BICOL  University earned international recognition as its initiative became the lone Philippine finalist in the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, a global competition celebrating innovative approaches in teaching and learning.

The program, KUGOS BUeño, competed under the Nurturing Values and Ethics Category and was recognized for redefining how institutions cultivate empathy, ethics, and social responsibility among future leaders.

“KUGOS BUeño is BU’s unique and innovative take on the National Service Training Program. Rooted in the Filipino concepts Kamalayan, Unawa, Gawa, Organisa, Sulong, the framework transforms BU NSTP from a compliance-based subject into a humanity-centered learning journey,” the university said.

“Through experiential, community-immersive, and empathy-driven modules, students are guided to build awareness of societal issues, understand community needs deeply, take intentional action, collaborate and organize meaningfully, and sustain solutions that create real impact,” it added.

The program impressed international evaluators for its experiential, community-based design that equips students with ethical and compassionate leadership skills.

BU’s pitch was presented by Prof. Ma. Crestia Bañares, joined by university officials, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to advancing global educational innovation.