Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) served as an official institutional sponsor at the Agribusiness Support for Promotions and Investments in Regional Exposition (ASPIRE) 2026—organized by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) from August 7 to 9, 2026, at the Robinsons Naga Atrium—demonstrating the institution’s steadfast commitment to regional development and technological leadership.
Anchored on the theme “AI-Powered Bicol: Innovation, Enterprise, and Inclusive Growth,“ the premier regional exposition gathered hundreds of attendees daily, bringing together local government heads, regional business leaders, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and agricultural cooperatives.
Elevating the landmark event, NCF deployed its premier institutional assets and artistic talents, featuring ceremonial support from the NCF Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), cultural performances by the NCF Rondalla and NCF Chorale, and interactive technological demonstrations by the Tiger Humanoid Robots and Virtual Reality (VR) platforms.
The three-day exposition also served as the backdrop for a major agricultural milestone—the official launch of the P20 Benteng Bigas, Meron (BBM) Na! Program, highlighting the convergence of technology, enterprise, and food security in the region.
Reaffirming the institution’s strategic presence, the NCF executive delegation was led by Atty. Carlo C. Villanueva, Jr., NCF Board Chairperson and MNCCI Executive Vice President; Ms. Teenarose O. Castroverde, NCF Vice President for Institutional Affairs and MNCCI Board Secretary; Dr. Agapito C. Rubio, Director of the NCF Center for Research, Learning, and Development (CRLD) and MNCCI Treasurer; Dr. Sheila E. Balid-Bordado, Vice President for Digital Transformation; and Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, Special Assistant to the President on Organizational Development.
NCF’s prominent involvement in ASPIRE 2026 reinforces its evolving role not only as an academic pioneer, but as a key drive of AI-powered enterprise, cultural preservation, and inclusive socio-economic growth across the Bicol region.