UNAP awardee Nebres champions humanitarian service, social responsibility

By Arnold C. Noda, IO III – BU CPRO

With his vision of a University for Humanity towards Sustainable Societies, Bicol University (BU) President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III received a distinguished excellence and humanitarian leadership recognition from the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) as a “Champion of Humanitarian Service and Social Responsibility.”

Conferred as part of the 80th UN Anniversary Celebration, the BU President was also elected as a Member of the UNAP Board of Trustees.

This milestone event celebrated the country’s enduring commitment as one of the UN’s founding members and honored Filipino leaders who champion its core principles. Nebres, in receiving this high distinction from UNAP, brings significant honor to the entire Bicolano academic community.

Since his presidency in March 2023, Dr. Nebres has championed initiatives that align BU directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as the following:

• Global Citizenship Education (GCED): Since 2022, BU has been recognized as the Regional Hub for Global Citizenship Education that promotes intercultural learning and sustainable development. (Full story: BU is latest GCEd Hub in Bicol)

• Equity Policy: Under his leadership, BU enacted a landmark Equity Policy on admissions for marginalized sectors, ensuring equity and inclusivity to all incoming students.(Full story: BU to implement landmark Equity Policy on admissions for marginalized sectors

• Top Research HEI in Bicol: BU was recognized as the top higher education institution in the Bicol Region for Scopus-indexed publications (253 total documents as of mid-2025). Scopus indexing means BU’s research has passed international quality standards, making it visible globally (BU tops research publication indexed in Scopus among Bicol HEIs)

• Global Recognition for BU NSTP: The BU National Service Training Program (NSTP), known as “KUGOS BUEÑO,” was shortlisted in the QS Reimagine Education Awards (the “Oscars of Education”) under the Nurturing Values and Ethics category. This provides direct global recognition for BU’s values-driven education (BU rises to national, global spotlight for outstanding achievements)

As the region’s premier state university and a globally recognized center for learning and humanity, BU aims to intensify its engagement in advocacies that promote peace, justice, and sustainable development.