Published June 25, 2026 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University-Gonzaga welcomed officers and members of the Association of International Dynamic Educators, Inc. (AIDE) from Maryland, USA, on June 25 as part of the organization\\\'s Balik Saliksik Program, which aims to strengthen collaboration and extend support to CSU campuses.\\r\\n\\r\\nThe delegation was led by AIDE Founder Dr. Lyn A. Ciocon and CESB Chair and AIDE Executive Vice President for Professional Development Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado. They were received by CSU-Gonzaga Campus Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., together with campus officials and Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) coordinators.\\r\\n\\r\\nAccording to Dr. Ciocon, the visit sought to identify possible areas where AIDE can assist and collaborate with the various CSU campuses. She expressed her appreciation to the university personnel for their warm hospitality and commended the excellent education provided by CSU, noting that many AIDE officers are CSU alumni.\\r\\n\\r\\n“This initiative is our way of giving back to our alma mater and supporting its continued growth and development,” Dr. Ciocon said.\\r\\n\\r\\nAs part of the visit, the delegation toured the Mangrove and Bamboo Research and Innovation Center (MABRIC), the tissue culture laboratories, Bamboo Gene Bank, and the Engineered Bamboo Facilities, where they were introduced to the campus’s research and innovation initiatives.\\r\\nThe AIDE team also joined the soft launching of the campus’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded project, together with representatives from farmers’ cooperatives and local government units from Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, Sta. Ana, and Baggao.\\r\\n\\r\\nDuring the program, Dr. Alvarado highlighted the successful partnership between CSU and AIDE, citing its contribution to the university’s internationalization efforts.\\r\\n\\r\\n“With the leadership of CSU President Dr. Arthur G. Ibanez, the university has produced more than 130 international students through the mutual-benefit partnership between CSU and AIDE,” she said.\\r\\n\\r\\nCSU President Dr. Arthur G. Ibanez also joined the activity, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that support academic excellence, research, extension services, and global engagement.\\r\\n\\r\\nPhotos: Ms. Jean S. Torres, CICS Faculty Member