GLENVILLE — Glenville State University (GSU) students and faculty recently showcased their research at universities in the Philippines, aiming to promote GSU and West Virginia while fostering international academic relationships.
Eight GSU students were accompanied by Dr. Rico Gazal, Professor of Forestry, and Mr. Jacob Petry, Assistant Professor of Land Surveying. The group gave presentations at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB CFNR).
The students’ presentation focused on invasive species in West Virginia. At UPLB, this was part of a joint seminar between GSU’s Department of Land Resources and UPLB CFNR’s Department of Forest Biological Sciences, spearheaded by Dr. Gazal and Dr. Alona Linatoc.
These events aimed to spark interest among Philippine students in potential exchange opportunities at GSU.
Emphasizing legal frameworks, Mr. Petry conducted a seminar titled “Legal Aspects: Metes and Bounds versus Public Land Survey System in the United States.” Additionally, GSU’s Department of Land Resources donated a total station to UPLB CFNR, with Petry and the students assisting in its demonstration for Dr. Jun Tiburan’s Forest Surveying class.
“The trip to the Philippines this year was a great success,” Petry said. “Each time I meet our friends at UPLB, I leave with a better understanding of what it means to be an educator. It’s important to strengthen current relationships and foster new ones with institutions such as UPLB and UP Diliman. In the future, Dr. Gazal and I plan to have an MOU/MOA with a school that teaches land surveying and geomatics.”
Adding a cultural experience to their visit, the group attended the “Pahiyas” Festival in Lucban, Quezon. Hosted by Dr. Ellaga of SLSU, the festival celebrates San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, laborers, and peasants.
By engaging in these international exchanges, GSU aims to broaden its academic horizons and build lasting connections worldwide.
