By Arturo Belano

TO boost its international academic cooperation, the Central Luzon State University is set to sign an agreement with the Vancouver Island University in Canada.

Key officials from both universities met earlier this week to discuss potential areas of collaboration such as business, education, fishery sciences, social sciences and tourism.

The meeting was arranged by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.

“The preliminary meeting covered various partnership activities, including short- and long-term exchanges between students and academic staff, as well as program enhancements and employment pathways that will complement the strengths of both institutions,” CLSU said.

“VIU is set to become CLSU’s fourth Canadian partner,” it added.

The CLSU delegation was led by Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, who previously served as the dean of the College of Fisheries.

She was accompanied by acting Director of the International Affairs Office Dr. Parsons N. Hail, and Chief of the IAO’s International Mobility Unit Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo.

The VIU contingent was composed of Dr. Deborah Saucier, president, and Carolyn Russell, associate vice-president for International Education.