Sorsogon, Philippines – The Bikol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE) held the 2024 Conference and General Assembly on August 13-14 at Sorsogon State University. This annual event gathered leaders and educators from higher education institutions across the Bicol Region, including SUCs, LUCs, and private colleges and universities.
This year's theme-"Bicol HEIs: Shaping the future together in the era of social media and AI," assessed the challenges and opportunities for Bicol higher education institutions amid rapid technological advancement.
The conference offered a valuable platform for exchanging best practices across instruction, research, extension, and production. On the second day, the Research, Development, and Extension Symposium showcased presentations from faculty and graduate students, highlighting innovations and collaborative initiatives aimed at driving continuous improvements in their fields.
The symposium highlighted several thematic areas: Climate Change and Biodiversity, Tourism and Culture, Economic Enterprise, Development, and Special Projects, Education, Innovation, and Future Outlooks, Social Realities.
Faculty from Partido State University presented nine research papers in various thematic areas and garnered multiple best paper awards, highlighting the university's commitment to research and education excellence.
The BFHE Conference not only fostered collaboration among Bicol HEIs but also emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving educational landscape shaped by social media and artificial intelligence. As the event concluded, attendees left with renewed motivation to implement innovative practices that will benefit the region's higher education system.
The collective efforts of Bicol HEIs continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, ensuring that the region remains responsive to both local and global challenges.