LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Jan 18(PIA) -- Dr. Felipe S. Comila was officially installed as the seventh president of the Benguet State University in an investiture ceremony at the BSU Main Campus here on Tuesday(Jan. 12).

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Lilian De Las Llagas, the BSU Board of Regents Chairperson, represented by CHED-Cordillera Regional Director Dr. Danilo Bose, led the blended installation rites, which coincided with BSU's 35th Charter anniversary.

Bose also turned over the symbols of authority - the medallion, the Charter and the mace- to Comila witnessed by his family, Benguet officials and representatives, faculty, staff and other stakeholders.

In his message, Comila vowed to pursue the internationalization of the University and follow CARES which stands for Challenge innovation, Advance technology and facilities, Revitalize administration, Engender partnership, and Serve to sustain intergenerational roles, which is his vision, mission and development goals for BSU.

"We continue to enhance and achieve the quality education enhanced by the following passwords; institutional development, community development, technology innovation, and partnership among stakeholders," Comila said.

The new president also promised to work closely with the different stakeholders particularly the local government units for the development and expansion of the university during his term.

"I shall do my best to continue to engage with you, the LGUs and other stakeholders, because you are our partners for development in the province of Benguet," he said.

In his virtual message, Agriculture Secretary William Dar challenged Comila to continue the best practices of BSU.

"We look at BSU as one of the institutions that will not fail us in supplying this great demand. I am confident that you can produce professionals that society needs but importantly, the socially responsible servant leaders this country aspires to have," he said.

"I take this this opportunity to enjoin staff and faculty members, students to sustain momentum and high impact services for us to achieve food security and thus, prosperity. Continue to be the center of quality higher education and training for sustainable agriculture and development, not only to Benguet and to the country but to the world," he added.

BSU Board of Regents Agriculture Secretary William Dar and CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera III. Benguet Legislative Caretaker Cong. Eric Go Yap and Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas(clockwise) deliver their messages during the blended investiture rites.

"We should congratulate and thank Dr. Comila for making himself available for the challenging task of leadership in a premiere university. Becoming a university president is not for the fainthearted and for ordinary individuals, university leadership is unique and different from other leadership positions in regular organizations," CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera said in his virtual message.

For his part, Benguet Legislative Caretaker Cong. Eric Go Yap that it is important for BSU to continue strengthening established local, regional, national and international relations to be able to achieve its overall goals and objectives being one of the premier higher education institutions in the country. He assured support to the programs and projects of the new administration as well as the expansion of the university to the different municipalities of Benguet to ensure that more students avail of quality education that they deserve.

"It is my wish that BSU would not only be the premier state university in Asia but also all around the globe. Your plans to open medical, law and accountancy courses are a good start, and we are very supportive of it. It is then my hope that all BSU constituents will continue to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Comila in shaping the future direction of BSU. Let us support him as he leads in the arduous task of implementing reforms that deemed is best for the system," Gov. Melchor Diclas said.

"In 104 years, BSU has shown so much development and progress despite all kinds of challenges or adversities, and I am sure BSU will become even more vibrant as the institution continues to advance its vision and achieve more under your good leadership despite the difficulties brought by the present crisis," he added.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Atok Mayor Raymundo Sarac, Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales Jr., Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan, Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin, Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas, Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong also gave their respective messages.

Comila was the Director of the Institute of Public Administration of BSU prior to his appointment as the University's 7th president. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)