Benguet State University (BSU), a cradle to nurture culture and enhance learning. 

Throughout the 108 years of the university’s existence, seven (7) presidents took the challenge and represented BSU in various adversities and celebrations. As Dr. Felipe Salaing Comila’s administration is coming to a close less than a month from now, seven out of the many aspirants made the final cut. The university now prepares to open its doors to a new leadership. With that, let us dip back at their public presentation and take a look at who is most deserving to take the presidential seat.

Nurturing Global Citizens With A Native Heart 

From the college that studies, preserves, and amplifies the significance of Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) as a way of life, Dr. Stanley Fongafong Anongos Jr., current Dean of BSU’s College of Social Sciences (CSS), envisions a globally recognized university that integrates international perspectives with local heritage for world citizenship.

In retrospect, Dr. Anongos finished his studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) in 2016. He also acquired a PhD in History with Anthropology as Cognate. Additionally, he is serving his time not only as a college dean but as a Professor V under CSS. 

With great respect and consideration to the unique cultural heritage defining us and BSU as a melting pot of culture and diversity, one of his major goals in his bid for presidency is to elevate BSU into global prominence, which has long been an advocacy to many administrations. However, he introduced a new dimension and it is by embedding cultural identity into our educational framework through BSU’s core mandate of instruction.

He puts great emphasis to the need of strategically re-evaluating all of BSU’s degree programs, recognizing that the university has an alarming 47% cohort survival rate or the level of decreasing student population as they go through higher years of education, attributing it to curricular mismatch, an adversity that is not foreign to him as a college dean, and a recurring issue that he plans to address if he becomes the president.

Ultimately, the integration of IKS across disciplines is as essential as a comprehensive curriculum for Dr. Anongos, for it nurtures the cultural identity of students. As the space left for Indigenous knowledge is slowly shrinking, it is a necessity for him to establish IKS in formal education to give it the space and recognition it ought to have.

          With BSU’s approximmately booming 16,000 population, taking into consideration a serious and credible assessment of the university’s absorptive capacity will be a must to his administration. Significant development of modern infrastructures and digital connectivity is another goal of Anongos, highlighting that robust connectivity is a crucial part of our desire to become part of the global world. 

Additionally, timely recruitment, prompt salary payment, and job security knowing the recent plea of Contract of Service (COS) workers in the university due to delayed salary is another sector he would like to work on, a healthy workforce in which people are placed where they are really needed.

Captured in an acronym, Dr. Stanley Fongafong Anongos Jr. has designed INSPIRE which stands for Innovative Instruction, Nurtured Administration, Strengthened Staffing, Propelled Production, Improved Infrastructure, Responsive Research, and Expansive Extension, for a better BSU.

The National University for Highland Agriculture

Dr. Freddie Bencio Caday, a registered criminologist with an MS and PhD in Criminology shares his aspiration if given to be the next BSU president. 

In the field of research, one of his notable works is his research “Causes of Drug Abuse among College Students: The Philippine Experience” which is published in the Valley International Journals.  Today, Dr. Caday serves as the Vice President for Administration of Ifugao State University (IFSU) with an esteemed rank of Professor IV after serving as Dean of IFSU’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). 

Can this former outsider turn the tide and lead BSU into a brighter future?

He envisions BSU as a leading international university with premier centers of academic excellence, research innovations, and cultural heritage, he highlighted his three major aspirations for BSU: (1) Be a leading university; (3) Be a center of academic excellence and various research innovations; and (3) Be a window for Cordilleran culture. 

Still looking ahead, Caday established his future mission for BSU which is to produce globally competitive professionals with wholesome knowledge, skills, and attitude through excellent instruction, research, extension, resource generation, and good governance.

Furthermore, Caday has outlined goals and objectives for his term. First, excellent instruction services through his E2E (Enrollment to Employment) Program ensuring that the students are receiving adequate assistance until employment. Additionally, he aims to promote innovative research and development in the university by supporting faculty research initiatives and providing opportunities for industry partnerships and professional development.

