The Benguet State University Alumni Association, Inc. (BSUAAI) successfully celebrated its 106th Alumni Homecoming, General Assembly, and Outstanding Alumni Awards on September 26, 2026, at the BSU Gymnasium, bringing together alumni, awardees and students in a celebration of shared memories, achievements, and enduring connections.
Anchored on the theme “Shaping Our Future: United in Service and Excellence,” the event formed part of Benguet State University’s 110th Foundation Anniversary celebration. It highlighted the enduring relationship between the University and its alumni and reaffirmed their shared commitment to service, excellence, and the continued advancement of their alma mater.
A Warm Welcome and a Renewed Commitment to BSU
The program opened with the invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and BSU Hymn, followed by the welcome remarks of BSUAAI President Mr. Ben David S. Luis. He warmly welcomed the returning alumni and encouraged everyone to reconnect with fellow graduates, enjoy the celebration, and create meaningful memories together.
University President Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan delivered his message, highlighting the University’s continuing growth and development. He emphasized that the advancement of BSU cannot be achieved by the administration alone and called on alumni to contribute through mentorship, industry partnerships, professional expertise, and opportunities that would help the University remain relevant, innovative, and sustainable.
His message served as a reminder that graduation does not end an alumnus’s relationship with the University. Instead, it marks the beginning of a lifelong connection and a continuing responsibility to contribute to the institution and the communities it serves.
Honoring Excellence and Outstanding Alumni
One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of ten outstanding alumni whose achievements, dedication, and contributions have brought honor to Benguet State University and made a meaningful difference in their respective fields and communities.
The 2026 awardees were:
- Oscar Guzman Paris – Most Distinguished Alumnus Award in Humanitarian Leadership and Disaster Resilience
- Robert Jan Tacloy Allan – Distinguished Alumnus Award in Agribusiness Innovation and Farmer Market Development
- Clifford Anaban Batnag – Distinguished Alumnus Award in Agricultural Training and Cooperative Enterprise Development
- Orlando Bayeng Pacya – Distinguished Alumnus Award in Cooperative Development and Community Empowerment
- Olga Cagas-Dangwa – Special Alumni Award in Civic and Humanitarian Service
- Andrew Victor Guzman – Special Alumni Award in Digital Innovation
- Amelia Macasaddu-Kimeu – Special Alumni Award in Vegetable Crop Improvement and Seed Technology
- Jovener Sotelo Soro – Special Alumni Award in Literary Excellence
- Roger Dukilen Tuabas – Alumni Recognition Award for Exemplary Honesty and Integrity
- MAC-MSAC-BSU Alumni Pangasinan Chapter – Special Alumni Group Service Award
The awarding ceremony celebrated not only professional accomplishments but also the spirit of service, integrity, innovation, leadership, and community involvement that the University seeks to nurture among its graduates.
In his response message, Mr. Oscar Guzman Paris expressed the importance of using one’s talents, resources, and position to serve and uplift others rather than pursuing personal recognition alone. He also reflected on how failures, challenges, and difficult experiences can help shape individuals into more capable and compassionate leaders.
His message encouraged fellow alumni to continue making a difference in their respective communities and to use their achievements as opportunities to serve others.
Fellowship, Celebration, and Alumni Camaraderie
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the homecoming provided an opportunity for alumni from different batches to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the friendships and experiences that continue to unite them. The program featured a raffle draw, intermission performances, and the much-anticipated Grand March led by Mr. Marvin Galian. Alumni and guests also joined in dancing, creating a joyful atmosphere that celebrated unity and the enduring spirit of the BSU community.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to sponsors, performers and artists, ushers, and third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BA Communication) student volunteers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the event. The dedication and cooperation of the BSUAAI officers, volunteers, sponsors, performers, participating alumni batches, and other supporters helped make the celebration meaningful and memorable.
General Assembly: Transparency, Accountability, and Shared Responsibility
The General Assembly and plenary session provided an important opportunity for the Association to present updates on its activities, programs, projects, and financial matters.
The meeting included the presentation of the agenda, roll call by class year, consideration of the previous meeting’s minutes, and the presentation of the President’s and Treasurer’s reports. An open forum allowed alumni to raise questions, express concerns, and participate in discussions concerning the Association’s affairs.
The reports and discussions underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and active alumni participation in strengthening the organization and advancing its goals.
The General Assembly also reaffirmed the value of collective action in sustaining the Association’s programs and fostering a stronger partnership between BSUAAI and Benguet State University.
A Meaningful Closing Message
In his closing message, Mr. Richard H. Kinnud, BSUAAI Vice President for Internal Affairs, acknowledged the outstanding awardees, the returning alumni from near and far, and the significance of the University’s milestone anniversary.
He likened homecoming to the journey of a river that flows outward to nourish different communities before returning through its natural cycle. In the same way, BSU alumni leave the University to pursue different careers and life journeys, yet remain connected to the place where their foundations were formed.
His message reminded everyone that leaving the University does not mean severing ties with it. Wherever life takes them, alumni carry the University’s identity, values, and mission into their professions and communities.
A Continuing Legacy of Service and Excellence
The 106th Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly was more than a reunion. It was a celebration of the people, experiences, and values that have shaped generations of BSU graduates.
It reaffirmed that the bond between the University and its alumni extends far beyond the campus. Through their achievements, professional expertise, community involvement, and continued support, alumni remain important partners in shaping the University’s future.
The BSU Alumni Association, Inc. extends its heartfelt gratitude to all alumni, awardees, sponsors, performers, volunteers, participating batches, and everyone who contributed to the success of this celebration. As BSU continues to move forward, may its alumni remain united in purpose, committed to service, and dedicated to excellence—carrying the spirit of their alma mater wherever they go.
Once an i-BSU, always an i-BSU! 💚💛
