The CPSC and JRMSU teams pose for a commemorative group photo

The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) for a benchmarking visit at CPSC headquarters on February 5, 2025. The visit provided an opportunity to introduce JRMSU to the functions of the Staff College, during which CPSC hosted a meeting to discuss the programs and initiatives it offers for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the Asia-Pacific region.

The JRMSU delegation was led by Dr. Lorenzo V. Sugod, Ed.D. (far right), Dean of JRMSU College of Industrial Technology (CIT). He was joined by his fellow JRMSU colleagues, including Dr. Esperidion M. Sarita (second to the left), Associate Dean of JRMSU CIT; Engr. Arnold F. Tabiliran (far left), Chairperson of Associate in Industrial Technology;

Ms. Esselyn Recososa (second to the right), Program Chair of ICT Unit; and Ms. Michelle Parohinog (center), Quality Assurance Focal Person and Program Chair of Electrical Technology.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General, along with Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, CPSC Governing Board-Engaged Faculty Consultant and Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, CPSC Faculty Specialist. Some CPSC local staff also joined the meeting, including Ms. Arlene Cruz, Executive Secretary; Mr. Vergel Dela Paz, Training Officer; Mr. Lawrence Gonzales, Acting Projects and Consultancy Officer; Ms. Julifer Madeja, Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission Officer (APACC) ; Mr. Justine Legaspi, ICT Officer; Ms. Stephanie Rimas, Research, Publications, and Information Division (RPID) Assistant; and Mr. Frankris Tan, Professional Intern.

The CPSC and JRMSU teams sit together in a meeting

The meeting was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Dhameja, who welcomed the JRMSU staff and expressed his enthusiasm for the benchmarking visit to CPSC. In his welcome remarks, he informed the delegation about CPSC, which he highlighted the functions of the training programs, institutional evaluations, and other services provided by the College.

Likewise, Dr. Sugod delivered a message on behalf of the JRMSU delegation and extended their appreciation to CPSC for the hospitality and warm welcome. He also emphasized the importance of international exposure for their university, hoping that CPSC can assist their faculty and students through potential collaborations and knowledge sharing.

To give more detailed information about CPSC’s programs, Dr. Kesavan presented the recently implemented training programs and shared details about the application process for APACC accreditation. He also mentioned that JRMSU could engage in research collaborations and participation in international webinars. Meanwhile, Prof. Naeem briefed them on the Projects and Consultancy services such as conducting Customized Programs, Study Visits, and Consultancy Projects.

CPSC Director General, Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja hands over a token of appreciation to Dr. Lorenzo V. Sugod, Ed.D., Dean of JRMSU College of Industrial Technology

The benchmarking visit concluded with an open forum where CPSC and JRMSU discussed opportunities for future cooperation by engaging in APACC accreditation, research collaboration and Study Visits organized by CPSC. Prof. Dr. Dhameja also invited them to join in International Webinars. Finally, Prof. Dr. Dhameja presented tokens of appreciation to the JRMSU delegates and commemorated the visit with a group photo.

JRMSU is a state university in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, mandated to provide higher professional and technical education, including research and extension services, advanced studies and progressive leadership in education, agriculture, arts and sciences, engineering and other fields. Its main campus is located in Dapitan, with additional campuses in Dipolog, Katipunan, Tampilisan, and Siocon.