In a significant step toward enhancing quality education, community engagement, and civic services to realize its mission of serving the communities, Sorsogon State University (SorSU), through the College of Teacher Education (CoTEd), officially launched SorSU-CoTEd CARES (Community-based Advocacies for Research and Extension Services), along with the Banaag Research Center (Teacher Quality Training, Research, Innovation & Development) and the Community Lifelong Learning Center (CoTEd Extension Center), with a ceremonial blessing and ribbon-cutting event on May 28, 2025, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus) formally commenced the ceremonies with an opening message, followed by Prof. Rialyn L. Dogcol who introduced the attendees and representatives from CoTEd’s partner institutions and key collaborators.
In her message, SUC President, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, emphasized thd University’s commitment to advancing quality education through research-based practices both in the classrooms and fieldwork. She acknowledged the mission of empowering learners to rise above poverty and become catalysts of positive change in their communities, highlighting the importance of support from partners in achieving these goals.
The President remarked, “Your presence at this event is a solid guarantee that we can certainly depend on you in bringing high-quality education and services to our learners through these centers and other projects. We are the Pamantasang May Puso — we not only care for our students and employees but above all, we open our doors and hearts to the communities we serve. Once again, I ask all of you to join us in this noble, collaborative undertaking.”
Notably, Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, CESO III (Regional Director, CHED Regional Office V), also graced the ceremonies. In his inspirational message, Regional Director Anduyan congratulated the College of Teacher Education (CoTEd) for establishing the Banaag Research Center and Community Lifelong Learning Center, underscoring their significance to the academe’s tagline, “Pamantasang May Puso.”
Regional Director Anduyan concluded, “Thank you for creating these centers. I know that these will benefit a lot of people. I know that these will create ripples and eventually have an impact on the lives of the people, not only to the Sorsoganons but also the region and the whole global community… It’s time for us to hold hands so that we can walk together and be able to conquer whatever stumbling blocks that will come along our way.”
An audio-visual presentation showcased the CoTEd CARES, Banaag Research Center, and CoTEd Extension Center, highlighting key initiatives such as Project LOTUS (Localized Tutorial Services), Project WRITE (Web-Based Research Initiatives for Teacher Empowerment), Project CACTUS (Capacity-Building and Advocacy for Community Transformation and Upscalling Sustainability), Project BAYLE (Bringing An Active & Youthful Lifestyle for Everyone), Project RASKA, Project CHILD (Championing Inclusion for Learners with Disabilities), Project COURAGE (COVID-19 Pandemic Unlocking Resiliency and Adversity Quotient Guide for Empowerment), and Project HOPE (Harness, Optimize and Protect Environment), all designed to promote educational innovation, address contemporary academic challenges, and empower communities.
Messages of support were also shared by various partner institutions, including Mr. Jose L. Doncillo, CESO VI (DepEd – Sorsogon Province), Dr. James Christian H. Nabong (representative of Dr. William E. Gando, CESO VI), Ms. Priscilla C. Saladaga (Division Chief, DSWD 4Ps), Dr. Lilinita Del Rosario (President, CoDTE V), Dr. Jonald B. Sia (President, PAFTE V), Ms. Pacita D. Fortin (Pinoy Reading Buddies Representative) in audio-visual presentation, and Ms. Loresse Ann Desuacido (President, Future Educators Guild – SorSU CoTEd). Moreover, Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice for Research, Extension and Training) delivered a message as well.
The event featured an awarding of plaques of appreciation/recognition to the College’s partner institutions, key collaborators, and linkages, who demonstrated their unwavering commitment by signing the commitment wall. The ceremonial blessing and ribbon-cutting followed, led by the SorSU President and CHED-ROV Regional Director, alongside key officials and partner agencies.
The attendees enjoyed performances by SorSU Instrumentos De Cordo together with the beneficiaries of Project RASKA (Recitals and Musical Arrangements for Students Knowledge and Musical Accompaniment), one of CoTEd’s extension initiatives that provides a platform for talented students to develop their skills in musical accompaniment. The activity also showcased a research-based dance performance titled Bugsay and a dancesport intermission by Mr. Tomas M. Encinares, Jr. and his partner (Gold Medalists in the National Dancesport Competition).
The Banaag (beam of light) Research Center — symbolizing hope and innovation — envisions itself as a pioneering force in advancing teachers’ best practices and competencies through research collaborations, innovations, and partnerships, with the goal of becoming a converging hub for capacity building in teacher training and development initiatives.
This significant event marks a pivotal milestone for SorSU-CoTEd and the entire community as the University embarks on a transformative journey toward shaping a progressive educational landscape aimed not only at achieving educational excellence but also at empowering communities, with the mission to forge opportunities for growth, promote inclusivity and positive change, and cultivate a culture of lifelong learning. (SorSU PIO)
