Benguet State University (BSU) celebrated its 108th Foundation Anniversary along with the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on September 2024.
The celebration was themed, “BSU Embracing Intergenerational Entrepreneurial Spirit” for the Foundation Anniversary and “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant Heroes,” for the Civil Service Anniversary.
The activities lined-up in celebration of the University’s milestone and the CS Anniversary began on September 9, 2024 after the Flag Raising Ceremony. This was followed by the Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) National Scientific Congress 2024; Special Treats for Employees; University Solid Work and Anti Dengue Drive: Booths, Exhibits and Open House; 4th Edition of BSU Great Ride; Launching and Ribbon Cutting of the Entrepreneurial Booths, Launching of Bamboo Demo Farm; President’s Hour and Kapihan sa BSU; Caring for iBSU, A caravan in September to Remember; BSU Health and Wellness Activities; Dengue Education and Awareness Activities for Students; PRAISE Everlasting Awards, Employee’s Day; Fun Run; and Dinner for a Cause. These events were participated by the BSU employees, students, and the public. Other activities in line with the said celebration are scheduled on October 2024.
The Thanksgiving Service held on September 23, 2024 was officiated by the members of the La Trinidad Ecumenical Council of Churches (LTECC) with The Rt. Rev. Nestor D. Poltic Sr. of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines as the messenger.
The President’s Hour and Kapihan sa BSU was held at the College of Human Kinetics Hall. The activity, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency- Cordillera Administrative Region (PIA-CAR), served as a platform for BSU to showcase its recent accomplishments and its impact to the communities.
In recognition of employees and offices within the University who showed exemplary performance, outstanding BSU employees were honored during the PRAISE Everlasting Awards on September 25, 2024. Five sets of awards were given to recognize excellence in job performance, responsiveness, team work, nobility in character, service at its best, and greatness in achievement.
The culminating program was held on September 30, 2024 at the University Gymnasium. This was graced by Executive Director Jennilyn M. Dawayan of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) and Benguet Congressman Hon. Eric G. Yap represented by La Trinidad Vice Mayor Hon. Roderick C. Awingan. As guest speakers, both lauded BSU’s unwavering commitment to higher education, its invaluable contributions to community service, and its resilience amidst challenges through the years.
“BSU really stands through the test of time. Apart from the constant drive to evolve or improve, through fundamental research works and community service, BSU is at the forefront of moving along the waves of evolution and not across it,” said Yap in his written message.
Despite facing challenges, they highlighted BSU’s significant impact on the livelihood of highland communities, noting the transformation of Benguet and Cordilleran farmers from mere vegetable producers to agri-entrepreneurs. Dawayan also commended BSU for its production of processed agricultural products and its advancements in agricultural technology, which have greatly benefited local farmers.
Dawayan and Yap expressed their full support for BSU’s advocacy to promote entrepreneurship among the communities in the province and looked forward to continuous collaboration with BSU.
Past members of the BSU Board of Regents (BOR), Susana G. Umayat and Eduardo V. Abastilla were also recognized in the program. They responded by sharing their experiences and insights as former private sector representatives of the BOR.
In a show of commitment to public service, BSU employees led by Chief Administrative Officer Matias C. Angiwan Jr. recited the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno.
BSU was established as a farm school in 1916. It gradually expanded its offerings and became a national agricultural school. Over the years, it underwent several name changes and was eventually converted into a state university in 1986.//