In another devastating blow to the VSU community, we are all saddened by the passing of Dr. Emiliana N. Bernardo, one of our important institution builders who built this university from the ground up.

To our dearest Vice Presidents of the VSU system, the Directors of our ever-growing research units, our dynamic department heads, other members of the University Administrative and Academic Council, the Chancellors of our component campuses in Alangalang, Isabel, Tolosa, and Villaba, and the Deans of the Graduate School and Students, to our alumni who are here and watching us via our livestream, our administrative support staff, beloved students, guests, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon to all of you.