In a powerful message of unity and purpose, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., President of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and Chair of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region VIII, underscored the strong commitment of Eastern Visayas’ academic institutions to serve Filipino learners. His remarks were delivered during the CHED Regional Office VIII Gawad Parangal 2025 held on May 27 at the Mary NGO Hall, St. Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte.

"Thirty-one years ago, CHED opened wider doors for every Filipino learner. Today, we celebrate the people and partnerships that keep the pledge alive," Dr. Cañezo stated, addressing the CHED officials, HEI presidents, educators, scholars, and public servants.

The university president also spotlighted three BiPSU alumni who earned national recognition as top-notchers—Nova Lyzza Agustin Ejorcadas, Neña Rose Corpin, and Joshua M. Ayade, who joined him at  the event to receive awards from CHED.  

“Your medals honor your families and teachers; your next task is to take that excellence to our classrooms, public service offices, start-ups, or wherever God brings you where you can solve real problems,” added Dr. Cañezo.

Dr. Cañezo encouraged them to bring that same brilliance to real-world challenges in public service. 

The said event also marked the ceremonial release of stipends to CHED Tulong Dunong scholars and other grantees. 

Among those recognized were BiPSU’s Jyle Sabalones and Angela Balute, praised not only for their academic diligence but for their potential to "pay it forward" and continue the chain of support for future scholars.

“Use this support to finish strong, then pay it forward so the chain never breaks,” the university president emphasized. 

Moreover, Cañezo issued a powerful call to action to his fellow university presidents, "The Gawad Parangal is not a finish line. It manifests the trailhead of the next ascent. Funds may thin and storms may batter our shores, yet when we pool insight, equipment, and networks, we turn limits into levers that lift learners," he shared. 

Acknowledging the vital role of CHED RO VIII, he described the regional office as both "compass and bridge," citing its success in driving higher graduate employment rates, increased research visibility, and stronger inter-campus collaboration across Eastern Visayas.

The PASUC 8 President also shared BiPSU’s institutional values—brilliance, innovation, progress, service, and unity. Cañezo gave life to these principles through real stories of faculty and students who went beyond duty in service of others.

“I see each word wearing a human face in this hall: the scholar who tutors classmates after class—brilliance; the faculty member who rewired a broken laboratory so research could continue—innovation; the institution that shared power with a neighboring campus after the last typhoon—service and unity in one act,” he shared. 

He closed his speech with a Visayan folk tale that captured this year’s Gawad Parangal theme: “ “Many Threads, One Strong Weave.”

“A farmer once wove a sleeping mat so sturdy that neighbors wondered how a single strand could bear such weight. He smiled and answered, “I never trusted one strand; I wove many.” “Today we are on that mat—every scholar, teacher, administrator, and partner. Our weave holds because each thread holds, he concluded. 

This year’s Gawad Parangal is in celebration of the 31st Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education and the 5th Higher Education Day. 

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University, in partnership with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), conducted a two-day capacity-building training on Office for Strategy Management (OSM) and Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) Management on May 21–22 at the university’s Hyflex Audio-Visual Center, as part of its preparation for the Compliance Stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS).

The training served as a continuation of the university’s reform initiatives, following its success on the PGS Initiation Stage in 2024—an achievement that earned the institution the coveted Silver Trailblazer Award which marked national recognition of BiPSU’s commitment to institutional transformation and governance excellence.

Spearheaded by the Institutional Planning Office (IPO) led by Director Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, the activity convened 72 participants, including members of the BiPSU PGS Core Team and the ISA delegation led by Joan Española and her team: Deborah Patalinghug, Dominique Abaigar, and Aizelle Majam.

Said capacity building focused on equipping the institution’s Office for Strategy Management (OSM) and its Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) with essential knowledge and tools on governance alignment, strategy execution, and sustainable stakeholder engagement.

Over the two-day session, topics such as the Governance Assessment Tool (GAT) for the compliance stage, process coaching, and multi-sector engagement were explored.

The first day opened with a discussion on the Performance Governance System followed by a workshop on Strategy Execution and Process Coaching, which emphasized internal alignment and performance tracking mechanisms.

