Benguet State University’s newest president, Felipe Comila, who was installed on Nov. 26, is no stranger to the institution he has served most of his life.
As its seventh president, Comila has vowed to pursue his vision of internationalizing the university through sustainable programs that would benefit upcoming generations.
Through a virtual ceremony, Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Lilian de las Llagas has officiated Comila’s oath of office following the selection process by the BSU Board of Regents.
Out of the five candidates, the list was shortlisted to three candidates who underwent another round of interview by the board.
Comila said he would abide by his mission for the university, which is encapsulated in “BSU cares to challenge innovation, advance technology and facilities, revitalize administration, engender partnership, and serve to sustain intergenerational roles.”
“What I see is we have a bright future especially for our graduates, and if we have to have good graduates who have the heart for service, we also have to have good attention to our faculty and staff,” he said.
Comila said foremost of his programs would be to combat the pandemic by sustaining wellness and health programs for employees and students. This can be achieved through flexible learning modalities, work from home arrangement, and by continuing to strengthen the connectivity, communication, and transportation of the school.
“We need to enhance the corporate social responsibility of the university and continuously monitor the critical care of the university to her employees, students, and stakeholders,” he said.
Part of the innovations he would like to introduce is for the university to offer new programs such as medicine, law, accountancy and certificate in crisis management.
“Thank you for your confidence and trust for this opportunity to serve you and I’d like to express my thoughts also to the Board of Regents for allowing us this opportunity to serve you. The only thing I would do is to give my best service so that we go on for the progress of the university. May this university show a contribution for the province of Benguet and the Cordillera,” Comila said after his installation.
Comila has been serving BSU since the 80’s as former head of the Institute of Public Administration and director for planning of the institution. – Ofelia C. Empian
