Newly elected Benguet State University Faculty Club Incorporated (FCI) officers took their oath in a ceremony held at BSU Strawberry Hall on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The oath-taking for the officers for 2023-2025 was administered by BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila. This was followed by the turnover of documents from the previous set of officers.

The new set of officers is composed of President Darwin A. Basquial (La Trinidad), Vice-President Julie M. Binaldo-Velasco (La Trinidad), Chester B. Esnara (Bokod), Racquel O. Abyado (Buguias), Secretary Lynn J. Talkasen, Treasurer Freda Kate D. Samuel, Auditor Nordalyn P. Pedroche, Public Relations Officer Kara S. Panolong, and Business Managers Henderson J. Balanggoy (La Trinidad), Cherry S. Tolano (Bokod), Leila P. Buloguey (Buguias).     

Representatives of the La Trinidad Campus are Leo S. Laruan (College of Agriculture), Igrelyn P. Pinos-an (College of Information Sciences), Joyce N. Paing (College of Natural Sciences), Nick W. Sibaen (College of Numeracy and Applied Sciences), Jocylyn W. Angeles (College of Nursing), Ann Heather B. Kiwang (College of Social Sciences), Dante M. Miguel (College of Teacher Education), and Mark P. Tandoc (College of Veterinary Medicine). Moreover, representatives from the Bokod campus are Violeta B. Bugtong (College of Applied Technology), Amorsolo S. Cuilan (College of Criminal Justice Education), Rowena P. Viray (College of Education), and Rozsi P. Tobias (College of Entrepreneurship and Public Administration). Representatives from the Buguias Campus are Romeo C. Bogtong (College of Agriculture), Victor O. De Los Santos (College of Criminal Justice Education), Divinia K. Dominguez (College of Education), and Jane B. Veranda (Graduate School).

In his acceptance speech, FCI President Darwin Basquial expressed his gratitude to those who had supported and believed in him. He shared his platform as a new president, emphasizing the protection of employees' welfare, the synergy of all university employees, inclusive support, transparency for promotion merits, a more active role in filling up open teaching positions, the creation of activities to foster employee camaraderie and inclusive support to members regarding benefits.

BSU Non-Teaching Association (BSUNTA) President Philip T. Atulba and BSU Government Employees Association (BSUGEA) President Donato R. Wanawan, Jr. gave inspiring messages to the officers in serving the BSU Community.

“Expect that life is not fair, and know that you will fail often. Encourage others and give help to others,” said Atulba.

Wanawan also stated that he sees the passion and sincerity to serve among the newly elected officers. He further assured the officers that BSUGEA and BSUNTA support their endeavors. 

Further, President Comila highlighted the importance of unity and inclusivity in his message.

“We need to work well together because the secret to development is work from different groups. The secret to why you are very advanced is because of being inclusive not exclusive. Inclusivity, that’s the need in this university,” he emphasized.//DMayag-as (B.A.Com Intern)