In preparation for the landmark institutional rollout of the newest foundational course prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) successfully held a specialized seminar titled ‘Bicol 101: Preserving Bikolano Language, Culture, and Identity’ on June 19, 2026, at the NCF Medical Classroom.
The capacity-building initiative gathered faculty members from across the eight colleges designated to handle the course, an interdisciplinary study of Bicol heritage officially titled ‘Bicol Geography, History, Culture, and Values in Everyday Life.’
Renowed historian Dr. Danilo M. Gerona and distinguished academic figure Dr. Mariben J. Berja served as resource speakers, rendering insightful lectures and interactive workshops that revolved around the intricate history, linguistics, values, and cultural heritage of the Oragons.
As part of the strategic effort to reframe GEC, CHED Regional Office V institutionalized Bicol 101 as a mandated three-unit, lecture-based regional course across various year levels and programs to foster a deeper appreciation for Bicolano ancestry, preservation, and cultural education beginning this upcoming academic year 2026-2027.
By continuously recalibrating educators through these foundational training tracks, NCF reinforces its commitment to globalizing local perspectives while achieving the highest standards of academic excellence across all collegiate programs.