Kalinga State University and St. Tonis College of Bulanao have formalized a partnership to enhance educational resources through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 20, 2024. The signing ceremony, held at the STCI Board Room, was attended by KSU President Dr. Joy Grace P. Doctor and STCI President Dr. Kathleen Rose I. Guimbatan, along with librarians and staff from both institutions.

The MOU establishes a consortium aimed at improving library services and academic support for students, faculty, and staff of both institutions. It outlines several areas of collaboration, including the sharing of library resources, joint initiatives, and professional development opportunities for library personnel. Under the agreement, both institutions will expand access to a broader range of reference materials, databases, and specialized collections. They will also grant reciprocal borrowing privileges and access to each other’s library facilities, subject to respective policies and procedures. Furthermore, the partnership aims to promote collaborative research programs and projects utilizing shared resources, strengthen the role of libraries in meeting accreditation requirements, and provide professional development opportunities for library staff through workshops, seminars, and conferences.

In her message, Dr. Guimbatan highlighted the critical role of libraries in advancing academic excellence, emphasizing that “academics cannot thrive without a well-resourced library.” She added that the partnership is expected to significantly benefit the students of both institutions.

Dr. Doctor expressed her full support for the collaboration, noting that it is part of KSU’s extension initiatives. She shared her confidence in the partnership’s potential to enhance library services and academic opportunities for both KSU and STCI.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and strengthening resources to support the educational advancement of both institutions.