Meanwhile on the second day, the focus shifted to sustaining strategies, with sessions on MSGC management and best practice sharing encouraging participants to find ways to institutionalize reforms. 

The training also aligned technical learning with the university’s goals, which covered the assessment of the university’s PGS maturity for compliance, clarified the OSM’s role in planning and operations, and highlighted the importance of involving multiple sectors through the MSGC to ensure inclusive and accountable governance.

“By investing in BiPSU’s future, this event plays a vital role in ensuring that as we progress along the PGS pathway, our personnel clearly understand their responsibilities and are well-equipped to lead and sustain meaningful reforms,” said Engr. Cerera.

Also present in the event were university key officials, including Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, the deans, directors, and unit heads.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.]

Neña Rose A. Corpin, alumna of Biliran Province State University and Top 1 in the October 2024 Forester Licensure Examination, formally received a P100,000 monetary incentive from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Biliran.

The incentive was personally handed over by Biliran Governor Gerard Roger M. Espina during a ceremonial awarding held on May 21 at the Governor’s Office, Biliran Provincial Capitol.

The monetary reward stemmed from a resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recognizing Biliranons who secure top ranks in national licensure examinations.

Also present at the awarding were BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Vice Governor Brigido Caneja III, and Dr. Randy Villarin, dean of the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM).

During the ceremony, Corpin humbly recounted her journey to becoming the country’s topnotcher, expressing her disbelief upon learning she ranked first in such a competitive national exam.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cañezo emphasized that Corpin is a proud product of BiPSU’s homegrown talent and one of the beneficiaries of the university’s free in-house review program.

“We housed them at BilCam for their review. We provided accommodation, review masters, and materials,” he shared. “Her performance, along with the university’s high passing rate, speaks volumes about the quality of the review support we offer.”

The university president also extended his gratitude to the PLGU for recognizing and rewarding academic excellence. “On behalf of BiPSU, we sincerely thank the Provincial Government of Biliran for supporting our topnotchers,” he said. “This initiative is a meaningful way to motivate our students to aim higher in their licensure exams.”

Gov. Espina also expressed his pride in a Facebook post, describing Corpin’s feat as “a moment of immense pride for the entire Province of Biliran.”

“Her dedication, discipline, and excellence serve as a shining example for every Biliranon aspiring to make a mark in their chosen field,” the governor wrote.

A native of Villa Vicenta, Caibiran, Biliran, Corpin made history as the province’s first-ever topnotcher in the Forester Licensure Examination, earning an impressive rating of 92.60%. Currently, she is working at BiPSU Biliran Campus under SaBFoRM as a regular faculty member.

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 Quality Education.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has officially forged a partnership with Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts (YATTA) to co-host the Tanghal Visayas 2025, a  university and community- based theater festival in the Visayas Region, set on September 26-28 at BiPSU Naval campus. 

The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was held today, May 21, at the Office of the President Convergence Hall led by Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr., university president, and Aaron Kaiser Garcia, executive council member of the National Committee on Dramatic Arts (NCDA) of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). 

Also present to witness the signing were Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Student and External Affairs; the chairperson of the Cultural Affairs Development Unit (CADU) Kevin S. Tanguihan; and Felipe Bacay, artistic director of Teatro BiPSU.

YATTA or Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts serves as the implementer of Tanghal Visayas, a flagship initiative of the National Committee on Dramatic Arts (NCDA) under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

This youth advocate group aimed to empower local communities and academic institutions by using theater as a tool for dialogue, education, and advocacy on pressing social and environmental issues.

Under the said  agreement, YATTA will take the lead in organizing the event ensuring it is diverse, inclusive, and aligned with national and regional concerns. 

Moreover, the organization will be responsible for designing promotional materials, coordinating with around 12 theater groups from across the Visayas, and managing travel logistics for approximately more than 100 participants. 

BiPSU, in turn, will provide key logistical and operational support, including free access to venues for workshops and performances, technical equipment, and manpower assistance.

The university will also offer accommodations for participants and facilitators at its dormitory facilities and help identify potential partners and sponsors from the public and private sectors.

