In an effort to possibly resume internship of students, particularly of BS Agriculture, from the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) in Israel, New Era University Dean of School of International Relations and Consultant to International Affairs of ASIST, Dr. Carlos C. Tabunda Jr., and ASIST International Affairs Office Director, Ms. Patricia A. Benedito, with Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Noel B. Begnalen, and Bangued Campus Executive Dean, Prof. Leo T. Pasos, met with Israel Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Ilan Fluss last March 24, 2022 at The Manor, Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
It can be recalled that back in 2018, eleven (11) students from Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor in Agricultural Technology were sent to Israel for an 11-month long on-the-job training. The first batch of OJT students were able to successfully complete the program and the second batch was about to be deployed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Thus, the program was interrupted. Nonetheless, as ASIST continues to bolster its presence in global ground, the International Affairs Office is taking the lead in reviving networks that already exist to realize such goals and address the call towards achieving higher quality education and the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Matters discussed during the meeting include the conduct of virtual lecture series for faculty and students and possible visit of Israeli delegates in the institution later this year.
A locally-woven fabric, was given to Ambassador Fluss as a token of appreciation, to mark the sincerity of ASIST in this partnership, and as a way to show hospitality to the Israeli delegates in advance.