Aimed at bringing together various private and public higher education institutions (HEIs) across the Bicol Region to strengthen collaboration for equitable education and sustainable development, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) successfully hosted the launch of the three-part BFHE Academic Roadshow 2025 by the Bikol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE), held on March 11, 2025, at the SorSU Dormtel, Sorsogon City Campus.
The regional activity formally commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III (Bicol University President/BFHE President – All Clusters) and SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus (SorSU President/BFHE BOT Member).
In her message, SorSU President De Jesus extended her a warm welcome to the participants and, at the same time, conveyed her appreciation to the BFHE for once again choosing SorSU as the venue of another significant event — the BFHE Academic Roadshow 2025.
Dr. De Jesus emphasized, “Here in the Bicol region, we have to create strong partnerships to achieve our common goal of uplifting the educational level of our youth… And as we further expand equitable access and delivery of quality education for all learners, including those from marginalized sectors, ethnic minorities, and indigenous communities, our institutions must consider and adopt close coordination and collaboration with each other in order for us to organize and implement effective strategies and actions for this purpose.”
Featuring Atty. Alex B. Nepomuceno, PhD (University Professor/Dean, BUCSSP) as the resource speaker, the morning session focused on “Topic 2: Higher Education in Bicol region: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation”, where the speaker highlighted that impactful research and extension projects, as tools toward knowledge advancement and progress in society, should cater to the needs and demands of the community.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya (University of Nueva Caceres President/BFHE Vice President) led the talk on “Initiatives of BFHE in Sustaining Excellence in Higher Education: BFHE Philosophy, Vision, Mission, Goals, and Core Values”, emphasizing that BFHE is the sole regional association of private and public HEIs recognized by the Commission on Higher Education and how its efforts continue to foster broader networks, collaborations, and partnerships across the region toward achieving inclusive quality higher education. Following the talk of Dr. Lauraya, Rev. Fr. Odine Areola (Veritas College of Irosin President/ BFHE BOT Member) presented the 2025 Annual Action Plan of BFHE.
Notably, Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr., CESO III (Regional Director, Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office V) also graced the event and delivered the keynote speech. Moreover, a memorandum of partnership was signed among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) as well as private and public HEIs, including SorSU, during the academic roadshow.
Further, Dr. Rosemary R. Jadie (Dean, BU Gubat Campus) led the talk session regarding the best practices in research and extension of HEIs in Albay and Catanduanes. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants.
A three-part regional event, the BFHE Academic Roadshow 2025 serves as an avenue for educators, students, and stakeholders to cultivate awareness and collaboration in promoting excellence among the HEIs in Bicol, underscoring its essence as a celebration of the transformative power of inclusive and equitable education.
The next BFHE Academic Roadshow 2025 events will be held on March 18 and 25, 2025, at Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) and Bicol University (BU), respectively. (SorSU PIO)
