The Batanes State College (BSC), in partnership with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) Governance Futures Lab, successfully held a capacity development program titled “Futurescape: Shaping the Future of Batanes State College through Research and Innovation” from December 5-7, 2024, at Boulder Bay Residences, Basco, Batanes.

Through the support of Senator Pia Cayetano, 40 teaching and non-teaching staff attended the program. It began with a welcome address from Dr. Djovi R. Durante, represented by Ms. Doreen C. Castillo, Director for College Business Affairs Office (CBAO), wherein she highlighted the importance of the outputs of this program to address not only the priorities set forth by BSC but also served as valuable tools for achieving sustainable development.

An overview of the program was presented by Assistant Professor Leobert L. Banzali, Director for Research and Development, Extension and Training (RDET). Esteemed resource speakers included were Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, Program Director, UP NCPAG Governance Futures Lab, and Dr. Eing Ming Wu, Executive Director, Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association and Chair Professor, Shu-Te University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The sessions included interactive discussions and culminated in group presentations on key topics such as cultural heritage, smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and disaster risk reduction.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from Ms. Daryl Alva B. Duguran, Director for Internationalization and External Linkages who acknowledged the valuable insights shared by UP NCPAG, emphasizing the importance of equipping BSC staff with essential skills for innovative research and development.