July 2016

ISSN 2094-3991

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7

JULY 2016

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., member of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines Inc. (CAMP), addresses the crowd during the symposium on Agriculture Modernization and Biotechnology held at the BU Amphitheater on July 7, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

BU alum, ex-prof is new CGFNS director Internationalization has become a buzz word in the university, as we focus our efforts on achieving our vision of becoming a world-class university. This month, we have achieved much towards this end, with various activities and engagements that have forged partnerships and collaborations with universities and other organizations outside our country.

All these events are tangible indicators of the steps we are taking towards our vision, and therefore give us a boost of confidence that we are on track, and that we will get there.

I congratulate all units who have been able to establish linkages with foreign universities and organizations. Continue to work on their sustainability, and endeavour to create more of them. I expect that other colleges will follow suit and will soon have their own similar partnerships.

In all of these, we aim for improvements in our own programs and practices that will redound to quality services for our beloved students, that they may become the leaders and change agents we aim for them to be.

Advises faculty researchers to think globally

An alumnus and former faculty member of BU has been appointed director at the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS), the world’s largest credentials evaluation organization for nursing and the healthcare community.

Dr. Jasper Tolarba, who finished his bachelor’s and first master’s degrees from BU, is the new director of credentials evaluation services of CGFNS, the organization said in a press release dated July 14. Tolarba taught in the BU College of Nursing from 2002 to 2004 prior to migrating to the United States.

The press release quoted Dr. Franklin Shaffer, president and

chief executive officer of CGFNS, as saying, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Tolarba to the CGFNS team as the organization’s first foreign-educated nurse to join our leadership team full time.

Dr. Tolarba will be able to give us a deeper insight on our programs, as he has experienced CGFNS’s services firsthand.”

Tolarba, a recipient of the BU Outstanding Alumnus Award, is

Top PH scientists in BU symposium

the first foreign-educated nurse with a doctoral degree to join CGFNS’s leadership team. In his new role, Tolarba will be in charge of CGFNS’s global operations in credentialing healthcare professionals who are seeking employment, university admission, and immigration to the US. He will also oversee VisaScreen®, a visa credentials BU alum/page 3

Canadian ambassador visits BU

Eminent academicians of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and scientistadministrators shared their knowledge on agriculture modernization and biotechnology in a symposium at the BU Amphitheater on July 7.

The speakers in the event titled “Symposium on Agricultural Modernization and Biotechnology” were NAST academicians Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. and Dr. Ruben L. Villareal.

Other resource persons were former Visayas State University President Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo and former UP Mindanao Chancellor Dr. Rogelio V. Cuyno.

All of the said scientists are members of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines Inc. (CAMP). The group, together with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Biotechnology Information Center and BU, organized the event.

Bernardo stressed that modern agriculture Top Scientists/Page 3

SCHOLARSHIP

LEADERSHIP

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder hands over a gift to Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU President, during his visit last July 19 at the BU Amphitheater. (Shan Gabriel Apuli/The Bicol Universitarian)

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder visited Bicol University (BU) to commemorate the ties between the two countries in a lecture forum held last July 19 at the College of Arts and Letters Amphitheatre.

Anchored on the theme “CanadaPhilippines: More than 65 years of Dynamic Bilateral Relations,” Reeder said that the Ambassador/page 2 CHARACTER

SERVICE

BU undergoes ISO internal audit

BU officials met the team of internal auditors that consists of teaching and non-teaching personnel from BU during the opening meeting at the BU GASS conference on July 18, 2016. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

Pursuing its vision to institution, Bicol University the 7th Internal Audit on

be a world-class (BU) underwent July 18-21, 2016.

In the opening meeting conducted at BU GASS Conference Room on July 18, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas said that in today’s landscape, organizations are called upon to do more. He added that organizations like BU should look into innovative mechanisms not only to enhance its performance but also to enable it to respond to the increasing demand from the market place

and conform to certain pressures from environment regulations.

The 7th Internal Audit aimed to determine whether or not the Quality Management Systems of BU conforms to the planned arrangement and requirements of the ISO 9001:2008. It also seeks to ensure that the QMS is effectively implemented and maintained.

The following offices and units underwent the audit: July 18 – Office of the Top Management,

Ambassador from p.1 relationship forged between Canada and the Philippines has come a long way since the start of its formal diplomatic relations in 1949. Adding that Canada is home to more than 800,000 Canadians of Filipino origins who continue to contribute to the social, cultural and economic prosperity of Canada, Reeder said that these Filipino Canadians serve as “ambassadors of goodwill who are the driving force behind the vibrant engagement that Canada and the Philippines enjoy.

