Ifugao State University (IFSU) celebrated its 100th founding anniversary on Oct. 14, after its inception as a farm school in 1920 by American educators.
Bannering the theme, “IFSU@100: Celebrating a century of academic service,” IFSU commemorated the occasion in a meaningful manner yet compliant with the regulations set the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19.
IFSU also celebrated its 11th charter day since its transformation into university in Oct. 14, 2009.
Sen. Joel Emmanuel J. Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, and Technical and Vocational Education, who graced the occasion through a recorded video message, lauded IFSU’s centennial year and the men and women behind the university’s continuous purposeful existence.
“Sinasalamin po ng kasaysayan ng Ifugao State University ang buhay at kultura ng mga Ifugao,” Villanueva said.
The senator also pointed out the resilience of the institution amidst the challenges in the education landscape.
“Tayo pong lahat ay nahaharap ngayon lalong-lalo na ang sektor ng edukasyon sa bansa sa mabigat na pagsubok dulot ng Covid-19 pandemic. Naniniwala po tayo sa resiliency ng IFSU. Tulad ng ating rice terraces, hinding-hindi tayo matitinag ng anumang hamon ng panahon,” he said.
Dr. Lilian A. De Las Llagas, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, and the IFSU Board of Regents represented by Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC regional director of CHED-CAR, commended the IFSU for being the first state university in the region to respond to fight Covid-19 through its extension projects approved by the CHED under the funding for state universities and colleges.
“This is a manifestation of your unwavering commitment to serve the community and make peoples’ lives better and comfortable,” said De Las Llagas, who also shared an acronym for IFSU in its 100th year as I – impact; F – first-class university; S – sustainable; and U – unique.
“This occasion evokes many thoughts about what the future may hold for our university. This is a moment to look ahead and be so hopeful about our future. Year 2020 undoubtedly ushered in new challenges as we face the uncertainties of tomorrow,” said IFSU President, Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon.
She expressed hope the shared vision for IFSU to become a globally recognized university upholding excellence amidst rich cultural heritage will stir in IFSU employees and students a new hope and stronger faith to be able to transcend what and where the university is today as the lone higher education institution in Ifugao.
The university started as Nayon Settlement Farm School, then renamed Ifugao Pilot Opportunity School of Agriculture, then Payon Bugan Pilot Opportunity School Agriculture in honor of the land donor. In 1982, it was elevated as Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry, then to state university in 2009. – Faith B. Napudo
