BukSU Graduates Pave Way for “Smart Education” Through Leadership, Research, and Innovation

Bukidnon State University held the Hooding Ceremony of the four colleges: College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and the College of Public Administration and Governance on June 16, 2025, at the University Mini-Theatre.

A hooding ceremony is a long-standing tradition recognizing the work and commitment needed to earn a master’s or doctoral degree. The hood represents a person’s highest educational attainment.

Dr. Miriam B. Fuentes, Ceremony speaker, who is the former OIC-Regional Director of Commission on Higher Education Region X (CHED) challenged graduates to embody visionary, values-based leadership, engage in transformative, contextualized research, and practice innovation-driven professionalism. She emphasized their academic hoods symbolized “a torch lit by scholarship, tempered by service, and fueled by the ideals of Bukidnon State University.”

Chiza T. Balane, candidate for PhD in Education Major in Instructional Systems Design, expressed fulfillment, aiming to be a “contributory human workforce.” Despite initial doubts, support from her adviser, family, and husband drove her success. She hoped to “create quality education” within the university.

Janice V. Goyo, candidate for Master of Arts in Education Major in Educational Administration, was motivated by her leadership role in an Adventist school, seeking to “create an inclusive learning environment” through “innovative techniques.” Her journey, of “sleepless nights” and “sacrifices,” was overcome with “God’s guidance and strength.” Post-graduation, she aims to apply her thesis, serving “children with special needs” as a “missionary teacher.”

“Leadership is stewardship. The Filipino leader must always ask: For whom am I doing this? Why am I doing this? Will this make a difference for the least and the last?” Dr. Fuentes said.

 “Smart education is smart not because it is high-tech — but because it is human-centered, locally anchored, and globally responsive,” she added. (Genavev Labora, IU Intern)