BSU head mothballs campus mall plan

OFFICIALS of the Benguet State University (BSU) is now saying goodbye to the plan of Robinson-Graceland Company to put up a mall inside the school’s premises.

BSU president, Dr. Ben Ladilad, earlier revealed he is opposing the plan to build a mall.

Ladilad on Thursday reiterated his stand during a press conference, saying they will not allow such a building to rise inside BSU because it will divert the attentions of students from their education.

He added that income generation may be a priority under his administration but education should not be compromised as it is the main function of the school.

The president said the supposed site is near the College of Nursing and the College of Veterinary Medicine. These colleges need to expand to accommodate more students.

Meanwhile, vice president for administration, Dr. Alfredo Tipayno, said the plan was presented two years ago and until now, no development occurred because some issues are still unresolved.

He added that with the unresolved issues, they will not pursue the plan.

He said instead of a mall, they will pursue the development of an Agri–Pinoy trading post in BSU.

With this, he said it would be much beneficial to the students and even farmers of Benguet.

Despite the approval of the past administration of the local government unit of La Trinidad, several petitions arose in 2012 opposing the plan of the Robinson. These petitions blocked any move from the company until the plan eventually died.