Echoing Reeder’s statement on the strong bond between the two countries, Mascariñas said that more than 321, 000 Filipinos are permanently residing in Canada and close to 15, 000 Canadians are also residing in the Philippines as of the latest count.

Hence, the bond between the two countries is “strong and friendly,” marked by close cooperation in so many areas. Mascariñas furthered that the Philippines is

Canada’s partner in the ASEAN regional forum as well as Canada’s coordinating country as far as ASEAN is concerned here in the Philippines.

In the website of the Canadian Embassy to the Philippines, Ambassador Reeder stressed Canada’s commitment to strengthen its ties with the Philippines. “The ties binding our two nations have grown much stronger and deeper in recent years. This is evident in many levels – political, cultural, commercial, development assistance, and the movement of people between our countries.

The Embassy is committed to deepening our relationship by nurturing existing linkages and working to develop stronger ties of cooperation and understanding with the Government of the Philippines, members of civil society, and other international organizations.” (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

Pacific Partnership from p.4 chance to tour the ship’s facilities.

The Community Relations team of the US Navy together with the Philippine Air Force likewise conducted a concert at the BU commencement grounds to encourage local community engagement last June 30.

The 11th Pacific Partnership Mission is an annual multinational mission organized by the US Pacific Fleet together with its partner nations. Composed of more than 600 military and civilian personnel from the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Republic of Korea and Japan, the mission aims to help improve disaster response-preparedness while enhancing partnerships with the participating nations throughout the Indo-AsiaPacific region. It also aims to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties in Southeast Asia. (Earl Epson Recamunda/OP)

Quality Management Representative, Documents and Control and Record, Motorpool, Medical and Dental Clinic, PDMO, College of Business Economics and Management, College of Engineering, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, College of Nursing, Graduate School, Admissions Office, Guidance Office, and University Supply Office July 19 – College of Arts and Letters, College of Industrial Technology, College of Science, College of Education, College of Science, College of Education, Research and Development Center, Information Management Office, Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation and College of Medicine July 20 – College of Agriculture and Forestry, Gubat Campus, Polangui Campus and Tabaco Campus; July 21 – Human Resource Management Office, Bids and Awards Committee, Institute of Architecture, Civil Security and Office of the Students Services.

The result of the internal audit is classified as either

NC (Non Conformities) or IP (Improvement Potential). A rating of NC means that there are major or minor lapses or nonconformities such as absence or non-implementation of a procedure required by the QMS based on international standards, while a rating of IP means that there are issues that can be addressed for improvement which are not violations of the requirements of the QMS. The ISO internal audit is just one of the mechanisms employed by BU in its vision to become a world-class university.

“We must admit the fact that high performance is not an accident. It is the result of continuous sustained efforts. This is the reason why in ISO we’re being called upon to proceed to continual improvement and progression.

I am hoping that over time, we will internalize the principles of internal audit, institutionalize it and make accreditation, be it ISO or AACCUP, a way of life,” Mascariñas said.

(Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

Visiting researcher Stijn Van Laer from the University of Leuven gets his first taste of BUCAL hospitality during the welcome program held at the BU Amphitheater on July 15, 2916. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Visiting Professor from p.4

Communication. Study 1 will be undertaken by Meneses, while Laer and Bartolata will collaborate with Study 2.

Bellena will undertake Study 3.

The first, led by Meneses, will look into the preparedness of BUCAL’s English Department for blended learning. Blended learning is a combination of face-to-face and online teaching.

In the second study, Bartolata and Van Laer will describe the state of the business communication course in the AB English program. The results of the analysis will be used to redesign the course and implement it using blended learning, while documenting the overall experience of teachers and students. The documented experience shall serve as basis in advancing guidelines for designing blended learning

courses.

The third study, which will be conducted by Bellena, shall establish the effectiveness of the blended learning design for the business communication course. She will do this by comparing the performance of the students that will be taught solely face-to-face with those who will receive instruction in the blended format.

BU Research and Development Center Assistant Director Lester M. Narvaez lauded the researchers for coming up with the project.

He said that the passage of Republic Act 10650 or the “Open Distance Learning Act” last year behooves BU to study the possibility of integrating distance learning in its course offerings. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP and Prof. Gremil Naz/BURDC)

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

BU alum from p.1

Dr. Jasper Tolarba beams with pride as he shows his diploma during his graduation at Yale University in 2015.

assessment program that must be successfully completed by any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, audiologist, speech language pathologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical laboratory technician, medical laboratory scientist, or nurse practitioner seeking to obtain an occupational visa to work in the US. Tolarba left BU in 2004 and pursued his MS in Nursing at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Then, he finished his doctorate in nursing

practice at Yale University in 2015.