He also aims to foster sustainable extension and community services by cultivating a culture of learning within the university and the community. Moreover, he plans to build a productive resource generation by maximizing assets and partnerships. Lastly, he aims to promote excellent administration and good governance by maintaining quality procedures and aligning targets with Commision on Higher Education (CHED) and the national government. 

Overall, Dr. Caday’s candidacy marks a potential shift in the administration of BSU. As the election approaches, the BSU community awaits the outcome with anticipation. And if the odds are in Dr. Freddie Bencio Caday’s favor, it will be interesting to see whether and how his proposed initiatives and vision for the university’s future will materialize.

Blueprint for BSU’s future 

Blending deep agricultural roots with a forward-looking embrace of technology, Dr. Jesson Yagyagen Del-amen brings a transformative vision to BSU. Known for his commitment to community-driven progress and environmental stewardship, he seeks to turn BSU into a beacon of sustainable research, educational innovation, and cultural pride.

A distinguished leader and esteemed academic member in BSU, Dr. Del-amen holds a PhD in Agriculture with a major in Agronomy. Proactively addressing issues that needed to be resolved, this man’s vision demonstrates a dedication to education through innovation, research, and sustainable practice.  

Del-amen wants an institution that focuses on technical and entrepreneurial education to foster the “Education 5.0” ideal, meaning the skills that BSU graduates will obtain when they leave and walk through today’s industry standards. He wants laboratories, learning commonalities, and administrative processes streamlined. Also, he hopes for faculty development through professional grants and fellowships that will make BSU competitive and better prepared. 

In order to increase the university’s involvement in research, Del-amen explained that he will work to establish BSU as a hub for environmentally responsible and market-driven ideas. Moreover, increasing research funding and even helping faculty scientists establish specialty centers, like a center for heirloom rice research, are among his objectives. In order to establish BSU as a hub for national agricultural research, he also highlights the importance of modernizing infrastructure and involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research in an ethical manner.  

He presented his strategies to be implemented in finding solutions for the pressing issues raised by the different sectors of the BSU community such as tapping the expertise of alumni in different fields especially in agriculture and forestry for the support of BSU’s programs, BSU owning control of its lands while working together with municipalities for a mutual benefit, addressing the intricacies of solid environmental management were he pushed for the creation of special committees to focus more on improving infrastructure, and more formidable structures of housing to better provide for students and employees. 

Additionally, recognizing that the university could increase enrollment, he vowed to collaborate with stakeholders who would see that more course offerings and new funding sources were established to promote BSU’s quality education while bringing about infrastructural growth. Using such strategically based responses, Del-amen exemplifies a holistic approach in meeting BSU’s dynamic needs and priorities. 

Transparency and strong development of human resources will be used to strengthen BSU, according to Del-amen. He promised annual medical check-ups for staff and improvement of housing facilities and additional incentives for students and staff achievements. His attempt to establish alumni hubs, student dormitories, and a modern university convention center is to manifest his transformation intention in the establishment of a well-rounded, supportive environment for the community of BSU. 

Dr. Jesson Yagyagen Del-amen envisions BSU with the dream of technology advancement integrated with the values of the community, producing policies emphasizing sustainable development, research innovation, and quality education to usher in a bright future. As evident in his aspirations, BSU might emerge as a national leader in agricultural education and research. Committing to pressing issues in an open and inclusive manner at his own behest, putting himself before the other, points him out as a leader ready to guide BSU into a new era of academic excellence and community impact.

Haggiyo, BSU!

“I stand before you as the only woman aspiring president, believing in the principle that leadership begins with a heart.” This, a message loud and clear from the current Ifugao State University (IFSU) President, no other than Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon on her candidacy for BSU President. Spinning back from her academic journey, she began in a humble position.

Aside from being a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Journalism, her commitment to impact community extension programs in Ifugao started from her initial role as a clerk, to achieving the position of Associate Professor I, and becoming IFSU’s President in 2018 until present. She persistently develops innovative and meaningful programs for all stakeholders. Additionally, her enthusiasm particularly shines in areas like institutional branding, fostering internationalization, integrating technology into the university’s operations, and harnessing the rich cultural heritage of Ifugao.

