Benguet State University has remained persistent in showing resilience and perseverance despite the variety of challenges it addresses every year. This is shown through its various initiatives in continuing to serve its four-fold functions of instruction, research, extension, and production despite the current health crisis. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic presented overwhelming problems which changed many lives.
 

Despite this Pandemic, BSU continued to cater to students giving them opportunities to finish their studies, provided assistance for the community, and strengthened its local and international partnership. BSU continued to develop its researches and extended programs allowing different public or private organizations to take part in improving BSU for the community.
 

BSU honored its 105^th year of existence by becoming a pavilion or a home for its constituents and to others in the community. This is symbolized in the 105^th Foundation Anniversary theme, “BSU as a Pavilion, CARES: Cherishing the past, Accentuating the future, Revitalizing the present through Excellent services for Sustainability.”
 

Different offices and organizations of BSU arranged activities for the month-long celebration of the 105^th Foundation Anniversary. The Human Resource Development Office held the Fit Habit, Career Ladder Jump Start, and Multi-Disciplinary Discourse. The College of Nursing in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross has scheduled a blood-letting activity on October 13, 2021 at the SLS Gymnasium. Bloodletting activities are fast becoming one of the traditional ways of celebrating BSU occasions. The academic sector has also organized several webinars and online activities in which the students can participate. Most of the 105^th Foundation Anniversary activities were held online. Those that required face-to-face attendance had to adhere to strict health protocols being implemented by the University Health Services.

Ecumenical Service, 105th Foundation Anniversary Program and the Everlasting Awards

The month-long celebration was highlighted by the Ecumenical Service, program and the PRAISE Everlasting Awards Ceremony. All of these were livestreamed and premiered on the BSU Facebook page. The Ecumenical Service was officiated the La Trinidad Ecumenical Council of Churches (LTECC).
 

After the Ecumenical Service, the 105^th Foundation Anniversary program began with the Opening Remarks by Atty. Andres Arnold W. Lampacan, the OIC-Chief of the Finance Division. Dr. Stanley F. Anongos Jr., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presented a video of BSU’s Milestones throughout the years. Inspirational messages were also heard from Hon. Billy M. Bilango, Barangay Captain of Balili; Hon. Romeo K. Salda, Mayor of the Municipality of La Trinidad Benguet; Hon. Melchor D. Diclas, Governor of the Province of Benguet; and lastly; University President Felipe Salaing Comila. The program continued with the Presentation of Greatness in Achievement Award facilitated by President Comilla, Atty Allan C. Sacpa, Dr. Imelda O. Degay VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Romeo A. Gomez Jr. VP for Research, and Extension, Dr. Johnny G. Dati Sr. VP for Business Affairs. After the singing of Awit ng Serbisyo Sibil, Director Josefina S. Tamondong the Director of the Civil Service Commission Benguet Field Office, presented the Panununmpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno. The program ended with a closing remark from Dr. Dati.

The Praise Everlasting Awards 2021, was premiered on October 1. It started with an inspirational message from the University President and CHED Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr. Former BSU Presidents Fortunato A. Battad, Lucio B. Victor, Cipriano C. Consolacion, Rogelio D. Colting, Ben D. Ladilad, Jones K. Feliciano, Feliciano G. Calora Jr., Atty. Marco Cicero, and Dir. Danilo B. Bose also sent their regards through their video messages. The list of awardees could be accessed here https://online.fliphtml5.com/fffgx/meyw/?fbclid=IwAR18Tlhqdynj0HvvrF-o4ibVbzSuh5o6L98ATGu0xV5RDwu_lKKJ9naUh_A#p=1 and the streams of both programs are still viewable at the BSU Facebook Page.

BSU Tagtag 105: Virtual Fun Run

The BSU Tagtag 105 is this year's edition of the university founding anniversary run. It is a 21-day challenge to finish at least 105 kilometers. There are two contests - one is the shortest time to finish the 105 kilometers reckoning from September 5, the official start of the virtual run, and the other is the longest distance ra­­­n within the twenty-one day period ending September 25. There were 45 participants who registered for the event - 28 men and 17 women, who were an employee, student, alumni or member of the BSU community.

The shortest time was ruled by Vicente G. Vicente G. Panagan Jr. in the men’s category who completed at least 105 kilometers within nine days in six runs. He was followed by Aldrin V. Baniaga who finished in 13 days within 12 runs and Julio Peg-ed who finished in 15 days within nine runs.

On the women's side, Edeliza Antonio Demot had it completing the run in 15 days in six installments followed by Rose Marie B. Kiwas who finished in 16 days within seven runs and Jhelian T. Cabintos who finished in 19 days within 16 runs.
 

