Nueva Vizcaya State University inaugurates Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr. as its fourth president in Investiture Ceremony during the 19th Charter Anniversary

Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. was formally installed as the fourth president of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) during an investiture ceremony held on March 24, 2023, at the Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center, as part of the university's 19th Charter Anniversary celebration with the theme "NVSU Going Beyond Borders."

The investiture ceremony started with a processional, graced and led by the University Secretary, Administrative Council Members, Campus Administrators, University Vice Presidents, former University Presidents, and the President's family members, followed by the NVSU Board of Regents, CHED commissioner, and the University President.

Dr. June Grace C. Domingo, University and Board Secretary, presented the appointment of Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. as the new NVSU President, which was followed by the investiture and presentation of symbols of office led by Dr. Marita Rana Canapi, the Chairperson of the NVSU Board of Regents and Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education.

During the historic ceremonial rites, the Academic Regalia was vested by Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo, Officer in Charge of the Region 2 Commission on Higher Education, while the Academic Medallion was imposed by Hon. Narciso A. Edillo, member of the NVSU Board of Regents and Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Region 2. The University Mace was presented by Hon. Ruth Rana Padilla, member of the NVSU Board of Regents and Representative of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education.

After the presentation of the symbols of his office, Dr. Dumale took his oath of office, administered by Dr. Marita Rana Canapi. This was followed by the signing of the oath of office by Dr. Dumale and Dr. Canapi.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Dumale expressed his commitment to lead NVSU to greater heights as a recognized university in the country. "Nais kong bigyan kayo ng kasiguruhan na sa lahat ng ating mga plano, sa lahat ng ating mga gustong tahakin sa mga susunod na taon, sa mangunguna ng inyong bagong pangulo, ay buong puso akong magsisikap para pangunahan kayo sa direksyon na ating tatahakin bilang isang higit pang kinikilalang unibersidad sa paglipas ng panahon," he said.

Dr. Dumale acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but assured every one of his willingness to face them head-on. "Alam ko na ang ating pangarap ay hindi madali, maraming luha ang papatak, maraming kalungkutan ang darating, maaring may kabiguang darating sa ating lahat, pero kung tutulungan niyo ako at sama-sama natin itong lalasapin, kaligayan man o kalungkutan, kabiguan man o tagumpay, mananatili na ang pamilya ng NVSU ay lalong magiging matatag, anuman ang unos na tatahakin natin bilang isang institusyon."

Dr. Dumale also highlighted his plans for the university, including the goal of producing globally competitive graduates, continuing the excellence in research and development with community engagement, and intensifying technology commercialization. He also emphasized the importance of taking care of the faculty and staff, as they play a crucial role in guiding and providing the necessary skills to the students.

At the end of his message, Dr. Dumale expressed his gratitude to all the members of the NVSU community, the Board of Regents, CHED, and the government for their trust and support. He also acknowledged the contributions of the previous university presidents and promised to build on their accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pacifico T. Vizmonte Jr., a former professor of the President at Central Luzon State University, emphasized the importance of having the right skills and attitude to sustain success. He also mentioned the need to combat assumptions and entitlement and that humility is a crucial trait to possess. Mr. Vizmonte recognized President Dumale as an epitome of humility, an attribute that will undoubtedly serve the new President well in his tenure.

On the other hand, Professor Masaru Mizoguchi, a former professor of the President at the Laboratory of International Agro-Informatics at the University of Tokyo in Japan, congratulated President Dumale on his new position. He expressed his confidence in President Dumale's ability to develop agriculture throughout the region while prioritizing the importance of basic science and technology. Professor Mizoguchi recognized President Dumale's achievement in earning his Ph.D. in the laboratory, which undoubtedly prepared him for this significant role.

In addition, Provincial Governor Carlos M. Padilla warmly welcomed all the distinguished guests and participants to the province of Nueva Vizcaya. In his address, he reiterated the unwavering support of the provincial government and its constituents towards the plans and goals of Dr. Dumale for the growth and success of NVSU, acknowledging that the achievements of NVSU are also the accomplishments of the province.

The investiture ceremony lasted approximately two hours and culminated with President Dumale expressing his gratitude to all the dignitaries who attended on behalf of the NVSU family and his immediate family.

After which, a series of photo sessions took place, capturing the memorable moments of the investiture ceremony. The investiture ceremony ended with the singing of the NVSU hymn and the recessional of the academic procession. It was a momentous event for the NVSU community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the university's history under the leadership of Dr. Dumale.