Driven by a heartfelt dedication to service, she aspires to fuel the progress of BSU. Her mission is to create an enabling environment for lifelong learning through continual innovation in instruction, research, extension, resource generation, and administration. With a vision of transforming BSU into a Reputable, Innovative, Sustainable, and world-class institution, characterized by excellence and transformative Education (BSU, aRISE), she has proposed a variety of  developments for the university.

Dugyon’s aspirations for BSU are manifested in her key goals, which is to cultivate excellent instruction, foster dynamic research and development, and embrace innovation and technology. To create a transformative and innovative environment, she advocates for modernizing facilities and laboratories, institutionalizing job placement, and developing an effective system for tracking student progress. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of supporting multicultural and multinational interactions among students and faculty while reducing faculty workload according to their academic rank.

To boost research productivity and revitalize innovation centers at BSU, she calls to intensify the branding for BSU researches, secure greater funding for technology-driven projects, craft high-impact journals, and establish a mentoring program for junior faculty. Moreover, she highlighted that strengthening partnerships with alumni, local government units, communities, and other organizations will cultivate a collaborative spirit that resonates throughout the university’s halls.

BSU is brimming with resources, but without effective management, these assets may not reach their full potential for the community. To tackle this challenge, Dugyon proposed the development of a comprehensive business plan that aligns with the university’s existing assets while evaluating its financial strengths. She advocates for a strategic allocation of resources, maximizing the use of BSU lands, and conducting a thorough review of lease contracts. By promoting a culture of good governance through an eight year strategic plan, she champions the mantra “no personnel should be left behind,” and that everyone thrives in unity.

In response to the university’s challenges, she asserted that the administration must consider the university’s absorptive capacity. After all, it’s all about “quality over quantity.” To that end, she advocates for utilizing theses as substantial references in both instruction and policy formulation, as well as recognizing alumni as potent partners in the university’s development. With these strategies in place, she is certain that her vision “aRise” would materialize.

With Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon’s leadership and commitment for academic excellence, BSU is hoped to reach even greater heights, the university is primed to make headlines and wave its banners high proclaiming, “Haggiyo BSU!”

From Local Roots To Global Reach 

If someone were to argue that the end of innovations would lead to humanity’s demise, Dr. Jimmy Balud Fong who deeply believes in his ideal that innovation is the key to survival would definitely agree–after all these are the words he himself has advocated. 

Dr. Fong is a Professor VIII with a PhD in Philippine Studies and the current Dean of the College of Arts and Communication (CAC) at the University of the Philippines-Baguio (UPB). Having narrowly missed the mark in the 2020 race for the BSU presidency, Fong returns with a new spirit of fresh vision and missionary goals aimed at a thriving and better BSU.

For Dr. Fong, the future of the university lies in its ability to evolve while deeply connected to its roots. He emphasized the necessity of progress within BSU first which holds significance to the province of Benguet and the world. Hence, he pictures BSU as an innovative institution that is relevant to Benguet and eventually the world. This vision he sees, fuses advancements with a profound respect for local culture assuring that BSU continues to lead in education, research, and community development. 

Should he be elected as the next BSU president, he aims to build the best of Benguet through excellent curricular, co-curricular, and administrative programs and processes and sharing with the larger community. 

A key part of his platform is the elevation of Benguet history, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP), and high-altitude agriculture that is anchored on the work of previous BSU professors which he wants to expand with other programs such as high-altitude sports and human kinetics. Dr. Fong pictures BSU becoming a global leader that stays to her roots. After all, Dr. Fong remarked, “BSU should be an expert on Benguet and things Benguet.” 

In addition to academic excellence, Fong is also an advocate of environmental stewardship where he envisions the university as a leader in sustainable farming and organic agriculture as Benguet is a farming province. At the same time, he plans to enhance campus life by not just promoting mental health programs but creating a more sound and refined BSU in the three campuses in their physical state creating a more welcoming environment, better than BSU’s state in the present since nurturing the campus is essential for both personal and academic growth. 

