This year’s Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly was held at the BSU Gymnasium attended by two alumni from the batch of 1959, 33 from batch 1960-1981, 35 from batch 1990-2004, 34 from batch 2005-2019, and 12 from 2020-2024.

Lorena Domanog-Clerc and Brico Langbay Santig were awarded as the Most Distinguished Alumni for their contributions in cultural heritage conservation and sports development and promotion respectively.

The Distinguished Alumni awardees were recognized for their initiatives and commitment to their respective fields. They are Irene Sumedca-Angway (Basic Education Supervision and Management), Bernard O. Bawing (Enterprise Development and Management-Bamboo Industry), Natalia Basto-Dalaten (Supervision and Management in Trade and Industry), Dr. Meliarazon Fianza-Dulay (Community Health Management), Kenneth Alip Laruan (Research Development and Management-Beekeeping and Biodiversity), Imelda Gadiano-Parcasio (Teacher Education-Digital Literacy), and Benjamin Rosenio Sacla (Community and Campus Journalism-Youth Sector).

Three alumni also received the Special Alumni Award: Greafin Bell V. Dodon, Jefferson T. Damoslog, and Hilda Y.D. Tadaoan. Dodon was recognized as an advocate of women’s empowerment, Damoslog as a Data Analyst, and Tadaoan as the oldest surviving alumna at 96.

Donors of the BSUAAI’s Thesis Grants for the Academic Year 2023-2024 were also recognized. They are Silvestre K. Aben, Lita M. Colting, Roland James D.G. Bayang, Helen Balanoy, Babble Mae M. Gorio, Lesley C. Deligen, Fe M. Bilango, and Christine D. Abellon. Their donations financially assisted 27 undergraduate students in conducting their theses.

Plaques and certificates were presented by BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila, VP for Academic Affairs Samuel S. Poliden, and BSUAAI President Ben David S. Luis.

As a response in behalf of the awardees, Domanog-Clerc highlighted the need to inspire one another and continue contributing to the communities and the world while carrying the values of commitment, excellence, and service .

Before the awarding ceremony, the BSU Alumni Association Incorporated (BSUAAI) led by its president, Ben David S. Luis facilitated the general assembly plenary session where reports on the association’s programs, services, and finances were presented. Recommendations, comments, and suggestions were solicited from the alumni afterwards. The attendees shared ideas to enhance the association. One suggestion was to explore entrepreneurship opportunities to support the association financially. They also suggested that the association collaborate with National Line Agencies (NLAs) to track BSU alumni working in this sector.

President Comila concluded the event by highlighting BSU’s development over the years. He advocated for entrepreneurship to contribute to the economic development of the Philippines.//BTayaban