Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) held an installation and turn-over ceremony to formally introduce new key officials and recognize the retirement of Dr. Susan S. Bentor, outgoing vice- president for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Matias Bentor, outgoing dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), effective May 15, this year.  

President Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. thanked Dr. Susan S. Bentor and Dr. Matias Bentor for their long years of service—43 and 42 years, respectively—from the days of the Naval Institute of Technology to the present BiPSU.

“We recognize and honor the pillars of this institution who served with dedication. For more than forty years, they witnessed the developments and key transformation of this institution,” Dr. Cañezo said. 

Dr. Susan Bentor began her service at the university on September 1, 1982, while Dr. Matias Bentor joined on July 1, 1983.

During the ceremony, University and Board Secretary Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal  presented their replacements in line with the designations approved under Board of Regents Resolution No. 37, series of 2025.

Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STED) Naval Campus, was officially appointed as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Zipagan will be succeeded by Dr. Jason Ang, who will now serve as the new Dean of STED Naval Campus.

In addition, Dr. Analiza B. Calles, formerly the director for Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development (CIFD), has been appointed as the new dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Stepping into her former post as CIFD Director is Dr. Claire Theresa S. Bentor.

As part of the university’s continuing organizational restructuring, the International Affairs Office (IAO) will now operate under the supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

President Cañezo underscored the importance of strengthening BiPSU’s internationalization efforts across all schools and encouraged the new Vice President Zipagan to lead initiatives that will embed global perspectives across all academic units from both campuses. The university also named Chiejeaca Jehanna Yu as the new Director of the International Affairs Office.

Additional leadership appointments were also announced, including  Claire Frances C. Barahan  as chairperson of the Tourism Management program, and Dr. Ernil Sumayao as the new Chairperson of the Masters of Education program.

President Cañezo reiterated his call for all outgoing officials to ensure a complete and orderly turnover of documents, and responsibilities, to their successors to support a seamless transition and continuity of service. 

The newly designated officials will officially assume their posts effective May 15, 2025.

The said event was witnessed by Faculty Regent, Hon. Vennie G. Coton, Vice Presidents’ Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Dr. Roland A. Niez, Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, outgoing Vice President, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, all deans from both Naval and Biliran Campuses, directors, unit heads and other key officials. 

Congratulations to the newly designated officials!

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education.]