“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.”

Thus spoke, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. in his opening address as Biliran Province State University officially commenced its 2024 Founding Celebrations at university gymnasium today, August 29. 

Addressing an audience that included the board of regents, key officials, faculty, students, and guests, Dr. Cañezo opened the celebration with a message of gratitude and pride. 

“Today, we not only honor the legacy of our institution but also reflect on the tremendous strides we’ve made together,” he added.

Dr. Cañezo expressed his appreciation to the entire BiPSU community, highlighting the collective efforts that have brought the university to its current state. Further, he 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. 

“Over the past three years, we have developed more than 100 utility models,” he noted, emphasizing that these achievements are not just numbers but represent tangible innovations impacting communities. 

He also mentioned the 32 research projects earmarked for commercialization and the over 200 publications that BiPSU has contributed to the global body of knowledge. 

“With nearly 400 completed research projects in just the last three years, we have demonstrated our commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation,” he added.

Another significant highlight of Dr. Cañezo’s address was BiPSU’s recent recognition in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). 

“Out of over 1,000 universities worldwide, we ranked 29th in Social Responsibility, 32nd in Leadership, 34th in Student Support and Engagement, and 98th in the Global Top 300 Innovative Universities,” Dr. Cañezo proudly shared.

He acknowledged this as the highest ranking in Region 8 and one of the most improved universities globally since 2021. 

“Next month, I will have the honor of traveling with our team to Seoul, South Korea, to accept these awards on behalf of the entire BiPSU family,” he announced.

The president expressed his deep humility and pride emphasizing that it only reflects the university’s commitment to its vision—to be an internationally recognized university that is responsive to both local and global communities.

The Founding Celebrations commemorate key historical milestones in the university’s journey. “We celebrate key milestones in our history: the 52nd NIT Founding on August 31, 1972; the 79th anniversary of our High School Founding on October 30, 1945; the 15th NSU Conversion on October 14, 2009; and the 5th BiPSU Charter on February 13, 2019,” Dr. Cañezo recounted. 

In closing, Dr. Canezo expressed deep gratitude to BiPSU’s partners and stakeholders, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and local government units. Their support, he said, has been instrumental in the university’s journey toward realizing its #WoWBiPSU2.0 Development Plan.

“As we kick off our 2024 Founding Celebrations, let us do so with a spirit of joy, humility, and gratitude. Let us celebrate our achievements, not with pomp, but with pride in knowing that we are making a difference,” Dr. Cañezo concluded. 

The Founding Celebrations will continue throughout the week, with a series of events not only focusing on research, innovation and extension activities but there will also be a series of sports events for BiPSU employees. 

#WoWBiPSU