Biliran Province State University stands as a testament to educational transformation in Eastern Visayas, evolving from a modest high school into a comprehensive state university serving the province of Biliran. This institution’s journey reflects decades of community dedication, legislative advocacy, and academic expansion.
## From Naval High School to State College
On October 30, 1945, Municipal Resolution No. 35 was passed through Acting Mayor Pablo Caneja, establishing Naval High School in Naval, Biliran. The school began operations for the 1946-1947 school year, providing secondary education to local students. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what would become a major educational institution in the region.
Two decades later, Congressman Marcelino Veloso introduced legislation that would transform the institution. On June 19, 1965, Republic Act 4309 converted Naval High School into a chartered state college under the name Naval Institute of Technology. The conversion brought national funding under the first president, Alfredo C. Josep, and expanded academic offerings to include vocational and engineering courses.
## Path to University Status
The journey toward universityhood involved multiple legislative efforts and community advocacy. Former Congressman Gerry Boy Espina authored House Bill 4918, proposing to convert Naval Institute of Technology into Biliran State University by merging with Biliran National Agricultural College. Although this initial bill did not pass the Senate, the institution persisted in its pursuit of university status.
With support from former Congressman Atty. Glenn Chong, Naval Institute of Technology filed another bill. On October 14, 2009, Republic Act 9718 was passed into law, converting the institute into Naval State University. This milestone marked a significant achievement in the institution’s development.
## Modern Era as Biliran Province State University
On January 3, 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed legislation renaming Naval State University to Biliran Province State University and integrating Biliran National Agricultural College. This unification created a stronger educational institution with expanded capabilities and resources.
## Campus Locations
Biliran Province State University operates two main campuses serving different educational needs:
– **Naval Campus (Main Campus)**: Located at Padre Inocentes Street, Naval, Biliran, this campus houses the university’s central administration and primary academic programs
– **Biliran Campus**: Situated at San Isidro Street, Biliran, Biliran, this campus (formerly Biliran National Agricultural College) specializes in agricultural, fishery, and forestry programs through the College of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry
## Academic Programs and Specializations
The university offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet regional and national needs:
– **Education programs** through the School of Teacher Education, including laboratory high school and senior high school departments
– **Engineering courses** that have been part of the institution since its conversion to a state college
– **Maritime education** as a flagship program with ISO certification from Det Norske Veritas since 2000, consistently rated noteworthy and satisfactory
– **Biology, business administration, criminology, economics, and practical nursing** programs added to expand academic offerings
– **College of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry** at the Biliran Campus, providing specialized education in agricultural sciences
– **Senior High School tracks** including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management), and HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences)
## High School Department
The university’s high school department serves Grade 7-10 and Senior High School Grade 11-12 students. The Laboratory High School features honors and semi-honors sections, with the honors section designated as Section A. Semi-honors classes (Sections B and C) emphasize Mathematics, Filipino, Science, and English. The department operates under the School of Teacher Education and includes a Student Body Organization and its publication, The Molder.
## Contact Information
For inquiries about admissions, programs, or campus information, interested individuals can visit the main campus at Padre Inocentes Street in Naval, Biliran, or contact the university administration directly. The Biliran Campus at San Isidro Street also provides information about its specialized agricultural and forestry programs.