(EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Students of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) may soon gain access to paid work-and-training opportunities abroad following a landmark partnership with Bixter Academy, a global internship facilitator known for deploying students to industry placements in Europe.
The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, positions ESSU as the first higher education institution in the Visayas to secure a collaboration of this kind—offering students, particularly those in agriculture and related disciplines, the chance to undergo structured international internships while earning income.
Bixter Academy specializes in paid internship programs that place students in real-world work environments such as farms, agri-enterprises, and other technical industries, primarily in countries like Denmark. Participants are given hands-on training aligned with their academic background, while also receiving compensation, making the program both a learning and livelihood opportunity.
The MOA was signed by Bixter Academy Chief Executive Officer Nataliya Jorgensen and ESSU President Dr. Andres Pagatpatan, with backing from the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone.
The partnership builds on earlier efforts initiated in 2025 during the administration of former governor Ben P. Evardone, and was facilitated by Glenda Dulfo, a Borongan City native who helped connect ESSU with international partners.
Under the program, selected students will undergo preparation before deployment, including skills enhancement and orientation, before being sent abroad for on-site training. The initiative aims to expose students to modern agricultural practices, improve technical competencies, and provide international work experience—key factors in enhancing employability.
Governor Evardone said the initiative reflects the province’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Estehanon youth, noting that the program allows students to earn while gaining global skills.
“This is not just about training—it is about giving our students a chance to compete on the global stage and uplift their families,” he said.
University officials added that the partnership strengthens ESSU’s push for internationalization while contributing to workforce development in Eastern Samar by producing graduates equipped with globally competitive skills.
An open forum capped the signing ceremony, where students raised questions about qualifications, application procedures, and deployment timelines, which were addressed by representatives from Bixter Academy.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
