FULL TEXT: President Mirasol delivers first state of the university address

Maayad Ha Aldaw inyo Alan, and a Happy Valentine’s Day! It is truly special to stand before you on this day that marks not only the celebration of love, but also the anniversary of your trust in me as your President.

Some might say it was merely a coincidence that my journey as President began on Valentine’s Day 2023. But I see it as a powerful metaphor. Valentine’s Day reminds us of the transformative power of love, of shared connections, and of collective action. And isn’t that exactly what defines BukSU? We are a university built on love for knowledge, love for our community, and love for the potential we hold together.

To our Board of Regents, our BukSU Past Presidents, Stakeholders from the Local Government Units and NGAs, BukSU Workforce and students, it is my pleasure to share with you the Smart BukSU journey we have taken together and where we will be going this 2024.

As your President, I am incredibly grateful for your trust and for the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students and partners. Guided by our Board of Regents and the Smart BukSU Agenda, we have strived to create a future-ready university where learning flourishes, efficiency reigns, and experiences are enhanced.

We promised Simple, Ethical, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent Governance.

In 2023, we launched the EReport Mo System, a revolutionary issue ticketing system developed by the ICTSU and the OVPAF. The system is revolutionary in handling repair and maintenance issues to streamline reporting and resolving maintenance concerns promptly and effectively. Today we will be having the soft launch of our Smart BukSU Analytics, the executive dashboard of the university for data-driven decision making.
These are not just tools, but testaments to our commitment to good governance.

BukSU demonstrates its commitment to responsible financial stewardship through impressive budget utilization and disbursement rates. In the Regular Agency Fund, our budget utilization rate in 2022 is 89.03%. In 2023, we achieved, 97.39% budget utilization rate. This means we effectively and efficiently used nearly all allocated funds for their intended purposes.

Furthermore, our total disbursement rate stands at 84.21%. This indicates our ability to translate plans into action, ensuring timely delivery of essential services and projects.

Our 40% increase in the sales of the EEU and the 10% surge in University Printing Press sales, against our targets, demonstrate our focus on financial responsibility and resourcefulness.

These achievements are driven by our sustained ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring quality and efficiency in our processes.

Furthermore, our PQA Level II accreditation signifies our commitment to quality assurance, demonstrating our dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in all we do.

We want to lead the way with Campus Greenovations

BukSU’s commitment to sustainability is not just words on paper; it is  translated into impactful initiatives that benefit our campus, our community, and our planet.

In October 2023, we launched the BukSU Sustainability Commitment, igniting a spark within our community. Students and workforce joined hands, inspired to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.  We commemorated the “Make A Difference Day for Sustainability”, reminding everyone that even small actions can have a powerful collective impact. From Bike Day to taking care of university flora and fauna, the message was clear: we all have a role to play.

But action without efficiency is like planting seeds without water. That is why we implemented Smart BukSU Cost-Saving Measures. Returning unused supplies and transitioning to paperless documents might seem like small steps, but they add up.

Our efforts have garnered global recognition. In the prestigious UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023, BukSU secured the top spot in Northern Mindanao, 9th in the Philippines, and 534th globally. This achievement is a testament to our dedication to building a smarter, greener future for generations to come.

When it comes to infrastructure, we do not just build, we build smart and green. Guided by our Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan, we surpassed our initial target by constructing 28 green building design projects, exceeding the planned 15. These buildings aren’t just structures; they are testaments to our commitment to minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. They set a new standard for sustainable construction, not just for BukSU, but for the entire region.

BukSU has been bestowed with the prestigious CY 2023 Northern Mindanao Gawad Kalasag Special Award for Higher Education! This award goes beyond disaster preparedness. It reinforces our journey towards becoming a true Green University. By building resilience in high-risk communities, we protect the environment, mitigate the impact of climate change, and create a sustainable future for all.

We committed to Inclusive Sustainable Development thru Research and Community Engagement

We have exceeded our targets in research.

In addition to faculty achievements, BukSU students have also garnered prestigious awards

Through intensive research capability development programs we sought to upscale the research competencies of both our budding and experienced faculty researchers.

We have actualized 100% of our targets in innovations.

The IPTTU has provided support to 22 creative works. This includes 19 instructional materials and 3 creative works with certificates of Registration. Additionally, the unit facilitated the achievement of 1 Intellectual Property Right (IPR) with a Certificate of Registration.

