Benguet State University (BSU) highlighted the diversity of Cordilleran culture and the importance of cultural stewardship through the Cultural Parade and Program as part of the University’s 110th Foundation Anniversary celebration.

Carrying the theme “Culture in Motion: From Tradition to Contemporary Expression,” the activity brought together BSU officials, employees, students, alumni, retirees, guests, and representatives from the University’s various colleges, campuses, and offices.

The parade assembly began at the BSU Administration Building featured 13 clusters representing the different offices, colleges, campuses, and units of the University:

Each cluster was given an opportunity for a 2–3-minute teaser presentation before the output area, adding movement, creativity, and cultural expression to the parade.

In his welcome remarks, VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud reflected on the significance of the University reaching 110 years, relating the celebration to the many beginnings and endings that have shaped BSU throughout its history.

Kinnud noted that over the decades, new programs have been established, leaders have passed governance to succeeding generations, students have entered as freshmen and left as alumni, and faculty and staff have begun their careers and eventually retired.

“There have been many openings and many closings, but despite all these changes, there remains one story, the beautiful story of Benguet State University which is not yet finished but continues to be written from one generation to the next,” Kinnud said.

He emphasized that culture goes beyond dances, songs, clothing, and performances. For him, culture encompasses memories, identity, values, stories of past leaders, and lessons that must be passed on to succeeding generations.

He also introduced the concept of “manbadiw,” which he described as being observant, knowledgeable, and capable of looking beyond what is immediately visible to understand what a community needs. He challenged the BSU community to become manbadiw by learning to listen, observe, understand, and learn from their surroundings. He further connected this to binadang, the Cordilleran concept of helping one another not only during times of disaster but in all circumstances.

He encouraged the audience to view the cultural program itself as an opportunity to practice these values. Despite differences in language, traditions, experiences, and ways of expression, the BSU community remains united, with diversity serving as part of its identity and strength as one community.

“We should not only watch. We should listen, observe, learn, and participate. Above all, let us value the culture that gives us our identity and connects us as one community,” Kinnud said.

Delivering the keynote message on behalf of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis was Serafin L. Ngohayon, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Director IV of CHED Regional Office-CAR.

Ngohayon conveyed Agrupis’ and the CHED family’s congratulations to BSU on its Foundation Anniversary. He reflected on the University’s beginnings as the La Trinidad Farm School, which started with Grade 5 pupils, and its development into an institution serving thousands of students.

He emphasized that the growth of higher education institutions carries a corresponding responsibility to provide students with quality education, adequate support, relevant programs, and opportunities that enable them to contribute to their communities.

He also highlighted the importance of BSU’s anniversary theme, particularly its emphasis on community-centric innovations and partnerships.

“A partnership becomes meaningful when the community also helps shape the question, shares in the work, and benefits from the answer,” he said.

Ngohayon noted that partnership goes beyond sharing knowledge, emphasizing the importance of working with the community to develop solutions that create lasting value. By listening to local voices, fostering collaboration, and translating shared insights into action, the partnership strengthens its commitment to meaningful and sustainable community development.

In her closing remarks, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo described her message not simply as a closing statement but as an opportunity for reflection as BSU marks 11 decades of existence.

Pablo called attention to three words reflected in the anniversary celebration: anniversary, flourishing, and innovation, and connected them to the University’s 110-year journey.

“Today, as we celebrate the 110th University Foundation Anniversary, we celebrate more than a milestone. We celebrate a legacy that has been carried for 110 years and the responsibility of moving that legacy forward,” Pablo said.

She addressed the University’s stakeholders, including students, faculty and staff, administrators, workers, retirees, alumni, partners, and communities, encouraging them to work together in shaping BSU’s next decades.

She stressed the need to build knowledge, nurture innovation, preserve the University’s identity, and develop solutions responsive to the changing needs of society. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening the University’s role in generating knowledge and fostering innovations grounded in its values while remaining responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

She further highlighted that these efforts require collective action, with the University community working together to translate knowledge and innovation into meaningful contributions to society. Through collaboration, research, and continuous learning, the University can strengthen its commitment to its mandate while ensuring that its initiatives remain relevant to the communities it serves.

As the Cultural Parade and Program concluded, the messages of the speakers underscored a common reflection: BSU’s 110-year journey is both a celebration of its past and a continuing responsibility to its future.

Through its cultural heritage, community partnerships, education, research, and innovations, the University continues to write its story, with every generation contributing to the next chapter.//NSudaypan

NSudaypan, WMarcos, EBawang