"BiPSU is honored to co-host Tanghal Visayas 2025 in partnership with YATTA," said Dr. Canezo. "We are excited for this event as it provides a platform for young people and communities to raise their voices, share stories and inspire change through the arts and culture, ” he added. 

The MOU remains in effect until the conclusion of Tanghal Visayas 2025, with provisions for renewal or revision subject to mutual agreement.

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 - Quality Education,  SDG No. 13 - Climate Action, and SDG No. 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.]

To strengthen strategic governance by aligning performance management with institutional strategy, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a two-day Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Harmonization with the Performance Governance System (PGS) on May 19-20 at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC).

The activity aimed to streamline the implementation of SPMS in accordance with BiPSU’s long-term strategic vision, and to respond to the growing need for government institutions, including state universities and colleges, to adopt systems that guarantee accountability, efficiency, and strategic alignment of individual and organizational goals. 

The SPMS, as mandated by the Civil Service Commission, promotes a results-based approach to measuring employee performance. Meanwhile, the PGS offers a strategic framework that connects institutional goals with measurable outcomes and stakeholder engagement.

Spearheaded by the Institutional Planning Office under the leadership of Director Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, and in collaboration with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), the activity gathered 73 participants including members of the BiPSU PGS Core Team, the Institutional Planning Office, and ISA facilitators.

In his opening remarks, Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio Pelesco emphasized the critical importance of integrating SPMS with a broader governance framework.

“Our role goes beyond compliance—it is about delivering meaningful outcomes that respond to the needs of our stakeholders, especially our students, and contribute to national development,” Engr. Pelesco stated. “This initiative is more than a compliance exercise—it is a strategic investment in cultivating a results-oriented, transparent, and empowered institutional culture.”

During the two-day harmonization intervention, participants participated in several discussions centered in several agenda including alignment between SPMS and the university’s strategic priorities, clarifying of unit-level accountabilities in implementing the SPMS, building competencies in crafting Office and Division Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR and DPCR) forms, and enhancing the use of planning tools to support coherent, results-driven institutional performance.

Engr. Pelesco expressed appreciation to the ISA team for facilitating the intervention, and commended the proactive efforts of the Institutional Planning Office and the HRM office for organizing the event. “This 2-day activity empowers us to become not only performers but stewards of a university that models good governance and excellence in public service,” Engr. Pelesco concluded.

The ISA delegation was led by its Executive Director Christian Zaens who facilitated the discussions. Other members also include Deborah Patalinghug, Dominique Abaigar, Aizelle Majam, and Joan Española.

University key officials also participated in the activity including Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, as well as deans, directors, and unit heads.

#WoWBiPSU

[This aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.]

Seven Physical Education (PE) instructors from Biliran Province State University joined hundreds of coaches, teachers, and pre-service educators from across the country and abroad at the 2025 International Physical Education Convention (IPEC) held from May 14 to 16, 2025 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) - Basak Campus, Cebu City.

With the theme “Championing Change: High-Impact PE, Health, Sports, Dance, and Research for Global Excellence,” the convention was co-organized by 1PhysEd.Ph, USJ-R, and Cebu Normal University (CNU). The event gathered educators, administrators, researchers, and scholars in the fields of physical education, health, recreation, sports, dance, and fitness.

Representing BiPSU were Henreyna Jane C. Redublado, Kevin C. Tanguihan, Laarni C. Velez, Robert P. Logronio, Jenny Rose S. Rosallosa, Mark Jesson G. Sulla, Ma. Fatima D. Mergildo.

Participants took part in plenary talks, breakout sessions, and research paper presentations. The convention also featured sessions with international partners of 1PhysEd.Ph, who shared insights on emerging global trends and innovations in physical education.

The three-day gathering aimed to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals, provide exposure to new sports and teaching strategies, and enhance the participants’ capacity to deliver impactful and globally competitive PE instruction.

In an interview, BiPSU Sports Coordinator Henreyna Jane C. Redublado mentioned that attending the event has made a significant impact in her professional development. “The topics discussed are highly relevant and aligned with the course descriptions outlined in the CHED Memorandum Orders (CMOs),” she said. “Moreover, we were introduced to new trends and innovations in Physical Education that will not only enhance our teaching strategies but also contribute to our continuous growth as educators.”

