Turning Pages: Our Journey to Universityhood

Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Bukidnon State University, takes the university community through a journey across BukSU’s 101-year history. She recounts the institution’s growth—from its beginnings as a provincial high school to its present status as a premiere state university. Her remarks honor the vision of its pioneers, recall key developments over the decades, and encourage continued commitment to education and public service.

The full transcript follows:

As we celebrate the 101st year foundation day of our beloved educational institution, it is best to retrospect  and prospect.

Retrospection allows us to look back and celebrate our past experiences, revisiting our milestones , reflecting on the legacy that has been left for us to build upon, analyzing what has worked   and what has failed and learning from them.

What we are now, we owe it to our founders, pioneers and, predecessors.

We rest on the shoulders of giants in education. Hence, we need to honor their vision and to continue their noble work of providing quality education that empowers individuals to make a positive impact not only in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao but all over the nation and the globe.

We have come a long way since the establishment of this institution almost a century ago from a provincial school, normal school, normal college to a state college and a state university. We have achieved numerous milestones and accomplishments that we should be proud of.

First and second decades: 1924-1944

Bukidnon Provincial High School produced pre-war high schoolers.

[When the school transitioned to] Bukidnon Normal School, it puts premium on excellence in English instruction among its 70 secondary course students who were mostly members of the indigenous communities.

The Commonwealth government mandated the development of moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and vocational efficiency.

In the pre-war, the Filipino learners were taught the 3Rs, geography, trade courses, housekeeping and household arts, manual trading, and athletics.

Third decade: 1944-1954

The secondary curriculum was phased out to give way to the 2-year special education courses starting school year 1952-53. The institution produced the first batch of nine students who finished Bachelor of Elementary Education within two years.

Bukidnon Normal School became a degree granting institution to prepare teachers to teach in the elementary school.

With the intent of replacing the democratic ideals, the Japanese imposed the ideals and values of the regime; however, the pro-American Filipino learners rejected them but appeared outwardly compliant.

Fourth decade: 1954-1964

Kindergarten classes were opened, and graduate studies began in 1960 carried out in external study centers located in the neighboring towns and provinces.

Fifth decade: 1964-1974

In June 1971, the Bachelor of Science in Secondary School Education was offered and the high school training department was also added.

The Bukidnon Normal School was renamed Bukidnon Normal College in 1972.

Sixth decade: 1974-1984

The first master’s graduate was produced in 1975.

With the issuance of P.D. 944, the Bukidnon Normal College was converted into Bukidnon State College on June 14, 1976. More permanent buildings were constructed. Increasing enrolment in both graduate and undergraduate curricular programs was observed.

Courses on Arts and Sciences were offered in 1976 which included AB English, AB Rural Sociology, AB Economics, AB Social Work, AB Literature; BS Physics, BS Chemistry, and BS Math

MPA was first offered in 1981 under Dr. Reynaldo Tabequero as program coordinator.

BS in Commerce major in Banking and Finance and Economics, and in 1984, Accounting as a new major in Commerce was offered.

Seventh decade: 1984-1994

Continuing infrastructure build-up was made. More course offerings and organizational restructuring occurred. The new administration also pushed for more development projects.

BS in Accountancy was offered in 1993.

Eighth and Ninth decades

1994-1998

The vision for an innovative college was initiated. Linkages with both the national and international circles helped upgrade the college’s infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and technology.

Programs on Information Technology and Instructional Systems Design were introduced.

Faculty were sent abroad for trainings and advanced studies. There was a strong presence of visiting professors and volunteers.

Its foremost strength for the past decades lies in producing more than 90% of the teachers in Bukidnon and its neighboring provinces in the region.

It produced Licensure Examination for Teachers (formerly Professional Board Examination for Teachers) placers and outstanding teacher awardees.

1999 to 2007

Significant changes in the academic and administrative aspects of the college were instituted which promised a continuing development to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

College of Nursing and College of Law were established.

2007 to 2015

The College obtained the University status with RA 9456. Rigorous improvements were aligned to address the global perspective of the university. The enhancement of faculty, personnel and students began through continuing professional development and scholarship grants were given to both the graduate and undergraduate students.

The academe put premium on the integration of values, peace education, rule of law, culture and gender sensitivity; environment sustainability; climate change adaptation and mitigation; reduction of poverty, participatory governance; and empowerment students with ICT skills.

BukSU was recognized as one of the HEIs in Region X with the best research program

Students reap praise and honor in both academic and co-curricular activities.

Students obtained the 10^th placers in the LET, CPA board exams and a 100% passing rate for nursing in 2009, 79% in 2010.

Students were performing arts like the BSU Chorale, dance troupe, rondalla, and brass band.

BukSU has expanded its programs to include various graduate programs such as PhD Educational Administration, PhD in Educational Leadership, PhD in Science Education major in Math and Biology, MPA & DPA, MA in English Language & PhD in English Language,  MA Sociology, and MMBM

Graduates also excelled in their respective workplaces as principals, supervisors, directors, superintendents, and heads of offices.

2015 to Present

The emphasis revolves around innovative and ethical leadership with core values such as excellence, professionalism, integrity, commitment, and culture-sensitivity. Driven by his commitment to raise the level of quality and stakeholders’ satisfaction, the university pursues international certification through ISO 9001: 2008 and 2015; higher levels of accreditation; and compliance with national standards.

The satellite campuses with 30 programs were established in 2018. As of date, all 30 programs have Certificates of Program Compliance from CHED. 

The College of Medicine is established in 2023 and its program approved by the BOR on May 29, 2024.

These remarkable accomplishments are made possible through the visionary and dedicated leadership of both past and present administrators at Bukidnon State University.

For the past 101 years, our institution has produced outstanding graduates and have made significant contributions to the sustainable development of the country.

Here’s to another century of making a positive impact in the world.