A moment of both nostalgia and appreciation swept over Isabela State University Angadanan Campus during the flag rites on March 3, 2025. Following the ceremony, President Ricmar P. Aquino delivered a message, marking the start of his series of campus visits, dedicated to expressing personal appreciation to the ISU community – a community pivotal to the universityโs extraordinary growth during his eight-year leadership.
On the afternoon of March 2, 2025, President Aquino announced his intention to all campus heads to personally visit each campus as he prepared to conclude his tenure. The following day, March 3, 2025, he stood before ISU-ACโs assembled faculty, staff, and students, his demeanor reflecting the weight of shared accomplishments and sincere gratitude. He conveyed that these visits were intended as a celebration of their collective achievements.
Though considered a smaller campus, under President Aquino’s leadership, ISU-AC experienced a remarkable transformation, achieving distinctions that belie its size and solidify its place as a campus of academic excellence and quality services. The campus, now recognized for its ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification and passing the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) accreditation across its departments, stood as a testament to his visionary leadership. The university’s recent involvement in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and the campusโ determined pursuit of the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) in the coming years further emphasized President Aquinoโs relentless pursuit of excellence.
During his message, President Aquino didn’t simply recite a list of accomplishments, he painted a picture of shared challenges and victories. He spoke of countless hours of collaboration and the steadfast spirit that had propelled ISU, as a whole, forward. His words vividly portrayed a leader and community that cultivated a culture of innovation and commitment. He reminded everyone that each milestone achieved was a collaborative effort, a reflection of their hard work and dedication. His words left a lasting impression on all present.
Furthermore, he looked towards the future, encouraging the community to embrace the upcoming transition with optimism and resilience. He urged them to continue building upon the established foundation as they welcomed a new chapter and a new leader, ensuring the continued flourishing of the legacy of innovation and quality education. Smiles were exchanged, and a collective sense of pride filled the campus. It was a moment of reflection, a tribute to a leader who had not only steered ISU through transformative years but had also touched the hearts of those he served.
After President Aquino’s heartfelt message, Dr. Oscar G. Bangayan, ISU-Angadanan Campus Administrator, spoke on behalf of the campus, expressing their profound gratitude for his visionary leadership, and wishing him well in his next chapter.
As President Aquino begins his series of campus visits, each one will undoubtedly carry the same emotional weight, a leadership legacy that transcended mere achievements and resonated with genuine human connection. His message was a heartfelt expression of appreciation, a pledge to carry forward the torch of excellence, and a celebration of a leader who had made a significant impact to Isabela State Universityโs community and legacy
