Benguet State University (BSU) marked a historic milestone this January, celebrating its 40th Charter Anniversary with a week-long series of events honoring its transition from the Mountain State Agricultural College (MSAC) to a university on January 12, 1986.

Under the theme of unity and sustainability, the festivities combined traditional celebrations with forward-looking academic forums, solidifying BSU’s reputation as the “Kayabang of the North.”

January 10, 2026

𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝟒𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞
Benguet State University’s (BSU) 40th Charter Anniversary celebration began with a marathon race led by VP for Administration and Finance, Richard H. Kinnud, and the working committee formed from the different offices within the institution. The local government units of Benguet and Banengbeng, as well as National Line Agencies, gave their support by providing medical and transportation assistance throughout the activity.
The different categories were: 42K, 21K, 12K, 10K, 5K, and 3K runs. BSU executives demonstrated their support by joining the 12K and 5K categories. The marathon ended with an awarding ceremony recognizing the top three finishers of each category.//EBawang
12 January 2026: PARADE 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄
Benguet State University (BSU) continued its 40th Charter Anniversary celebration with a parade of offices and colleges. Participants gathered at the College of Information Sciences parking area and marched to the University Gymnasium.
The parade was followed by an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service as a form of gratitude to the Almighty. Spiritual leaders from different churches in La Trinidad led the service. Rev. Esther Kayat Balawag, Conference Minister of the Highland Conference, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, shared a message about staying connected to the Creator and trusting Him for the university’s future.
The service ended with a recollection of BSU’s 2025 achievement and prayers for the safety and strength of the BSU community.
12 January 2026: 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
Benguet State University’s (BSU) 40th Charter Anniversary was highlighted by the Charter Anniversary Program at the University Gymnasium. The program became a venue to recall and celebrate BSU milestones since its chartering in 1986, including progress in agriculture, forestry, teacher education, and community development. University President Kenneth A. Laruan described BSU as a center of knowledge that has supported generations and sustainable development.
Laruan attributed the university’s 2025 achievements to the BSU community, including regents, faculty, non-teaching staff, students, alumni, and partners, and urged continued collaboration for innovation and positive change.
One of the highlights of the event was the Productivity, Results, and Innovations for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards, which recognized employees and retirees for their government service.
The awards included the Salamat-Mabuhay Award for retirees, the Loyalty Award for those with 10 to 35 years of service, and the Kayabang Award for outgoing BSU Board of Regents (BOR) members.
Samuel P. Reyes, who received a 35-year Loyalty Award, spoke on behalf of the honorees and retirees. He highlighted the importance of their milestones and encouraged the community to follow their example of dedication.
Former Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education Marita R. Canapi, received the Kayabang Award by BSU for serving as the BSU BOR Chairperson from 2022 to 2025. Canapi thanked the university for the recognition and described the anniversary as a milestone of shared efforts since the university’s transition to university status in 1986.
Canapi congratulated the other awardees and those who helped BSU achieve Level 4 SUC status through instruction, research, extension, and innovation. She highlighted the university’s response to disasters and pandemics, calling it the “Kayabang of the North” for its work in excellence, internationalization, and sustainable development. She pledged her continued support after her term ends and urged the BSU community to build on its 40-year legacy.
BSU celebrates its Charter Anniversary each year to mark its elevation from Mountain State Agricultural College (MSAC) to BSU on January 12, 1986.
12 January 2026: 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
The Benguet State University (BSU) Office of Student Services, along with Bachelor of Science in Psychology student volunteers, led a Career Coaching activity for students from the Secondary Laboratory School. The event aimed to guide participants through BSU’s admission process, explore available courses and programs, and highlight potential careers after graduation.
The activity is part of the BSU 40th Charter Anniversary and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
January 13, 2026:  Day 1 of 𝗕𝗮’𝗱𝗶𝘄 𝘆𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Benguet State University (BSU) launched its first-ever Ba’diw ya Binnadang for sustainable development forum in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
BSU marked a significant milestone in its 40th Charter Anniversary celebration.
