Two BISU Boholanos Receive Governor’s Excellence Awards, Bringing Pride to the University and the Province

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL – On a day dedicated to celebrating Bohol’s rich history and the people who continue to shape its future, two Boholanos from Bohol Island State University (BISU) stood among the province’s finest as recipients of the prestigious Governor’s Excellence Awards during the 172nd Bohol Day Celebration on July 22, 2026, at the Bohol Cultural Center.

University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso was conferred the Governor’s Excellence Award for Education, recognizing his outstanding leadership in advancing academic excellence, research, innovation, modernization, and higher education.

A distinguished Boholano academician, researcher, and the third President of Bohol Island State University, Dr. Penaso has led the University through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, BISU has strengthened its position as a premier institution in science, technology, agriculture, and education while expanding its research capability, forging strategic partnerships, embracing innovation, and reinforcing its commitment to community development. His leadership continues to redefine the role of a state university as a driver of regional progress and sustainable development.

Receiving the Governor’s Excellence Award for Environment was Prof. Reizl P. Jose of the BISU Bilar Campus, whose lifelong dedication to biodiversity conservation has earned national respect.

A distinguished Boholana wildlife biologist, biodiversity researcher, educator, and Professor VI, Prof. Jose was honored for her outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship through more than two decades of scientific research, environmental education, and conservation advocacy. Her work, including her acclaimed book Secrets of Bohol’s Flying Forest, has helped bring Bohol’s extraordinary biodiversity closer to its people while encouraging greater responsibility in protecting the province’s unique natural heritage for generations to come.

The recognition of Dr. Penaso and Prof. Jose reflects the diverse ways excellence is lived at Bohol Island State University. One leads by transforming institutions and expanding educational opportunities. The other leads by deepening scientific understanding and inspiring environmental responsibility. Together, they embody the University’s enduring commitment to knowledge, innovation, and service.

For the BISU community, these honors are a shared celebration. They affirm that the University’s greatest achievements are measured not only by awards or accomplishments, but by lives transformed, communities empowered, and a province enriched through education, research, and public service.

As Bohol marked its 172nd founding anniversary, the recognition bestowed upon these two distinguished Boholanos carried a message that extends beyond the ceremony itself: when excellence is rooted in service, its impact reaches far beyond classrooms, laboratories, and institutions. It becomes part of the story of a province that continues to rise through the dedication of its own people.

Bohol Island State University extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Anthony M. Penaso and Prof. Reizl P. Jose for bringing honor to the University and to the Province of Bohol. Their achievements stand as an inspiration to every Boholano that leadership, scholarship, and service remain powerful forces in building a brighter and more sustainable future.