Strengthening its extension programs, the International Relations Office (IRO) formalized a partnership with the Kabayan Local Government Unit (LGU) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on December 18, 2024. The ceremonial signing, held at the BSU Office of the President, was graced by Kabayan Mayor Engr. Florante B. Bantales Jr. and Vice Mayor Mike E. Badival. Representing BSU were President Kenneth A. Laruan and IRO Director Rex John G. Bawang.
The signing was witnessed by members of the IRO team, including Deputy Director Doreen I. Allasiw and staff members Racquel M. Fatog, Glyrel B. Palberas, Ian Jones B. Backian, and Benigno C. Mangay-at.
During the event, President Laruan highlighted the importance of conducting a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to identify capacity-building programs tailored to Kabayan’s development goals. These initiatives aim to advance local internationalization (IZN) efforts and empower communities through education and collaboration. In response, Kabayan officials invited the BSU team in their upcoming eco-tourism celebration and Bendiyan Festival in May 2025.
This MOA marks a milestone in IRO’s mission to localize internationalization by extending BSU’s global engagement initiatives beyond the campus and into Benguet municipalities. Kabayan is the first municipality to formalize such a partnership, and the IRO is optimistic that this initiative will inspire other municipalities to join in collaborative efforts.
Earlier this year, the IRO also met with Kapangan LGU in July to discuss similar opportunities for collaboration, further reinforcing its commitment to community-driven internationalization efforts.
