The College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) led this week’s flag-raising ceremony, highlighted by the official launch of the 52nd Nutrition Month Celebration, recognition of the university’s athletic achievements, and the awarding of newly accredited academic programs. The event reinforced BSU’s commitment to health, quality education, and integrity in public service.

CHET Dean Jao-Jao A. Somyden formally opened the program and welcomed everyone as she introduced the guest speaker for the Nutrition Month celebration.

In her message, Somyden emphasized that Nutrition Month serves as a reminder of the vital role of proper nutrition in building a healthier and more resilient academic community. She highlighted this year’s theme anchored on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), stressing the close relationship between nutrition and environmental sustainability.

Guest speaker Pelin B. Belino discussed the significance of the 52nd Nutrition Month celebration, noting that July is observed as Nutrition Month under Presidential Decree No. 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines.

Belino explained that despite decades of nutrition campaigns, the country continues to face the “triple burden of malnutrition,” characterized by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity.

She emphasized this year’s theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, ating Pangalagaan” highlighting three key messages: Nutrition is shaped by the environment, Food systems affect the environment, and Collective action is essential in promoting sustainable and nutritious food systems.

Belino encouraged everyone to support locally sourced and seasonal foods, reduce food waste, minimize consumption of ultra-processed foods, and adopt climate-smart dietary practices. She likewise underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing food security and nutrition challenges.

She cited studies showing that food waste remains a major concern in the Philippines, with rice accounting for the largest portion of household food waste, emphasizing that reducing waste is a simple yet significant contribution to both nutrition and environmental sustainability.

DHN Chairperson Sunshine P. Tangoyab-Balang presented the lineup of activities for the university-wide Nutrition Month celebration. Among the scheduled activities are nutrition information segments, Eco-Gastronomy recipe demonstrations, nutrition seminars, health lectures for women of childbearing age, nutrition assessment and counseling services focusing on metabolic diseases, weight management consultations, and an Arbor Day activity scheduled later this year.

The activities aim to increase awareness of healthy lifestyles while promoting sustainable food choices among BSU employees and students.

During the ceremony, College of Human Kinetics Dean Marlon S. Tabdi proudly announced Benguet State University’s outstanding performance in the 36th Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL).

BSU emerged as the Overall Second Runner-Up with 464.50 points, while also securing the 2nd Runner-Up title in the second phase of the competition with 229.5 points.

The trophies and certificates in recognition of the athletes’ remarkable performance reflect BSU’s continued excellence in sports and student development.

Director of the Office of Quality Assurance and Accreditation Joanna I. Alafag also announced the successful results of the recent Level I Survey Visit conducted from March 16–20, 2026.

The university recognized the programs that successfully attained Level I Accreditation, affirming that they have met the required quality standards and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

The accredited programs include,

La Trinidad Campus: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Filipino Language, Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science

Buguias Campus: Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education, and Bachelor of Physical Education

University officials congratulated the colleges and faculty members for achieving this milestone and encouraged them to continue pursuing higher levels of accreditation as part of BSU’s quality assurance initiatives.

In his closing remarks, BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan congratulated CHET for successfully organizing the Nutrition Month launch and encouraged all employees to actively participate in the scheduled activities.

He also commended the university’s BBEAL athletes and the colleges whose programs earned Level I Accreditation.

Reflecting on the university’s core value of Integrity, President Laruan shared the story of a retiring carpenter who built his final project using inferior materials, only to later discover that the structure was intended as a gift for himself. The story, he explained, serves as a reminder that integrity is demonstrated through the choices people make, especially when no one is watching.

“As public servants, integrity is demonstrated in every decision we make, every responsibility we fulfill, and every service we render. Let us always choose honesty over convenience, accountability over excuses, and excellence over mediocrity,” Laruan said.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from the university community to uphold excellence, integrity, quality education, healthy living, and sustainable practices in serving both the university and the communities beyond its campus.//NBSudaypan

EBawang

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The Flag Raising Ceremony and the short program that follows it usually consisting of announcements, recognition of student and employee achievements, physical exercises, performances and speeches from guests and university officials is a regular activity of BSU that supports and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals specifically #Goal3, #Goal4, #Goal8, #Goal10, #Goal16, and #Goal17. In essence, the activity serves as a regular platform to reinforce values, disseminate information, and celebrate achievements