9 February 2026
The Benguet State University (BSU) – Office of the VP for Academic Affairs and the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) led this week’s flag-raising ceremony.
After the ceremony, University Health Services Director, Dr. Florence V. Poltic talked about heart disease in line with February as the National Heart Month per Proclamation No. 1096 s. 1973. This was declared to address heart disease, being the top killer of Filipinos, with over 50,000 annual deaths.
In her talk, Dr. Poltic identified causes of heart disease, including tobacco consumption, poor diet, obesity, inactivity, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol as the main causes of heart disease. She also cited “blue zones” like in Okinawa, Japan and their practice of Hara Hachibu, as well as Sardinia, Italy’s plant-based diet for longevity.
Dr. Poltic promoted the Philippine Heart Association’s “52,100 Filipino” program that targets five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, two grams maximum sodium intake, one hour of daily exercise, zero sweetened drinks and beverages, and zero smoking and second-hand smoking.
She then connected mental health risks like depression, anxiety, and stress to heart risks. Thus, she recommended exercise, a seven to nine-hour sleep, social ties, and hobbies that can help alleviate negative emotions and feelings of isolation.
“With these preventive measures given, we can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 60 percent, according to the World Health Organization. She ended her talk by greeting everyone a happy Heart Month and advanced happy Valentine’s Day.
After Dr. Poltic’s talk, newly hired and promoted employees took their oath of office, officiated by University President Kenneth A. Laruan.
Next, College of Information Sciences – Department of Information Technology (CIS – DIT) Chair Maria Teresa T. Cachero invited BSU constituents to their department’s celebration of IT Month with the theme “BSIT in Bayanihang Digital: Innovating Today, Empowering Tomorrow” at the CIS building.
College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Dean Dr. Maureen Theresa P. De Vera also invited everyone to visit the exhibits, booths, and lectures to be held within this week in celebration of Veterinary Week at the CVM grounds.
This was followed by the recognition of the BSU Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) students by SLS Faculty Member Mark Lee Galian for their participation in the 2026 Benguet Division Technolympics with the theme “Empowering Learners Through Innovation and Technology.”
Then, University Business Affairs Office (UBAO) Executive Assistant III Charmie C. Ferreria announced that there are stalls available for bidding at the backfill area and encouraged interested bidders to visit the UBAO for more information because the office’s Facebook Page has been disabled.
Finally, OUR Director Froilan B. Manas closed the ceremony with a message reminding university constituents to embody the “iBSU” heart. He recited the lyrics of the song “Magic Penny” by Malvina Reynolds, which said love is something (that) if you give it away, you end up having more. Manas said that meant true fulfillment comes from giving. The more one gives of their values, excellence, and service, the more they grow in purpose and meaning.
Manas urged BSU constituents to live out the university’s core values beyond formal events, become living examples of the university’s heart, and contribute to a purpose-driven, unified, and compassionate institution.//EBawang
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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.