BukSU breaks ground for Innovation Hub

MALAYBALAY CITY – BukSU started the groundbreaking rites for the 6-hectare BukSU Innovations Hub known as Annex Campus B in Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on June 15, 2023.

CHED Commissioner Jo Mark Libre, Second District Representative Jonathan Keith T. Flores, and BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol led the groundbreaking ceremony.

Other presidents of State Universities and Colleges, and other officials from the university and the government attended the ground-breaking rites in the third day of the week-long celebration of BukSU’s 99th Foundation and 16th University Anniversary.

The hub is envisioned to locate 14-buildings and amenities, including the Innovations Hub Building, Research Development and Extension Complex, Global Park Facility, among others.

For Mr. Dante S. Victoria Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance, the hub will complete the representation of BukSU’s tagline; Educate represented by the Casisang Annex COE Campus, Lead – represented by the main campus, and innovate, which the hub will represent. 

University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, described it as a vibrant center for research, development and entrepreneurial activities with state -of -the -art facilities and cutting -edge technologies. She said it will be a hub of collaboration and partnerships with industry leaders, local communities, and government agencies.

Dr. Mirasol said it represented BukSU’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and progress. She added that it is a testament to the Smart BukSU vision, which builds an ecosystem to fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Commissioner Jo Mark Libre, who chairs BukSU’s Board of Regents, hailed the BukSU administration for its continuing development. He urged other state universities and colleges present to learn from BukSU. He vowed his full support to the implementation of the projects of Dr. Mirasol’s administration in pursuit of a future-ready university. 

Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela Vice President for Academic Affairs was nostalgic on the symbolism of the hub in Barangay Casisang, which during World War 2 imbibed a bloody and painful side of the city’s history. She said it will change once the hub is built because from the grounds will rise innovations that will help advance Malaybalay City and Bukidnon. 

Dr. Abejuela also hailed the role of Second District Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores, especially in the realization of BukSU’s plans.

Engr. Lynn M. Remo, Head of Project Management Unit said in an interview aired on DXBU 104.5 FM Episode 22, that the inspiration in creating such buildings was to fulfill the vision of BukSU to be a premier institution for innovation for a sustainable development. “We are helping to provide and cater the functional needs of the students, faculty, personnel, and other stakeholders,” she said. (INFORMATION UNIT)