Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) students may soon take their training beyond the campus and into the workplaces of Clark as the university explores a partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for on-the-job training and student immersion.

Through the initiative of CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., together with other 21 State University and College (SUC) presidents met with CDC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Agnes Devanadera on July 9, 2026, during the second day of the Presidents’ Roundtable Meeting for Unified Strategic Growth Midyear Session at Clark Freeport Zone, Clark, Pampangga. 

In her address, Atty. Devanadera welcomed the possibility of accepting interns from the participating SUCs, which Commissioner Ong referred to as the “Magnificent 22.”

She emphasized that students coming from different provinces could contribute diverse cultural perspectives and communication skills—qualities that are valuable when engaging with tourists, international investors, and companies operating inside Clark.

“Clark is the gateway to the North Luzon corridors,” Devanadera said, underscoring the Freeport’s strategic role as a center for business, aviation, tourism, information technology (IT), engineering and investment.

The proposed opportunity would build on CDC’s existing Town and Gown Program, which connects higher education institutions with workplace-based training opportunities. As of May 2026, CDC had 28 academic partners and had welcomed 571 interns since the program began in 2024. Interns have gained practical exposure in industries such as tourism, aviation, logistics, IT, manufacturing, and business services.

During the session, CDC human resource and internship officials also presented the corporation’s latest programs for strengthening academe–industry collaboration, including its Town and Gown approach and the Clark Connect initiative.

President Cañezo expressed strong interest in establishing a formal partnership that would enable qualified BiPSU students to complete their OJT or industry immersion in Clark including programs in Engineering, Computer Science, BS in Information System, Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIndTech), Hotel and Tourism Management, BS in Economics, Teacher Education programs, Business Administration and BS in Industrial Security Management. 

Such an arrangement would expose BiPSUnistas to professional workplace environments outside Eastern Visayas, allowing them to develop technical competencies, communication skills, and professional networks before graduation.

More importantly, the proposed partnership could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the changing demands of employers.

While an internship would not automatically guarantee employment, industry exposure could strengthen the employability of BiPSU graduates and introduce them to possible career opportunities among Clark’s locators, investors, and partner organizations.

Furthermore, the proposed partnership will also include a faculty immersion program, providing faculty members with opportunities to gain industry experience, become familiar with current workplace practices and technologies, and align classroom instruction and academic programs with the needs of the industry. 

The initiative would also help BiPSU’s continuing effort to expand learning opportunities and establish partnerships that can connect its students with regional, national and international industries.

“We sincerely thank CHED, through Commissioner Ong, for making this initiative possible and for bringing us together with key industry partners such as the Clark Development Corporation. This opportunity opens new doors for our students to gain relevant workplace experience, and become better prepared for employment,” Dr. Cañezo said in an interview. 

Clark Freeport Zone, which is managed by CDC, was named Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards. 

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