She also expressed her gratitude for the administration’s support in empowering its faculty. “We are truly grateful that the administration provided us with the opportunity to attend this event, ensuring our continuous professional growth,” she said.

#WoWBiPSU

In a world often divided by circumstance, there are rare moments that shine through history as triumphs of hope—and this year, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) celebrates one such moment.

The university marked a historic milestone during its 47th Commencement Exercises, as the first batch of graduates from the Affirmative Action Program proudly walked the stage, transforming years of hardship into academic victory. 

Held on May 6 and 7 at the BiPSU gymnasium, five pioneering scholars, including Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and underprivileged youth, fulfilled dreams that were once shadowed by poverty.

Launched in the Academic Year 2021–2022, the Affirmative Action Program is a benevolent initiative spearheaded by BiPSU’s President Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr. and proposed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VIII—an undertaking not previously advanced by any other SUC president in the region. It was never merely a financial aid scholarship, it was a movement. It is an emphatic institutional effort aimed to level the academic playing field for students often overlooked by privilege: IPs, persons with disabilities, and youth from economically depressed areas.

Amid the sweeping inequalities of higher education in the country, this initiative emerged as a bold answer to an urgent question: “What if we removed the barriers and believed in their potential?”

This year, that belief has come full circle.

Among the program beneficiaries who have successfully graduated, two have officially earned degrees in Bachelor of Science in Criminology, namely John Paradas and Judith Bernaldo; two with Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, who are Ernesto Amen Jr. and Jay Sonet; and one with a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree, in the person of Donna Abrigo.

Each of them once bore the weight of money deprivation, social stigma, and impossible odds. Now, they carry black togas, laurel medals, cap tassels, and life-defining victories.

For Abrigo, the journey from saleslady to scholar to graduate has been nothing short of transformative. The Affirmative Action Program has been a “tremendous help” as it served as a bridge from her journey of being a simple sales clerk to becoming a proud graduate of the School of Teacher Education, which brings her closer to the future she’d always envisioned.

“The scholarship offered me more than just financial help, it also gave me hope and encouragement,” said Abrigo in an interview. “As an IP, I once thought my dreams were out of reach, yet, BiPSU gave me the chance to pursue my passion for education and reminded me that no dream is ever too big when you’re given the right support.”

She added that without the program’s assistance, managing her academics alongside financial struggles would have been tough. It truly created opportunities for her and allowed her to concentrate on studies.

“I am deeply honored and forever grateful to have encountered this scholarship in my life. I entered BiPSU full of dreams, and now I leave with the knowledge and confidence to pursue them,” she shared.

Meanwhile, Sonet, another IP graduate, expressed how the scholarship program has helped him to be able to graduate. “It carried me through college, thanks to the benefits it provided—especially the ₱2,500 monthly allowance that covered my daily expenses,” he said. “But most importantly, the free dormitory accommodation made a huge difference as renting a boarding house can be costly, and having a place to stay without that financial burden was one of the scholarship’s most valuable contributions to my college journey.”

The graduation ceremony is a moment not just for Abrigo and Sonet, but for their entire community, especially the Mamanwa tribe, as living proof that education can truly transcend walls.

Without a doubt, the Affirmative Action Program was born not from charity, but from commitment to justice. It is a recognition that talent exists in every corner of society, and that opportunity must, too. Through BiPSU’s visionary efforts, Filipino youths from remote barangays, mountain communities, and struggling households have been given not just a scholarship—but a lifeline.

For communities that have been on the margins for generations, this initiative has sparked belief that education is possible, and that their children belong in classrooms, laboratories, and offices.

In a message, President Dr. Cañezo, Jr. lauded the graduation of the scholars as a proud and defining moment for the institution. “This achievement affirms our core belief that education must be inclusive and empowering; and these graduates are not only proof of what access and opportunity can achieve, but are also powerful reminders that excellence exists in every community when given the chance,” he stated. “At BiPSU, we remain deeply committed to breaking down barriers and uplifting every learner who dares to dream.”

