Ifugao State University (IFSU) celebrated its 100th Founding Anniversary on October 14, 2020 after its inception as a farm school in 1920 by American Educators.
Bannering the theme, “IFSU @ 100: Celebrating a Century of Academic Service, IFSU commemorated this occasion in a meaningful manner yet compliant with the regulations set the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic.
Notably, IFSU also celebrates its 11th Charter Day since its transformation into university hood on October 14, 2009.
Senator Joel Emmanuel J. Villanueva, Chairperson of Senate Committee on Higher, and Technical and Vocational Education, who graced the occasion through a recorded video message, lauded IFSU’s centennial year and the men and women behind the University’s continuous purposeful existence.
“Sinasalamin po ng kasaysayan ng Ifugao State University ang buhay at kultura ng mga Ifugao,” remarked Senator Villanueva.
The senator also pointed out the resilience of the institution amidst the challenges in the education landscape.
“Tayo pong lahat ay nahaharap ngayon lalong-lalo na ang sektor ng edukasyon sa bansa sa mabigat na pagsubok dulot ng covid19 pandemic. Naniniwala po tayo sa resilyensi ng IFSU. Tulad ng ating Rice Terraces, hinding-hindi tayo matitinag ng anumang hamon ng panahon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lilian A. De Las Llagas, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and IFSU Board of Regents, represented by Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC Regional Director of CHED–CAR, commended the IFSU for being the first SUC in the region to respond through its extension projects approved by the CHED under SUC funding to fight COVID 19.
“This is a manifestation of your unwavering commitment to serve the community and make the peoples’ lives better and comfortable,” she added.
Dr. De Las Llagas also shared an acronym for IFSU in its 100th year as I – impact; F – first class university; S – sustainable; and U – unique.
“This occasion evokes many thoughts about what the future may hold for our university. This is a moment to look ahead and be so hopeful about our future. Year 2020 undoubtedly ushered in new challenges as we face the uncertainties of tomorrow,” noted University and Centennial President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon–Dugyon.
Dr. Dugyon expressed her hope that the shared Vision for IFSU to become a globally recognized university upholding excellence amidst rich cultural heritage will stir in IFSU employees and students a new hope and stronger faith to be able to transcend what and where the university is today as the lone higher education institution in the province of Ifugao.
The university started as Nayon Settlement Farm School, then renamed as Ifugao Pilot Opportunity School of Agriculture (IPOSA), then Payon Bugan Pilot Opportunity School of Agriculture (PBOSA) in honor of the land donor. In 1982, it was elevated and becane Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry (ISCAF), then to state universityhood in 2009. **Faith B. Napudo
