The new academic building at GSU Baterna Campus was turned over to the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAgS) on August 15, 2024, in the presence of university officials, faculty, students, guests, and building contractor representatives.

The GSU Baterna Campus, located in Constancia, San Lorenzo, Guimaras, houses the College of Agricultural Sciences. It provides courses in agriculture and fisheries. With recent improvements to the infrastructure, particularly in the newly built academic building, it will soon be the home of future successful students and top board exam achievers.

Dr. Rhea Joy D. Flora, Campus Director and Dean of the CAgS, stated during her speech that this historic occasion is a significant milestone for Baterna Campus, given that they have another building to use for academic purposes. She also stated that the building’s turnover is very timely for the start of the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025 and to meet their rising student population. Dr. Flora also commended the administration’s efforts, particularly the former director of the campus, Dr. Julius T. Vergara, in making this building a reality. Dr. Vergara is presently the Vice President of Research, Extension, Training, and Innovation (VPRETI).

Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, University President, thanked all those involved in the planning, construction, and completion of the new academic building. She then recalled the previous years’ scenario at Baterna Campus, which was only grassland. They built tents to be used as classrooms, and the administration office is located in the bunkhouse. She can’t believe how much the infrastructure of Baterna Campus has improved over the last ten (10) years.

Additionally, Dr. Parreño said that the Baterna Campus will be offering two new courses in 2025. The campus will offer Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Dr. Parreño appreciates the faculty atmosphere of Baterna Campus, which prioritizes research. In fact, three (3) proposals for external funding were presented to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on August 14, 2024.

She also emphasized the opportunities available to students studying at Baterna Campus, stating that they are extremely fortunate to have received scholarship funding from various government agencies. They have already received free tuition and an allowance through their scholarship; all they need to do now is study. Dr. Parreño challenged everyone in the Baterna Campus and across the university to work together for the benefit of all campuses.

Similarly, Dr. Jonathan G. Gabion, Director for Planning and Project Development Office, provided an overview of the building, stating that he is one of the witnesses to the condition at Baterna Campus both then and now. He further stated that scraps from the main campus were sent to Baterna Campus solely to meet the demands of the campus.

During his speech, Dr Gabion stated that he believes in the phrase “What you sow, is what you reap” and thanked everybody who contributed to the success of the new building. He is also a firm believer that a well-designed classroom is one of the aspects that influence teaching and learning.

Following that, Dr. Bernardo G. Cagasan, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), led a prayer offering for the building, which was followed by a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility.

Prof. Gerald Sheo Thon D. Gamo, Program Head of BS Fisheries, made the closing remarks. He stated during his speech that they now have a high-quality, modern building that has been turned over to them. With the recent improvement on their campus, he pledged to generate quality students who would excel on their board exams and would eventually become the backbones in agriculture and fisheries.