On February 11, 2026, Benguet State University warmly welcomed Ms. Kikuchi Otoha, a Japan International Cooperation Agency Volunteer from Japan, who will support a project under the College of Agriculture, strengthening BSU’s initiatives in community development and agricultural innovation. Ms. Otoha is currently visiting the University for a few days of familiarization and community immersion.
Upon arrival, Ms. Otoha was received by representatives from the College of Agriculture, Ms. Dianne D. Pingalo, CA Staff, Ms. Karen T. Tocya, and Ms. Eunice B. Monang from the Department of Extension Education, Ms. Maricel V. Dacnes, Chair of the Department of Extension Education, Mr. Jake L. Galian, IRO Coordinator, and Mr. Leo Kimbungan from the Agriculture-Buguias Campus, who also assisted as translator to facilitate smoother communication. The team facilitated her arrival and initial orientation as she began her engagement with the University.
As part of her official introduction, Ms. Otoha paid a courtesy call to University President Dr. Kenneth Alip Laruan. The meeting signified the University’s support for her upcoming work and reaffirmed BSU’s commitment to strengthening collaborative initiatives with international partners.
During her stay, Ms. Otoha will participate in community immersion and familiarization activities within the University and surrounding communities. These engagements will prepare her for her long-term stay and to effectively contribute to the College of Agriculture’s project and to broader extension and development initiatives.
Through these collaborations with JICA and other global partners, the University actively contributes #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals, while supporting #SDG4QualityEducation and #sdg16peacejusticeandstronginstitutions
#BenguetStateUniversity, #JICA, #PartnershipsCorner








































