Unlocking Bright Futures View the Latest News and Updates of CNSC 𝐂𝐍𝐒𝐂 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐅𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 By: CNSC Office of the President, 2025 CNSC delegation, headed by COTT Dean Dr. Jerome H. Baldemoro, participated in the Bikol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE) Academic Roadshow 2025 – 2nd lap (Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte Cluster) held on March 18, 2025 at Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City. This pivotal event aimed at driving meaningful discourse on the state and future of higher education in the Bicol Region. The roadshow brought together esteemed educators, academic leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders dedicated to uplifting the standards of tertiary education across Bicol. A major highlight of the roadshow was the keynote presentation by Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). Dr. Yee delivered an insightful discussion on “Advancing Higher Education in the Bicol Region: Challenges and Opportunities,” drawing from EDCOM II’s research and recommendations. He underscored pressing issues such as disparities in access to quality education, limited resources for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and the need for more resilient and globally competitive academic programs. He also outlined opportunities for collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs) and the government to foster innovation, improve learning outcomes, and address gaps in faculty development, infrastructure, and research capacities. The forum further delved into “Higher Education in the Bicol Region: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Excellence through Research and Extension,” as discussed by Atty. Alex B. Nepomuceno, University Professor, Bicol University which emphasized the need for Bicolano HEIs to strengthen their research outputs and community engagement.Meanwhile, panelists and speakers advocated for enhanced interdisciplinary research, partnerships with industries, and more robust extension programs to address local and regional development challenges.The session highlighted success stories of community-based initiatives and underscored the role of HEIs in empowering local communities through knowledge transfer and innovation.Capping off the event was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Partnership between and among BFHE member institutions and other higher education institutions across the Bicol Region headed by BFHE President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, SUC President IV, Bicol University and BFHE Board of Trustees.This collaborative agreement signifies a collective commitment to advancing academic quality, fostering research collaboration, and supporting capacity-building initiatives for faculty and students alike. The partnership aims to solidify networks among Bicol’s HEIs to achieve shared goals in academic excellence and regional development. The BFHE Academic Roadshow 2025 served as a significant platform for thought leadership and partnership-building, reaffirming the shared vision of elevating the higher education landscape in Bicol for the benefit of its communities and future generations. CNSC Participants:Dr. Jerome H. Baldemoro – Dean, CoTT (Delegation Head)Ms. Jaylan V. De Galicia – Program Chair, CoTTMs. Mary Jane Ferrer – Program Chair, CANRMr. Irvin O. Bequillo – Extension Coordinator, CANRMr. Patrick O. Carejas – Program Chair, CASMr. Roel V. RaferMr. Crisanto S. Ramirez Mr. John Christopher C. Nolial Caption: Dr. Jerome H. Baldemoro