Benguet State University – University Business Affairs (BSU – UBA) office held its first trade conference titled “Taripnong 2025: BSU-UBA Partners Convergence” with the theme “Building a stronger alliance for a more progressive community” at the BSU Backfilled Parking Area, Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad on May 26, 2025.

The program began with a prayer led by Chief Administrative Officer Matias C. Angiwan Jr. followed by the singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” conducted by UBA staff Cindy N. Pallay.

In his speech, VP for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin welcomed BSU officials and business partners to the activity. “This is the first time that we are conducting this activity to bring together, get to know better, share visions, and collaboratively formulate an action plan for progress” Florentin said as he thanked all of the participants for coming.

Following the welcoming speech, Strawberry Farm Backfill Vendors Association (SFBVA) President Veronica Buya thanked BSU for organizing the activity and also thanked the partners who came. “We are happy and grateful that we are part of this wonderful event…It lifted our spirits and made us realize how we can be important as partners in the progress of this community,” Buya said.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan expressed his hope that the participants would raise their concerns and that the responses to those concerns would be acceptable to them. He further discussed the mandates of BSU as an SUC and how the university came up with its income and resource generation.

     

After an intermission by representatives of the SFBVA, various plans, programs, and policies were presented by BSU Planning and Development Office Director Allan C. Sacpa, Office of Legal Affairs Director Reynante B. Basco, Special Projects and Partnerships Director Conrado C. Bao-idang, La Trinidad Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arthur Pedro, and La Trinidad Tourism Officer Valred Olsim.

An open forum and discussions for ways forward was facilitated by BSU Sariling Sikap Association President Nelson Politchay. The participants sang the “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” by Lea Salonga as a form of commitment to what was discussed.

Chief Finance Officer Andres Arnold W. Lampacan made the closing remarks. He re-echoed the words of President Laruan and the VP for Business Affairs that BSU is open for conversations with the participants. He hoped that the dialogue will be sustained and will continue to clear concerns between BSU and its partners. The activity ended with a community dance.//EBawang