In a significant move to enhance educational and technological development, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has entered into a strategic partnership with the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP). The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and TUP President Reynaldo Ramos at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on January 7, 2025.
The partnership aims to foster cooperation in various fields, with a particular focus on robotics and information technology. The Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) will collaborate with TUP’s Visayas campus in Talisay City to implement programs that support robotics and automation. NOLITC’s vocational school administrator, Ma. Cristina Orbecido, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming training initiatives for faculty and students starting this year.
The MOU outlines a comprehensive plan for knowledge and technical transfer through training sessions, seminars, workshops, and other activities designed to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two institutions. TUP’s involvement extends to various extension and research activities, including adopt-a-project initiatives, livelihood projects, lecture series, and programs focused on sports, culture, and gender development.
Both parties have committed to defining and establishing a clear understanding of their collaborative efforts in research and extension. As the partnership progresses, a detailed memorandum of agreement will be developed to guide the implementation of the programs.
NOLITC, based in Bacolod and recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, specializes in competency-based programs in information and communications technology and language sectors, further enhancing the potential impact of this collaboration.