LAMUT, Ifugao -- Following its recent conversion to a university status, the Ifugao State University (Ifsu) administration is bent on bringing more developments in facilities and staff advancement.

Dr. Serafin Ngohayon, university president, said as the school administration is rejoicing over the recent conversion Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry (Iscaf) into Ifsu signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, there is much to do in the coming years.

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"We consider this as a blessing for all of us but a great challenge is awaiting the institution because much is expected from us," said Ngohayon.

Ngohayon said they are crafting the university's development plan, which will cover the direction for the next four years, which is the transition period.

Aside from this plan, Ngohayon said they will also craft a new mission and vision of the institution.

The university code will embody policies and operational guidelines, which will be presented to the public during the launching of the university on January 6-8, 2010.

With a population of about 5,000 both in high school and the tertiary levels, Ngohayon said improving the laboratory and adding more computers are among the plans of his administration.

"The development of our faculty and staff is also one of our priorities, thus instructor should be masteral degree or even doctoral degree holders. We have satisfactorily complied with the standards of a university," Ngohayon said.

The present faculty profile shows that 25 percent of the faculty members are doctoral degree holders, while 65 percent are master’s degree holders.

A jubilant Ngohayon said his administration expects for the best along with the euphoria and jubilation for the people of Ifugao.

Aside from his administration, Ngohayon said Ifugao lawmaker Solomon Chungalao was one of the people who worked hard for the realization of this dream. (Vency D. Bulayungan)