30 September 2025
The 2025 Program on Rewards, Awards, Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) EVERLASTING Awards held at the Benguet State University (BSU) gymnasium recognized 112 exemplary employees.
The award categories included the Salamat-Mabuhay Award for retirees, Milestone Award for those who rendered 10 years of service, Loyalty Award for 15 to 40 years of service, Outstanding Employee, Wellness Practitioner/Advocate, Cost Economy Measure, Taraki, Innovator of the Year, Best Organizational Office, Most Improved Office, Gender and Development Advocate, Continuing Career Development, Special Citations, and Quality Assurance Recognition Award.
VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud delivered the opening message, noting that EVERLASTING stands for core values such as excellence in job performance and exemplars of competencies, vibrancy, and vigor, efficiency in the workplace, responsiveness, leadership in action, accountability in responsibility, service at its best, teamwork in attitude, innovative outputs, nobility in character, and greatness in achievements.
Kinnud also highlighted the new recognition categories, emphasizing BSU’s evolving commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being. He called on awardees to serve as role models fostering university progress through dedicated service.
University and Board Secretary Lynn J. Talkasen delivered the keynote message of Department of Economy, Planning, and Development OIC Director Apollo Edwin S. Pagano. The message highlighted the celebration of BSU’s transformation from its humble beginnings in 1916 into a globally recognized institution grounded in Cordillera values. It also underscored the university’s achievements in education, research, and regional leadership, while stressing the importance of stewardship and sustainability, important aspects for the university’s future role in addressing climate change and building of resilient communities.
University President Kenneth A. Laruan expressed gratitude to the awardees, retirees, and the entire workforce for their sacrifices and contributions. Laruan praised their innovations and dedication, emphasizing that BSU’s success is a collective achievement. He also encouraged everyone to continue their commitment and dedication to excellence.
In response, Salamat Mabuhay Awardee Valentino L. Macanes shared his heartfelt appreciation to the university that served as a life-changing institution for him. He vowed continuing support to BSU despite his retirement.
“This university as our employer has served as the source of our bread and butter. Some of us were also blessed to have housing here in the university and through our salaries from the university we were able to send our children to school,” Macanes stated.
He also urged the university to protect its lands and encouraged current employees to maintain their wellness and dedication.
Matias C. Angiwan Jr., another Salamat Mabuhay Awardee, also reflected on the heartfelt recognition retirement represents, highlighting the honor of lifelong service and the lasting legacy retirees leave behind.
“It honors a life of service. Whether the service we have rendered is recognizable or humble and unseen, it is service that has been given to the university for that number of years. And this moment recognizes that service,” Angiwan shared.
Finally, VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres emphasized the excellence and integrity in public service at Benguet State University. He congratulated the awardees for their passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication, qualities that make the university stand out. He stressed that these recognitions come with great responsibility, as awardees serve as role models within the university and the wider community.
Lumbres encouraged everyone to promote a culture where integrity is non-negotiable and excellence is the standard. He expressed his gratitude to retirees and praised the organizing and ushering committees for a job well done.
The PRAISE-EVERLASTING Awards supports BSU’s commitment by celebrating employee dedication and service excellence, BSU actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including #SDG3 (Good health and well-being), #SDG4 (Quality Education), #SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), #SDG16 (Peace and Institutional Strength), #SDG17 (Partnerships for Development). //PJG
📸Steffy Gwyneth Rafael (UPAO Intern), PJG