Benguet State University (BSU) recognized more than 3,000 student academic achievers and the year’s best awardees during the Student Achievement and Recognition Program held on May 28-29, 2024 at the BSU Gymnasium.

The event, held in four clusters, served as a platform to celebrate the outstanding achievement of students in their curricular and extracurricular activities. It was attended by students, parents, BSU officials, faculty, and guests.

BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila, other University officials, and guest speakers extended congratulatory messages to the awardees for their excellent performances and recognized parents for their support to their children in their academic pursuit. The guest speakers during the event were Senator Hon. Francis N. Tolentino, SAGIP Party List Representative Hon. Rodante D. Marcoleta, and Senator Hon. Rafael T. Tulfo.

In a video message, Senator Tolentino lauded the students and noted that student success contributes to community development. He also highlighted the role of BSU as an educational institution in shaping future leaders and change-makers in society.

Representative Marcoleta, who served as guest speaker for the third cluster, commended the students for their sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication and emphasized the significance of character alongside competence. "The excellence we celebrate today is a testament to your hard work, discipline, and determination. Let us also recognize that competence is always coupled with strength of character," he said. He further underscored the significance of both proficiency and strength of character in shaping globally competent individuals.

“Bilib ak sin inpaila yo ay layad ken abilidad yo (I am impressed with the love and abilities you’ve shown),” Marcoleta expressed in a vernacular language.

Marcoleta also emphasized the crucial role of education in empowering students to become globally competent and professional leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive positive change in their chosen fields. He further encouraged the students to pursue their dreams, make a meaningful impact in society, and serve as inspirations to others through their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Hon. Tulfo, in his written message, underscored the values of diligence, sacrifice, and discipline in achieving excellence and success in life. According to him, being excellent cannot be achieved instantly but rather a result of effort and dedication.

Drawing from his life experiences, he underscored the significance of overcoming challenges and difficulties in life. He recalled his journey, citing various roles he undertook, and has shown diligence and sacrifice to surpass expectations and succeed in life. He also noted that with discipline, anyone can rise to meet challenges and fulfill their responsibilities.

He then acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the students they have shown in their academic journey and commitment to excellence. “Sipag, sakripisyo, at disiplina. Yan ang nagdala sa akin sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon. Yan din po ang nagdala sa ating mga bibigyang pugay sa araw na ito upang sila’y bigyang pansin ng Benguet State University (Diligence, sacrifice, and discipline. Those are what brought me to where I stand today. Those are also what brought our honorees today to be recognized by Benguet State University),” he expressed in a written message.//EBawayan