Benguet State University

19/02/2026

18/02/2026

16 February 2026
𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗡𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘-𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦

The Benguet State University-College of Nursing conducted a vital health extension service at Ballay Integrated School in Kabayan, Benguet. This initiative aimed to empower students from Grades 4 to 12 by addressing critical health issues and fostering a culture of self-care and prevention.

The activity commenced with a warm welcome from the school’s faculty and staff, led by the School Principal, Ofelia E. Calpasi.
To ensure the relevance and comfort of participants, the team divided the lectures into gender-specific sessions to address the unique health challenges faced by male and female students.
For male Students, the discussions focused on lifestyle choices and systemic health risks common in the region: specifically on Momma (Betel Nut) Chewing, Smoking and Va**ng, Oral Health and Cancer, STIs, HIV, and AIDS.

For female students, the sessions focused on reproductive health and personal safety, specifically on Menstrual Health and Teenage Pregnancy prevention. Self-Breast Examination (BSE) was demonstrated, and students were given time to demonstrate BSE. Child Abuse Awareness and STIs, HIV, and AIDS were also shared.

This outreach, led by Jude L. Tayaben, Associate Dean and the Lead Proponent of the program, is a core component of the college’s broader initiative: “Managing Adolescent Health and Well-being in Schools (MAAWIS) & Teachers’ Training through Acquisition of Knowledge and Development (TAKO) to Self-care and Empowerment.”

Specifically, the event implemented two major projects: Project 2: Nurse-Led SELF-CARE Project: Focused on sexual and reproductive health for youth aged 10–19. It utilizes a "Tripartite Approach" under the Adivayan Youth Health Center to promote abstinence and prevent teenage pregnancy, STIs, and cervical cancer. Project 4: Nurse-Led Project MOMMA: Standing for Motivation to Quit, Oral care Management, and Medical/Health Education. This project addresses the interplay of culture and addiction regarding betel nut and to***co use among Benguet adolescents.

"We are thankful for all the learning gained by our students. Glad that the betel nut chewing was discussed. This activity helps our students remain vigilant and safeguard their health against vices. We hope to see a decrease in momma chewing on school premises now that they understand the ill effects of addiction," said one Faculty Member.

The activity underscores BSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) . SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). //Jonalyn S. Esco-College of Nursing Information Coordinator

16/02/2026

As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, we wish our entire community a season filled with peace, prosperity, and renewal.

16/02/2026

16 February 2026

This week’s flag-raising ceremony was led by the Planning Office.

After the ceremony, College of Public Administration Dean Julie M. Binaldo-Velasco made a speech on the role of Public Administration in nation-building.

Velasco emphasized that public administrators are civilization’s “operating system,” distinguishing between politics (deciding what to do) and administration (getting it done) with precision, data, and law, while balancing human realities.

She mentioned the four pillars of public administration which are: Technical Excellence, Ethical Integrity, Social Equity, and Resilience, which collectively empower public administrators, officers, and staff to execute policies efficiently, maintain trust, ensure justice for all, and sustain stability, fulfilling their role as guardians of the common good.

“To understand who we are, we must understand what we do. Many people confuse politics with administration. Politics is the art of deciding what to do, the debate over values, priorities, and goals. Public Administration, however, is the art of getting it done.

Let us promise that today, we will be one percent better than we were yesterday, we will treat every citizen with the respect we would want for our own parents, we will be administrators who don't just manage the present, but build the future.” Velasco said. Her full speech can be accessed at https://surl.li/moigup

After Velasco’s sharing, Roveza B. Jose from the Office of the VP for Research and Extension recognized the newly certified S&T personnel of BSU. Newly hired and promoted employees also took their oath of office, officiated by University President Kenneth A. Laruan.

Next, University Public Affairs Office Director Jennyline S. Tabangcura announced and introduced the winner of the BSU Trademark Challenge- Dana Khloe T. Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz talked about the symbolism of her design, which incorporates a bean at the base of the letter B, with the four leaves emerging to represent the university’s core functions.

“These elements celebrate the institution’s agricultural roots and the potential for development from a single seed. The color choice plays a significant role in the branding; the green represents life and environmental stewardship, while the yellow symbolizes hope and excellence. This trademark effectively captures the university’s mission of cultivating knowledge and community advancement.”

The Mountain Collegian (MC) Adviser Karen O. Laking and Co-Adviser Chatelaine M. Wansi also announced the accomplishments of MC during the 24th Regional Higher Education Press Conference. MC was hailed First Runner-up in both the overall individual events and overall group events after placing first in both the newsletter and tabloid categories.

