Ifugao State University (IFSU) celebrated its 100th Founding Anniversary on October 14, 2020 after its inception as a farm school in 1920 by American Educators.

Bannering the theme, “IFSU @ 100: Celebrating a Century of Academic Service”, IFSU commemorated this occasion in a meaningful manner in compliance with the regulations set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, IFSU also celebrated its 11th Charter Day since its university-hood on October 14, 2009.

Senator Joel Emmanuel J. Villanueva, Chairperson of Senate Committee on Higher, and Technical and Vocational Education, who graced the occasion through a recorded video message, lauded IFSU’s centennial year and the men and women behind the University’s continuous purposeful existence.

“Sinasalamin po ng kasaysayan ng Ifugao State University ang buhay at kultura ng mga Ifugao,” remarked Senator Villanueva.

The Senator also highlighted the resilience of the institution amidst the challenges in the education landscape.

“Tayo pong lahat ay nahaharap ngayon, lalong-lalo na ang sektor ng edukasyon sa bansa, sa mabigat na pagsubok dulot ng COVID-19 pandemic. Naniniwala po tayo sa resiliency ng IFSU. Tulad ng ating Rice Terraces, hinding-hindi tayo matitinag ng anumang hamon ng panahon,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lilian A. De Las Llagas, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and IFSU Board of Regents, represented by Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC Regional Director of CHED – CAR, commended IFSU for being the first SUC in the region to respond to the fight against COVID-19 through its extension projects approved by the CHED under SUC funding.

“This is a manifestation of your unwavering commitment to serve the community and make the people’s lives better and comfortable,” she added.

Dr. De Las Llagas also shared an acronym for IFSU in its 100th year as I – impact; F – first class university; S – sustainable; and U – unique.

“This occasion evokes many thoughts about what the future may hold for our university. This is a moment to look ahead and be hopeful about our future. Year 2020 undoubtedly ushered in new challenges as we face the uncertainties of tomorrow,” noted University President, Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon.

Dr. Dugyon expressed her optimism that the shared Vision of IFSU to become a globally recognized university upholding excellence amidst rich cultural heritage will stir among IFSU employees and students new hope and stronger faith to be able to transcend what and where the university is today as the lone higher education institution in the province of Ifugao.

The university started as Nayon Settlement Farm School, then renamed as Ifugao Pilot Opportunity School of Agriculture (IPOSA) and later as Payon Bugan Pilot Opportunity School Agriculture (PBOSA) in honor of the land donor. PBOSA was later converted to Ifugao Agricultural and Technical College (IATC). In 1982, it was elevated as Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry (ISCAF), then to state university hood in 2009.