26 September 2026
The Benguet State University – Alumni Association Incorporated (BSUAAI) held its 106th Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly at the BSU Gymnasium, themed “Shaping our Future: United in Service and Excellence.” The gathering was part of the BSU’s 110th Foundation Anniversary and the 126th Philippine Civil Service Month celebrations.
In his welcome remarks, BSUAAI President Ben David S. Luis encouraged everyone to reconnect, enjoy the program, and make the homecoming memorable.
University President Kenneth A. Laruan delivered his message, highlighting the university’s growth into a Level IV institution spanning three campuses—La Trinidad, Bokod, and Buguias—with 14 colleges, the newly established College of Medicine, and the Open University.
Laruan emphasized that university growth cannot be achieved by the administration alone; therefore, he challenged the alumni to support BSU through mentorship, industry partnerships, expertise, and opportunities to ensure the university stays relevant, innovative, and sustainable for generations to come.
“To our dear alumni, you are not former members of the BSU family; you are forever part of it. Your success is part of our success, and your service is a reflection of the values that BSU has helped nurture. So, as we look toward the future, let us remember: we may have graduated from BSU, but we never graduate from the responsibility to serve,” he added.
This was followed by the recognition of 10 outstanding alumni for their significant contributions and dedication to their fields.
The awardees are: Oscar Guzman Paris (Most Distinguished Alumnus in Humanitarian Leadership and Disaster Resilience); Robert Jan Tacloy Allan (Distinguished Alumnus in Agribusiness Innovation and Farmer Market Development); Clifford Anaban Batnag (Distinguished Alumnus in Agricultural Training and Cooperative Enterprise Development); Orlando Bayeng Pacya (Distinguished Alumnus in Cooperative Development and Community Empowerment); Olga Cagas Dangwa (Special Alumni Award in Civic and Humanitarian Service); Andrew Victor Guzman (Special Alumni Award in Digital Innovation); Amelia Macasaddu Kimeu (Special Alumni Award in Vegetable Crop Improvement and Seed Technology); Jovener Sotelo Soro (Special Alumni Award in Literary Excellence); Roger Dukilen Tuabas (Alumni Recognition Award for Exemplary Honesty and Integrity); and the MAC-MSAC-BSU Alumni Pangasinan Chapter (Special Alumni Group Service Award).
In his response message, Paris shared that true leadership and success stem from using one’s personal talents, resources, and position to serve and uplift others rather than pursuing personal glory or titles. He also noted that failures, detours, and struggles are essential parts of growth—much like a pencil needing to be sharpened to fulfill its purpose—preparing a person to write a better story and serve more effectively.
“Go beyond service, uplift others, and when the day comes we are called to give an account, we will be able to say, I used what I was, what I was given, not only for myself, but for others,” he added.
Afterwards, a general assembly and plenary session was held where updates on the association were presented to everyone.
In his closing message, BSUAAI VP for Internal Affairs Richard H. Kinnud acknowledged the awardees, returning alumni from near and far, and the university’s milestone 110th anniversary. He likened the concept of homecoming to a river: just like a river flows outward to provide life to different communities and eventually returns through a natural cycle, alumni leave BSU to forge different careers and paths in life, but ultimately return to their roots to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate.
Kinnud stated that leaving the university does not mean severing ties. He said that wherever alumni go in life, they carry the university’s mission, values, and identity with them into their communities and profession: “Once an i- BSU, always an i- BSU.”//DPaydowan, PGadang