Looking into the future, Fong sees technology and AI playing a vital role in the further success of the university. From AI to social media leveraged appropriately, he plans to harness digital tools to advance research and improve the various operations in the university. 

By combining innovation with tradition, Dr. Jimmy Balud Fong truly anticipates a thriving BSU that is as relevant to the world as it is to the people of Benguet. 

Premier University in Northern Luzon come 2032

Did the lines “The pandemic taught us a lot,” sound familiar to you? If you attended the public presentation of the presidential candidates, the first presenter emphasized the importance of past and present in shaping a better BSU so that the university will not be left behind in the coming years.

Dr. Kenneth Alip Laruan, a PhD in Forestry earned his degree in University of the Philippines-Los Baños in 2011. He is not only a Professor VI in the university but is also a current Director in the Cordillera Regional Agriculture Center. 

For Dr. Laruan, the pandemic has a significant impact in creating ways to move forward. Although the university has notable accomplishments stating the different accomplishments obtained by BSU left and right. If complacency takes place, it is possible that the university will be left behind. He highlighted the role of entrepreneurship, molding the community to generate answers from challenges. He also stressed the role of the graduates to not only be adequate from their desired programs but to upgrade as social entrepreneurs. 

If given the chance to be the president, he aims to give importance to research, an area where the university shines. However, he sees that it needs more focus to create alters of technologies. This, according to him, can create a better growth to the university. Moreover, he also aspires to improve the quality of online education to even reach far areas and students in the provinces.

To enhance internationally competitive teaching and non-teaching personnel is also one of his strategies. Dr. Laruan wishes to learn best practices that will be beneficial for the university. On partnerships and connections, he highlighted to select partners that will surely help and benefit the university in the extension services.

Faced by issues, like the recent hiring of COS, he thinks of reducing hiring the said type of employees considering also the budgetary allocations. Meanwhile, he also acknowledges the environmental issues concerning the university such as the pollution and waste management, as well as the overpopulation of the students stating that “We are actually beyond the carrying capacity”.

“[As for] changes in the future, we have to embrace them, we have to take risks…” he enthused.  Change may be scary but for Dr. Kenneth Alip Laruan this positive change may lead the university especially in the research sector in the light for an improved BSU.

The S in Dr. Lopez’s Full Name is Synergy

Apart from his seemingly stylish bowl cut, which catches the attention of the crowd whenever he speaks, Dr. Mark Preston S. Lopez intends to better BSU with his vision to generate synergy as a university president aspirant. 

In terms of being the Vice President for Academic Affairs(VPAA) at Mountain Province State University (MPSU), he mentioned addressing the same problem that MPSU has regarding the number of COS workers by decreasing certain positions and creating more instructor positions which can be the possible solutions he stated for the existing problem. He also emphasized on the rationalization of programs in academic affairs as a way to approach the dilemma. 

Moreover, in retrospect, his credentials as an international scholar who was able to study at the University of Florida (UF) ignited his determination to inculcate and adapt the westernized values in the partnership of alumni and the university. With the goal to strengthen the relationship between the school and the alumni, Dr. Lopez sees this as an opportunity to widen the university’s horizons as well as create a better institution involving the alumni of BSU.

When asked about the biggest challenge that he has seen or known in BSU, he brought up the process of participation, which is rarely observed, thus creating chaos. As a solution, he then reiterated the importance of synergy: “If there is unity, nothing can’t be done.”

As the future unfolds, Dr. Mark Preston Lopez, targets to nurture graduates fortified by Indigenous values and virtues who are shaped by excellent education to steer extensive and sustainable transformation. 

Now that we have a glimpse of the presidential candidates’ desires and hopes for the future of BSU, we hope for a wise and transparent election process that lies in the hands of those who will vote in representation of the different sectors of BSU. Afterall, it is our collective desire to have a better BSU.