As DR. Dexter R. Buted, the suspended President of Pangasinan State University (PSU), returns to his seat from the nine-month suspension ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman, PSU Faculty Members, Non-Teaching Personnel and Students warmly welcomed the reappointed president of the university last February 8 at PSU Main Campus.

It can be recalled that Buted, along with then PSU Binmaley Campus Executive Director, Marcelo Gutierrez Jr., were put-off their seats as the Office of the Ombudsman ordered their suspension due to the allegations filed by a certain complainant. Hence, more than nine months had passed, Buted and Gutierrez were now again back to the University to continue on serving the students.

More so, Buted was reappointed as still the PSU President through the decision of the Board of Regents after its five Evaluation Committee Meetings starting June 1, 2018 to September 26, 2018 as stated in the BOR Resolution no. 84 of 2018.

On the fifth meeting of the Evaluation Committee, Buted was given a total rating of 4.49% equivalent to an Outstanding Remarks making him qualified for reappointment.

“I was really happy that Sir Buted is now again back in the University and his term was extended. Our luck of having Sir Buted as our president is like finding a clover with more than four leaves. We can really tell that his leadership is extraordinary, pro-student, pro-development, and transparent; that it is something we really need as an educational institution,” expressed by Kimberly G. Rosario, PSU Lingayen Campus Supreme Student Council President.

On the other hand, a thanksgiving mass with a short programme, which was attended by students, faculty members, and employees, was prepared last February 11 at PSU Lingayen Campus Convention Hall to formally welcome the University President.

The mass started the program, afterwards, Buted had the chance to speak again in front of the PSUnians after his absence for more than nine months as he gave his message.

In his message, Buted reiterated his struggles and successes as the President of the University from 2014 to 2018 as well as the time when he got suspended. He also talked about his urge to check on the university from time to time.

“I still had to monitor activities here in school amidst my suspension. Nasa dugo ko na at parte ng aking sistema na tuparin ang mga hinahangad ng Unibersidad na ito,” he expressed during his opening message.

During his speech, he also thanked the Vice Presidents, University Officials, Faculty Members, BOR members, non-teaching staff, and most especially Dr. Paulo V. Cenas, who served as the OIC, in managing the university while he was out.

Buted also reminisced the humble beginning of his term in the University up to the tangible and intangible development which he pioneered.

“[Be] proud not ashamed of PSU as [your] school and workplace. Gone are the days of sira sirang upuan, electric fan, tumutulong bubong, terror teachers asking for many contributions, selling of thesis. Even if PSU is a public university, it should have laboratories, classrooms, and services rendered better than the private institutions,” he added.

Likewise, the reinstated university president also shared his visions and plans for the development and sustenance of the university in the next years such as: the achievement of the Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Engineering in PSU Sta. Maria and Undaneta Campus respectively; the hike for incentives to increase the number of topnotchers; the attainment of SUC Level V status; continuance of facility and infrastructure updates; and more.

After his message, the students, faculty members and non-teaching staff had the chance to raise their questions for the university president and to convey their gratitude as he came back in the university.

On the other hand, the Executive Director of Lingayen Campus, Dr. Priscilla Agsalud, also exhibited her gratefulness as she gave her message.

“I am glad that we triumphed over all the trials we faced in the absence of our University President but now he is back. Back alongside the good news that PSU ranked 79th among 200 State Universities in the country as the most known Universities,” Agsalud stated.