The awards are listed as follows:

GROUP EVENTS
𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿
Overall Best Newsletter
3rd Best in News Page
2nd Best in Editorial Page
2nd Best in Opinion Page
2nd Best in Feature Page
5th Best in Literary Page
Best Development Communication Page
2nd Best in Sports Page
2nd Best in Layout
𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗱
Overall Best Tabloid
Best News Page
4th Best in Editorial Page
4th Best in Opinion Page
3rd Best in Feature Page
4th Best in Literary Page
Best Development Communication Page
Best Sports Page
Best in Layout

𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼: 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗫𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜
3rd Best in Literary Content

INDIVIDUAL WRITING
𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Athena D. Manalog (7th)
𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Jaime A. Bernabe II (6th)
Filipino - Romina Mae O. Hidalgo (4th)
𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Jaime A. Bernabe II (1st)
Filipino - Armi-Jay R. Paragas (1st)
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Filipino - Kimberly Gail L. Germano (10th)
𝗣𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Deanna Fay C. Badongen (10th)
Filipino - Shekinah B. Hombrebueno (9th)
𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Filipino - Athena D. Manalog (1st)
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺
English - Alexon Phillip C. Budas (3rd)
Filipino - Shekinah B. Hombrebueno (1st)
𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Danica Kaye F. Pamayan (7th)
Filipino - Armi-Jay R. Paragas (4th)
𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Armi-Jay R. Paragas (9th)
Filipino - Kimberly Gail L. Germano (4th)
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Danica Kaye F. Pamayan (8th)
Filipino - Michaella T. Cerezo (8th)
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Iver N. Gao-ay (3rd)
Filipino - Michaella T. Cerezo (6th)
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
English - Iver N. Gao-ay (9th)
Filipino - Michaella T. Cerezo (2nd)
𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Jhade C. Cuerdo (2nd)
Filipino - Steffy Gwyneth L. Rafael (3rd)
𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴
English - Jhade C. Cuerdo (3rd)
Filipino - Steffy Gwyneth L. Rafael (1st)
𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
English - Jhade C. Cuerdo (5th)
Filipino - Steffy Gwyneth L. Rafael (2nd)
𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Emmanuel James P. Brabante (1st)
𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
Emmanuel James P. Brabante (5th)
𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺
Jay-an C. Allibang (10th)

Moreover, three MCians held top rankings in the first-ever search for outstanding tertiary campus journalists in RHEPC.
Top 1 - Jaime A. Bernabe II
Top 3 - Kimberly Gail L. Germano
Top 4 - Steffy Gwyneth L. Rafael

Individual awardees who placed fifth to first are bound to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, to compete in the Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) 2026.

Likewise, VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud encouraged BSU constituents to join the University Procurement Summit that will be held on February 18 - 20, 2026, at the Strawberry Hall. He added that there will also be workshops on February 23-24, 2026 to improve the institution’s Merit and Selection Plan. He advised BSU constituents to submit suggestions that will further improve this policy framework.

Finally, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo closed the program with a short summary of Velasco’s message.

“To wrap up this flag-raising ceremony, as always, we should do good service, have the willingness to provide for, and assist our clients. We should lift all of these up to God,” Pablo said.//EBawang

__________________________________________
The Flag Raising Ceremony and the short program that follows it usually consisting of announcements, recognition of student and employee achievements, physical exercises, performances and speeches from guests and university officials is a regular activity of BSU that supports and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals specifically , , , , , and . In essence, the activity serves as a regular platform to reinforce values, disseminate information, and celebrate achievements.

16/02/2026

12 February 2026
𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐔-𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫

The Benguet State University (BSU) Rondalla joined other HEI performing groups in welcoming the delegates of the EU-ASEAN Peer-Learning Workshop during the Welcome Dinner at The Peninsula Manila Hotel, Makati City.

The event was co-hosted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education and the Philippine Qualifications Framework Secretariat.

The BSU Rondalla, led by adviser Alma Vida G. Gallardo, performed a selection of folk and modern songs. CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis and CHED Cordillera Administrative Region OIC-Director Serafin L. Ngohayon expressed their gratitude to the performers.

12/02/2026

11 February 2026
𝐒𝐋𝐒𝐔 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄

In their continued effort to strengthen institutional governance, strategic management, and adoption of best practices in higher education, delegates from Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) led by President Frederick T. Villa, visited Benguet State University.

After a courtesy call with BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, the delegation split into groups for the benchmarking sessions. One group engaged with personnel from the Office of the President and Office of the University Board Secretary before meeting with the Internal Audit Service team.