With the first batch graduating, they carry more than degrees but a message: That affirmation breeds transformation. That given the chance, marginalized youth can rise, shine, and succeed.

That access, when paired with support and trust, can change entire life trajectories.

This is not the end of a story; it is the dawn of a new chapter. As Abrigo shared, “Graduating is just the beginning for me to become an educator who can make a meaningful impact in our community.” When these graduates step into the professional world, they do so not only with hope but with the responsibility to uplift others, just as they were uplifted.

In the Philippines where many are still torn between choosing “diploma o diskarte,” BiPSU's Affirmative Action Program answers: “Why not both—and more?”

Because when we invest in equity, we don’t just educate students; we change lives, break generational poverty cycles, and ignite the future of entire communities.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4: Quality Education, No. 10: Reduced Inequalities, No. 1: No Poverty, and No. 5: Gender Equality.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) held an installation and turn-over ceremony to formally introduce new key officials and recognize the retirement of Dr. Susan S. Bentor, outgoing vice- president for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Matias Bentor, outgoing dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), effective May 15, this year.  

President Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. thanked Dr. Susan S. Bentor and Dr. Matias Bentor for their long years of service—43 and 42 years, respectively—from the days of the Naval Institute of Technology to the present BiPSU.

“We recognize and honor the pillars of this institution who served with dedication. For more than forty years, they witnessed the developments and key transformation of this institution,” Dr. Cañezo said. 

Dr. Susan Bentor began her service at the university on September 1, 1982, while Dr. Matias Bentor joined on July 1, 1983.

During the ceremony, University and Board Secretary Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal  presented their replacements in line with the designations approved under Board of Regents Resolution No. 37, series of 2025.

Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STED) Naval Campus, was officially appointed as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Zipagan will be succeeded by Dr. Jason Ang, who will now serve as the new Dean of STED Naval Campus.

In addition, Dr. Analiza B. Calles, formerly the director for Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development (CIFD), has been appointed as the new dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Stepping into her former post as CIFD Director is Dr. Claire Theresa S. Bentor.

As part of the university’s continuing organizational restructuring, the International Affairs Office (IAO) will now operate under the supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

President Cañezo underscored the importance of strengthening BiPSU’s internationalization efforts across all schools and encouraged the new Vice President Zipagan to lead initiatives that will embed global perspectives across all academic units from both campuses. The university also named Chiejeaca Jehanna Yu as the new Director of the International Affairs Office.

Additional leadership appointments were also announced, including  Claire Frances C. Barahan  as chairperson of the Tourism Management program, and Dr. Ernil Sumayao as the new Chairperson of the Masters of Education program.

President Cañezo reiterated his call for all outgoing officials to ensure a complete and orderly turnover of documents, and responsibilities, to their successors to support a seamless transition and continuity of service. 

The newly designated officials will officially assume their posts effective May 15, 2025.

The said event was witnessed by Faculty Regent, Hon. Vennie G. Coton, Vice Presidents’ Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Dr. Roland A. Niez, Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, outgoing Vice President, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, all deans from both Naval and Biliran Campuses, directors, unit heads and other key officials. 

Congratulations to the newly designated officials!

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education.]

Bringing their academic journey to a proud close, a total of 2,163 graduates from various schools marched in their respective academic regalia during the 47th Commencement Exercises held at the university gymnasium on May 6-7.

Anchored with the theme, “From Worthy Learners to World-Ready Weavers,” the event honored the graduates from various academic disciplines across different schools of Biliran Province State University both Naval and Biliran campuses.

The ceremony commenced on May 6, featuring 196 graduates from the School of Teacher Education (STED)-Naval Campus, 75 from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), and   246 graduates from the three schools of BiPSU-Biliran Campus comprising of School of Agri-Business and Forest Resource Management (SABForm), School of Fisheries (SAF), and STED.

During the first leg of the graduation rites, Atty. Leonito Bacalando, Jr., secretary of the Department of Justice  and Attorney General in the Federated States of Micronesia and a proud alumnus of the former Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), now BiPSU, underscored the challenges and rewards of the journey toward success, emphasizing that while the road to success may be difficult, staying focused on one's goals is key to achieving it.

