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Dr. Oscar Binayao Cabañelez, who worked in various capacities for 36 years in the university prior to his election by the Board of Regents to assume the post of President, had laid out this policy during a forum organized by the BSU President Selection committee on November 24.
He said he was “ready to face challenges with God’s help and your support.”
Cabañelez took his oath as new President of BSU on January 8, replacing Dr. Victor M. Barroso, who held the post since 1999.
The new President had earlier worked as university professor, School Principal, Dean of Students, Vice President for Administration, Planning and Development, and the latest as Vice President for Academic Affairs.
During the November forum, Cabañelez vowed not to increase tuition and instead pledged to strengthen collection of outstanding balances.
“At this point in time, I think we don’t need to have tuition fee increase, but (we should) strengthen collection because of lots of collectibles,” he added.
He also vowed to lead BSU into providing quality learning, innovative and worthwhile education to students and keep tab of the university’s development goals in instruction, extension, research, production and resource generation.
Cabañelez said he will also consult with the administration to ensure that exceptional students who have outstanding balances in their school fees will be allowed to graduate. His response to this issue and the question on tuition fee increase were among the most applauded in the forum.
He vowed to continue holding dialogues between university key officials and the students and provide assistance and scholarships to deserving students.
Cabañelez also said he will continue building stronger partnerships with other schools and non-government organizations, as well as between the university and its alumni.
He said he will adhere to core values of the university to pursue sincere, orderly, open, transparent, truthful and honest undertakings.
He said he will help the non-teaching staff and encouraged them to lobby with their national organization to help advance their interests.
Cabañelez’ rise to the presidency signals a new era in the administration of Bukidnon’s second state university with a student population estimated at around 8,000.
Before him, Barroso served for four terms, twice as President of the then Bukidnon State College from 1999 to 2007. BSC became Bukidnon State University in 2007. He was qualified to run for BSU president and won for a four-year term from 2007 to 2011.
