By Danilo P. Padua, PhD
Dr. Kenneth Alip Laruan, a proud Igorot, is the 8th President of the Benguet State University. He is relatively young at 50 years of age; an age when most similarly interested persons are just starting to make their preparations to vie for the same post.
Laruan bested 11 other applicants from different agencies, many of them coming from within BSU. I think he is well prepared and trained for the job as he was a former Vice President for academic affairs, Dean of the College of Forestry, a department chairman, and many more. He is currently the director of the Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center, based at the university.
He took his oath of office at the CHED main office last Nov 18, right after the oral interview of the 7 shortlisted candidates. To me the timing of the oath taking is crucial because there were some instances, even right here in CAR, when the one who topped the selection process was “invalidated” by the swift action of a scheming somebody who was sworn into office ahead of the properly chosen person.
The immediate oath taking therefore was that important, although the family of Dr. Laruan was denied the chance to be with him in that momentous occasion.
The new president will actually take over the reins of the university next week, when the tenure of the current BSU president, Dr. Felipe Comila, ends after four years.
Dr. Laruan recognizes the huge challenges facing him as he embarks on a vision of making BSU as a premier university in research, technology and environmental conservation in Northern Luzon by 2032. That is a span of 8 years covering 2 terms of an SUC president. Maybe he is already thinking of two terms? Not bad if he is focused, this early, on a very good or excellent performance rating.
Apparently, the new president did his homework quite well. He is actually talking about the financial difficulties that the university faced due to sudden increase of BSU student population to about 16, 300 from just over 12,000 earlier.
According to him, the sudden surge of new curricular offerings was not accompanied by the concomitant increase in the university budget. There is therefore an issue about the absorptive or carrying capacity of BSU in relation to its budget and facilities.
The increase in student population necessitated the employment of teachers on Contract of Service (COS) mode, more classrooms, more instruments or materials for teachings, etc. The financial strain on the university is a real concern. These are clearly in the mind of the incoming president even before he applied for the position.
Now he is planning to somehow ease the university’s financial burdens by reducing the number of COS. That means, temporarily cutting down on the number of enrollees, especially in the various new curricula now being offered. He calls this as a disruptive process but he is hoping that BSU constituents will understand this, and that it will not be always brought to his lap when it is already implemented.
When we look at it closely, it’s really for a more efficient delivery of services by the university. In this respect, it is hoped that due diligence is applied as a vital tool.
That of course, should also allow BSU to have more elbow room to do other important programs in the realm of research, technology, and other relevant innovations.
In line with his vision for BSU as a premier university in Northern Luzon, he wants it to become hubs for Highland Technology Innovation, Agro-ecotourism, and Agri-business and Food technology, among others. Those are really attainable even within four years
The new president is focused on Agri-based Biotechnology because of our strides in vegetables and other sub-tropical crops. We have a comparative advantage in Inland fisheries, according to him so will also focus on this.
Food processing will also receive special attention under his watch, not only for value addition but also to provide additional business opportunities to others. This should also allow us to contribute to food safety and security. What is an interesting aspect of this is the possibility of developing a proper packaging material as a satisfactory substitute to plastic bags.
I find his vision of Landscape restoration of utmost relevance given the Cordillera’s rugged physiography in which 70% of its areas are slide-prone.
The chances of the long-discussed MS/PhD by research program to be offered is quite high under his administration. It will suit prospective students already active in the field of research, and those who may not have enough time for academic work on a full-time basis.
His plan to develop a stronger alumni engagement by connecting with those working abroad-in academic institutions or industries is a step in the right direction. In the past, the BSU alumni association asked the university to fund their proposed projects! It should be the other way around. The alumni should help fund some meaningful activities or projectsof the university. This will give them opportunity to give back to their beloved alma matter, and be proud of it.
Expanding strategic partnerships with reputable international partners is another thing worth pushing. This is for internationalization of the university. It is suggested though that the university should also find relevant partners among the successful business enterprises or individual businessmen in the country for the purpose.
Dr. Laruan’s immediate concern is to select the proper VPs and other middle level administrators like deans. He is thinking to have it first by application. If this is proven inadequate then by consultation which is the usual process employed in the university.
Even at this time, he is getting advises, sometimes unsolicited, from concerned outsiders on how to deal with people inside and out of BSU. Naturally, this could be good or bad, so he must be extra discerning.
In order to succeed, the new president is counting on the cooperation of all, for the good of all.
CONGRATULATIONS DR. KENNETH A. LARUAN, THE 8TH BSU PRESIDENT.**
