Centered on the university’s vision of weaving BiPSU to the world and the world with BiPSU, Biliran Province State University officially commenced its 2024 Founding celebration today, August 29 at the university gymnasium. 

The commencement this year highlights BiPSU's four key historical milestones in the university’s journey including, the  79th anniversary of High School founding on October 30, 1945, 52nd Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) founding on August 31, 1972, 15th Naval State University (NSU) conversion on October 14, 2009; and the 5th BiPSU charter on February 13, 2019.

BiPSU through the years

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., reaffirmed his commitment to building on the foundations laid by his predecessors and to continuing efforts to ensure that the university remains an excellent institution of higher education.

“Our founding celebrations remind us of the responsibility we carry—to continue building on the foundations laid by those who came before us and to ensure that BiPSU remains an excellent public institution for the generations to come.”

Dr. Cañezo also proudly announced BiPSU's impressive ranking in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), placing 29th in Social Responsibility, 32nd in Leadership, 34th in Student Support and Engagement, and 98th in the Global Top 300 Innovative Universities, out of 1,000 universities worldwide. This achievement, the President emphasized, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire BiPSU community.

"This recognition is a validation of the real-world impact we are making," he said. "We are living our mission—to provide quality and relevant instruction, research, and extension services that empower and uplift our people."

As the university’s chief steward, Dr. Cañezo expressed his appreciation to the entire BiPSU community, highlighting the collective efforts that have brought the university to its current state. He also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the university’s faculty, staff, and students, emphasizing that their contributions are the true foundation of BiPSU's success.

The opening

Moreover, the opening ceremony featured an inspiring parade of Intellectual Properties (IPs), a competition organized by the Research and Development Office headed by Dr. Roland A. Niez, vice-president for Research, Innovation and Extension and Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Director of RDO, and was participated by students representing the innovative research ideas of each school.This fashion showcase integration of research, culture, and the arts, and a reflection of the university's holistic approach to education.

The awarding of certificates of recognition to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to BiPSU's intellectual property (IP) development, publications, extension programs, and World Universities Ranking Initiative (WURI), transpired. 

Notable attendees include Dr. John Glenn Ocaña, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office director; Hon. Gretchen Stephanie Espina, mayor of Naval; Mr. Ramil Uy, supervising science research specialist of DOST Region VIII; Mr. Romy Dignos, Provincial DOST director; Dr. Faustino Gayas, Provincial DTI director; Prof. Don Eliseo Lucero- Prisno, founder of the GHF- University Excellence, the members of the BiPSU Board of Regents, vice presidents and other key officials, employees and students. 

The ceremony also included the awarding of certificates of recognition to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to BiPSU's IPs development, publications, extension programs, and World Universities Ranking Initiative (WURI) initiatives.

Support from the stakeholders

Meanwhile, this year’s founding featured  Dr. John Glenn Ocaña, regional director of the DOST Regional Office VIII and a member of BiPSU’s Board of Regents, as the keynote speaker.

In his message, Dr. Ocaña mentioned the strong partnership between BiPSU and DOST in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the region. He underscored the numerous collaborative projects undertaken by the two institutions, including the establishment of the Food Research and Development Center, the CEST project in Higatangan Island which includes the Water Purification System using Solar Power, the ECO SEP with Communal CR , the Drone for DRR Mapping, and the IT Innovation Hub.

He also praised BiPSU's dedication to community engagement, citing the university's role in providing scholarships, training, and extension services to the people of Biliran.

On the other hand, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VIII, also conveyed his message, expressing his gratitude for BiPSU's continued support of the CHED's programs and activities.

"As you celebrate this momentous activity, know that your achievements not only enhanced BiPSU's reputation but also advanced higher education in the region, in our country, and of course worldwide," the regional director said.

He also stated that the accomplishment of the university is a testament to BiPSU’S exceptional support system, societal impact and leadership, a reflection of the leadership of Dr. Cañezo and all other officials of the university.

Meanwhile, Hon. Gerardo Roger Espina, and Hon. Gerardo Espina Jr. the Provincial Governor and Congressman of Biliran, respectively, expressed their greetings to the BiPSU community via video message. 

Not the typical celebration

Unlike the previous years of university where cultural shows take the center-stage in the founding anniversary celebration, this year’s celebration centered on instruction, research, innovation, and extension services.

Dr. Cañezo announced that the celebrations will continue until February 13, 2025. However, to minimize disruptions to academic activities, the events will be scheduled exclusively on Wednesdays.

"One of our primary goals is to address concerns from the Educational Commission regarding the impact of unscheduled activities on the quality of our students' education," Dr. Cañezo stated. "By organizing our events in this structured and seamless manner, we can maintain our commitment to delivering quality education while also celebrating our university's proud history."

He also noted that the extended celebration period reflects the various founding anniversaries that BiPSU has to commemorate. The university president emphasized that the extended celebration is necessary because BiPSU has multiple founding anniversaries to honor.

Following the opening ceremony, BiPSU will unveil its new Teleconferencing Center, a significant investment in enhancing communication and collaboration within the university. Later this afternoon, the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Exhibits will commence to be followed by Technology and Innovation Pitching Competition. The celebrations will continue on August 31, Saturday  with a serenade, a fun-run and energetic Zumba sessions to take place at the BiPSU Oval.

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