In the spirit of Ba’diw (our sacred oral tradition) and Binnadang (our culture of communal unity), the university leadership gathered to discuss our collective path toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
For the morning sessions, experts have taken the floor to lead a vital discussion on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The session was facilitated by the College of Medicine through Dr. Ruel G. Revilla, focusing on mental health and communicable diseases.
The first speaker, Dr. Rhoda Lynn O. Fajardo, discussed ending communicable diseases through effective control and prevention strategies. The second speaker, Dr. Donnabel Tubera Panes, navigated the complexities of the Tobacco Control Program of Baguio City. The third speaker for the morning session, Dr. Ricky Ducas Jr., shared insights as the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program Coordinator.
The experts engaged in a question-and-answer session with student leaders from the La Trinidad Supreme Student Government, The Mountain Collegian, College Governors, and the Supreme Student Government from the Bokod Campus.
The knowledge gained will be used in the creation of resolutions to be forwarded within and outside the university to support the development of SDG-related goals. Finally, SDG 3 was advocated by Dr. Richard H. Kinnud, Vice President for Administration and Finance, who emphasized the importance of building sustainable communities to ensure a healthy population and a sustainable future.
The dialogue continues this afternoon with a roadmap for SDG 4: Quality Education.
This session focuses on how BSU is evolving its infrastructure and resources to ensure that every student receives an inclusive and equitable learning experience.
We invite all students, alumni, and stakeholders to tune in, participate in the comments, and share this broadcast as we celebrate 40 years of academic excellence and community service. Your voice is an essential part of this dialogue.
Together, let us chant our vision for a unified and sustainable BSU!
// Ba’diw ya Binnadang Media Production Team,
✍️ by Dimas D. B.
📷 by Azarcon, L. C. and Dayagan, H. G.
13 January 2026: 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝟒𝟎𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐘
The Benguet State University (BSU) General Services Office and the International Relations Office conducted a simultaneous tree planting activity as part of the university’s 40th Charter Anniversary celebration.
The activity was carried out in two designated areas within the campus. The area one located at the back of the Administration Building, was planted by the International Relations Office.
Meanwhile, the area two along the roadside near the highway stretching from the BSU Main Gate to the College of Human Kinetics (CHK), was planted by the General Services Office.
A variety of fruit-bearing trees were planted during the activity, including citrus, guava, and guyabano. The activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
January 13, 2026: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐩𝐚𝐝 𝐈 – 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
As part of the 40th Charter Anniversary Celebration of Benguet State University, the information session titled “Your Global Launchpad I: Unlocking International Opportunities for Students” was held at the 3rd floor of the International Relations Office Building.
The activity was organized with IRO through the initiative of the PTCP Explore Career Consultancy Services Team, led by Ms. Joy Elisabeth P. Sudango. This information session is part of a series that aims to reach students not only from the main campus but also from the Bokod and Buguias campuses, providing wider access to international opportunities.
The session began with a welcome message from Dr. Rex John G. Bawang, Director of the International Relations Office, who warmly welcomed the students from the Benguet State University-College of Agriculture. He emphasized the importance of listening and learning during the session, especially about opportunities for internship, study, and work abroad. He also introduced the role and services of the International Relations Office before formally introducing the guests from the PTCP Career Explore Team.
Dr. Bawang introduced the PTCP Career Explore Team members, namely Mr. Matt Aldrie G. Salipeo, Ms. Emielyn S. Balagtas, Ms. Irene M. Victore, and Ms. Joy Elisabeth P. Sudango, the Manager of PTCP Career Explore.
During the session, Mr. Matt Aldrie presented an overview of PTCP Career Explore, discussing the organization’s vision, mission, and the services they provide to help students access global opportunities.
Ms. Irene then discussed the Paid Agricultural Internship Program, highlighting its benefits, requirements, and the support services provided by their office. Through this program, qualified students can apply for paid internships in countries such as Denmark, Switzerland, the United States, and Sweden.
Following this, Ms. Emielyn presented the Study–Work–Live Abroad Program, where she explained the benefits, requirements, and assistance offered to students who wish to study and work overseas. Opportunities are available with their partners which is in Canada, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, and other partner destinations.