BukSU was awarded a grant of 4.6 million pesos from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the ArtiFabLab project. This FabLab will be outfitted with computer-controlled machinery and tools that enable limitless customization and digital fabrication capabilities.

For Extension and Community Engagement, we established 42 partnerships out of a target of 39.

In terms of training engagement, we successfully reached 4,896 trainees, factoring in the duration of training sessions, surpassing our target of 3,586. In alignment with the SUC Mandated Priority Programs, our extension programs have also seen remarkable success, with 42 out of 21 planned programs being organized in 2023.

As BukSU grows, so does our need for a strong, motivated workforce. We understand that happy, valued employees translate to excellence in education and research. That is  why we prioritize investing in our people, not just financially, but also through recognition and career development opportunities

We are proud to announce the reclassification of 222 faculty members, recognizing their expertise, dedication, and invaluable contributions to our academic excellence. BukSU is one of the first SUCs in the country to implement CHED-DBM JC 3.  and again, we thank our hardworking Institutional Evaluation Committee, the Commission on Higher Education and our Board of regents for this well-deserved milestone for the BukSU Faculty.

One of the foundations of BukSU is its non-teaching personnel. We made sure that they too are empowered and given stability and opportunity. Hence,  100% of our Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (ROSS) Phase 1 positions are filled by the end of 2023. This strategic move ensures we have the resources and expertise to deliver high-quality education, and standard government service to the people  

We made strides in Transformative, Inclusive and Quality Education

I am from BukSU. Of course, students receive their academic records on graduation day! That is the reality we have made for BukSU. This streamlines students’ transition into the workforce and showcases our commitment to efficiency and student support

100% of our undergraduate programs in BOTH the main and satellite campuses have Certificate of Program Compliance from CHED. That is a total of 54 programs in both campuses.  Meanwhile 83.33% or 10 out of 12 graduate programs have COPCs.

Moreover, we have 100% of our accreditable programs, accredited by the AACCUP, with 7 programs attaining Level IV status.

We hosted Dr. Herbert Glenn P. Reyes, a CDIO expert, to train faculty on the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) Framework.
We also had the privilege to host Dr. William Spady, the “Father of Transformative Outcomes-Based Education (TOBE)”, for a webinar workshop.

We consistently see impressive passing rates in board examinations, further solidifying our reputation for academic excellence.

BukSU believes in fostering cross-cultural understanding and intellectual exchange. We actively participate in various international faculty mobility and exchange programs.

Embracing innovation, the BukSU library now features a self-check kiosk, providing convenient and efficient access to books for our students.

We are  making significant strides towards establishing the BukSU College of Medicine, partnering with the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, securing local government support vis a vis the Provincial Government of Bukidnon thru Governor Oneil Roque and our legislators in Bukidnon, 1^st District Representative Cong. Jose Manuel Alba, 3^rd District Representative Cong. Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr., 4^th District Representative Congresswoman Laarni Lavin Roque and most especially, 2^nd District of Bukidnon Representative Cong. Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores and the support of the Bukidnon Medical Society and gaining Board of Regents approval.

Finally, I want to shine a light on the most crucial element of BukSU’s success: our Smart Students. Not only are they intellectually strong, but they actively engage in meaningful activities and services that contribute to their well-being, their fellow students, and the wider community.

We prioritize student well-being with initiatives like the Bali-ug: The BukSU Safe Space program. This BOR-approved program offers values formation sessions, anti-hazing initiatives, anti-sexual harassment measures, and mental health support for both our students and workforce, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Our students have been making their mark in regional and national competitions.

BukSU Students are global citizens, actively participating in international events, conferences, and cultural exchanges. Compared to the previous year we have seen a remarkable 34.55% increase, showcasing their willingness to broaden their horizons and engage with the world.

Our students’ talents are not confined to academics. They shine bright in various MASTS Games and Socio-Cultural Events, representing BukSU and even the region with pride and demonstrating their diverse skills and passions.

BukSU has a thriving student community where leadership is nurtured, participation is encouraged, and recognition is meaningful

We established a partnership with the USTP CDO  for student leadership.

We have seen a remarkable increase in student organizations, from 39 to 61 recognized organizations this year. This provides more platforms for students to express their interests, develop skills, and contribute to the community.

Recognizing outstanding achievements is crucial. We have  widened opportunities for student recognition through the Pagkilala awards, expanding to 21 individual and group categories.

We prioritized student safety thru strengthened collaboration with landlords and ladies among city housing facilities.

