Benguet State University (BSU) held a two-day program to honor the outstanding academic performance of academic achievers from various colleges. The two-day event was held on May 22-23, 2025 at the BSU Gymnasium with the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Eco-Cultural Responsibility, and Serving with Commitment.”
To streamline the event, the colleges were grouped into four clusters. Cluster I was composed of the College of Engineering (CE), College of Human Kinetics (CHK), College of Natural Sciences (CNS), and College of Nursing (CN). Cluster II was composed of the College of Agriculture (CA), College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences (CNAS), and College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG). Cluster III was composed of the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH), College of Information Sciences (CIS), College of Social Sciences (CSS), and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Cluster IV included the College of Forestry (CF), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and the Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA).
Each cluster began with a processional by the BSU Marching Band, followed by the Entrance of Colors by the ROTC Cadets, a doxology, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the BSU Hymn by the BSU Glee Club and Marching Band.
In Cluster I, VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud opened the program by congratulating the academic achiever students.
“Your achievements bring pride not only to your families but to the entire BSU community,” he said and also thanked the parents and benefactors of the students calling them ‘the silent heroes behind your (the students’) success.’
Following this, BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan commended the students for their hard work in his inspirational message saying that the recognition reflects not just academic success but resilience and time management. He thanked the parents and faculty members for their support.
Laruan urged the students to use in real life the same strategies they applied in complying with academic requirements.
Next, CNS Dean Sherlyn C. Tipayno, introduced the guest speaker Cranep C. Udan, Environmental Management Officer at Aboitiz Power, Hedcor Group.
In her address, Udan encouraged the student achievers to pursue purposeful excellence and live out the 3P’s: People, Power, and Profit.
“Excellence is defined by impact, by what you do know with what you know,” she said. “Don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Make time for yourself, your loved ones, and even to stop and smell the flowers,” said Udan.
Following her speech, Andrea Pawit Gabo, a Bachelor of Physical Education student with a GWA of 1.10, delivered her response and reminded fellow achievers to be proud of their hard work and to thank those who helped them. “You are here today not because you are always the best, but because you tried. Effort never betrays results,” she stated, encouraging students to keep striving, stay grateful, and honor those who helped them along the way.
Subsequently, the awarding of academic achievers and year’s best awardees was conducted by the University President, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo, and the respective College Deans.
To conclude the Cluster I recognition program, CN Dean Mark U. Gay-as delivered an inspiring message titled “Stay on the Line.” He reminded students to remain focused on their purpose with faith, family, and the support of BSU. “Excellence is defined by impact and purposeful service,” he noted, encouraging students to turn careers into missions for people and the planet.
In the afternoon session, VPAA Janet P. Pablo opened the Cluster II program by honoring students who worked hard and went beyond what was expected. “This is not a finish line, but a milestone on a much greater journey,” she mentioned, reminding students to face the future with purpose. She also thanked the parents and the BSU community for their support.
Once again, Laruan congratulated student achievers for their hard work. He encouraged them to stay balanced, saying, “Please do have time for the responsibilities you have at home and take care of your health.”
He also thanked the faculty for their dedication and parents for their strong support, reminding the students to continue learning and growing.
Following Laruan’s message, CHET Dean Jao-Jao A. Somyden introduced guest speaker Eleonor K. Bugalin-Ayan, Nutritionist Dietician III, Supplementary Feeding Division Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR.
During her speech, Bugalin-Ayan shared how she rose from being called “Baka” (stupid) in Japan to being recognized as “Ichibang” (number one) through hard work and heart.
“Excellence comes by not merely using the mind but by weaving the heart too,” she stated.
She encouraged the students to show kindness, respect parents and teachers, care for others, and protect culture and the environment. “You are here as future leaders. Serve with commitment,” she added.
Due to health reasons, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student Erica Antonio Payangsi with a GWA of 1.13, did not attend the event. Nevertheless, her message was read by Kent Depayso, one of the cluster’s Master of Ceremonies. In her message, Payangsi expressed gratitude to God, her professors, and family for their support throughout the academic year.
She acknowledged the challenges faced, including long nights and tough moments, but celebrated the strength and determination that led to success. “To all BSU students, be proud, keep surviving, and never stop learning,” she said.
Afterwards, the awarding of academic achievers and year’s best awardees was carried out by the University President, VPAA, and College Deans.
To close the Cluster II program, CA Dean Constantino T. Sudaypan offered a warm and reflective message: “Naimbag, Naragsak, ken Nagasat nga malem tayo amin.” Naimbag (good), because the achievers and year’s students have done well to reach where they are now. Nagasat (lucky), because the parents and guardians are lucky to have such good children. Naragsak (happy), because BSU is happy and thankful that the parents allowed their children to study at the university.