At present, Tolarba is also an adjunct professor at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. He also previously taught at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Sacred Heart University in Cambridge, Connecticut. Most recently, he was the clinical nursing director of Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

Aside from being a nursing teacher and manager, Tolarba is also a researcher. He has published at the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and presented papers in various conferences in the US, Oman, Ireland, and the Philippines—including at the 1st BU International Colloquium on Health Care in 2013 and the 10th Philippines Nurses Association International Conference this year.

In an interview with the BU Research and Development Center, Tolarba said that faculty researchers should choose topics that are global in scope, rather than those of limited significance. He added that BU researchers must collaborate with academics with similar research interests, both nationally and internationally.

“The internet is open to the world and one can find other researchers easily,” Tolarba said. “I’m sure there are many professors out there willing to collaborate and partner.”

Despite his successes, Tolarba has not forgotten BU. He is currently the adviser of the BU International Alumni Association, of which he was the founding president.

When asked how BU contributed to his professional growth, Tolarba said, “BU has prepared me to be a world-class professional and instilled in me the discipline and qualities needed to succeed— knowledge, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.” (Prof.

Gremil Naz/BURDC)

Top Scientists from Page 1 does not only involve farming, but includes all other relevant activities before and after planting and harvesting. He said that Philippine agriculture may be modernized through wise market orientation, diversification, and sustainability—all of which can lead to increased production at a lower cost. He added that inclusivity can be achieved by promoting and supporting farmers’ associations and cooperatives, consolidating small farms, and integrating the processing industries and small farmers through contract farming.

Bernardo urged government agencies to collaborate with farmers in strengthening the value chain.

Rasco talked about the socalled Bt talong controversy, which involves the Supreme Court’s stopping of the government’s field testing of Bt talong and declaring the Department of Agriculture

Administrative Order No. 8 on such tests null and void.

The afternoon session started with Villareal discussing the NAST Scientific Career System, which he described as “a system of recruitment, career progression, recognition, and reward of scientists in the public service.”

He listed the legal bases of the system, as well as its features and objectives.

Rasco told the audience that rice farming is not good because it contributes to maldistribution of wealth, environmental degradation, and poverty. He added that it is not a good source of income and can cause health problems if consumed too much.

Toward the end of the day, the speakers urged the participants to form a CAMP chapter in the Bicol region. BU accepted the challenge of doing the legwork for the new organization. (Prof. Gremil Naz/ BURDC)

International Protocol from p.4 cultural sensitivity, and etiquette through demonstrations and practical activities facilitated by the speakers.

Romano del Rosario, operations manager for Tuesday Tours and Travel and a certified Department of Tourism guide, gave a lecture on communications etiquette, cultural sensitivity, and the basics on proper grooming in his discussion, while Sylvia P. Goloyugo II, associate trainer and consultant at South East Asia Speakers and Trainers Bureau, Inc. and a training consultant at Confluent Management, Inc., talked about international protocol and its application during special events.

Concepcion R. Mendoza, former faculty at the St. Jude College, and a part-time faculty at the Philippine Women’s University also gave a lecture-demonstration on the proper etiquette during social gatherings as well as table manners and basic table settings. She also talked about social graces and protocol and the etiquette for office frontline employees.

The workshop aimed to foster an international culture at BU and orient the participants on their role as ambassadors of the university.

(Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Dr. Allan Schapira shares to the audience members how he got interested to Gamelan music during its turn-over ceremony to the BU College of Arts and Letters on July 14 at the BU Amphitheater. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Danish doctor donates Gamelan instruments to BU

Bicol University (BU) received Gamelan instruments donated by a retired medical doctor from Denmark during the turnover ceremony held July 14 at the College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater.

Dr. Allan Schapira said he hopes that his donation would help enrich the cultural tradition of the Bicol region. “It [Gamelan instruments] sounds very much as if it is going to change the cultural life in the Bicol region,” he said.

Gamelan, a traditional instrumental ensemble of Indonesia, is typically composed of many bronze percussion instruments.

Reiterating the thrust of the university to transform BU into a world-class university at par with the more advanced universities in the world, President Mascariñas lauded Schapira for his donation in his welcome message. In his

speech, Mascariñas said that BU is investing in cultural activities because the university cannot move forward unless it has a strong cultural foundation.

Headed by Professor Ramil Chavenia, the Gamelan instrument will be utilized by the BUGKOS Ginikan, a gamelan ensemble composed of Speech and Theater Arts students of the College of Arts and Letters and the major in MAPEH students of the College of Education.

