Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through its College of Business Administration & Accountancy (CBAA), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Human Resource Educators’ Association of the Philippines, Inc. (HREAP) on March 13, 2024. The MOU aims to advance human resource development for students and faculty, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and industry.
The signing ceremony took place at the Visionary Leadership Gate’s Smart Classroom. Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President, and Dr. Joseph M. Lardizabal, Executive Director of HREAP, led the MOU signing. They were accompanied by Dr. Karerina B. Romualdo, Acting Vice President for Business Affairs, and Dr. Elizabeth R. Bajit, Acting Dean of CBAA, who acted as witnesses.
In his remarks, Dr. Abella emphasized the importance of the partnership, expressing his gratitude to HREAP for selecting CLSU as a collaborator. He highlighted the potential benefits for students, particularly in terms of internship and training opportunities, which are expected to significantly enhance their educational experience. “This partnership will provide an enabling environment for our students, preparing them for the challenges of the modern workplace,” he said.
Dr. Lardizabal acknowledged the warm reception and hospitality from CLSU, viewing it as a promising start for the partnership. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would flourish, accomplishing their shared goals of fostering economic growth in the region through human resource development. “The HR industry needs a steady supply of highly competent professionals, especially as workplace needs are ever-changing. This partnership will help bridge the gap between academia and industry,” Dr. Lardizabal noted.
HREAP is a professional membership organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of human resource education and development in higher education institutions across the Philippines. The event was organized by the CBAA faculty and staff, led by Assoc. Prof. Aileen Mae Pascual, along with the HRDM Council.
A courtesy visit and the ceremonial MOU signing highlighted the commitment of both institutions to this cause. Dr. Abella and other university officials were thanked for their support and collaboration. CLSU, a Level IV State University and College (SUC) located in the Science City of Muñoz, is nationally recognized as a center of excellence in agriculture, agricultural engineering, biology, fisheries, teacher education, and veterinary medicine.
This partnership also designates CLSU as HREAP’s second National Assessment and Testing Center for 2024, following the University of Santo Tomas (UST). The collaboration aims to produce a steady stream of highly competent HR professionals and practitioners, ready to meet the evolving demands of the workplace.
The signing of this MOU represents a strategic step forward in enhancing human resource education and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.