19 September 2025

The 109th Foundation Anniversary celebration of BSU was not just for commemorating the roots of the university. Top University officials also decided to get real with members of the media during the Kapihan sa BSU held at the Strawberry Hall. The aim of the activity was to promote transparency and accountability.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, VP for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin, VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo, and VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud are on the panel. They first updated members of the media about the happenings in their respective sectors and then proceeded to answer questions.

Reporters and journalists from both local and national media outfits in attendance were Vincent Cabreza of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lina Sotelo of DZWT, Jimmy Ceralde of Amianan Balita Ngayon, Noveh Organo and Jonathan Tisdo of Bombo Radyo, Liza Agoot of Philippine News Agency, Kassandra Lucero and Angelo Garin of Heralds Express, Malou Guieb of Business Mirror, Michelle Marzan of Star FM, and student journalists from BSU’s Mountain Collegian and the CIS-Department of Development Communication.

The university’s finances which have a direct impact on the university’s carrying capacity; the use of AI in research and academic requirements; and the reduction of enrollment were some of the topics discussed between the panelists, reporters and journalists.

Laruan formally recognized its administrative and finance teams for their successful efforts in preparing the university’s budget. By communicating the budget preparation process in advance, the teams enabled greater transparency, allowing all departments to review and understand the programming and use of university funds.

Regarding AI use within the university, Lumbres stated that a clear policy is being created but initially, he affirmed that the use of AI is permissible but with an explicit disclosure of the nature of AI’s role in the work with due diligence.

The officials also anticipate a decrease in student enrollment for the upcoming school year. This is partly due to the university’s capacity limitations and is also connected to the number of COS faculty members hired in previous years.

The panelists of the Kapihan sa BSU concluded the event with remarks thanking the media, directors, staff, and stakeholders.

The activity, which was held in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency-CAR (PIA-CAR) was hosted by Redjie Cawis of PIA-CAR and Jennyline S. Tabangcura of the BSU UPAO.//WL.Siblawan-BA History/UPAO Intern