LAGAWE, IFUGAO — Members of the powerful and influential Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ifugao are strongly pushing for the appointment of Camilo Pimentel as the next president of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) amid the snowballing support he is getting in the province.
Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan said the province’s highest legislative body endorsed Pimentel based on his qualifications, credentials and employment stint at the IFSU.
“If you closely look at his track record, you will see the unmistakable imprint of an outstanding educator. It’s time for Dr. Camilo Pimentel to be elevated to such a vital position,” Board Member Dulnuan said.
Dulnuan added that there is a pressing need for the IFSU to have a leader with exemplary executive ability.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Dulnuan mentioned the importance of raising the standard of education in the tertiary level in the province, pointing out that it is “essential in addressing the province’s mounting poverty incidence.”
“He is in a position to introduce a lot to improve the programs offered by IFSU to our students,” Dulnuan said of Pimentel’s sterling track record in the academe.
Pimentel is currently the campus executive director of IFSU. He holds office in the sprawling Lagawe campus. He previously served as vice president for administration and finance and dean the College of Agriculture in the IFSU Main (at barangay Nayon of Lamut town) and IFSU Potia in Alfonso Lista. If appointed to such highly-placed position, Pimentel is also bringing to the office a vast wealth of experience as campus executive director the IFSU Alfonso Lista campus.
As campus director, Pimentel contributed significantly to upgrading the skills and talents of students.
He also played an invaluable role in enhancing the inter-campus relations and ties of students.
His effectiveness in this regard has contributed to IFSU’s status as one of the most important learning institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Pimentel, a recipient of numerous awards and citations, has been recognized for promoting and implementing programs aimed at ensuring academic excellence and cultural development.
His 35 years’ experience at the IFSU can be likened to a highly qualified and experienced applicant who needs no interview nor subject himself to a written examination at the human resources office. He is simply over-qualified for the job, to say the least.
This government-operated institution has a number of campuses in the province.
Students and graduates alike described Pimentel as a highly-dedicated and motivated individual who constantly seeks an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students.
Pimentel is a graduate of the Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija.
Pimentel continues to give hope to poor but deserving students of IFSU through interactive activities and inspirational dialogues an alumnus said.
As a longtime educator, Pimentel has dedicated himself in nurturing and safeguarding the well-being and dignity of students, with a particular interest in developing their potentials to the fullest.
Through this, opportunities will be made more available to the students, most of them poor.
Pimentel has met and interacted with hundreds of thousands of graduates of IFSU. This experience lends authority, intermediacy, urgency and an air of humanity deemed so crucial in influencing the selection process.
Whenever possible, Pimentel tries to access how much worth is existing study programs and the university’s curriculum.
IFSU President Serafin Ngohayon retired on December 14, 2017.
The resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the endorsement of Pimental to the Board of Regents was authored by Board Member Dulnuan, chairman of the committee on education and public information. Dulnuan and Pimentel have a shared advocacy for an empowered youth, greater access to education of those in the marginalized sector and in genuinely wanting to uplift the lives of the poor.
The resolution was supported by board members Geronomio Bimohya, Clemente Bongtiwon, Victor Bunnol Jr., Victor Bunnol Sr., Robert Humiwat, Federico Juguiad Jr. Maximillan Luglug, Noli Maguiwe and Robert Mangyao. It was also backed by Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw. **By Anthony A. Araos