The other groups visited the Legal Affairs Office, Information Communication and Technology office, and the University Public Affairs Office to exchange insights and best practices. BSU accommodates benchmarking activities and field trips from schools, Local Government Units, National Line Agencies, and Non-Government Organizations with the intent to promote collaboration in various areas that may lead to multi-stakeholder partnerships in support of .//DPaydowan
__________________________________________
𝐵𝑆𝑈, 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑃𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 (𝑈𝑃𝐴𝑂), 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠.

𝑇𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡, 𝑤𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒. 𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒, 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠.

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄: 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐖𝐏𝐋
In a virtual conference, Benguet State University (BSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) held at the function hall of the International Relations Office (IRO) on February 10, 2026. The MOU serves as proof of the partnership between the institution and the organization, promoting peace education.
HPWL, a non-profit and nongovernmental organization, was founded by Korean War veteran Mr. Lee Man Hee, who, at 19 years old, experienced the tragedies of war. The organization was founded in Seoul, South Korea, on May 25, 2013, to promote global peace and cessation of wars. At present, they operate 292 World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices around the world. In the Philippines, they have established numerous partnerships with schools, universities, and government agencies across 17 regions.
The conference was graced by Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan, University President; Dr. Rex John G. Bawang, International Relations Office Director; Sir Gleemoore Makie, Bokod Campus Administrator; Ma’am Claire Jeon, International Coordinator of HWPL Peace Education Asia; Ma’am Alecka Carcallas and Ma’am Arianne Nolasco– Peace Coordinators of HWPL Peace Education Philippines.
A brief video about HWPL was presented at the beginning of the meeting. Afterwards, Dr. Bawang presented a short overview regarding BSU as an institution. On the other hand, Ma’am Jeon expressed their gratitude towards BSU; she also delivered a speech regarding how HWPL functions as an organization and its accomplishments through the years. Thereafter, a speech of acceptance was delivered by Dr. Laruan, sharing his thoughts and insights about the content of the MOU. He mentioned that peace education has been incorporated with selected Social Sciences subjects in accordance with the issued memorandum order by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which requires the integration of peace education in the curriculum of state universities and colleges. Dr. Laruan looks forward to the visit of HWPL to the University for a friendly discussion and to having workshops with them in the future to strengthen the partnership and to craft programs, frameworks, projects, and activities.
An overview of future activities was presented by Ma’am Carcallas, highlighting the main goal of the partnership, which is to build peace messengers, educators, and ambassadors around the world through collaborative efforts with school administrators, faculty, and staff, and students. ‘Peace Education Empowerment Program’ was presented as the action plan, which includes the "Promotion Campaign Trail” and “Peace Educators’ Formative”. The program aims to promote peace education through the establishment of the Peace Club, Peace Education Department, Peace Education Bulletin, Peace Corner, Peace Room, Peace Library, Peace Garden, and Peace Monuments inside the campus. The program is not only limited to the campus but also to the community, region, and the country. //Rosciel Yapeng Batalier and Jelaine Victorino, BAEL Interns (BSU-College of Arts and Humanities)

09/02/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗛𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝟯

Isinagawa ang CAHpability Building for Educators and Learners in Campus Journalism Series 3 noong ika-7 ng Pebrero 2026 sa Mababang Paaralan ng Albis, Bangho, Daclan, Tublay, Benguet. Ang gawaing ito ay bahagi ng programang pang-ekstensyon ng Kagawaran ng Filipino sa Kolehiyo ng Sining at Humanidades (CAH) ng Pamantasang Pampamahalaan ng Benguet (BSU) na naglalayong palakasin ang kakayahan ng mga g**o at mag-aaral sa larangan ng pamamahayag pangkampus.

Lumahok sa nasabing gawain ang kaguruan ng Kagawaran ng Filipino, katuwang ang mga kasapi ng KATAFIL na binubuo ng mga mag-aaral ng Doktor ng Pilosopiya sa Wikang Filipino, gayundin ang mga miyembro ng Sinag Filipino na binubuo ng mga mag-aaral ng Batsilyer ng Sining sa Filipino. Sama-sama nilang ibinahagi ang kanilang kaalaman at kasanayan upang magsilbing gabay sa mga mag-aaral ng elementarya na siyang pangunahing benepisyaryo ng programa.

Nakatuon ang pagsasanay sa pagpapakilala at pagpapalalim ng kaalaman sa iba’t ibang anyo ng pamamahayag pangkampus, partikular sa pagsulat ng balita, lathalain, editoryal, balitang pampalakasan, at mga artikulong agham at teknolohiya. Isinagawa ang mga talakayan at gawain sa pamamagitan ng palihan at aktuwal na pagsasanay sa pagsulat upang malinang ang kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa maayos, wasto, at responsableng paghahatid ng impormasyon.

