HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

When World War II broke out in 1941, the school was temporarily closed. When it reopened in 1945, classes were held in army tents at the provincial capitol grounds and in private homes. Nipa-roofed buildings served as classrooms in 1947 until semi-permanent structures could be built from war damage claims in 1950, and from ICA-NEC funds in 1957. The secondary curriculum was then phased out to give way to the two-year special education courses starting school year 1952-53. At about this time, Pacifico A. Ramos assumed post as superintendent.

In 1956, the two-year secondary course was discontinued in favor of a four-year course in education. In the same year, a kindergarten class was introduced. Four years later, the School of Graduate Studies was opened. Graduate courses were also offered at external study centers located in the neighboring towns and provinces.

The Bukidnon State College in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

In 1976, Dr. Jaime M. Gellor succeeded Supt. Ramos. With the issuance of Presidential Decree 944, the Bukidnon Normal College was converted into the Bukidnon State College on June 14, 1976. Consequently, Dr. Gellor was appointed as the first president of the school on April 21, 1977. During his time, more permanent buildings were constructed.

Continuing infrastructure build-up was made in 1986 when Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon was appointed second president. She pushed for more projects including intense faculty development programs. As the school entered its eighth decade of existence, Dr. Tumapon strived to create more linkages here and abroad, and introduced Information Technology and Instructional Systems Design course programs. In 1999, Dr. Victor M. Barroso was elected third president of BSC. He is currently serving his second term as president.

PRESENT TIMES

Since Dr. Barroso, took the cudgels of leadership in 1999, the physical changes at the Bukidnon State College have been monumental.

For example, to serve academic and administrative needs, new facilities have been renovated. Thus, the old library building was converted into classrooms. Moreover, the old canteen building fronting the High School Building was repaired to function as a place where community extension students embark on their practicum. Undergoing renovation is also the School of Graduate Studies, the Guest House down the BSC Valley, as well as the Rubia and Mahogany dormitories. In fact, one of these dormitories has been converted into the School of Nursing. Lately, the construction of the five-door hostel was finally completed. Other buildings in the campus were also completed, such as the new office of National Service Training Program (NSTP). Meanwhile, the new building of the School of Community Education and Industrial Technology is under construction. It is located beside the covered court in the area where the flag pole of the Secondary School used to stand.

Dr. Barroso also expanded institutional facilities to accommodate not only the enormous increase of student enrolment, but their increased needs, as well. The covered court, where various academic functions take place, was built to accommodate a bigger crowd. Likewise, a covered walk now connects all the buildings of this main campus protecting the faculty and students from the often unpredictable weather.

The Registrar’s Office has a new niche in the first floor of the Education Building. The Registrar’s Office abandoned its old location to give way to the renovation of the School of Education Dean’s Office. Now that the dean’s office is more spacious, it doubles as the School Education Accreditation Room.

The putting up of four computer laboratories is making it possible for students to zoom into the information highway. The additional computer supply has likewise made it possible for BSC to implement the computerized system of enrolment starting this semester. On the other hand, to serve the medical needs of students, the new medical clinic was constructed while a new dental clinic was just erected.

A four-storey New Library, with a basement has just been completed, paving the way to the opening of new classrooms in the fourth floor and in the basement. The second and third floors are home to the library collection. Individual offices of the faculty of the Social Science division and the Language and Letters are lodged in the first floor of this new structure.

Now that the library is buzzing with life, the college has taken on its next addition by constructing another new edifice that will soon accommodate 32 additional classrooms, eight offices and an elevator. The R8 million, almost-5,000-square feet building will dominate the corner just beside the New Library. Right now, the School of Law building, which is only part of this huge structure, is almost complete. It bears the signature of this administration’s vision that one day, the student in the remote areas in Bukidnon do not have to cruise the winding road and the occasionally turbulent air and sea just to study law.

Taking into consideration BSC’s improvement in its infrastructure, the administration’s team players can finally concentrate on enhancing various programs it offers, including new course offerings such as the Bachelor in Development Communication and Bachelor in Community Development, Food Technology, Electronics, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Automotive.

Looking back, this teacher-institution that was put up in 1924 during the American Occupation, has enlarged, to include six different schools in the College, namely, the Schools of Education, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration and Information Technology, Community Education and Industrial Technology, Law, and Graduate Studies.

In accordance with its tripartite mission of teaching, learning and community service, BSC continues to establish and expand partnerships with business, education, campus and community organizations.

As a fruit of its labor, the College recently acquired the 3rd AACCUP Level in most of its programs after it went through another round of accreditation process on January 17-20, 2006.

With its quest for university status, the horizons of Bukidnon State College are indeed brighter for making it truly "a special place for teaching and learning".