research, global projects and academic exchange programs.
Isabela State University, a comprehensive university in northern Philippines, has been recognized for its excellence in information technology and agriculture, aligning with some of Brock’s research focus areas. A shared emphasis on research trends such as smart agriculture and renewable energy presents promising avenues for collaboration.
The delegates also met with stakeholders in the Philippines, including the Canadian Trade Commissioner Services and the Asian Development Bank, to discuss opportunities to collaborate on future capacity-building projects.
To learn more about research, mobility and other collaborative initiatives with Brock’s new partners in the Philippines, email partnerships@brocku.ca