On the second day, during the Cluster III program, VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres welcomed everyone with an encouraging message. “Today, we keep the spotlight on those who have shown remarkable achievement,” he said, reminding the students that success comes from dedication.
He also honored the support of parents and concluded with a powerful message: “Great knowledge comes with great responsibility. Serve your country and community with commitment.”
Following this, Lauran delivered another inspirational speech, acknowledging the hard work and perseverance of students. “Today’s program is a testament to your persistence and desire,” he said. “It recognizes not just academic accomplishments, but also your resilience in facing challenges.”
Lauran shared a personal story about his own struggles as a student, encouraging achievers to keep growing and striving for excellence. “There are painful and unpleasant events along the way, but these help you grow,” he added.
Afterwards, CVM Dean Maureen P. De Vera introduced the guest speaker Mennie M. Alicap, a proud BSU alumna and a Small Animal Practitioner and Entrepreneur-Veterinary Virtual Assistant.
In her address, Alicap delivered a heartfelt message congratulating the achievers and thanking parents, teachers, and friends for their support. “Excellence isn’t about being the best. It’s about learning from failure and trying again,” she said.
She reminded students to stay humble, grateful, and committed as they continue their journey. “Success comes step by step. Honor those who helped you by rising with purpose.”
Following her speech, Jezer Dhane Piloy Pacateo, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology student with a GWA of 1.21, delivered a response. “Before any success, there is only silence—a quiet struggle,” he began. Pacateo recalled his journey through the admissions process to the joy of being accepted. “Psychology had opened another 50 slots, I was over the moon the moment my form was signed. Everything just felt so beautiful the door, the windows, my classmate’s handwriting.”
He encouraged fellow students to stay resilient. “Never lose hope even in the most difficult moments because the moment you lose it, you lose everything.”
Afterwards, the awarding of academic achievers and year’s best awardees followed with the University President, VPAA, and respective College Deans.
CSS Dean Stanley F. Anongos Jr. concluded the program with a powerful reminder to the awardees. “We urge you to continue that intellectual capacity. We want you to be always exceptional. Second, we would also want you to use your intelligence and skills not only for yourself, but your family, but most importantly for the Philippines.”
He urged students to uphold the spirit of iskolar ng bayan by contributing meaningfully to society, noting that their education is funded by the people.
Finally, VP for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin opened the Cluster IV recognition program with an inspiring message. He praised the students for their passion, persistence, and achievements, reminding them that success comes from hard work and resilience.
He encouraged them to use their talents for good and urged them to stay kind, humble, and committed to excellence.
Lauran congratulated student achievers, recognizing their resilience and academic excellence. “You have better preparation, better strategies, and a better way of managing your academic life,” he said.
He encouraged them to use those same strategies beyond college. “Hold on to those strategies and use them to find solutions to challenges outside the university.” He also thanked parents and faculty, emphasizing that the recognition is not just for students but also for those who supported them along the way.
Next, CTE Dean Divina M. Yango introduced guest speaker Mary Grace S. Manangan, highlighting her roots and achievements. Manangan is the College President of Polytechnic College of Botolan, Batonlapoc, Botolan, Zambales.
Manangan shared her pride in returning to her alma mater with a heartfelt message for the awardees. She began, emphasizing that excellence is not just about high grades, but about “pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and lifting others along the way.”
She encouraged students to be stewards of the environment, saying, “Advance agricultural responsibility and protect both nature and our cultural heritage.”
Finally, she called on awardees to lead with heart: “Serving with commitment transforms personal success into meaningful contributions to society.”
Hazel Alonzo Danga, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student, spoke on behalf of the awardees saying, “The recognition we received today is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, discipline and perseverance.” She thanked the guest speaker for her inspiring message and reminded fellow students that “setbacks are never the end of our journey.”
The awarding of academic achievers and year’s best awardees by the University President, VPAA, and College Deans followed.
CF Dean Nova D. Doyog concluded the program by acknowledging those behind students’ success parents, faculty, mentors, and peers. She reminded the achievers that their awards are not the end but “the beginning” of greater responsibilities and impact.
To the graduating awardees, she posed a challenge, “Will this be the last certificate that I may be receiving?” encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.
“Be proud of how far you’ve come, be excited for where you’re going, and be thankful to those who helped you along the way.”
Through the recognition of students who excel academically, BSU is directly contributing to #SDG4 as it motivates and promotes a culture of learning to students.//JR.Banisa-UPAO Intern