Benguet State University

04/09/2026

03 September 2026
𝗕𝗦𝗨 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝟳𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘, 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗬

The Benguet State University College of Teacher Education (CTE) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a call to strengthen its legacy of excellence in teacher education while advancing cultural preservation, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

Carrying the theme “Nurturing Culture, Fostering Inclusivity and Sustaining Green Advocacy,” the anniversary celebration brought together administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and guests to commemorate seven decades of the college’s contribution to education in Benguet and beyond.

The celebration opened with a Mass dedicated to the College of Teacher Education, followed by an opening program featuring messages from university officials and guests, the presentation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-aligned initiatives, and various activities prepared by CTE students.

In her message, guest speaker Percyveranda Lubrica recognized the leadership of the successive deans and administrators who helped shape the college throughout the years. She described the anniversary theme as a timely reminder of CTE’s responsibility to remain at the forefront of consciousness and development.

Lubrica urged the college community to continue empowering themselves so that they can, in turn, inspire others. She emphasized that education should not be viewed merely as preparation for future employment, but as a means of helping students excel in their chosen vocations while developing their potentials and enhancing their personal qualities.

She also expressed the importance of diversity in the school system, encouraging the CTE community to continue developing the college through the strengths, experiences, and backgrounds of its members.

“Let us promise today to be active gardeners of the heritage, culture and tradition of the college,” Lubrica said.
She further called on the college to “protect our roots as CTE, celebrate our growth, and pass down a vibrant living culture to the generations yet to come.”

Meanwhile, BSU President Kenneth Laruan highlighted the lasting contribution of BSU-trained educators across the region. He noted that BSU has been a pioneer in producing teachers who have served in different parts of Benguet, the Cordillera, and beyond, drawing from his encounters with BSU alumni working in various places.

Laruan also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education, stressing that every learner matters. He said classrooms should be spaces where differences are respected and where students are given opportunities to succeed.

The environmental dimension of the anniversary theme likewise served as a reminder of the broader responsibility of educators. Laruan emphasized that education should prepare learners not only for employment but also for responsible citizenship and stewardship of the environment.

A highlight of the opening program was the launching of CTE’s SDG projects, which translated the anniversary theme into initiatives centered on culture, inclusivity, and the environment.
The projects presented during the launch included “From Ili to Ili: A CTE Cultural Preservation and Heritage Initiative,” “Project S.A.K.L.A.W.,” and “Project W.E.A.V.E.R.S.”

These initiatives demonstrate the college’s effort to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into its educational and community-oriented programs while addressing concerns related to cultural heritage, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

Project S.A.K.L.A.W., in particular, focuses on strengthening inclusivity through initiatives addressing language, advocacy, multicultural diversity, knowledge-based inclusion, learner support, accommodations for diverse learners, and a welcoming school environment.

Meanwhile, Project W.E.A.V.E.R.S. advances environmental education, action, and volunteerism, encouraging members of the CTE community to participate in activities that promote environmental awareness and responsible stewardship.
The cultural initiative, From Ili to Ili, centers on preserving and promoting Cordilleran cultural heritage and identity, particularly among younger generations.

Beyond the formal anniversary program, the celebration also featured booths, student-prepared activities, and competitions, providing opportunities for students to showcase their creativity and teamwork.

As the College of Teacher Education enters another chapter, its 70th anniversary serves both as a celebration of its roots and a renewed commitment to the responsibilities of teacher education, preserving culture, embracing diversity, empowering learners, and nurturing environmental consciousness for generations to come.//CD.DeGuzman

03/09/2026

. Pursuant to the directive of the Office of the President through Memorandum Circular No. 134 and in view of the continuous inclement weather, Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas said face-to-face classes in all levels (private and public educational institutions) are suspended on Friday, September 4.

According to the memorandum, schools shall implement appropriate alternative learning modalities and other learning continuity measures, as may be feasible, to ensure that learning activities continue while face-to-face classes are suspended.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐌 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐌-𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐒’ 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒, 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

Have you ever invested your hard-earned money expecting higher returns and a secure financial future, only to be scammed? If so, you know how devastating it is. Beyond the painful financial loss, the psychological and emotional impact can be disturbing.

Every victim has their own story to share—how they were scammed, how it affected them, and how they managed to cope. These were revealed by BSU Faculty Member Dalifer A. Gano who studied the lived experiences of 15 investment scam victim-survivors.

Investment scams are becoming increasingly serious global concerns, with perpetrators taking advantage of digital communication to exploit victims worldwide. Globally, the Philippines is among the countries with many recorded scam attempts and online victimization. As shown in Gano’s study, anyone can be targeted in a scam—including retired and current government and private employees, finance staff, entrepreneurs, Overseas Filipino Workers, farmers, and other professionals.

Gano’s study focused on investigating three areas: the mechanisms employed by the scammers from the perspective of victim-survivors; the impacts of the scam on the victims, their family members and peers; and the coping strategies of the victim-survivors during the aftermath of the scam.

The study revealed that scammers used a combination of financial enticement and trust grooming and persuasive tactics to deceive victims. Analysis showed that financial enticement involves tactics that make the investment appear profitable, urgent, and emotionally appealing. The trust grooming and persuasive tactics also make scammers appear credible, familiar, and socially or morally trustworthy.

