A Turnover of Leadership Ceremony to honor Felipe Salaing Comila as the outgoing University President and to welcome Kenneth A. Laruan as the new President was held on November 26, 2024 at the BSU-Centennial Park.
The ceremony opened with the welcome remarks by VP for Academic Affairs Samuel S. Poliden. Details of the selection process for the BSU presidency was then presented in detail by Patselyn A. Botiwey, the University and Board Secretary.
In his address, the outgoing president expressed his well wishes for the new president and hoped for the continued growth of the university.
The ceremony was highlighted with the turnover of the Mace, the Charter, and the Medallion (BSU symbols of authority) from Comila to Laruan. The turnover was assisted by the VP for Academic Affairs Samuel S. Poliden, VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, VP for Administration and Finance Allan C. Sacpa, and VP for Business Affairs Norma P. Banania. This was witnessed by the BSU community, BOR members, and guests.
“I stand before you today with humility. I accept the responsibility of being the university president, starting today,” declared Laruan in his acceptance speech.
Laruan expressed gratitude to his mentors, teachers, faculty members, and all who supported him in his journey. He also acknowledged the achievements of past BSU presidents and pledged to build upon their legacy. However, he emphasized that he cannot lead the University alone. He then sought the support of the BSU community and invited their insights and feedback as he embarks on his presidency.
“We will make BSU again greater than the past years. I-angat po natin ang BSU in the next years to come,” he committed.
Afterwards, Administrative Services Division Chief Matias C. Angiwan Jr. led the BSU community in prayer for the new President. Angiwan prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, and compassion for the University’s new leader. He also prayed for honesty and integrity in the administration of BSU.
The ceremony ended with the closing remarks by Sacpa who emphasized the importance of perseverance despite failures and encouraged everyone to keep moving forward.
Laruan was selected as the 8th BSU President by a majority vote from the BSU BOR members during the 213th Board of Regents (BOR) meeting on November 18, 2024 at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City. His appointment is effective from November 26, 2024 until November 25, 2028. He also took his oath of office before Marita R. Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and BSU BOR Chairperson on the same day.
He envisions to establish BSU as a premier institution in research, technology, and environmental conservation in Northern Luzon by 2032. However, he stated in several occasions that the BSU VMGO is not his alone but of the University. Laruan is currently soliciting opinions from BSU constituents about the BSU vision.
On November 25, 2024, a send-off program was held for Comila, also at the BSU Centennial Park. BSU officials, faculty and staff members, and guests who were gathered shared their gratitude and fondest memories of the former president. The four sectors of the university and the Bokod and Buguias campuses each serenaded Comila, who will be retiring from government service after his BSU presidency.//JST&EMB