Dahil ang paaralan ay hindi pa kailanman nakabubuo ng sarili nitong pahayagan, layunin ng ekstensyon na maihanda ang mga g**o at mag-aaral sa pagtatatag, pamamahala, at produksiyon ng isang pahayagang magsisilbing tinig ng paaralan. Sa pamamagitan ng gawaing ito, inaasahang mahuhubog ang kumpiyansa, kritikal na pag-iisip, at malikhaing kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral. //Samantha Guinabang

09/02/2026

9 February 2026

The Benguet State University (BSU) - Office of the VP for Academic Affairs and the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) led this week’s flag-raising ceremony.

After the ceremony, University Health Services Director, Dr. Florence V. Poltic talked about heart disease in line with February as the National Heart Month per Proclamation No. 1096 s. 1973. This was declared to address heart disease, being the top killer of Filipinos, with over 50,000 annual deaths.

In her talk, Dr. Poltic identified causes of heart disease, including to***co consumption, poor diet, obesity, inactivity, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol as the main causes of heart disease. She also cited “blue zones” like in Okinawa, Japan and their practice of Hara Hachibu, as well as Sardinia, Italy’s plant-based diet for longevity.

Dr. Poltic promoted the Philippine Heart Association’s “52,100 Filipino” program that targets five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, two grams maximum sodium intake, one hour of daily exercise, zero sweetened drinks and beverages, and zero smoking and second-hand smoking.

She then connected mental health risks like depression, anxiety, and stress to heart risks. Thus, she recommended exercise, a seven to nine-hour sleep, social ties, and hobbies that can help alleviate negative emotions and feelings of isolation.

“With these preventive measures given, we can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 60 percent, according to the World Health Organization. She ended her talk by greeting everyone a happy Heart Month and advanced happy Valentine's Day.

After Dr. Poltic’s talk, newly hired and promoted employees took their oath of office, officiated by University President Kenneth A. Laruan.

Next, College of Information Sciences - Department of Information Technology (CIS - DIT) Chair Maria Teresa T. Cachero invited BSU constituents to their department's celebration of IT Month with the theme “BSIT in Bayanihang Digital: Innovating Today, Empowering Tomorrow” at the CIS building.

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Dean Dr. Maureen Theresa P. De Vera also invited everyone to visit the exhibits, booths, and lectures to be held within this week in celebration of Veterinary Week at the CVM grounds.

This was followed by the recognition of the BSU Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) students by SLS Faculty Member Mark Lee Galian for their participation in the 2026 Benguet Division Technolympics with the theme “Empowering Learners Through Innovation and Technology.”

Then, University Business Affairs Office (UBAO) Executive Assistant III Charmie C. Ferreria announced that there are stalls available for bidding at the backfill area and encouraged interested bidders to visit the UBAO for more information because the office’s page has been disabled.

Finally, OUR Director Froilan B. Manas closed the ceremony with a message reminding university constituents to embody the “iBSU” heart. He recited the lyrics of the song “Magic Penny” by Malvina Reynolds, which said love is something (that) if you give it away, you end up having more. Manas said that meant true fulfillment comes from giving. The more one gives of their values, excellence, and service, the more they grow in purpose and meaning.

Manas urged BSU constituents to live out the university’s core values beyond formal events, become living examples of the university’s heart, and contribute to a purpose-driven, unified, and compassionate institution.//EBawang

__________________________________________
The Flag Raising Ceremony and the short program that follows it usually consisting of announcements, recognition of student and employee achievements, physical exercises, performances and speeches from guests and university officials is a regular activity of BSU that supports and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals specifically , , , , , and . In essence, the activity serves as a regular platform to reinforce values, disseminate information, and celebrate achievements.

08/02/2026

The BSU Trademark Challenge concludes with the entry of Dana Khloe T. Dela Cruz, a graduate from the College of Nursing, Batch 2025. Her entry accumulated a total of 361 points from the four evaluators, the highest out of seven entries received.

Dana's design incorporates a bean at the base of the B, with three leaves emerging to represent the university’s core functions. These elements celebrate the institution's agricultural roots and the potential for development from a single seed.

Color choice plays a significant role in the branding; the green represents life and environmental stewardship, while the yellow symbolizes hope and excellence. This trademark effectively captures the university's mission of cultivating knowledge and community advancement.