To build partnerships for ecological restoration and promote community resilience and sustainable development, Central Philippines State University (CPSU) held the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) and Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with various government and non-government bodies.

Uniting in a common front, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Negros Nine Human Development Foundation, Inc. (NNHDFI), Roman Catholic Diocese of Kabankalan, Ecological Developers’ Association (ECODEV), and Camingawan’s Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) are the newest partner institutions of the university in its grassroots-based regreening initiatives.

CPSU signed an MOC with DENR, the Diocese of Kabankalan, and ECODEV for the exploration and development of a collaborative program for environmental rehabilitation, reforestation, scientific research and learning, and sustainable community development within validated portions of the graduated National Greening Program area in Paco, Gatuslao, Candoni, and Negros Occidental.

CPSU, primarily through its College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), will provide the collaborative program, supported by extending its academic, scientific, technical, research, extension, training, and human-resource assets, in future undertakings formed under the said network.

Under its newly established long-term strategic partnership with NNHFDI, CPSU will provide support for the establishment and development of the Unibersidad de Bukid at the Santuario de San Columbano, which is envisioned to be a premier environmental learning sanctuary and regional center for experiential instruction and field-based learning, scientific research and innovation, community extension and sustainable livelihood development, forest landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation, watershed management and climate resilience, environmental education and stewardship of creation, green enterprise development, technical assistance and policy support, and eco-spiritual formation and nature-based learning.

Through the signing of the MOA with the Camingawan BLGU, the university also sets its sights on the collaborative undertaking of making the Camanga Resilient Ecology, Solar Energy, and Therapy (CREST) Forest Development Project a reality.

CPSU and the Camingawan BLGU aim to jointly realize CREST program’s activities, including community-based forest governance and stewardship activities; forest restoration, protection, and monitoring; renewable energy and community water system development; forest therapy and eco-tourism initiatives; institutionalization of Purok Camanga as a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Field Laboratory; and capacity-building and livelihood development program.

Outgoing university president, Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, signed the memoranda on behalf of the university while NNHDFI’s Mr. John B. Din (President), DENR’s For. Filemon B. Embalzado, Jr. (Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer), Diocese of Kabankalan’s Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines, D.D. (Bishop of Kabankalan), and ECODEV’s Mr. Max C. Magracia (Chairman), represented their respective institutions.

CAF Dean Dr. Hanzel L. Pedrosa delivered the closing remarks for the activity, organized by the Forestry Department led by Professor Mary Ann S. Dagunan, PhD (Project Coordinator), newly appointed University President Professor Mae Flor G. Posadas, PhD, and Dr. Dominic L. Billen (Forestry Department Program Coordinator).

The ceremony was held at the Main Campus’ Accreditation Center last September 11, 2026.