According to the research, most perpetrators relied heavily on a classic grooming strategy in carrying out the scam, using a form of “bait” to attract potential victims into the investment scheme. This was followed by a series of manipulative strategies aimed at gradually strengthening trust to encourage progressively larger investments by the victims before the scammers eventually disappeared and cut all communication.

These scam experiences can be really devastating. The findings indicated that financial damage is the most immediate and visible consequence experienced by the victims, leading to reduced net income and the loss of long-term financial resources such as savings and retirement funds. Beyond financial loss, the scams burdened victims with emotional trauma, mental health struggles, social isolation, and a damaged self-concept making a ripple effect on their families and relationships.

Recovery from painful investment scams was a gradual and multidimensional process for the victim-survivors. This included efforts to cope, avoid further harm, and slowly rebuild their lives. In the study, the victims’ coping mechanisms included support from family and other people, financial survival strategies, reframing suffering into growth, and seeking formal and professional support.

Based on these findings, Gano concluded that investment scams are an increasingly urgent social problem requiring stronger awareness, prevention, and protection efforts. He then recommended an implementation of policy intervention, focusing on enhancing and expanding financial literacy and scam-awareness programs, strengthening digital fraud detection, enforcing stricter regulation of investment schemes, and establishing accessible reporting systems.

To address the financial, emotional, psychological, and family impacts identified in the study, the researcher suggested that the government should help victims access legal assistance, counselling, financial recovery guidance, and possible support or compensation mechanisms.

In an interview, the researcher mentioned plans for extension activities on investment scam awareness and further research to look into other types of scams within a localized context.

“In any investment, people should exercise self-control, remain vigilant, and recognize “red flags”—like unreasonably high returns. They also need to verify its legitimacy through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),” Gano advised.

This research was published in the International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Scope (IRJMS), 2026.//EBawayan

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

Please be reminded that the Carless Day will again be observed on September 3, 2026 (Thursday).

Vehicles actually used by Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens, delivery vehicles, and guests of the Home Management, Executive Guest House, and Guestels are exempted.

Delivery vehicles are advised to take the shortest route possible.
This is also to reiterate that the designated common free parking areas for students, employees and clients are at the College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Information Sciences parking areas but they are allowed a maximum of two (2) hours after presenting their BSU ID or proof of transaction with BSU. There are also public pay parking areas at the BSU Dry Goods and Swamp Backfilled Areas.

Aside from those mentioned above, the areas covered by the Carless Day Policy are ALL of university parking lots until the College of Engineering, College of Human Kinetics, College of Forestry, and Research and Extension compound (including the NPRCRTC). This means that even the areas at the UHS and ICT Office are included.

Any violation hereof shall subject the erring employee or student to sanction in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Rules and Regulations and the BSU Student Handbook. Non-BSU employees and students will be dealt with by the Office of Security Services.

This effort is inspired by the Local Government of La Trinidad's commitment to environmental stewardship and aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals. Please support BSU as it takes action to promote a "balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."

For all of us, this means that once a month, we can embrace alternative transportation and opt for walking, biking, or utilizing public transportation. This reduces our carbon footprint contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.

Let's walk together towards a greener future!

02/09/2026

27-28 AUGUST 2026
𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘, 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄

The Benguet State University General Services Office and the Gender and Development Office conducted a two-day training for university drivers titled "Driver Regulatory Information, Values and Professionalism, Equity, and Responsibility - DRIVER" at the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry.

The training brought together resource speakers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Benguet, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and BSU offices to discuss road safety, driver responsibilities, and gender-responsive transport service.

On the first day, Cecillio G. Gallardo, Officer in Charge of Regional Driver's Education Center, Department of Transportation-CAR and Land Transportation Office Benguet Chief, discussed transportation and road safety regulations, including the mandates of the LTO on driver's license issuance, vehicle registration, enforcement of transportation laws, and road safety measures such as signages and road markings.

Police Lieutenant Cable S. Codim-o, HPG Chief of Investigation, followed with a discussion on the driver’s responsibilities and obligations under current traffic and institutional policies. He tackled HPG frontline services, drivers' primary responsibilities, legal foundations on road safety, accident prevention, proper response during vehicular accidents, and documentation of vehicle conditions.

The second day opened with Imelda G. Parcasio, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System–Technical Working Group (GFPS-WTG) member, who discussed gender-responsive and inclusive transportation services. Parcasio explained key gender and development concepts, including the difference between s*x and gender and between equality and equity. She also introduced the SAFE Driver Framework anchored on Safety, Accessibility, Fairness, and Empathy and Respect.

In the afternoon, Raymundo H. Pawid Jr., Senior Administrative Officer of the Human Resource Management Office and GFPS TWG member, discussed values, professionalism, equity, and respect in transport service. He presented BSU's core values of Innovation, Resilience, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, and how these guide university drivers in their work.

After the discussions, participants formed groups to engage in case-scenario activities, applying the concepts to various GAD issues during transport while sharing their personal reflections and experiences related to the topic.

"Maganda kasi nadagdagan na naman yung knowledge tungkol sa pagmamaneho ng sasakyan at sa GAD, malaki din yung magandang effect lalo kung ia-apply sa pagmamaneho," Melchor I. Simsim said, a participant from the Bokod Campus.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan delivered the closing message, commending the organizers for the successful activity. He also thanked the participants for their active involvement and their commitment to safely transporting BSU stakeholders, and reminded them of the importance of driving safely and maintaining good health.

02/09/2026