DOrSU, St. Therese Seminary forge partnership on instruction, research, extension
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) and the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Diocesan Seminary formalized a partnership on June 30 at the University Boardroom, DOrSU Main Campus, to strengthen collaboration in instruction, research, student development, and community extension.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce and Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD, Bishop of Mati, on behalf of the Seminary.
Under the MOU, DOrSU will extend technical and academic support to the Seminary through training, mentoring, curriculum assistance, research capacity-building, instructional enhancement, and community extension initiatives. The partnership also covers areas such as leadership development, guidance and mental health support, publication assistance, AI literacy, financial literacy, gender and development, environmental education, and innovation and intellectual property awareness.
Dr. Ponce underscored that the partnership reflects DOrSU’s broader work of defining its identity as a young university through its regenerative futures vision. He added that the concept is not limited to environmental conservation, but also includes the formation of people and communities.
“The concept of regenerative futures goes beyond ecology and conservation. It is also about mutual thriving and human flourishing,” Dr. Ponce said.
He said the collaboration with the Seminary gives concrete expression to the human flourishing aspect of the University’s mission, especially through the work of the Faculty of Teacher Education and the Faculty of Human Sciences and Communication.
Bishop Apigo, meanwhile, recognized that the agreement builds on the continuing collaboration between DOrSU and the Diocese of Mati, noting that the partnership did not begin with the signing but has developed through previous engagements over the years.
He further emphasized that the new agreement will help strengthen the formation of seminarians, particularly in preparing them for the academic demands of philosophy and theology studies. He also underscored the importance of providing future priests with formation that is not only spiritual, but also human, intellectual, and pastoral.
Bishop Apigo also expressed the Diocese’s openness to support DOrSU in initiatives that respond to the needs of students, particularly in the area of spiritual development and campus ministry.
“Whatever we can help to develop the University in the area of spiritual development of our students, we are glad to offer our help,” he assured.
The agreement will remain in force for three years, unless earlier terminated or extended by both parties.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Emily S. Antonio, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Lanie B. Laureano, Director for Extension; faculty members from the Faculty of Teacher Education and the Faculty of Human Sciences and Communication; and officials and seminarians from the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Diocesan Seminary, led by its Rector, Fr. Donald Fernandez.
