Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) deviated from the tradition during its recent State of the University Address (SUA), held at the BiPSU Gymnasium on February 13. Instead of BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. delivering the address, sectoral representatives took the stage to provide insights on the university's achievements, challenges, and plans.

This year’s SUA featured representatives from various sectors, including alumni, local and international partners, indigenous people (IP), students, and faculty members provided insights on the university's achievements, challenges, and plans. Speakers included LGOO VI Carolina O. Ampong from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Biliran; Feebetrisha Angela R. Madeja, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication student; Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, the Dean of the School of Engineering (SOE); Dr. Ernesto Pamolarco, Jr., President of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators in America (UNIFFIED), and Independent SETSS Provider/Special Education Teacher in the New York City Department of Education; Mr. John Paradas, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology student; and Mr. Kevin Lagat, School of Teacher Education (STEd) instructor.

Ms. Ampong, representing the alumni and local partners, highlighted during her speech the impact of BiPSU on the development of the Province of Biliran, emphasizing the establishment of partnerships with LGUs, industries, NGOs, NGAs, SMEs, and other stakeholders, wherein its extension activities esulted into a one hundred percent satisfactory rating for the last six years.

On the other hand, Ms. Madeja, representing the students, shared the impact of Dr. Cañezo's leadership, noting the proactive response of the administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the impact of BiPSU Ligtas Balik Skwela that helped students stranded during the crisis. She also shared to her fellow students the impact of the continued transformations including the construction of state-of-the-art buildings and facilities, and the success of students in regional, national, and international competitions.

Moreover, Mr. Paradas, representing the IP, expressed his words of gratitude for the initiatives of the university led by Dr. Cañezo in upholding and promoting high-quality education for the indigenous community in the province. He also emphasized the continuous efforts of the university to promote inclusivity and safety of every individual in the community thus forming the acronym LEAD IT translating to Listening Actively, Empowerment, Adaptability, Dignity, Respect, Innovation, and Teaching by example which actively promotes equality and respect in the community.

Furthermore, highlighting the milestones and institutional awards of the university, Engr. Pelesco, representing the administration, enumerated the recognitions received by the univeristy including from the Department of Budget and Management and the Philippine Quality Award, international quality assessment awards, and a steadfast commitment and unwavering support for faculty development has resulted in the promotion of 139 or 87% of faculty members in both campuses to higher ranks, underscoring our dedication to nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence

Meanwhile, Dr. Pamolarco, representing the international partners, highlighted notable accolades received by university such as the commendation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Jr., of BiPSU’s ascent in global university rankings namely World Ranking University for Innovation (WURI) and receiving a 3-Star rating from QS Rating System by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) with exemplary 5-Star ratings in Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness. He also emphasized BiPSU's growing network of international partnerships and membership with prestigious associations like the Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP).

In addition, Mr. Lagat, representing the faculty, emphasized the administration's focus on faculty development, citing various capacity-building initiatives and opportunities for research and innovation. He also stated that 235 completed research articles have been published and 23 are utilized by the industry from 2021 to 2023 and the faculty members of the university have shown remarkable performance in the production of instructional materials and innovations that were submitted for copyright and issuance of utility model certificates producing 29 copyrighted instructional materials and utility models.

It can be noted that this year's SUA is one of the activities for the BiPSU Day celebration.

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