Like the traditional Ivatan homes, the Batanes State College has weathered decades of typhoons and searing temperatures. It has also captivated people of all ages who value the opportunity to benefit from the quality education of state-owned institutions. The Batanes State College (BSC) is the sole publicly funded higher education institution in the northernmost section of the Philippine archipelago. It evolved from two separate educational institutions established by the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with separate legislations.
The passage of R.A. No. 4009 in 1967 authored by Hon. Jorge A. Abad gave birth to the Batanes School of Arts and Trades (BSAT). On August 7, 1967, with a starting budget of PHP250,000.00, BSAT was opened to the public. Mr. Apolinario Cacal was designated as Teacher-in-charge. The institution received authorization to provide postsecondary trade and technical education in the years 1969–1971. The Associate in Industrial Technology was officially awarded to those who completed such programs. Mr. Rodrigo Allado assumed leadership of the Batanes School of Arts and Trades as its first principal in 1967. Mr. Luis B. Escalona assumed his role as principal in 1972. Mr. Escalona, the principal of the Vocational School, launched the BSAT Uyugan Annex 10 years later with only seven teachers. A National Trade School, covering six communities in Batanes, had been recognized as a promising institution
Later, Batanes Polytechnic College was established on March 1, 1995, when President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 7927, which was sponsored by Hon. Enrique C. Lizardo. Four-year degree programs in Industrial Education, Industrial Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Agricultural Technology were introduced at the academe under the leadership of Mr. Pedro Bunagan, the college’s chief administrator. After receiving clearance from TESDA on June 11, 2001, a two-year Computer Programming program began enrolling students. On August 7, 2004, following the passage of House Resolution 9314 proposed by Hon. Florencio “Butch” B. Abad, Batanes Polytechnic College metamorphosed into becoming Batanes State College. Mrs. Rita Cultura served as the Officer-in-Charge of the College President’s Office throughout the first two years of the conversion phase. The College’s first president was Dr. Aleth M. Mamauag, who was appointed by the Board of Trustees on May 24, 2006. She presided over significant growth in the areas of Instruction, Administration, and Extension at Batanes State College. Mr. Djovi R. Durante was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Presidency on July 20, 2012, following the assumption of Dr. Mamauag as the new president of Isabela State University. The Strategic Plan 2020, the Strategic Performance Management System, the Administrative and Financial Manuals, the maiden issue of the College Research Journal, and the Quality Management System were all created under his watch. The Batanes State College has evolved into a higher education institution catering to a wider student body than just native Ivatans, and this transformation has been witnessed by the island’s beautiful valleys and pure waterways.
Dr. Edwin F. Macaballug became the College’s second president on August 1, 2013 after being elected by the Board of Trustees. During his two years as president, Dr. Macaballug has overseen a complete overhaul of the College. He made quantum leap moves in finding resources for massive infrastructure projects that included the construction of three-storey hostel-cum-library, acquisition of vehicles, and drawing of other infrastructure plans. He was instrumental in improving communication lines with governmental bodies like BFAR, DOST, DA, CHEd, and LGU Batanes. It was during his time when all programs with current enrolment were subjected to accreditation under the auspices of the AACCUP.
Also, Dr. Macaballug opened the door to widespread faculty development by funding post-baccalaureate education for employees, in the firm belief that high-quality education stems from high-quality educators. Batanes State College has remained dedicated to meeting international norms for institutions of higher education.
In her capacity as former Faculty President, Asst. Prof. Vilma Baccay was elected by the Board of Trustees to be the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President while the selection process for the next president went on. In her sojourn stint, she ensured smooth transition of projects and programs from Dr. Macaballug’s term to the next president.
Engr. Alfonso R. Simon, Ph.D., took his oath of office on December 19, 2017. During the time of President Simon, accreditation of programs was sustained and all programs with existing enrollees received certificate of program compliance from the Commission on Higher Education. President Simon also continued the infrastructure plans laid down by his predecessor; thus, it was during President Simon’s stint that the Academic Building, the Dormitory, the Amphitheater, and the Administration Building were either inaugurated and started.
After President Simon’s four-year term expired, Regional Director Julieta Paras was appointed as OICPresident for a span of almost two weeks. Following the transfer of RD Paras to be at the helm of CHED-NCR, the Board of Trustees appointed CHED Cagayan Valley Regional Director Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo on January of 2022 until he was replaced by Dr. Djovi R. Durante as the current president of BSC on August 18 of that same year. Dr. Durante is the former Chief Administrative Officer of BSC.
BSC is strategically located at Basco, Batanes at Washington Avenue, Brgy. San Antonio. According to the available records, on December 13, 1967, the Provincial Government of Batanes contributed a portion of land with an approximate area of 3,550 square meters (based on Tax Declaration No. 09-01-005-02389). The administration expects an influx of students in the upcoming school years as a result of the free tuition fee mandated by Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.” This will necessitate the construction of new classrooms, facilities, and laboratories for demonstration purposes. With Dr. Durante at the helm of the College, BSC is expected to zoom in a little faster in terms of physical and intangible improvements in all aspects of the college.