Benguet State University President Felipe Salaing Comila, in his Second State of the University Address (SOUA), assured the BSU community to remain to lead with purpose and direction and “continue to make a difference” that will impact the University. The SOUA was held on November 28, 2022 at the BSU Gymnasium, which marked Dr. Comila’s second year as the seventh President of BSU after his appointment on November 26, 2020.

In his speech, Pres. Comila was grateful for the University’s accomplishments despite the challenges in delivering excellent education and quality services to its stakeholders. As he starts his third year as the university President, he promised to continue to initiate and implement programs and projects that will cause positive change for the University.

“What good have we done? What then is the difference that we do?” These were questions left by Pres. Comila asking not only himself as the leader of the University but also BSU officials and employees to ponder on. He appreciated BSU employees and stakeholders for the efforts and partnerships that led to the achievements of the University. He further emphasized the importance of accountability and cooperation among the employees in fulfilling the University’s Vision, Mission, and Development Goals (VMDG).

“We will continue this (his leadership) prayerfully, purposely, with focus and with precision so that we will reach the dream, the drive, the destiny,” he ended.

The occasion highlighted this year’s accomplishments of the University’s different sectors, including the Academic, Research and Extension, Business Affairs, Office of the President, and Administration and Finance through a video presentation. Highlighted accomplishments were the new degree programs offered, increased number of enrollees and graduates of the University, performances in licensure examinations, students and faculty awards in various fields, research and publication accomplishments, and ISO certification, among others.

In addition, sector Vice-presidents Dr. Samuel Salay Poliden, Atty. Allan Casaldo Sacpa, Dr. Johnny Guzman Dati, Sr., and Dr. Norma Palaci Banania presented the 2023 plans, programs, and projects for the University in line with its four-fold functions: instruction, research, extension, and production.

The academic affairs sector aims to support the BSU extension classes in Kapangan, Kabayan, and Itogon. The sector also extends efforts for the permanency of qualified COS faculty members, opening new courses such as Medicine and Accountancy and others, and more Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) accredited programs by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and a higher level of accreditation and world rankings.

The administration and finance sector also plans to continue improving the different office processes, increase Civil Service Commission PRIME Maturity Level, improve the faculty and staff development program, intensify implementation of the RA 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and increase the utilization and disbursement rate.

The research and extension sector’s goals are to package gender-sensitive and Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) proposals, implement and disseminate results, submit a proposal for the Science and Technology Hub, re-structure the research and extension, revise the Research and Extension Manual of Operation (REMO), and expand international collaboration in R&E programs.

To help achieve the presented targets, programs, and projects, the business affairs sector, on the other hand, focused on increasing the revenue and collections from the different Income Generating Projects (IGP) centers of the University, as one of the fund sources for BSU expenses. Dr. Banania said that BSU employees can help support to increase the University’s income by purchasing BSU products and advertising them to relatives and friends.

Moreover, the realization of BSU’s VMDG would not be possible without the assistance of line agencies and other stakeholders. Distinguished guests and LGU officials then expressed commitment and support for the University in its journey to a higher University.

“Without each one, iti ayat, laing voluntarismo, ket haan tau maaramid dagita amin nga projects or programs tau karkaro ditoy school tau and ken dakkel ti epekto na iti Kabenguetan (Without each one, without love and volunteerism, we cannot accomplish those projects or programs, especially in our University which has a big impact on the province of Benguet),” said Kapangan Mayor Manny T. Fermin as he emphasized the importance of cooperation between BSU and the province of Benguet.

Along with offering agricultural courses at the University, Vice-Governor Ericson Lawagey Felipe also expressed appreciation to BSU for the opening of campuses and offering new courses such as Medicine and others.

In his message, La Trinidad Councilor Atty. Bartolome Baldas proclaimed BSU as “unshakable,” which provides the quality education that youth deserve, and commended BSU for its contribution to the community. This was seconded by CHED Director Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. saying, “The present state of Benguet State University is strong, getting stronger, and soon to be the strongest.” He also committed assistance to BSU in realizing its VMDG.

Further, Retired BSU Professor and President of the Retirees Association of BSU Wilfredo Mina emphasized the intergenerational role of every employee as he encouraged employees to have a continuing intergenerational role, which is to leave a “legacy” and “advocacy” after retirement. //EMBawayan