Capiz State University recently embarked on a heartfelt journey to Hiroshima University in Japan, with a dedicated delegation that included Engr. Rowen G. Gelonga (Director, DOST Region VI and BOR Member), Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi (VP for External Affairs and Linkages), Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar (VP for Research Development & Extension), Dr. Stephanie S. Pimentel (Research Director), and Dr. R Jun Frederick G. Gaspe (Hiroshima University Alumnus). The visit, which took place from May 19 to 25, 2025, was driven by a shared desire to foster enriching academic and research partnerships.
On March 21, 2025, the CAPSU delegation was warmly welcomed by representatives from Hiroshima University, led by the kind and supportive Sensei Kazuhiko KOIKE, PhD (Vice President for International Exchange/Japanese Language Education), along with other esteemed faculty members including Sensei Masayuki SHIMADA (Dean), Sensei SUZUKI Takuya, PhD (Associate Dean), and Sensei Takeshi TOMIYAMA, a respected full professor. The visit was also made special by Sensei Lawrence Liao, a Filipino-Japanese Professor, whose efforts were instrumental in making this connection possible. Dr. Legaspi shared CAPSU’s vision through a touching video presentation, giving the HU officials a glimpse into the university’s aspirations for collaboration. Engr. Gelonga spoke with passion about the Philippine Blue Economy, highlighting the immense potential that joint research could unlock for both institutions.
The day was marked by a picturesque exchange of ideas, with Dean SHIMADA expressing genuine enthusiasm for the proposed collaborations. Vice President KOIKE shared a hopeful vision for faculty exchanges while encouraging more Filipino students to embrace the enriching educational experiences at HU. The morning’s spirit of collaboration was beautifully illustrated by a visit to VP KOIKE’s inspiring project, “One Town, One Gown,” a testament to the partnership between the Hiroshima Government and the University, aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of the region.
In the afternoon, the delegation was privileged to witness the innovative research efforts of HU faculty and students during their laboratory visits, a true testament to the spirit of discovery and the commitment to learning.
The journey continued on May 22, 2025, with a Seminar on Sustainable Fisheries in the Central Philippines, where HU graduate students joined in the dialogue. Dr. Biclar presented CAPSU’s Research, Development, and Extension priorities, laying the groundwork for meaningful fisheries research. Dr. Pimentel shared CAPSU’s innovative initiatives and best practices, especially in the realms of fisheries and aquaculture. The day concluded with more laboratory visits focused on animal and genetic engineering, food engineering, microbiology, and fisheries research.
Facilitating these enriching exchanges was Mr. Alvin Bantiquete, a dedicated CAPSU faculty member within HU’s graduate school. The spirit of collaboration was further strengthened by the presence of Filipino Scholars, including Mr. Angelo Macario (DOST Scholar), Dr. Jant Cres Caigoy (a former DOST Scholar who now contributes to HU faculty), and Dr. Romeo Toring, a compassionate Filipino anthropologist on the HU faculty in the IDEC School of Social Sciences. In a meaningful moment of connection, RD Gelonga and Dr. Biclar engaged with Dr. Amos Chiya, a Singaporean advisee of Dr. Liao, sharing valuable insights and research on sustainable tourism, all with the vision of enriching the tourism framework for Panay Island, Philippines.
As the visit wrapped up, the delegation left with a heartfelt commitment to pursue concrete plans for activities between CAPSU and HU, focusing on a Research Symposium and the hopeful possibility of an MOU Signing during a future visit to the Philippines.