By Roselle Mitch Gabinete, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern

Key personnel of Central Philippine University led by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (4th from right) and BPI-Guimaras NCRPSC Agricultural Center Chief IV Mr. Yondre J. Yonder (2nd from left), pose for a group photo following the official MOA signing at the CPU Conference Room, BOT.

Strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Central Philippine University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on April 29, 2026, at the CPU Board of Trustees office.

The agreement was signed by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, and BPI-Guimaras NCRPSC Agricultural Center Chief IV Mr. Yondre J. Yonder.

The signing ceremony opened with a prayer led by Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, followed by a welcome message from president Rev. Dr. Dagohoy. After the message, Agricultural Center Chief IV Mr. Yonder shared his message of commitment, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. Engr. Dee B. Lucena, The Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management OIC-Department Chairperson also conveyed their willingness to serve, highlighting that the BPI is an extension arm of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES).

Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson, Director of the University Research Center, also expressed her full support for the research collaboration.

To shed light on the research study and the overview of the partnership, Engr. Julie Anne G. Cordero introduced the project, “Utilization of Waste-to-Energry Conversion: Effects of Additive Proportions on the Fuel Properties of Briquettes from Carbonized Mango Husk.” This project aims to transform mango agricultural waste into value-added fuel, promoting sustainability, energy security, and environmental protection.

Thereafter, both parties formalized their partnership through the official signing of the MOA, followed by a photo documentation to mark the beginning of the collaboration. The program concluded with a closing remark and prayer from Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE).

Through this partnership, Central Philippine University remains steadfast in its mission to partake in research endeavors that promote global sustainability.