The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Biliran, the LGU of Naval, and the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Biliran Campus convened at the Academic and Research Building on September 9, 2025, for a dialogue on sustainable and development-oriented agriculture.

These organizations share the goal of transforming Biliran into a leading agricultural hub. Leaders from all three institutions gathered to formalize their partnership through a high-level presentation and forum at BiPSU Biliran Campus.

The meeting was led by Biliran Province Governor Rogelio J. Espina, MD, FPOA, and Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, accompanied by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. and other university officials.

The discussion focused on the comprehensive agricultural programs of the School of AgriBusiness and Forest Resources Management (SABFoRM), as well as the possibility for further collaboration in exploring other potentially potent root crops in the province for production, fishery through the School of Agri-Fisheries (SAF), and for the benefit of surrounding communities in elevating the province’s economic growth.

The proposal aims to improve the quality of local root crop planting. BiPSU will provide land and technical expertise from SABFoRM faculty for the project. Identified root crops include sweet potatoes, ube, and cassava.

Governor Espina committed PLGU Biliran’s assistance to BiPSU BilCam in securing funding for the Tissue Culture Facility and agricultural facility upgrades, which are essential to realizing Biliran’s vision as an agro-industrial province. These facilities will enhance the university’s research, instruction, and extension services, which are crucial factors for the partnership’s success.

Governor Espina emphasized that developing agro-industrial technology could position Biliran as a model for sustainable agriculture.
“We have the Biliran Campus, we have an agricultural college, and we have almost 80 hectares of land. So why don’t we have a collaboration between the local and regional governments? And perhaps we can encourage other local government units (LGUs) to have a common goal to promote what should be done,” Governor Espina said during the forum, expressing his strong support for the collaboration.

This partnership carves out pathways for Biliran’s full agricultural potential while integrating government resources and academic excellence of the premier state university in the province of Biliran. It is expected to extend profound innovation in modernizing livelihoods through technology transfer and improving the economy, embracing development through sustainability.

By-line: Cian Napalit & Clyde Delda
Photos by Cian Napalit