Awards

The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) reaffirmed its strong commitment to internationalization and sustainable development as it secured the 2nd Runner-Up for the Sustainability Award at the 2025 Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards held today, December 10, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

CBSUA earned the distinction through its flagship initiative, the 5th International Conference on Education, Environment, and Agriculture (ICEEA), spearheaded by the Research and Innovation Cluster. The annual conference advances Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 2, 13, and 17 by championing quality education, food security, climate action, and global partnerships. Its growing reach continues to mobilize thousands of stakeholders, researchers, and community members across regions and nations.

This recognition highlights the university’s pioneering integration of the United Nations SDGs across its core functions, including teaching, research, extension, and global collaboration. It solidifies CBSUA’s position as a forward-moving higher education institution in sustainability and international engagement.

CBSUA was also commended as one of the country’s top-performing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) included in Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized international league tables. These include the Times Higher Education (THE) World, Asia, and Impact Rankings, as well as the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

CBSUA President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi expressed his gratitude to CHED for the recognition and to the CBSUA community for its continued commitment to elevating the university’s global standing. “This commendation from CHED affirms CBSUA’s steadfast dedication to serving as an exemplary champion of the future of Philippine higher education on the global stage,” he said.

With its expanding international presence and consistent performance in global rankings, CBSUA continues to emerge as a trailblazer in sustainability, innovation, and international excellence.

The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) has been distinguished as one of the recipients of the 2023 CHED I.C.O.N.S. (Internationalization Champions of Nation Building and Sustainability) Award. This prestigious acknowledgment was bestowed upon CBSUA by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), recognizing its exceptional contributions to internationalization in the realm of higher education. Among 71 esteemed Higher Education Institutions across the Philippines, CBSUA stood out for its exemplary endeavors in fostering educational sustainability and seizing ASEAN opportunities through international engagement.

The recognition ceremony, hosted by CHED's International Affairs Services (IAS) Office, took place at the esteemed Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. At this grand event, President Roberto Naperi accepted the award on behalf of CBSUA, presented by Atty. Lily Freida Milla, Director of CHED IAS. The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities including Dr. Prospero De Vera, Chairperson of CHED, CHED Commissioners, Regional Directors, University Presidents, and International Relations Officers representing various awardee institutions.

In an exclusive interview, President Naperi expressed profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon CBSUA, emphasizing that the 2023 CHED I.C.O.N.S. Award epitomizes the university's unwavering commitment to delivering quality education. He underscored CBSUA's consistent strides in enhancing performance and visibility on global platforms, evident through its commendable standings in academic reputation, research and innovation, impact and social values, sustainability and development, and global engagement metrics.

CBSUA's receipt of the 2023 CHED I.C.O.N.S. Award not only underscores its pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the Bicol Region but also reaffirms its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and internationalization. As a beacon of academic distinction, CBSUA continues to pave the way for educational institutions nationwide, setting the bar high for global standards and innovation in higher learning.

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The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) has been lauded as one of the 16 National Awardees in the inaugural Higher Education Internationalization Award, jointly sponsored by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the UP Open University (UPOU). The awarding ceremony, held on May 19, 2021, marked a momentous occasion in recognizing institutions across the Philippines for their outstanding efforts in internationalization.

Dr. Alberto Naperi, President of CBSUA, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to CHED, under the leadership of Chairman Hon. J. Prospero De Vera, Commissioner Hon. Aldrin Darilag, and other CHED officials, as well as UPOU for organizing and sponsoring the event. He underscored the significance of such recognition in acknowledging the exemplary internationalization endeavors undertaken by universities and colleges in the country.

Among the 16 awardees, which include private higher education institutions (HEIs) and state colleges and universities, CBSUA stands out as the sole State University from the Bicol Region to clinch this prestigious accolade. This recognition not only highlights CBSUA's dedication to fostering global partnerships and initiatives but also underscores its commitment to advancing internationalization efforts within the region and beyond.

The Higher Education Internationalization Award serves as a testament to CBSUA's pivotal role in driving forward the agenda of internationalization in Philippine higher education. By receiving this honor, CBSUA reaffirms its position as a trailblazer in promoting global engagement and collaboration, contributing significantly to the enhancement of the country's higher education landscape.

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