The Benguet State University – Office of the Student Services (BSU-OSS) spearheaded the OSShayao to recognize the exemplary performance of BSU student leaders and organizations across various aspects of organizational management. The event was held on May 16, 2025 at the BSU Gymnasium.
In her opening remarks, OSS Director Erlyn Honeylette C. Marquez acknowledged the passion and dedication of the student leaders and student organizations and lauded their significant contributions to the students and the BSU community.
BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, in his message, cited a quote from former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, emphasizing the university’s role in developing youth for the future. While acknowledging the primary function of the University in providing basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes through academic coursework, he stressed that these alone are insufficient for the students to become resilient and adaptive to the ever-changing world. He then recognized the role of the BSU-OSS in guiding students as they stay at the University.
Laruan also emphasized the skills gained through involvement in student organizations, saying that these experiences often give graduates an edge in the job market. He mentioned that skills such as leadership, decision-making, managerial negotiation, and resource generation can be developed through organizational participation.
“And beyond that (skills), it builds your adaptability, your ability to adjust in particular situations. Why? If you are inside an organization, you are not just simply dealing with your classmates, but you are dealing with other students who are coming from different localities, and who are coming from a different socioeconomic background. And so, you are adjusting to these kinds of classmates that you have,” he said. He added that adaptability is also crucial in future workplaces.
The University President also expressed alarm over instances of students using social media such as Facebook to rant about issues. He cautioned them that this could be an inappropriate avenue to address organizational issues and could lead to a negative impact. He then advised the students that issues are better resolved internally within the organizations.
“Freedom of speech is always accompanied by responsibility,” he stated.
Invited speaker, Ana Marie T. Andaya, former BSU Federation of Supreme Student Government Chairperson and Former Student Regent, started her inspirational talk by redefining leadership as service and influence.
She challenged the student leaders emphasizing that their boldness extends beyond organizing events or fundraising.
“You are bold students. You are bold to set the standard to unite change and to empower others,” she said.
Sharing her experience as a former student leader at the university, Andaya admitted initial hesitations and lack of confidence. However, the encouragement of her peers, teachers, and co-officers empowered her to overcome challenges. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and thankful for the lessons learned that she now applies in her professional life. She then urged the student leaders to persevere despite failures.
“Don’t lead just to fulfill your dream, lead to have a legacy,” she challenged them. She further encouraged them to “lead with boldness, lead with heart, and lead with vision.”
The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by Sarah M. Palaw-ay, Head of the OSS-Student Organizations and Activities Unit. She congratulated the awardees and thanked the BSU administration, colleges, student organization advisers, and officers for their contributions to the success of the event.
The awardees during the OSShayao are:
Student Leadership Award
Non-Graduating Category Finalist
Engeleyn O. Sagongen
Andree Jaime D. Abuan
Gelise E. Siadto
Non-Graduating Student Leadership Awardees
Yanie Mayrene B. Gumihid
Genevieve P. Jimenez
Rosemarie P. Sabado
Jovie Ann F. Abellera
Graduating Category Finalist
Norilyn C. Sawad
Alexee Jaezhelle C. Pugong
Trixie Marie N. Togatog
Abubo, Christal Jhom A.
Denzel A. Tuazon
Kurt Randel W. Sipi-an
Graduating Student Leadership Awardees
Clarisa G. Tarnate
Presidential Leadership Commendation
Davys G. Ebbes
Leadership in Journalism Commendation
Liezhel Joy T. Ramos
RSO Entrepreneurial Booth Award
Champion: College of Teacher Education Student Government and Sub-organizations
1st Runner Up: College of Social Sciences Student Government and Youth Psychology Fortitude Association
2nd Runner Up: Nursing Association of Responsible Students
Best in Innovative Booth Display: Nursing Association of Responsible Students
RSO Special Awards
Best in Environmental Sustainability
Winner: Interdependent Study Organization of Students
2nd Place: Bios Logos Society
3rd Place: Ladies’ Dormitory Residents Association
4th Place: Young Environmentalists’ Society
5th Place: Venerable Knight and Lady Veterinarians Fraternity and Sorority
Best in Extension/ Outreach Activities
Winners: Interdependent Study Organization of Students & CTE SG General Education Mentors Society
2nd Place: Philippine Association of Nutrition-Beta Zeta Chapter
3rd Place: Nursing Association of Responsible Students
4th Place: Youth Psychology Fortitude Association
Best in Organizational Management
Winner: Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers-Benguet State University Student Chapter
2nd Place: Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers-Student Chapter
3rd Place: COC Christian Organization Council
4th Place: Samahang Statistika
5th Place: Interdependent Study Organization of Students
Best In Public Information/ Education Activities
Winner: College of Social Sciences Student Government
2nd Place: Interdependent Study Organization of Students
3rd Place: Nursing Association of Responsible Students
4th Place: Youth Psychology Fortitude Association
5th Place: Bios Logos Society
Best In Income-Generating Activities
Winner: College of Teacher Education Student Government
2nd Place: College of Social Sciences Student Government
3rd Place: Society of Young Entrepreneurs
4th Place: College of Information Sciences Student Government
5th Place: Youth Psychology Fortitude Association
Outstanding RSO Adviser
Finalist
Bokilis, Almon B.
Alafag, Joanna I.
Sito, Agnes Kryza H.
Amlos, Geoffrey C.
Outstanding RSO Adviser Awardee
Balanggoy, Henderson K.
Outstanding Recognized Student Organization
Finalists
Champion (1st): College of Social Sciences Student Government
1st Runner Up (2nd): Nursing Association of Responsible Students
2nd Runner Up (3rd): Interdependent Study Organization of Students
4th: Samahang Statistika
5th: Bios Logos Society
6th: Youth Psychology Fortitude Association
7th: Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers-Benguet State University Student Chapter
8th: The Purple Plume
9th: The Pedagogists
10th: Kinetika Student Government