“There are many pathways to success. The road to success is not easy; there are so many distractions coming from everywhere,” he said.  “Never mind the distractions, focus on your objectives if you want to succeed in life,” added Atty. Bacalando.

Meanwhile, a total of 771 graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Engineering (SOE), and School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) marked the culmination of their academic journey during the morning session of the second day, held on May 7.

In the afternoon session, 568 graduates from the School of Management and Entrepreneurships (SME), and 329 from the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) proudly marched during the third leg of commencement ceremony held in the afternoon session of the same day.

Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina, governor of the Province emphasized that graduates’ success reflects the strength and promise of the province, encouraging Biliranons to always remember their roots and carry the spirit of their identity wherever life may take them.

“Your success reflects the strengths and potential of our province; your dreams are part of a greater narrative of Biliran’s development.” Hon. Espina said. “Never forget your roots—kahit saan man dalhin ang inyong mga paa, dalhin niyo rin ang espiritu ng pagka-Biliranon.”

This year’s commencement exercises conferred a total of 323 Latin honors. Of these, the Naval Campus produced 302 honor graduates, including 47 Magna Cum Laude and 255 Cum Laude awardees. Meanwhile, the Biliran Campus accounted for 21 Latin honors, with 2 graduates receiving Magna Cum Laude and 19 earning Cum Laude distinctions.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4. Quality Education.]

Attorney Leonito Bacalando, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General of the Federated States of Micronesia, challenged graduates of Biliran Province State University to be bold and competitive in an increasingly globalized world during the university’s 47th Commencement Exercises held from May 6 to 8.

“You must be willing to compete,” Atty. Bacalando, an alumnus of the then Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), now BiPSU, said. “Competition is now global. As I have demonstrated myself, it has taken me to a much larger global stage.”

The international lawyer, who was appointed Secretary of Justice of Micronesia in 2024, shared how his formative years at BiPSU laid the foundation for his success. “BiPSU prepared you for the real world,” he said. “This university taught me important lessons about competition.”

Atty. Bacalando graduated as the class salutatorian in 1993. During high school, he was an active student leader—serving as chief editor of the school paper, class president, vice president of the Supreme Student Government, and corps commander of the Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT).

In his keynote address, he spoke about the importance of leadership, persistence, and character—three principles that shaped his journey from a young student leader to the head of Micronesia’s justice department.

“Leadership is the ability to convince others to follow or abide by the rules,” he said. “It means steering an organization toward its goals, with everyone contributing to a common purpose.”

Meanwhile, he emphasized persistence as a crucial trait for overcoming life’s inevitable challenges. “You will experience disappointments, missed opportunities, and failures—but you must persist,” he said. “Success comes through persistence. The fruit of success belongs to the strong and the brave.”

Character, he said, is what defines a person. “It is about being truthful and just, even when no one is watching. Character is built on core principles and integrity. It means remaining steadfast despite difficult circumstances.”

He also reminded graduates that life after college is filled with uncertainties. “Following this commencement, you will find yourselves at a crossroads,” he said. “You will face decisions that could define the rest of your life. Choose a career path that fulfills you—not just professionally, but personally.”

Drawing from over three decades of experience, Atty. Bacalando shared five key principles that have guided him throughout his career.

He emphasized the importance of valuing education, calling it a powerful equalizer that allows even those who begin with limited resources to achieve extraordinary things. 

He also highlighted the need to work hard in order to “earn your luck,” stressing that there is no substitute for diligence. 

Atty. Bacalando also urged the graduates to remain humble while being competitive. He further encouraged them to practice empathy and empower others, reminding them that true leadership involves uplifting those around them. 

Finally, he challenged the graduates to be bold and visionary, daring them to dream beyond the ordinary and to pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.

Atty. Bacalando, who became an international lawyer in 2005, obtained his Political Science degree in 1994 and Juris Doctor in 2001, both from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. He passed the bar the following year and began his legal career at the ACCRALAW Office of the late Senator Edgardo Angara, working in Davao City and Makati City.

Now back at his alma mater after 32 years, he concluded his speech with a powerful message for the graduates: “Your time is now. Be ambitious and bold. You conquer your destiny.”