Bulacan State Agricultural University (BSAU) is a state-funded agricultural institution of higher learning located in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the only agricultural higher education institution in the province of Bulacan. The university focuses on agricultural education, research, and community development, serving the educational needs of Central Luzon Region.
History
The institution's history spans over seven decades of continuous evolution and development in agricultural education. Established in 1952 as the Plaridel Community Agricultural High School in Bintog, Plaridel, Bulacan, it initially served 100 students. Through the nationalization of agricultural schools in 1953 under Republic Act 948, the school was transformed first into the Bulacan Provincial Agricultural High School, and then into the Bulacan National Agricultural High School (BNAHS).[1]
A significant milestone occurred in 1955 when President Ramon Magsaysay issued Presidential Proclamation 163, allocating 192.5 hectares of the Buenavista Estate in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, for the school's new campus.[2] The institution was further elevated to the Bulacan National Agricultural School (BuNAS) on June 21, 1959, through Republic Act 2416.[3]
Nearly four decades later, on February 24, 1998, Republic Act No. 8548 converted BuNAS into the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC).[4] This conversion marked its transition into a higher education institution, expanding its capacity to offer degree programs in agriculture and related fields.
Leadership and development
The institution has been led by four presidents since its conversion to a state college:[5]
Dr. Rolando F. Camacho (December 9, 1998 - December 8, 2002)
Dr. Josie A. Valdez (December 9, 2002 - January 31, 2011)
Dr. Gerardo Mendoza (February 1, 2011 - January 31, 2019)
Dr. Jameson H. Tan (February 1, 2019 - present)
Under their leadership, BASC has achieved significant milestones, including attaining Level III status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), placing it among the top 55 out of 106 State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines.[6]
Recent developments
The institution is currently in the process of converting to a state university. House Bill 8111, "An Act Converting BASC into Bulacan State Agricultural University," has been approved by the House of Representatives and passed the First Reading at the Senate under Senate Bill 2106, through the initiative of Congresswoman Lorna C. Silverio.[7]
Throughout its evolution, BASC has maintained its commitment to providing accessible, relevant, and quality education under its motto "Shaping Minds, Transforming Lives." The institution has demonstrated consistent growth in its academic programs, particularly benefiting students and families in the Central Luzon region.[8]
Campuses and facilities
The university operates through a multi-campus system strategically located across Bulacan:
Main Campus (San Ildefonso)
The 192.5-hectare main campus houses primary administrative offices and major academic facilities. Located in Brgy. Pinaod, it serves as the central hub for the university's operations.
College of Agriculture Campus (San Ildefonso)
Situated in Brgy. Poblacion, this campus specializes in agricultural education and research, featuring experimental farms and agricultural laboratories.
DRT Campus (Doña Remedios Trinidad)
Established in 2005 in Brgy. Sapang Bulak, this campus extends the university's reach to the third district of Bulacan, focusing on agricultural and technical education.
These centers operate under memoranda of agreement to provide accessible education to various districts of Bulacan.
University status conversion
The institution is currently undergoing transformation into a state university. House Bill 8111, "An Act Converting BASC into Bulacan State Agricultural University," has been approved by the House of Representatives and passed the First Reading at the Senate under Senate Bill 2106, through the initiative of Congresswoman Lorna C. Silverio.
Academic excellence
BASC maintains its commitment to providing accessible, relevant, and quality education under its motto "Shaping Minds, Transforming Lives." The institution has demonstrated consistent growth in its academic programs, particularly benefiting students and families in the Central Luzon region. Its Level III status from CHED reflects its commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement.
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