March 29, 2024

Newly-installed Benguet State University president, Dr. Felipe Comila, has vowed to strengthen the university’s partnership with various local government units for the further development of the institution and communities in the province. 
“To all the mayors who have given their commitments, I hear you. Thank you so much, I will continue to engage with you because you are the partners of development in Benguet,” said Comila during his investiture on Jan. 12.
Gov. Melchor Diclas, an alumnus of the university, said BSU is one of the assets of the province that assisted its growth through the years, which is why he has urged the public to work with the president in fulfilling his goals for BSU’s growth and development.
Benguet legislative caretaker Rep. Eric Yap said BSU’s partnership with the provincial government is crucial for the development of communities.
Yap and Comila have already discussed initial plans for the upgrade of the strawberry farm, which is owned and managed by BSU.
There is also a plan to establish a BSU technohub similar to the University of the Philippines- Ayala Land technohub.
Yap also urged the public to support the plans and programs of Comilla for BSU, saying they must also embrace new ideas that will benefit the province and neighboring areas.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar, in a virtual message, urged Comila to work on BSU’s core strength in research programs that empowers scientific thinking applicable in the areas of “agri-preneurship” or “techno-preneurship,” which employs technology and entrepreneurship to agriculture, as well as sustainable farm practices.
“DA will continue this collaborative work with BSU which is a model synergy between the government and academe as we see the academic community as crucial partners in nation building,” said Dar, an outstanding alumnus of the university.   
Comila said he would be open to various partnerships during his stint as BSU president, including engagement with the media, which he said is an important partner of BSU in popularizing its researches and programs to the communities.
The university also celebrated its 35th charter anniversary by honoring employees who have reached milestones in their careers under the institution. – Ofelia C. Empian