In the turn-over ceremony, the BUGKOS Ginikanan played their very first music entitled”Panamit Tanug.” (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

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I S S N 2 0 9 4 - 3 9 9 1 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7

JULY 2016

Belgian researcher collaborates with BUCAL profs

A researcher and faculty member from the University of Leuven, Belgium recently visited Bicol University (BU) to collaborate with three professors at the College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) for a research study.

Students enjoyed the different booths prepared by the different University Based Organization of BU during the Cirque: Arts and Music Festival at the BU commencement grounds on July 14, 2016.

(Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BU Welcome Party showcases studes’ skills and talents

To showcase the skills and talents of the Bicol University (BU) students, a carnival-themed welcome party dubbed ‘Cirque: Arts and Music Festival’ was spearheaded by the University Student Council (USC) last July 13.

For this year, USC, in partnership with the College Student Councils (CSCs) and University Based Organizations (UBOs) held a University-wide Organization Fair to promote to the students the different organizations in the university and in the college level. The event was also held to showcase the different musical and artistic talents of the BUeños. Around 10, 000 delegates participated in the whole-day affair.

The event kicked-off with a mass, a foot parade and a Zumba dance exercise in the morning. This was followed shortly by the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open all the booths that participated in this year’s fair.

In the evening, a free concert was held with performances from bands, Pasale Albay and the USC. Students also took part in the carnival-themed fashion show and raffle draws. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

GLO@BU conducts workshop on International Culture

Stijn Van Laer, an instructional design technology expert, partnered with Prof. Jocelyn Bartolata, Assoc. Prof. Ma. Celina Eladia Meneses and Assoc. Prof. Gemma Bellena in a study entitled “Creating a Prototype Blended Learning Course for Bicol University: A Collaborative Research.” Laer will stay in the university from July 15 – August 20, 2016.

Laer’s interest in the collaboration is focused on the testing of an instructional design model of blended learning that supports learner’s self regulation. The Belgian professor is a former mentor of Bartolata, the project leader of the study who attended the International Training Program in Belgium in 2014.

Comprised of three studies, the collaborative research will focus on Study 1: A Look into the Systematic Design and Educational Technology Preparation of Implementers in the Context of Blended Learning; Study 2: Redesigning and Testing the Business Communication for Blended Learning (documenting of process towards policy recommendations); and Study 3: The Effectiveness of Blended Learning Design in Teaching Business Visiting Professor/page 2

Faculty members and students of the BU College of Nursing were toured inside the USNS Mercy Ship during its humanitarian mission to Legazpi City from June 27 to July 11, 2016.

(Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BU joins 11th Pacific Partnership Mission in Albay

Bicol University (BU) took part in the 11th Pacific Partnership Mission of the US Navy Fleet during its visit in the Philippines from June 27 to July 11, 2016.

Spearheaded by Prof. Samuel C. Bobiles, director of the Global Linkage Office at Bicol University (GLO@BU), the workshop aimed to further equip and enhance the participants’ knowledge on protocol,

Nursing and medicine students from Bicol University (BU) joined in the various civic-action projects conducted by the US troops as Albay was chosen as one of the mission stops of the Pacific Partnership 2016. The said students served as interpreters for the US Pacific Fleet personnel during their mission in Tabaco National High School, Ligao City, Municipality of Anislag, and in the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH). Some were also designated to the operating rooms and ward aboard the USNS Mercy, the world’s largest hospital ship.

BU students also attended a series of lectures on basic life support, first responder course, wound treatment, nursing skill workshops, environmental health, entomology, industrial hygiene, microbiology, disaster management, echocardiography, wound care, and emergency response, held inside the USNS Mercy ship and in BRTTH. Headed

by Prof. Jane Pecson, BU College of Nursing Training and Production Coordinator, together with the faculty members of the College of Nursing and College of Medicine, the students were likewise given the

International Protocol/Page 3

Pacific Partner/Page 2

Samuel C. Bobiles, Director of the Global Linkage Office at Bicol University, welcomes the participants of the International Protocol, Cultural Sensitivity, and Etiquette Workshop at the Casablanca Convention Center on July 27-28. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

In line with the university’s vision to be a world-class university, Bicol University officials, deans and directors, together with their department chairs, attended a two-day workshop on international protocol, cultural sensitivity and etiquette on July 27-28 at the Casablanca Convention Center, Legazpi City.

The Editorial Board

Editorial Head: Dr. Ma. Celina Eladia G. Meneses Associate Editor: Prof. Gladys G. Serafica Managing Editor: Ms. Merly J. Loria

Circulation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See Photojournalist/ Layout Artist: Earl Epson L. Recamunda Writer: Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta

Editorial Consultants: Dr. Reina O. Habalo Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas Overall Consultant: Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas