Benguet State University (BSU) held its annual Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 27, 2025, at the BSU Gymnasium with the theme ‘Beyond Horizons: Navigating the Future, Honoring the Past”. This is also in celebration of BSU’s 109th Foundation Anniversary and the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.
Alumni from batches 1959, 1960-1989, 1990-2004, 2005-2019, and 2020-2025 attended the homecoming. The event was highlighted with the recognition of 17 outstanding alumni for their significant contributions and dedication to their fields.
The awardees are Lucia Capuyan-Catanes (Most Distinguished Alumna in Cultural Heritage Preservation), Ruth Canuto-Diego (Most Distinguished Alumna in Agritech-Business Incubation Project Management), Dr. Ryan Camado Guinaran (Most Distinguished Alumnus in Global Health Leadership), Wilbert Bugtong Wanas (Most Distinguished Alumnus in Educational Leadership), Police Brigadier General Dionisio Badongen Bartolome Jr. (Distinguished Alumnus in Public Safety), Catherine Alipit-Canam (Distinguished Alumna in Agri-Tourism), Drake Li-is Colbongan Sr. (Distinguished Alumnus in Entrepreneurship and Community Service), Samuel Tanan Egsaen (Distinguished Alumnus in Educational Management), Jenver Esnara Kimbungan (Distinguished Alumnus in Agricultural Innovation), Gretchen Shagami Colting-Mangahas (Distinguished Alumna for Intercultural Communication and Cultural Heritage Advocacy), Sunshine Genevive Sacki-Molintas (Distinguished Alumna in Sustainable Agriculture and Community Empowerment), Jude Laoagan Tayaben (Distinguished Alumnus in Nursing Leadership), George Lena-ao Ngina (Special Alumni Award-Oldest Surviving Alumnus), Charlie Chanfing Sagudan (Special Alumni Award in Organic Agriculture and Extension Services), Teddy Bumakil Vidaña (Special Posthumous Recognition for Voluntary Service), Lucio Bagni Victor, Sr. (Special Alumni Award-Oldest Surviving Alumnus), and BSU-SETD Batch 1989 (Special Alumni Group Service Award).
A response from the awardees was delivered by Dr. Guinaran who emphasized the importance of families and associations. He recognized how the BSU Alumni Association Incorporated (BSUAAI) continues to celebrate and honor its community. He added that the BSUAAI also affirms by recognizing individuals coming from their own community and underscored the sense of belongingness. “Belongingness is the true medal behind the accolades, the unseen foundation beneath every celebration” he said.
Dr. Guinaran appreciated how BSUAAI inspires others to give back, lead with courage, and continue making the impossible, possible.
Wanas also shared that the award serves as a validation for his contributions to the community. He also praised BSU for doing well in teaching and molding students to be an integral part of the community. Kimbungan also expressed his gratitude to BSU because the university’s reputation of success became his leverage to forwarding his career.
After the awarding ceremony, BSUAAI President Ben David S. Luis led the plenary session and general assembly where updates on the association’s programs, services and finances were presented. An open forum was also facilitated that allowed the alumni to raise comments and recommendations for the betterment of the association. The program concluded with the presentation of the newly elected officers of the association.//DPaydowan