THE CENTRAL Bicol University Agriculture CBSUA Administrative Council opposes an act renaming the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Camarines

Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund ‘Lray’ Villafuerte sponsored House Bill 10170 to honor his father’s memory and advocacy by renaming the school to Gov. Luis R. Villafuerte University of Agriculture.

As per HB 10170, the institution’s conversion into university will position  it to provide advanced instruction and research in agriculture and allied technological sciences including education, arts and related sciences.

The elder Villafuerte served as assemblyman, cabinet secretary, Camarines Sur governor and congressman in a public service stint that spawned five decades.  He died last month at the age of 86.

“The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture is a premiere agriculture university in the country. Its name stands proud in the national and international academic arena. The university is a product of the toil, dedication, and innovations of its various stakeholders,” it said in an official statement.

“We recognize the contributions of Gov. Luis R. Villafuerte Sr., but our recognition does not and should not extend to renaming the university after his. Let us not discount the men and women who came before him and who were behind the founding and the flourishing of this institution,” the group added.

CBSUA said it is important to protect its identity as an institution “so our future generations can continue to look upon their best as we do.”

“It is important that we teach our students the value of protecting their school’s heritage,” it said.

“We maintain that the present name of the university best captures its vision as an agricultural research university of global standards. Its name represents Bicol as a fitting tribute to the region where the university stands, gains, and serves,” it added.