BSU Office of the Vice President for Admin and Finance

03/06/2026

BSU Celebrates Heritage Month Through “Pangpanga ni Damdamot”

Benguet State University celebrated National Heritage Month through a series of activities held during its weekly flag-raising ceremonies in May under the theme “Pangpanga ni Damdamot” (Branches of the Roots), reflecting the national observance's call to recognize the many expressions of heritage that spring from a common cultural foundation.

The month-long celebration highlighted the interconnectedness of indigenous identity, cultural memory, language, and national consciousness, affirming the university's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Cordillera and the Filipino people.

The observance commenced on the first Monday of May with an Indigenous Peoples (IP) Wear Day, where university officials, faculty members, and staff donned indigenous attire. The activity served as a visible expression of pride in the cultural traditions and identities that continue to shape communities across the region. Participants welcomed the initiative, with one employee expressing hope that it would become a regular university tradition.

"We hope to sustain it and regularly have the first Monday of May as IP Wear Monday," the participant shared.

The second Monday featured a heritage lecture by renowned cultural worker and advocate Zenaida Hamada-Pawid, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems, traditions, and cultural practices amid rapid social change. Drawing from her extensive work in cultural preservation and community development, she underscored the role of heritage as a living legacy that must be continuously nurtured and passed on to future generations. Her message highlighted that heritage is not confined to artifacts and historical sites but is embodied in the values, stories, practices, and identities of communities.

Language, one of the most enduring vessels of culture, became the focus of the third Monday celebration. The program included the reading of a poem in the Ibaloi language, reminding the university community of the beauty and significance of indigenous languages as repositories of collective memory and identity.

This was followed by a lecture from Ma'am Karen Laking, a faculty of the College of Arts and Humanities who discussed the crucial role of language in preserving cultural heritage. She highlighted how language carries the worldview, history, and values of a people and stressed the need to encourage its use and appreciation among younger generations. Her presentation emphasized that the survival of indigenous languages contributes significantly to the preservation of cultural diversity and community identity.

The month-long celebration culminated on the fourth Monday of May with the launching of the university's observance of Flag Days, linking cultural heritage with national identity. The flag days recognizes the Philippine flag not only as a national symbol but also as a representation of the shared history, sacrifices, aspirations, and values of the Filipino people.

As an extension of the celebration, the first Monday of June featured a reflection by Dr. Kristine dela Cruz-Baniqued, who explored the relationship between culture and the Philippine flag. She reflected on how national symbols derive meaning from the people, traditions, and stories they represent. Her presentation encouraged the university community to appreciate the flag not merely as an emblem of nationhood but as a reminder of the diverse cultural roots that collectively shape the Filipino identity.

Through the month-long observance of Pangpanga ni Damdamot, Benguet State University demonstrated that heritage is much like the branches of a deeply rooted tree—diverse in form yet nourished by a common source. From indigenous attire and cultural heritage advocacy to language preservation and reflections on national symbols, the celebration aimed to serve as a meaningful reminder that understanding one's roots is essential in building a future grounded in identity, respect, and shared responsibility.

31/05/2026

Security Summit Strengthens Commitment to a Safer and More Secure University

The Security Services Office successfully conducted a two-day Security Summit on May 25–26, 2026, bringing together members of the University Security and Safety Committee, security officers from the University's three campuses, university officials, representatives of the contracted security service provider, students, employees and other key stakeholders.

The summit was highlighted by the participation of a resource speaker from the Municipal Police Office of La Trinidad, who shared valuable insights on contemporary security concerns, crime prevention, and community safety partnerships.

The activity served as a venue for a comprehensive assessment of the University's current security and safety landscape, including measures for the protection of university assets, properties, accountabilities, and personnel, as well as the institution's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Participants identified existing challenges and gaps and proposed practical solutions that will serve as inputs in the formulation of a more responsive security and safety action plan.

Among the unique concerns discussed was the protection of the University's extensive landholdings, including forest reserve areas. Unlike many educational institutions that operate within enclosed and gated campuses, the University faces distinct challenges in safeguarding vast and open areas under its stewardship. This situation necessitates innovative and collaborative approaches to security management and environmental protection.

The summit also tackled the need for continued improvement of security infrastructure, including guardhouses and monitoring facilities, as well as the enhancement of personnel capabilities. Recognizing that security guards are often the first point of contact and serve as the public face of the University, participants underscored the importance of strengthening hospitality, customer relations, and communication skills alongside their security functions.

Other matters discussed included campus access control, emergency preparedness, coordination with law enforcement agencies, security technology enhancements, and strategies to foster a stronger culture of safety and vigilance within the University community.

The summit concluded with a collective commitment among participants to address the identified concerns and pursue strategic initiatives that will further strengthen the University's security and safety systems, ensuring a secure, resilient, and welcoming environment for all stakeholders.

29/05/2026

22/05/2026

BSU and DBM - CAR commemorates Open Government Week with a hybrid forum on what the Open Government Week is all about.

04/05/2026

IP Wear Monday

University employees gathered for this Monday’s flag ceremony with a substantial number clad in their native attire, marking the university’s participation in the celebration of National Heritage Month.

This initiative forms part of a month-long series of activities collectively dubbed “Pangpanga ni Damdamot” (Branches of the Roots) —a phrase that reflects the nurturing and sharing of culture, identity, and collective memory within the community. The program unfolds across the four Mondays of May, each highlighting a distinct dimension of heritage appreciation and preservation.

Today’s IP Wear Monday sets the tone by making culture visible—through textiles, patterns, and symbols that embody the diverse identities within the university. It is a reminder that heritage is not only remembered, but worn, lived, and expressed in everyday life.

In the coming weeks, the celebration continues with:

- A heritage talk to be facilitated by the College of Social Sciences, deepening awareness on safeguarding cultural heritage (May 11);

- A poetry reading to be led by the College of Arts and Humanities, giving voice to heritage through creative expression (May 18);

- And the launch of National Flag Week, reinforcing shared identity and national pride (May 25).

Aligned with the 2026 theme of the National Commission for Culture and Arts, the installment celebration emphasizes that cultural heritage is not merely a reflection of the past, but a living foundation that guides present actions and shapes future generations.

It is a call to recognize that heritage is dynamic. It grows with us, sustained by efforts, whether thru individual initiatives or through institutions especially universities, to preserve, practice, and pass it on.

Today, in wearing our native attire and participating in these activities, employees affirm that culture remains at the heart of our identity as a university community.

Photo credits - 1st Photo BSU UPAO, Other photos contributed by Mr. Nelson Politchay

03/05/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

In line with the celebration of National Heritage Month, all employees of Benguet State University are enjoined to observe IP Wear Monday tomorrow, May 4, 2026.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the Flag Ceremony dressed in their respective native or indigenous attire, as an expression of the vision on shared commitment to cultural stewardship.

Let us take pride in our heritage and honor the richness of our diverse traditions through this simple gesture.

Thank you and see you all.

28/04/2026

Congratulations to the passers and their mentors as well! Congratulations, College of Engineering!

28/04/2026

23/04/2026

Open for your workouts—

But not “leave no trace and no name.” So yes: a friendly ID check, a quick log-in, and a (slightly forced) breakup with disposable plastics before your morning jog. Think of it as the oval saying, “If you love me, sign for me… and don’t litter on me.”

📸 In photo: the Facilities and Grounds Management Unit putting up friendly reminders and information on the applicable guidelines for the use of the Oval and other facilities.

Your cooperation is highly encouraged—so we can all enjoy the oval, responsibly and sustainably… and maybe keep the “wall” a little quieter, too.