Benguet State University (BSU) continues to uphold its vision of being an instrument of inclusive and transformative education. In 2024, the university deepened its commitment to SDG 10 by ensuring that access to quality education and university services is open to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, social status, or ability.
Opportunities For First-Generation Learners
BSU continues to open doors for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. In 2024, 41% were first-generation college students, many coming from farming families and indigenous communities across Northern Luzon. Support programs such as free tuition, scholarship grants, and dormitory accommodation continue to break barriers for financially challenged learners. Securing this large and valuable student cohort (41%) ensures a stable enrollment base and maximizes utilization of state-allocated educational resources. Failure to support this segment would threaten the university’s long-term sustainability.
Welcoming International Students from Developing Countries
The university’s growing international community reflects its inclusive vision beyond national borders. BSU welcomed 13 international students in 2024, most of whom came from developing nations in Asia and Africa. The International Relations Office (IRO) provided orientation programs, language assistance, and cultural immersion activities to ensure that these students adapt successfully to life in the Cordilleras while contributing to a multicultural academic environment. International students often contribute to diversified revenue streams through tuition and fees. Successfully managing their welfare protects BSU’s global reputation, which is essential for attracting future international students, faculty, and collaborative research grants, directly supporting the university’s goal of global competitiveness.
Inclusive Campus for Persons with Disabilities
Benguet State University continues to champion accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The university ensures that they are given equal opportunities through accessible classrooms, ramps, and inclusive pathways. Academic accommodations, counseling, and assistance are coordinated through the Office of Student Services. Proactive investment in accessibility ensures full compliance with national laws. This mitigates the financial risks of potential legal fines, government sanctions, and accreditation failure, protecting the university’s operational capacity and capital investments.
Strong Policies Against Discrimination and Harassment
Equality and respect are embedded in BSU’s institutional culture. The university enforces a non-discriminatory admissions policy, ensuring that applicants are evaluated solely on academic merit and potential. BSU also maintains comprehensive anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies in line with national and CHED regulations. The Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) ensures fair handling of cases, while the Office of Student Services promotes a safe and inclusive environment. Strong policies reduce the incidence of high-profile discrimination and harassment cases. This directly mitigates the severe financial and non-financial costs associated with lawsuits, damaged public trust, and the potential loss of valuable faculty and students due to an unsafe environment.
Structures That Promote Equity and Empowerment
The Office of Student Services provides counseling, mentoring, and peer support initiatives, while the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) ensures inclusive hiring practices that encourage applications from persons with disabilities and minority groups. The Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) focuses on learning and development, performance and psychological support of employees.
Institutional mechanisms play a vital role in sustaining BSU’s inclusivity efforts. The Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System serves as the university’s main body for implementing programs on diversity, gender sensitivity, and equal opportunity. It conducts training, peer mentoring, and support programs for students and staff from underrepresented groups.
Accessible Facilities and Support Services
BSU continues to improve its physical infrastructure to meet accessibility standards as required by law. Classrooms, pathways, and public areas are being upgraded to ensure barrier-free mobility.
The university also provides support services such as interpreters, student aides, and individual learning assistance for students with disabilities. These initiatives affirm BSU’s belief that every learner, regardless of circumstance, deserves equal access to education.
Towards a Community Where Everyone Belongs
BSU’s journey toward reducing inequalities extends beyond policy; it is reflected in its people and practices. From empowering first-generation learners to supporting marginalized groups and fostering global inclusivity, the university continues to live out its core values of service, integrity, and inclusiveness. Through its collective efforts, Benguet State University envisions a future where diversity is celebrated, differences are embraced, and education serves as the great equalizer.