The session also featured Mr. Jason E. Angayen, a Business Development Officer (Philippines) of Southern Cross University, Australia. He introduced the university, its academic offerings, and possible opportunities available to interested students, further expanding the international options presented during the activity.
Students interested in pursuing opportunities abroad through the PTCP Career Explore Career Services may enjoy exclusive benefits by attending a Global Launchpad Info Session, making international opportunities more accessible.
The information session aims to provide valuable guidance and inspiration to students, empowering them to explore global pathways for academic and career growth while strengthening BSU’s commitment to internationalization.
This information session strengthened students’ awareness of global pathways and supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #SDG4QualityEducation, #SDG8_DecentWorkandEconomicGrowth, and #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals, by promoting access to international education, skills development, and global collaboration.
14 January 2026: 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟑 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐒𝐔’𝐬 𝟒𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲
Benguet State University (BSU) employees participated in recreational activities led by the College of Human Kinetics, in support of Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being, and as part of the BSU 40th Charter Anniversary celebration.
Activities included Laro ng Lahi, basketball, pickleball, slow-pitch softball, badminton, darts, scrabble, chess, and table tennis.
The events took place at the BSU Gymnasium, Oval, College of Engineering, College of Human Kinetics, and Commission on Audit-CAR gymnasium.
January 15, 2026: 𝗕𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗮’𝗱𝗶𝘄 𝗬𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮: 𝗔 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Day 2 of the BSU Ba’diw Ya Binnadang for Sustainable Development: A Dialogue for Unity concluded successfully with a meaningful afternoon forum centered on Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.
The session brought together experts and advocates for environmental sustainability, namely Dr. Nova D. Doyog, Dr. Romeo A. Gomez, and Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, who shared their knowledge and insights to inform and inspire students to become active catalysts of change for climate action.
Through the dialogue, the participants were urged to protect the environment, not just an institutional responsibility, but a shared duty of students, faculty members, and stakeholders alike towards a sustainable BSU.
The discussion underscored the importance of initiative, responsibility, right attitude, and discipline in caring for the environment within and beyond the university. Moreover , the key environmental concerns were tackled, including agriculture and crops as well as the protection of air, land, water, and solid waste systems.
With a shared vision for environmental stewardship, the forum reinforced one message clearly: climate action begins with informed individuals who are willing to act.
The university once again invites students, alumni, and stakeholders to take part in the final dialogue session tomorrow, focusing on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, to be held in the morning. Let us continue the conversation and work together in building a more sustainable, just, humane, and responsible community.
A united BSU moves forward, towards climate action and beyond.
// Ba’diw ya Binnadang Media Production Team,
✍️ by Dimas D. B.
📷 by Azarcon, L. C., Sanqui, T. Jr., and Laron, V.C.
January 16, 2026: 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐁𝐚’𝐝𝐢𝐰 𝐘𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟔
The first-ever BSU Ba’diw Ya Binnadang for Sustainable Development: A Dialogue for Unity formally concluded this morning, January 16, with a meaningful “tongtongan” centered on Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Additionally, the session featured an interactive exchange with respected speakers, including Atty. Cheryl L. Daytec-Yangot, Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, Mr. Kyle Kimayong, and Ms. Angelika Servinas. Their insights connected global principles of peace and justice to local realities, which encouraged students to realize that real change begins within ourselves and our communities.
Throughout the discussion, students were challenged to go beyond awareness and take action. The speakers emphasized that peacebuilding, justice, and strong institutions are collective responsibilities. Small actions, when shared, can create lasting impact.
As the dialogue ends, the responsibility now rests on us. BSU calls on its academic community to turn learning into action by practicing ethical leadership, promoting inclusion, intervening in social issues, and standing for accountability in everyday spaces.
The conversation may be over, but the work continues.
Let us move forward together and turn dialogue into lasting change.
// Ba’diw ya Binnadang Media Production Team,
✍️ by Dimas D. B.
📷 by Azarcon, L. C., Sanqui, T. Jr., and Laron, V.C.