BSU turns 30 as it moves as premier university of Asia

By Jen L. Sabado-Tabangcura

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet–The Benguet State University has just turned 30 and is celebrating its charter anniversary.

According to records, on Jan. 12, 1986, Presidential Decree 2010 converting the Mountain State Agricultural College to Benguet State University was signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

PD 2010 mandated BSU to provide graduate and undergraduate courses in the arts, sciences, humanities and professional fields in agriculture, natural sciences, technology and other technical professional courses as the Board of Regents may determine and deem proper. It shall also promote research, extension, agribusiness and advanced studies and progressive leadership in its field of specialization.

After 30 years, BSU continues to follow these mandates. Recently, the College of Agriculture and the College of Home Economics and Technology were both declared as Centers of Development by the Commission on Higher Education. “Rest assured that the University constituents are working together to achieve the mandates of the University,” said VP for Administration and Finance, Dr. Estrellita M. Daclan during the Kapihansa BSU on January 14, 2016.  The Kapihansa BSU is a regular activity where University officials discuss different topics with the members of the media.

On January 25, 2016, the 30th Charter Anniversary of BSU was commemorated through an ecumenical service followed by a program and the ground breaking ceremony for the Centennial Park. The year also marks BSU’s Centennial Foundation Anniversary.

The challenge of standing in the gap

 The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship Service on January 25, 2016 at the BSU gym was themed, “Standing in the Gap” inspired by Ezekiel 22:30 which reads “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.…”

Dr. Armando M. Canoy, president of the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary who is the messenger worship service, explained that gaps are places of weakness and vulnerability that exists in communities, schools, homes and even the nation. Standing in the gap means interceding and praying for others who have weaknesses.

“Even if BSU continues to imbue people with academic excellence but without social conscience, it is bound to fail as a premier state university in Asia,” said Dr. Canoy. He added that BSU needs a leader willing to stand in the gap, who will pray for others and who will sympathize with everyone who has a weakness.

Dr. Canoy was joined by Rev. Wilmer Bugtong of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Fr. Agustin B. Lizardo III of the Church of the Epiphany, Rev. David Atolba and Ptr. Eden Tong of the International Baptist Church.

Focusing on the farmer

The worship service was followed by a program graced by the Department of Agriculture Regional Director, Lorenzo M. Caranguian who gave the keynote address. He started his speech by asking the audience if they thanked a farmer that morning then emphasizing that if farmers are removed from our interventions and discussions, then you are removing food from the table.

Caranguian drew attention to BSU’s humble beginnings from a farm school planned to develop into a large normal school where the best Igorot pupils will be trained to be teachers among their own people with emphasis on agriculture.“Isang magandang balita po yun sa amin sa DA,” he said acknowledging that BSU has always been a partner of DA through the years since both do research, extension and production efforts.

“We have so many things in common…both the DA and BSU have one focus in mind and that is the farmer. Kung sino man ang papalakpak sa ating mga nagawa, hindi po ang ating sarili kundi ang ating kliyente.”

Celebrating by recognizing employees

Every year during the Charter Anniversary Celebration, employees are given recognition for their years of service and outstanding performances. This year, 90 employees received their 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 year loyalty awards. Darlyn D. Tagarino received the 2015 Outstanding Researcher Award while Janet Lynn Montemayor and Asuncion L. Nagpala both received the 2015 Outstanding Teacher Award.

A Centennial Park to tell the story of BSU

The program at the gym was followed by the ground breaking ceremony of the Centennial Park at the area on the left side of the BSU main gate. VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Percyveranda A. Lubrica considered the ceremony as the first event to mark  BSU’s celebration of its centennial anniversary. The event was attended by BSU faculty, staff, guests and officers of recognized student organizations.

According to BSU Planning and Development director, Dr. Ma. Luz D. Fang-asan who is the proponent of the park, its purpose is to tell the story of BSU, give a beautiful face or landmark for BSU, showcase technological breakthroughs and provide a venue for outdoor programs and other activities. (The author, Jennyline S. TabangcuraisInformation Officer II of Benguet State University)