The ceremony started with a prayer in the form of Uggayam led by CSS-Department of Social Sciences faculty member Mark Joshua Balao-as. This was followed by an inspirational message by CSS faculty member Ann Heather B. Kiwang.

Kiwang provided a brief introduction to the Presidential Proclamation 1906, which recognizes October as the National Indigenous People’s Month in the Philippines. She emphasized the crucial role of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in achieving sustainable development, leading to the integration and mandate of IK in all possible areas. She also mentioned the struggles and challenges faced by indigenous communities from colonization to extractive industries and capitalism.

“Indigenous communities do not need to be empowered; they need to be heard. They need someone to stand with them,” Kiwang said.

Following the message, a short devotional reading was delivered by Elevate La Trinidad missionary and Christ’s Commission Fellowship representative Ralph Ballesteros. Referencing Revelations 7;9, he emphasized two key points. Ballesteros shared that God created differences not to divide, but to give identity. He also shared that it pleases God to see us growing His gift of ethnicity as each tribe’s unique form of worship complement the others.

Certificates of appreciation were then awarded to the speakers by the University President Kenneth A. Laruan.

A presentation in the form of an interactive performance led by the CCA Dramatics Arts Club Adviser Matyline A. Camfili-Talastas featured a song interpretation as to how we, as part of an institution are one with the indigenous peoples in asserting and protecting their ancestral lands.

Afterwards, announcements from the academic sector regarding the students’ achievement were presented. Chairperson of the Department of Entrepreneurship Michael Karl M. Barnuevo presented the outstanding students from the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship who secured spots in the 2025 Young Farmer’s Challenge (YCF) held at the Department of Agriculture from October 2-3, 2025. The YCF is a highly competitive platform that recognizes product innovations and supports the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs. The students will be representing Benguet in the upcoming YCF Regional competition and are now eligible for the PhP 80,000 grant for their businesses. The winning students are Jasmin D. Hadsan, John Glenn B. Libag, Crystal Ariane B. Arellano, Princess Smaeranza C. Dulay, Paul Ezekiel M. Joaquin, Stelver S. Dacsig, Frenzi Maian V. Evilla, Antonette Lyn C. Fesway, Maria Jessica M. Macalanda, Christian Jade C. Bullod, Nelson B. Camboli, Chris Jefferies D. Dilan, and Jeric E. Taripe.

Kickboxing coach Josiah Job K. Balawag also recognized the student-athletes who recently participated in kickboxing tournaments, including the National Kickboxing held in Tagaytay from September 1-6, 2025, and the 2025 Irisan Kickboxing Tournament held at Irisan National High School from September 26-28, 2025. The Irisan Kickboxing tournament was part of the 116th Baguio Charter Day celebration. The students are:

NATIONAL KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

Gold Medalist – Zyra Bon-as

Silver Medalists- Wilmer Salpad and Reuben Ramsey Sawang

Bronze Medalists- Ryan Joe Bestre and Jairus Aban

116TH BAGUIO CHARTER DAY KICKBOXING TOURNAMENT

Gold Medalists – Edmon Talidong, Hart Jason Benwasan, Daniel Polilin, and Junabel Gakki

Silver Medalists – Jessa Mae Attiw, Rolan Depaynos, and JV Harris Sopa

Bronze Medalists – Geofrey Lozano, Jeruel Mariano, Sheldon Tolic, Remarch Domanop, Brailford Aqulio, Jane Gabon, and Bernadeth Baya-n

Kickboxing coach Ryan Batinay expressed his gratitude to BSU and the UHS for the support given to the student-athletes especially on medical concerns.

Still on student awards, Office of Student Services Director Erlyn Honeylette Marquez announced that the former Supreme Student Government Leader, Andree Jaime D. Abuan has been recognized as Top 5 among the Outstanding Student Leaders in the Philippines. The award was organized by the Transforming Advocates and Champions Organizations of the Philippines. The awarding ceremony was held on October 3, 2025, at the Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City.

Other announcements included College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences Dean Ederson Bawang who shared the activities for the National Statistics Month; Evelyn Rosario from the Office for Quality Assurance and Accreditation outlining the schedule for the first ISO surveillance audit for the three campuses of Benguet State University (BSU); International Relations Office (IRO) Director Rex John Bawang presenting the university’s award in the World University Rankings for Innovation; and IRO Deputy Director Doreen Allasiw sharing the list of activities for the month-long celebration of the United Nations Month. The newly elected BSU Faculty Club officers were also introduced by the Faculty Club Election Committee member Julie Tabdi.

BSU Government Employees Association Incorporated (BSUGEAI) President Donato M. Wanawan encouraged everyone to file their applications for candidacy for BSUGEAI election.

Lastly, Office of Extension Services Director Cheryl C. Launio expressed the university’s support in the celebration of the first National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month with the theme: “One goal, One extension: Advancing Agriculture and Fisheries for a Food Secure Nation”, declared by Proclamation No. 753, series of 2024.//DPaydowan

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The Flag Raising Ceremony and the short program that follows it usually consisting of announcements, recognition of student and employee achievements, physical exercises, performances and speeches from guests and university officials is a regular activity of BSU that supports and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals specifically #Goal3, #Goal4, #Goal8, #Goal10, #Goal16, and #Goal17. In essence, the activity serves as a regular platform to reinforce values, disseminate information, and celebrate achievements.