To officially mark the transition in leadership, Isabela State University (ISU) held its Oathtaking and Turnover Ceremonies on May 15, 2025 at the Climate Change R&D Building to honor the conclusion of Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino’s presidency and welcome the administration of Dr. Boyet L. Batang, the newly-appointed 7th University President.
Honoring a Legacy
Right after the 243rd Regular Board Meeting of the ISU Board of Regents, the program started with the Awarding of a Plaque of Commendation to Dr. Aquino, in recognition of his exemplary service as the University’s 6th University President. His term was celebrated for its initiatives that helped improve ISU in its main thrusts of instruction, research, extension, and resource management.
As a tribute to the outgoing president, a testimonial video documentary was presented, capturing Dr. Aquino’s journey from his humble beginnings to his impactful legacy as a higher education institution leader. This was followed by the ceremonial unveiling and turnover of a coffee table book titled, RICMAR: Rebranding ISU with Courage, Mission, and Results. The 10-part book showcases the personal life of Dr. Aquino, the milestones of his presidency, and the mark he leaves on the University’s history.
In his response, Dr. Aquino looked back on his years of service with deep gratitude and pride. Reflecting on his journey since taking office in 2017, he expressed appreciation for the trust and support extended to him by the ISU community. He acknowledged the dedication of the University’s faculty, staff, and stakeholders, crediting them as key partners in both overcoming challenges and celebrating achievements that marked his administration.
“As I reflect on my journey, I cannot help but feel immense gratitude. Gratitude for the trust you have given me when I assumed the Presidency in 2017. Gratitude for the incredible men and women of ISU who stood beside me – shared in the struggles and celebrated the victories. You have been the lifeblood of our University’s growth and transformation,” Dr. Aquino said.
Dr. Aquino also highlighted the University’s significant accomplishments during his term, including its rise in national rankings, the expansion of research efforts, a firm commitment to sustainability, and the fostering of a more inclusive and service-oriented institutional culture. He emphasized that these milestones were the result of collective effort, underscoring that ISU’s progress is a shared success.
In the continuation of his academic service, Dr. Aquino also took his oath as a University Professor, signifying his commitment to education and scholarship within ISU.
“I return to the very roots of my profession as an educator, a researcher, a servant of knowledge and I am excited for what lies ahead. This new chapter as a University Professor will allow me to continue contributing to ISU’s mission but now with a sharpened focus on the academic realm – on shaping minds, engaging scholarship, and mentoring the next generation of leaders,” Dr. Aquino shared.
Welcoming a Future
Another highlight of the ceremonies was the oathtaking of Dr. Boyet L. Batang as University President, marking the transition to ISU’s sustainable goal toward academic excellence, inclusive development, and global competitiveness. The oathtaking proper was administered by Dr. Marita R. Canapi (Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education) and was witnessed by the ISU Board of Regents along with key members of the ISU community.
In his message, Dr. Batang looked back at his vision paper where he viewed ISU as a model SMART-Green University with a global reputation for positive societal transformation. He hopes to move forward as a University that develops lifelong and future-ready professionals empowered to become generators of knowledge and agents of positive change for the inclusive and sustainable transformation of communities.
“And as I stand before you today on this landmark moment of Isabela State University, I wish to tell you that I am openly willing to expand my three Exes, while learning with you in our beautiful journey called leadership,” Dr. Batang added as he recalled his promise to offer his expertise, experience, and exposure when given the opportunity to lead the University.
Sharing a Vision
Dr. Batang further conveyed that the journey of leadership and guiding ISU to greater heights would be a shared responsibility, and expressed confidence that, with steadfast support from the University community, their collective efforts would form a powerful force in advancing ISU’s pursuit of excellence.
“In the name of our glorious seat of learning in our valley dear, whose name is Isabela State University, we continue to roll out our sleeves, we march as one, [and] we stand as one,” Dr. Batang declared while ending his message.
The term of Dr. Batang is set to commence on May 20, 2025 until May 19, 2029.
Prior to his selection as President, he served as the ISU Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2020 and as the Cluster Executive Officer of ISU Ilagan in 2019. The next ISU President earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education in 1998 and his Master of Arts in Teaching in 2002, both in Philippine Normal University (PNU). Later, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Studies from the University of Santo Tomas.
