The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) is poised to further expand its collaboration with Canadian higher education institutions as a new partnership deal will be signed with Vancouver Island University (VIU).
Key officials from both universities convened at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on September 20, 2023 to discuss potential areas of collaboration in fields such as business, education, fishery sciences, social sciences, and tourism. The bilateral institutional meeting was arranged by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
The CLSU delegation was led by Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, who previously served as the dean of the College of Fisheries and is an expert in aquaculture. She was accompanied by Dr. Parsons N. Hail, acting Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO), and Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, Chief of the IAO's International Mobility Unit.
The VIU contingent was represented by, Dr. Deborah Saucier, President, and Ms. Carolyn Russell, Associate Vice-President for International Education.
President Saucier was thrilled to learn that CLSU shares VIU's ethos of inclusivity and accessibility on campus. She further accepted an invitation from CLSU to speak during the Gender and Development International Conference slated in November this year.
The preliminary meeting covered various partnership activities, including short- and long-term exchanges between students and academic staff, as well as program enhancements and employment pathways that will complement the strengths of both institutions.
VIU is set to become CLSU's fourth Canadian partner.
