Finally, after 85 long years in the waiting, the provincial government of Negros Oriental has bequeathed some P816-Million worth of government property comprising the NORSU main campus to the Negros Oriental State University.

Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo formally turned over the Deed of Donation to Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President, Dr. Don Vicente C. Real,, during a historic ceremony at the NORSU Main Campus I Sports and Cultural Center on March 26, 2013.

The signing of the deed of donation was witnessed by Provincial Legal Counsel Atty Erwin Vergara; NORSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ester V. Tan; NORSU Vice President for Administration, Planning and Development, Dr. Peter T. Dayot; NORSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and International Linkages, Dr. Bernadette O. Tan; and some members of the NORSU Board of Regents, and thousands of NORSU graduating students, their parents, staff and faculty members.

The property referred to is a 20,344 square meter prime property located at Kagawasan Avenue, Capitol Area. Estimated at forty thousand pesos per square meter, the estimated value of the donated property is 816 million pesos. NORSU which started as EVSAT, then CVPC, has occupied such property 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 was only Gov. Degamo who thought about giving the property directly to the administrators of NORSU.

Sojor, the former NORSU president, is running as the vice governor of Gov Degamo this May 13 elections.

In his acceptance speech, a visibly moved 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. /Marx Iturralde, NORSU IPO.