New BSU prexy takes seat in rites

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Benguet State University officially welcomed its seventh president during investiture program Tuesday here Tuesday.
    Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Lilian A. De Las Llagas, the BSU Board of Regents chairperson, led the investiture program of Dr. Felipe Salaing Comila in ceremonies at BSU gymnasium.
    Benguet officials led by Gov. Melchor Diclas, Legislative Caretaker Eric Go Yap and Benguet municipal mayors including     Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Agriculture Sec. William Dar and Commission on Higher Education chairperson Prospero De Vera III delivered messages and commitments during the program.
    The investiture program was part of the 35th Charter Day celebration of BSU on Jan. 12.
    The Charter Day events kicked off with a thanksgiving mass followed by the investiture and charter day programs.
    Comila was selected as the seventh BSU president through board resolution 165 s. 2020.
    He took his oath of office right after the special meeting on Nov. 26, 2020 officiated by De Las Llagas.
    He took over from Danilo B. Bose, BSU OIC president of since July 2020.
    Prior to his appointment, Comila was director of the Institute of Public Administration.
    Comila said  the flagship programs, projects and activities of his administration is captured in this  year’s Charter anniversary  theme of “BSU CARES” which  stands for challenge innovation, advance technology and facilities, revitalize administration, engender partnership, and serve to sustain intergenerational roles.
     The charter day program was highlighted by awarding of loyalty awards to 50 employees who worked with the institution 10 to 35 years.
    Eleven retirees and an outgoing member of the Board of Regents were also cited.
     The activities culminated with a cultural night led by Center for Culture and Arts Director Leonardo Samonte with indigenous prayer for thanksgiving and dancing of the tayaw by BSU officials led by Dr.Comila, Benguet officials and other national heads and representatives.
     Other events as part of the Charter Day celebration include 35 days virtual run from Jan. 1 to Feb. 4, bike parade, tree planting, launching of student activities by the Office of Students Affairs on Jan. 13, exhibit of BSU products and the Benguet One Town One Product on Jan.13 to 15 at the BSU gymnasium to be led by DA Sec. Dar; faculty fora on Jan. 14 to 15 at the CTE function hall by the faculty club and bloodletting at  BSU anthurium hall on Jan. 15.
    Dr. Imelda Galinato, overall chair of the BSU charter day program, said activities adhered to Inter Agency Task Force guidelines and protocols to ensure safety from the Covid-19.
    Events and activities were also shown live on social media through BSU  facebook account. – PIA Cordillera