CMU inks partnership with Barangay Poblacion for Community Development

Central Mindanao University, through the Department of Development Communication, College of Agriculture, initiated the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon, on October 30, at the Office of the President’s Conference Room.

The partnership aims to empower Bgry. Poblacion through education initiatives and capacity-building programs to improve services to the people. The partnership signifies CMU’s commitment to realizing its collective mission and vision and to making a positive impact on its neighboring communities. 

Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, University President, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, emphasizing the university’s commitment to public service. “This partnership embodies our shared vision of empowering communities,” he said. “Through effective communication, we can equip Barangay Poblacion with tools to amplify their initiatives and foster meaningful engagement with constituents,” he added. 

The Department of Development Communication will spearhead the said collaboration. Ms. Renalyn G. Padoginog, Department Chairperson, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, noting its beginnings after Mr. Nick Engallado, a Committee on Agriculture representative from Barangay Poblacion, approached the Department for assistance as rapporteurs, moderators, and resource persons for the Barangay Expo activity held last October 11-12.  

“From this initial dialogue, we identified several areas for collaboration, from knowledge management to multimedia development, which aligns with our department’s core strengths,” Padoginog explained. “This collaboration symbolizes a proactive approach to development, wherein the Department will facilitate training programs, capacity-building activities, and community-based initiatives that strengthen both local governance and the barangay’s self-sufficiency. This MOA reaffirms our commitment to support Barangay Poblacion’s goals of sustainable community growth and knowledge-sharing,” she explained.  

In response, Hon. Antonio P. Zambrano, Barangay Poblacion’s Captain, highlighted the significant impact of the partnership on the barangay’s 55,000 residents. “If this MOA comes to fruition, it will not only benefit Poblacion but also serve as a model for other barangays,” he said, emphasizing the importance of effective communication strategies in delivering better services to the community. 

Part of the MOA signing is the awarding of certificates to the DevCom faculty, namely Dr. Lucerne M. Razalo, Prof. Mahalia M. Acuña, Ms. Witnegen Borja, and Ms. Jacquilyn M. Carinea, who participated in the recently concluded Barangay’s Agri Expo. 

Meanwhile, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Judith Intong, shared in her closing remarks that successful collaboration must have open communication, flexibility, and a balanced commitment to shared goals. “To achieve meaningful growth, partnerships must harness each party’s strengths,” Dr. Intong, who is at the same time a witness to the MOA signing, highlighted. “It is through these connections that we drive innovation, adapt to challenges, and ensure sustainable progress,” she added.  

The vice-chair of the committee in agriculture, Hon. Michael Christopher T. Bernal, also served as one of the witnesses at the MOA signing ceremony. Other members of the agriculture committee who joined the ceremony include Hon. Caesar Enrico delos Reyes, Hon. Winefredo Agripo, and Mr. Nick Jay-arr Engallado _{[contributed by PHAwiten/DevCom]}.