Central Bicol State University of Agriculture showcased its innovative extension projects during the 2025 National Extension Conference (NEC) organized by the Bicol Global Extension Network (BIGEN), from May 21 to 23, 2025, at the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi, Rawis, Legazpi City.
With the theme “Futures Thinking in Extension: Fostering Resilient Communities in a Changing World,” the event aimed to promote collaboration among institutions, government agencies, and various sectors to empower communities and align extension efforts with national and global development goals. The conference gathered extension practitioners, academic leaders, and representatives from more than 30 HEIs and SUCs across the country.
CBSUA’s delegation was composed of Ms. Ana Vera V. Hugo, Ms. Mary Grace B. Polvoriza, Ms. Cristia Shiena S. Amparo-Tubale, and Ms. Nilda P. Olores. Each presented their respective research and community-based initiatives reflecting CBSUA’s strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. Their participation was made possible through the support of the CBSUA Human Resource Management and Development Office, headed by Director Ms. Ana Del Carmen, as part of the university’s continued investment in faculty development and lifelong learning.
Ms. Hugo introduced “RISE4MgT Project 2 – SIRANG: Module Development Progression,” aimed at revitalizing teaching skills among multi-grade teachers. Meanwhile, Ms. Polvoriza shared her project titled “From Gardens to Goals: Leveraging FFA2GAP to Achieve Sustainable and Inclusive Community Transformation,” which advocates for food sustainability through agriculture and education. Ms. Amparo-Tubale presented “RISE4MgT Project SALDANG: Series of Capability Enhancement Trainings,” designed to enhance the competencies of educators in its target areas. Ms. Olores presented “Project BES (BEED Students Engagement in Special Education),” an initiative providing support services to children with special needs.
The conference was commenced with acknowledgments led by Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico, Director of the Bicol University Extension Management Division and Interim President of the Bicol Global Extension Network (BIGEN). Sr. Maria Angie Rose Panganiban delivered her welcome message to all participants on behalf of Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, the Rector and President of UST–Legazpi.
Messages of support and encouragement were also delivered by academic leaders, including Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, President of CBSUA and PASUC V; Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, President of Bicol University and President of the Bicol Foundation of Higher Education, Inc.; and Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., CESO III, Regional Director of CHED Region V.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lizan Perante-Calina, Dean of the Graduate School at the Development Academy of the Philippines. Connecting to the conference theme, Dr. Perante-Calina emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and forward-thinking strategies to foster resilient communities through extension.
Among the participating institutions were Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Bohol Island State University, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Catanduanes State University, Partido State University, Sorsogon State University, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Divine Word College of Legazpi, Eastern Samar State University, Mabini Colleges, Inc., Mariners Polytechnic College of Legazpi City, Occidental Mindoro State College, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Saint Anthony, and University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi.
This three-day event will continue until May 23, 2025, with more in-depth sessions not only in promoting education and research, but also in fostering community engagement, sustainable development, and innovation. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯 𝘙. 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯; 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘚. 𝘈𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘰-𝘛𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘦
