DEBESMSCAT Honored with CHED’s Prestigious Gawad Baltog Award for Innovation and Sustainability

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 – The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) has been honored with the Gawad Baltog Award from the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED RO V)during the IBALONG Awards 2025 (Internationalization and Bicolano Advocacy for Leadership, Outreach, and Nation-building for Global Sustainability Awards) held on November 6, 2025, at Proxy by The Oriental Albay, Legazpi City, Albay.

The award was conferred to DEBESMSCAT in recognition of its inclusion in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, and for its commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable institutional development.

Representing DEBESMSCAT during the ceremony was International Relations Officer Dr. Nikki Faith Bantillo, who received the award on behalf of the institution. Dr. Bantillo was also presented with a Certificate of Commendation from CHED RO V for her exemplary role as a resource person and WURI mentor.

This prestigious recognition aligns with the vision of DEBESMSCAT through the leadership of President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca under the institutional development agenda DAMGO for Masbateño, which champions Development, Advancement, Modernization, Growth, and Opportunities for the province and its people.