The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through the Curriculum and Instruction Division, brought together faculty members from various state universities and colleges across the region for the Bicol-Wide Faculty Conference: Empowering Educators and Future Directions: Adapting Pedagogy and Technology to Meet the New Workforce Demands, held on December 3-5, 2025, at the CBSUA Main Campus.
This groundbreaking event aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt their pedagogical approaches and effectively integrate new technologies in response to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
In his message, CBSUA SUC President IV Dr. Alberto N. Naperi emphasized the importance of conducting such a conference. He noted that university professors, particularly in the region, must adapt to emerging educational technology trends to develop student skills that meet current industry standards. He also highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool in enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.
The conference featured a wide range of topics aligned with its objectives, delivered through plenary and breakout sessions by invited speakers who are experts in their respective fields. The first day plenary sessions were led by Dr. Karen P. Iniego, CHED ROV Education Supervisor II, who discussed the Status and Opportunities in Curricular Reforms and Innovation in Higher Education, and Prof. Jose Tolentino Olivar II, Assistant Professor from the University of Santo Tomas Manila, who presented insights on Redesigning Curriculum for Interdisciplinary and Flexible Pathways. In the afternoon, participants attended three breakout sessions: Dr. Myra Luz M. Homillano, CBSUA Associate Professor V, facilitated a session on Objectives–Learning Experiences Assessment; Prof. Julie Amara Bondilles, CBSUA Associate Professor, introduced Useful Technology for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Courses; and Prof. Olivar returned to lead a workshop on Redesigning Curriculum for Interdisciplinary and Flexible Pathways.
The second day opened with plenary talks by Dr. Rebecca Rosario O. Bercasio, Professor VI and Director of the Center of Teaching Excellence at Bicol University, who discussed Advancing Higher Education through Innovative Pedagogy: Status, Limitations, and Opportunities, followed by Prof. Erick John Marmol, Former Director of the Philippine Science High School, who shared strategies for Upgrading Instruction with Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for 21st Century Skills Development. Breakout sessions continued with Dr. Charlie P. Nacario, SUC President II of BISCAST, leading a workshop on Skills-focused Teaching Strategies for Agriculture and Environment Fields; Prof. Vergel Mirana, CBSUA Professor, handling Skills-focused Teaching Strategies in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields; and Dr. Rufo Gil Z. Albor, Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, facilitating a session on Skills-focused Teaching Strategies in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
For the third and last day, the plenary speakers were Dr. Rufo Gil Z. Albor, Associate Professor from UP Los Baños, who discussed Outcome-Based Education as a Pathway to Relevant and Skills-Oriented Learning in Higher Education, and Dr. Rey-Mark G. Basagre, Associate Professor at CBSUA, who delivered a session on Designing Effective Innovative Approaches to Assessment.
Participants affirmed that the conference not only broadened their perspectives but also strengthened their commitment to shaping a more future-ready higher education landscape. With CBSUA’s continued leadership in fostering innovation and professional growth, the university stays determined to drive transformative educational practices across the region.
