Benguet State University

Benguet State University is a state university situated in la Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines.

In the early parts of the 20th century, 1916 in fact, a seed of education grew out of this mountainous region of the Philippines. The school began as a small farm-school, among huge trees and in a vast field. The goal of the school was to teach local people agricultural skills to help in food security in a region with its own unique set of problems. The founders of the school realized agriculture cannot exist without education, and as such wanted to give skills to the community for their own self-sustaining resilience. Over the years, the school evolved and provided more services. They began providing basic education to students who could one day do things other than farming. So much demand for trained labor was developed, in addition to a growing societal belief in the power of education to lift all communities. More families made a determined effort to value their children's education, as we saw a growing enrollment and a diverse population of students who wanted to find new opportunities.

In 1986, a significant milestone was reached when the school was promoted to state university status, which enabled the establishment of new academic standards and educational opportunities. This change, undoubtedly produced exciting new funding and resources that funded the development of new programs in teacher education, nursing, and the arts and in the physical sciences. All of this academic expansion would positively impact the higher education landscape and, along with support from the university, students would travel forward with a more holistic education to prepare them for the multiple career paths professionals have to choose from. The university campus is located in the Cordillera Mountains and has played a major role in the university's development and reputation, creating an environment for learning that encourages an appreciation for biodiversity and culture. Students learn through engagement with their environment studying an ecosystem and sustainable practices. The institution has positioned itself to research and contribute to conservation initiatives that add value to the knowledge base for environmental protection.

By working with local communities, the university has supported the development of projects to conserve natural resources while promoting sustainable livelihoods. As of today, the university is a light of education within the Cordillera region, dedicated to academic excellence and community service. It has produced thousands of graduates who have made an impact in many fields, including education, healthcare, and environmental advocacy. The characteristics that define the university's identity and legacy are its commitment to academic rigor, community engagement, and sustainable development. In looking forward, the university remains committed to developing a future generation of leaders, so that its mission of service, innovation, and environmental stewardship will thrive.