By Mikee Natinga Norico
On July 24, 2026, Central Philippine University (CPU) formalized its partnership with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) as a co-host of the 3rd International Conference on Transformative Extension and Community Outreach (ICTECO) 2026 through the virtual signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) via Microsoft Teams.
Representing CPU, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy signed the agreement, reaffirming the University’s commitment to advancing transformative extension initiatives, research collaboration, internationalization, and community engagement. Prior to the signing ceremony, Dagohoy delivered a message of commitment, expressing the University’s support for the conference and its shared vision with partner institutions.
Witnessing the virtual MOA signing on behalf of CPU were Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE); Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson, Director of the University Research Center; Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC); and Ms. Joan S. Ong, OVPRDE Secretary.
The MOA formalizes CPU’s partnership with SLSU as a co-host of ICTECO 2026, which will be held on November 18–20, 2026, at the SLSU Main Campus in a hybrid modality, allowing both onsite and online participation.
ICTECO 2026 is an international conference that brings together researchers, extension practitioners, educators, innovators, policymakers, and development partners to share research-based and innovative extension practices that contribute to sustainable and resilient communities. The conference also aims to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange on transformative community engagement and extension initiatives.
As a co-host, CPU commits to designating an official institutional representative to coordinate conference activities, promoting the conference among faculty members, researchers, students, and partners, and encouraging their participation. The University will also nominate speakers, moderators, evaluators, and other resource persons subject to mutual agreement.
In addition, CPU will assist in disseminating official conference announcements and calls for papers, coordinate the preparation of certificates and other conference documents, participate in planning, implementation, and post-conference evaluation activities, and send a delegation of five presenters to the conference, with participants covering the applicable registration fees.
The agreement also stipulates that no transfer of funds will take place between CPU and SLSU. Each institution will shoulder its respective expenses related to conference participation in accordance with existing budgeting and accounting policies.
Through its participation as a co-host, CPU reinforces its commitment to fostering meaningful academic partnerships and promoting transformative extension programs that contribute to sustainable community development.