For the longest distance in 21 days, Aldrin V. Baniaga completed 284.21 kilometers to win the men's category. Baniaga is followed by Vicente Panagan and Julio Peg-ed at second and third place respectively. Rose Marie B. Kiwas had 165.80 kilometers to rule the women's side followed by Jhelian T. Cabintos and Edeliza A. Demot respectively at second and third places.
 

Mr. Julio Peg-ed is the eldest runner who also had places in both the shortest and longest distance contests.
 

BSUGEA had been organizing the foundation run since 2016. Last year and this year's edition though had to be in the virtual mode because of the pandemic.
 

Tree planting activities in BSU Bokod, Buguias and La Trinidad

In BSU La Trinidad, the College of Forestry, Land Reservation Office, and Human Resource Management Office conducted a tree planting activity in honor of BSU's 105th Foundation Anniversary on September 21, 2021. A total of 105 trees were planted at the BSU Area in Gayasi, Wangal, La Trinidad. The participants were from various offices in the Administration Building.

Out of the 105 trees, 45 are Alnus, 20 are Tibig, 20 are Deguai and 20 are Guava. According to CF Dean, Dr. Conrado C. Bao-idang, the purpose of planting different tree seedlings was to create a bio-diverse surrounding. He said that Alnus are nitrogen fixers that would help the soil become rich while Tibig trees are water-producing Trees. Furthermore, Deguai Trees are endangered tree species that could provide food for wildlife and even humans. Guava trees are planted for food and medicinal purposes. Another 105 trees were planted on September 30, 2021, at the College of Forestry area. Out of the 105 trees, 50 are Alnus, 50 are Guava, and five are Tamarind.
 

The tree planting activity at BSU Buguias was on September 28, 2021, at the campus grounds. The event was graced by the University President Felipe Salaing Comila and Executive Assistant Atty. Andres Arnold Wadingan Lampacan planted their trees. Also present during the tree planting activity were BSU Buguias Executive Dean Florendo P. Comila, Dean College of Criminology, Dr. Virgilio C. Ablaza, and some employees.

The BSU Bokod had its tree planting activity on September 17, 2021. They visited the trees they planted in 2020 and reported a high survival rate. The BSU Bokod employees were joined by their Batch of 2000 Alumni led by Williana Bato and their graduating pre-service students and NSTP students. A total of 1500 pine trees and fruit-bearing trees were planted by the BSU Bokod and its partners since July of this year. The tree seedlings were provided by the CF Nursery and the DENR-CAR.

Virtual Kapihan sa BSU and the showcasing of BSU products and research activities

A virtual Kapihan sa BSU was held on September 22, 2021 at the CHET Strawberry Hall to announce the activities for the 105th Foundation Anniversary and to inform the public of recent BSU milestones. This was in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency-CAR. The event was participated by BSU top officials as panel members and members of the local press. Most of the participants attended through Zoom and Facebook Live. Likewise, BSU products were showcased at the CHET lobby. The famed BSU orange yolk eggs remain to be the most noticed by the few Virtual Kapihan participants but the newly developed products such as the freeze-dried fruits also piqued their curiosity.

Meanwhile, the Research and Extension sector organized an exhibit that ran from September 28-30, 2021 in honor of the 105th Foundation Anniversary. The exhibit became a window to the current research programs and breakthroughs of the University.

The BSU Great Ride

As part of the celebration of the 105th Founding Anniversary of Benguet State U, a bike ride was held that started from BSU Buguias Campus to the BSU La Trinidad campus passing thru the BSU Bokod Campus and the future campus in Kabayan. In all, the road distance is about 110 kilometers. There were 40 expected participants based on the registration but only 32 showed up at the starting line.

Most of the participants chose to halt their biking either in Kabayan or Bokod. But as the university president said, in his speech when he met the group midway, to weather the road (Buguias to Kabayan) on bikes is already GREAT. He said that it was a show of strength and courage which means there is hope and life after. He believes that these hope and life will certainly translate into the workplace as each one does their job in the intergenerational highway which at present is a "pandemic highway." Five were able to finish the whole course.

The finishers were Robert Jan Allan, Leo Kimbungan, Richard Kinnud, Franklee Peraso, and Genaro Saliyoc. Special mentions were accorded to Pedro Y. Decina and Orlando H. Parocha as senior citizen participants; and to Donato R. Wanawan Jr., Bryant O. Botengan, Arsenio S. Sibayan, Oscar S. Saldet, Genrao G. Saliyoc, and Phillip T. Atulba dubbed as the 50s riders. Another special mention was given to Jullianne Grace L. Lampacan for being the lone lady rider.

Authors: Adrian Kyle Cariño, Richard H. Kinnud, Jennyline S. Tabangcura with reports from Rachelle B. Kiong of BSU Bokod, Iris Copero and Prince Jheruel P. Gadang