Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Monday urged Bicol universities to develop specialized research programs that preserve the region’s heritage and address its distinct challenges.
Speaking at the unveiling of a memorial bust for the late Carlos “Papay” R. Imperial in Legazpi City, Teodoro proposed establishing a memorial academic chair in honor of one of Bicol University’s founding fathers.
“[T]o do justice to his memory, I believe that we work together, aside from unveiling this bust, to endow a Carlos R. Imperial Memorial Chair in some specialty field,” Teodoro said.
He suggested that the program focus on disaster risk reduction or another field rooted in Bicol’s experience, with lessons that could benefit the rest of the Philippines and the region.
“Perhaps disaster risk reduction or some aspect of life that is unique to Bicol, but whose learning and lessons can be spread out and cascaded on an academic and… controlled laboratory environment, for the rest of the Philippines and the region,” he said.
Teodoro also called on the Bicol University community to protect the region’s history and culture from being “lost to development.”
He said higher education institutions should integrate Bicol’s heritage into their academic programs and teach students about the region’s unique conditions and challenges.
Such research, he added, could help build a more resilient and prosperous Bicol.
“[L]et us not allow the example of revisionism, of unacceptable revisionism, of our culture to overtake,” Teodoro said.
“My point being, how can you instill a culture if you cannot remember who your distinguished public figures are?” he added.
Imperial, a former representative of Albay’s second district, was among the principal authors and sponsors of Republic Act No. 5521 of 1969, which established Bicol University and expanded access to tertiary education in the region.
Also present at the ceremony were Albay Gov. Noel E. Rosal, Vice Gov. Farida S. Co, Albay Second District Rep. Carlos A. Loria, Bicol University President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, members of the Imperial family, and local government and university officials, personnel, and students.