Thru admission caravans in 27 schools, Our Admission and Testing Unit noted 7406 CAT Passers out of 10,624 takers. Furthermore we have 1,425 grantees in two academic scholarships and 1410 grantees in 2 non-academic scholarships.

BukSU Admission Data shows majority of females and members of the 7 Bukidnon Ethnic Tribes.

Furthermore, we have 37.3% who are the first member of the family to enter college and 75% with total family income of less than P131, 484 in a year or 10, 957 PER MONTH, WHICH IS IN THE LOW INCOME TO Poor classification from the data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS),

The Guidance and Counseling Services Unit provided psychosocial support activities for students. These activities promote mental health awareness and self care vis-a-vis brownbag sessions.

We also conducted the BukSU Job Fair 2023 with 51 applicants Hired on the Spot.

The  University Medical Clinic has continued to deliver health services for the students, faculty, and staff.

Dental Health Services are also provided, including our  satellite campuses.

We have strengthened our alumni relations by conducting various activities for our alumni. We have also conducted a tracer study of our graduates. Out of a target of 39%, we have traced 51% of graduates 2 years prior who are employed. We have also identified 46 alumni with distinguished award and recognition and 33 alumni with leadership roles

Receiving the Plaque of Commendation for outstanding implementation of student-centered activities and services beyond CHED requirements is a testament to our dedication to student development. We go beyond the ordinary, offering a diverse and enriching campus experience.

Moreover,  the BukSU Research Based Folkloric Dance Troupereceived a Meritorious Performance Award from The National Commission for Culture and Arts. This prestigious recognition acknowledged BukSU’s exceptional involvement in the continuous creation and performance of dance, thereby contributing to the development of an innovative, resilient, and dynamic Philippine dance community. 

The year 2024 marks a century of excellence for Bukidnon State University – a hundred years of nurturing minds, shaping futures, and contributing to the betterment of our region and nation. These will be our key priorities for 2024.

• We will be actively pursuing institutional accreditation and working towards achieving SUC Level IV status.
• We will be revisiting our University Code to make sure that our policies are responsive to the needs of the times and the future.

• We are launching the BukSU Brand Book to unify our identity and strengthen our image.
• To enhance accessibility, we are establishing the BukSU Client Care Center as a central hub for inquiries and assistance.
• we will forge strategic linkages that benefit our community. We will support efforts of the national government such as the EdCom II, Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, Ambisyon 2024 and others. Ofcourse, we will continue to integrate futures thinking in our operations. We will streamline strategic foresight by building upon capacity development programs especially for Futures thinking, as fully supported by the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals thru Sen. Pia Cayetano.

• We are committed to infrastructure development, creating conducive learning and working environments. We will work hand in hand with our partners such as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri in making our campuses conducive state of the art facilities.
• We will sustain greenovations, promoting environmental consciousness and responsible resource management.

• We aim to increase research output, faculty researchers, publications, and citations.
• We will secure more externally funded research and extension projects, driving innovation and impact.
• We will actively develop and protect our university intellectual property.

• We are working towards increasing the number of Centers of Excellence (COE) and Centers of Development (COD), recognizing academic excellence.
• We will secure approval of the BukSU Medicine Program, a historic milestone for our university.
• We are pursuing AACCUP accreditation for BukSU Satellite Campus Programs, ensuring quality education across all our campuses.

• We will target PRIME HRM III  in the coming years, enhancing human resource management for a motivated and efficient workforce.
• We are prioritizing the well-being of our employees through the Mental Health Program, part of the BukSU Safe Space Program.
• We will foster a sense of cultural awareness and sensitivity as Stewards of Culture through Bukidnon Culture sessions for employees.

• We will encourage active participation in co-curricular  student activities and organizations such as debate, varsity and campus ambassadors, nurturing well-rounded students.
• We will organize a Gathering of BukSU Students from all Campuses, strengthening unity and collaboration.

Smart BukSU. This is not just a tagline; it is  a promise. It embodies our unwavering commitment to transformative education, inclusivity, and excellence.

But this journey is far from over. We cannot achieve Smart BukSU alone. It requires synergy. Let us collaborate, innovate, and share our expertise. Let us leverage technology responsibly and champion inclusivity in all that we do.

Together, we can build a Smart BukSU that is a beacon of hope, opportunity, and progress, not just for our region, but for the entire nation and even the world.

Thank you for walking with me in 2023. 

As we continue this journey together, let us remember the path stretches further than any single stride, and true progress comes from walking beside each other, step by step, towards a resilient future we build together.

Salamat Tungkay.