UPDATE: College of Veterinary Medicine building to rise in Tuburan, Ligao City; to establish BU Ligao in 2025

In a courtesy call to Bicol University officials, led by BU President Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, Ligao City Mayor, Hon. Fernando V. Gonzalez further discussed the establishment of the BU College of Veterinary Medicine building in Tuburan, Ligao City, April 25, 2023. 

A groundbreaking ceremony is set on May 12, 2023, which may also pave the way for the establishment of BU Ligao two years from now. In his Facebook post, Hon. Fernando Cabredo, Albay 3rd District Congressman, confirmed the attendance of Cong. Elizaldy Co, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, as well as other government officials in this historical milestone. 

It can be recalled that the budget for the CVM building is 250 million, which was included in the General Appropriations Act for FY 2023. 

Also present in the meeting were Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, former BU President and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, VP for Academic Affairs, Atty. Daryl A. Redoblado, University Legal Officer, Dr. Rosecefe B. Dy, OIC Dean of the BU Guinobatan, and Dr. Lilibeth B. Dorosan-Paco, faculty member of the CVM. 

In his Facebook post, Dr. Mascariñas expressed his excitement in the nearing establishment of CVM, whose groundwork began during his administration.

“Now the dream has become a reality. Thank you Cong. Didi and Cong. Zaldy for securing the fund for the construction of the building that will house the college. Thank you Mayor Nando for providing all the support, especially the lot donation. We hope to bring the program to BU Ligao in 2025 as per approved plan.” 

He also acknowledged the former VPAA, Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, and the Technical Working Group of the university for their efforts behind this feat. 

As of this writing, the DVM program is temporarily installed at the BU Guinobatan, Mauraro Campus, where its on-campus resources and experienced personnel are suited for veterinary medical facilities. It will be transferred once the CVM building is completed, 

There are only 19 schools that offer DVM in the country, and only one institution in the Bicol region. BU is the second state university to offer the said program. (by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I, BUCPRO)