Aimed at creating a sustainable environmental advocacy for community engagement and development in the coastal town of Pasacao, Camarines Sur, the Local Government Unit of Pasacao represented by Hon Mayor Jorge Bengua, and other government agencies, along with the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pasacao Campus signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Vives University of Applied Sciences of Belgium which was represented by Ms. Lies Verstraete last February 3, 2023 at La Casa Cove Resort, Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur.
The MOA signing highlighted the agreement on Mangrove Conservation and Marine Protection Project in the coastal barangays of Pasacao particularly barangay Balogo. The partnership signing between the LGU of Pasacao and the foreign representatives from Belgium was capped by an orientation on Mangrove protection and conservation including coastal clean-up. The said event was witnessed by the stakeholders from government agencies, military, and the academe which was represented by CBSUA-Pasacao and Pili Campuses. The event took place in the afternoon of the day 1.
Meanwhile, a Mayor’s Night capped the Day 1 of the event. Through the generosity of the Hon. Mayor Jorge Bengua, the event was formally held and highlighted a Philippine-Belgian Cultural Exposition. Notably, the event was participated mainly by representatives from the academe where four academic institutions partake the occasion namely; Nueva Vizcaya State University, St. Mary University, Isabela State University, all from Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela Pronvinces respectively, and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture(CBSUA) from Camarines Sur. On the other hand, Vives University of Applied Sciences and Howest University of Applied Sciences also represented Belgium. Representatives from the academe have given messages as represented by Dr. Kristine May C. Regaspi, the Campus Administrator and Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, the University President both from CBSUA. Meanwhile, Hon Jorge Bengua delivered an inspirational message. In his message, Bengua instilled that his leadership is inclusive governance through partnership. Ms. Lies Verstraete, the SIP Coordinator for Global Engagement of Vives University of Applied Sciences gave a message, while the uniformed men of PNP and PCG-Pasacao have rendered an orientation on safety and precautions. A dinner party and serenade capped the evening affair.
Concluding the 2-day event were outdoor activities for the guests and participants. It includes Mangrove Tree-planting, Tour and swimming activities, Team building activities, and coastal clean-up.