Negros Oriental Governor Hon. Roel Ragay Degamo formally turned over to Negros Oriental State University President, Dr. Don Vicente C. Real, the Deed of Donation of the 2.2-hectare land where the NORSU Main Campus I sits on, during a ceremony at the NORSU Main Campus I Sports and Cultural Center last Tuesday, March 26.
“Finally, after 85 long years, I am very pleased to announce that the provincial government of Negros Oriental formally bequeaths today this property, through a deed of donation, to Negros Oriental State University,” announced Degamo.
The property referred to is a 20,344 square meter prime property located at Kagawasan Avenue, Capitol Area. Estimated at P40,000 per square meter, the estimated value of the donated property is 816 million pesos.
The act of Gov. Degamo finally puts to rest questions regarding NORSU’s claim to the property and gives the university full ownership of the land it has been occupying since 1907.
In his bequeathal message, Degamo pointed out the need for every Negrense to be given the chance to avail of their right to be educated. He said that he hoped with this donation, “…NORSU, one of the best educational institutions in the province…will continue planting good seeds of knowledge… in a location conducive to learning…” so students will become productive members of the community.
Dr. Henry A. Sojor, the former president of NORSU and one of the witnesses to the turn-over, lauded the the governor and commended him for his courage. Sojor pointed out that it is only Gov. Degamo who thought about giving the property directly to the administrators of NORSU.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Real, promised the provincial governor of responsible stewardship of the donated lot. He further added that the donation is a gift to NORSU and all its students and stakeholders. Dr. Real assured the governor that he will lead Norsunians in ensuring that the donated property will be valued and treasured.
The signing of the deed of donation was also witnessed by Provincial Legal Counsel Erwin Vergara, and NORSU officials, namely VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Esther V. Tan; VP for Administration, Planning & Development Dr. Peter T. Dayot; VP for Research, Extension & International Linkages Dr. Bernadette O. Tan; and some members of the Board of Regents. Also present were graduating students, their parents, staff and faculty.
