Batanes State College (BSC) celebrated its 21st Founding Anniversary with a State of the College Address (SOCA) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the BSC Amphitheater. The event, attended by BSC administrative personnel, faculty members, and other stakeholders, highlighted the institution’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and its renewed pledge to quality education.
Engr. Romina Katrina B. Bernardo, Director for Administrative and Finance Services, set a tone of pride and optimism for the institution’s journey during her opening remarks. Messages of greeting and support were also delivered by key leaders, including Hon. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr., Representative of the Lone District of Batanes, represented by Ms. Cherrie Dhea B. Addatu; Hon. Ronald P. Aguto Jr., Provincial Governor of Batanes, represented by Hon. Jonathan Enrique V. Nanud Jr., Provincial Vice Governor of Batanes; and Hon. German A. Caccam, Municipal Mayor of Basco, represented by Ms. Claire Cindy Alina.
The highlight of the program was the SOCA by College President, Dr. Djovi R. Durante, who reaffirmed BSC’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Using a vivid metaphor, he likened the institution’s journey to a voyage at sea: “Nasa gitna tayo ng karagatan—malayo na sa simula, pero may kalayuan pa rin sa paroroonan.”
In his address, Dr. Durante provided a comprehensive overview of the college’s progress, breaking it down into five key result areas. He noted significant advancements, including a major push to improve access to education and the implementation of the CHED IDIG-funded Transformative Smart Campus Development Project. The college also successfully secured externally funded projects to advance research and strengthened its ties to the community by expanding its extension programs. In a move to promote good governance, BSC initiated several key undertakings, from infrastructure upgrades to the pursuit of CSC PRIME HRM recognition, ISO certification, and AACCUP accreditation.
“Let’s keep rowing. Move as one. Kung magsasagwan tayo sa iba’t ibang direksyon, iikot lang tayo o aagos lang nang walang patutunguhan. Pero kung sabay-sabay tayong magsasagwan, walang alon—kahit gaano kalakas—ang makapipigil sa atin at mararating natin ang ating destinasyon—sa tamang oras, nang magkakasama,” he emphasized.
Dr. Durante concluded his address with a resonant call for unity and shared purpose, stressing that collective action from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders is essential for the institution to optimize its full potential.
With 21 years of achievements behind it and a clear vision for what lies ahead, BSC stands ready to navigate its next chapter, guided by a renewed commitment to academic excellence and community collaboration.
Mark Gidson Espera, Editor-in-Chief | The Builder’s Publication
BSC Documentation Team and students (Vina Cabrera, Ryan Cardona, Mark Espera, and Paul Brillo)