November 2016

ISSN 2094-3991

The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

NOVEMBER 2016

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11

Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU President, welcomes the team of external auditors from TÜV Rheinland during the opening meeting at the BU GASS Conference Room on November 28, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Passing through the needle’s eye: BU achieves ISO recertification

We have triumphed once again! For a brief moment, we felt a tad anxious by the fact that we had a new accrediting body, the TÜV Rheinland, Philippines, which specializes on educational institutions unlike the previous more industry-geared auditing firm. With no consultant to guide us, we only had ourselves to rely on in this feat. And, thank God, we made it!

My heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you. I cannot help but be extra proud of this, our achievement, that thought we did not know what to expect, we were ready for anything, and we persevered.

We continue to soar, higher and higher, towards reaching our vision.

We continue to excel in the performance of faculty, students, and graduates.

Collectively, we can achieve many great things.

Congratulations, dear BUeños, for a job well done!

Thank you for believing that the best is yet to come!

Bicol University (BU) successfully passed the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recertification surveillance audit last November 28-29.

The audit was conducted by Headed by Ramoncito Puyat, Top level management of BU; TÜV Rheinland, a new certifying audit leader, along with Jean educational design and planning organization and one of the Laguitao and Ricky Inocencio, process of CAL, CN, CS, CE, leading international certifying the scope of the surveillance visit and CBEM; curriculum and bodies with its headquarters were curriculum development educational delivery planning, based in Cologne, Germany. and provision of tertiary and design and development/ TÜV Rheinland established graduate education, community faculty planning, monitoring its pioneering international extension services and guidance d e v e l o p m e n t / m o n i t o r i n g certification body in the services. and evaluation of educational Philippines in 1991.

There were five sites in BU outcomes, accreditation records “The Group’s mission and that were visited by the ISO and educational delivery guiding principle is to achieve auditing team – Legazpi (Main records management; control sustained development of safety Campus), Daraga Campus, of documented information; and quality in order to meet Guinobatan (CAF), Polangui document and records control; the challenges arising from Campus, and Tabaco Campus. internal quality audit; admission the interaction between man, On the first day, the and registrar and; student affairs technology and the environment,” representatives of the ISO and services. according to its website. audited the following areas: The team also audited the ISO/Page 2

BU to embrace new academic landscape

As part of its thrust to become a world-class institution, Bicol University (BU) will embrace a new academic landscape to achieve a resource-wise quality education by 2018.

With the changing educational Under the new academic landscape in the country brought landscape, duplication of course about by the implementation of offerings among units will be the K-12 Program, BU has ensured discouraged unless justified due the viability of its programs by to geological location, and the constantly conducting curricular relevance of the course in the assessment to determine the immediate service area. This move marketability, competency is in consonance with BU’s “one and faculty requirements of University one standard” policy to its programs, as well as the ensure quality education, and the performance of its course offerings efficient use of both human and in board examinations and material resources. accreditation.

According to Vice President

BU grads reach sky high in LET Bicol University (BU) has proven once again that it is the home of Teaching Excellence after it notched top places in the recent Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) both in the elementary and secondary level.

In the elementary level, Zanita Corullo notched the 4th place with a rating of 87.20%, while Denice Bea Bedis ranked 10th with 86.20%.

In the secondary level, Maria Tricia Nasayao net the 9th place with a rating of 88.20%.

Academic Landscape/Page 2 SCHOLARSHIP

LEADERSHIP

CHARACTER

ISO/Page 2 SERVICE

Academic Landscape from p.1 for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Helen Llenaresas, the objective of the academic landscape is to identify the banner programs for all the colleges in the institution. “We will not be repeating the offering of courses in one college to another college.”

With this, the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) will be absorbed by the College of Education, while the Information Technology course will be moved from the College of Science (CS) to the Polangui Campus (PC). Likewise, the BS in Nursing and BS in Entrepreneurship will be removed from the Tabaco Campus (TC) and PC. “Some courses will be put on hold. Some courses will be retained by their mother colleges. New courses perhaps may be proposed to take advantage of the market demand,” BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas said.

In addition, courses in certain colleges with small enrollees will be placed or merged into another college where that course is performing well.

“Ang ibig sabihin niyan, kung may Nursing na dito [main campus] and its performing very well, you don’t have to offer it in Polangui or Tabaco Campus. Kung yung education mayroon doon, mayroon dito, pagisahin na lang natin,” Llenaresas stated.

The academic landscaping is intended only for the incoming first year students. Students in the higher years who are not included in the K-12 implementation will not be affected.

LET from p.1

BU recorded a 30.18% national passing rate in the elementary level and 33.78% in the secondary level.

The university has produced 129 elementary teachers out of the 189 who took the exam, and 511 high school teachers out of 1224 takers.

In the national level, over 54,000 examinees passed the LET both in the elementary and secondary level given last September 2016, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said last Monday.

According to the PRC, 23,378 elementary teachers out of 77, 466 examinees (30.18%) and 31, 334

Once the academic landscape is implemented, faculty members will be transferred to the colleges or campuses where their areas of specialization are offered.

UNIT BANNER PROGRAMS Every college or academic unit of the university will adopt a banner program/s which will showcase the unique capability of the unit to provide excellent delivery of its mandates on instruction, research and extension.

The banner programs which will be offered from the following academic units are: College of Social Sciences and Philosophy – Social Work, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science and Peace and Security Studies; College of Business Economics and Management – Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Business Administration; College of Arts and Letters – Speech and Theater Arts, Journalism, Communication, Broadcasting and English and; College of Engineering – Civil/ Electrical/Mining Engineering, Mechanical/Chemical/Geodetic Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Architecture will offer Architecture; College of Agriculture and Forestry – Agriculture/Forestry and related courses; CS – Chemistry/Biology/ Computer Science/, Meteorology and proposed BS Mathematics/ Statistics/Physics; CE (IPESR as its unit) – Elementary/Secondary Education and Physical Education; College of Nursing – Nursing (Regular/Ladderized) and; PC – secondary teachers out of 92,754 examinees (33.78%) passed the LET given in Hong Kong and 25 testing centers in the Philippines.

The PRC further said that of the 23, 378 elementary teacher passers, 21, 896 are first timers and 1, 482 are repeaters. For the secondary teachers, 28, 957 passers are first timers while 2, 377 are repeaters.

Meanwhile, the PRC stated that the registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be on December 5 to 23, 2016.

(Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

ISO from p.1 educational delivery process/classroom management in CAL, CN, CS, CE, IPESR, GS, CENG, IA, and CIT. A classroom observation was also done. The medical and dental clinic; university library; university guidance service; human resource management; and procurement office were also audited.

Meanwhile, on the second day, the ISO auditing team visited CAF, PC and TC. The three satellite campuses also underwent the same auditing process which was done in the main campus.

The ISO audit system is just one of the quality assurance mechanisms utilized by BU to ensure the efficient performance of the university in meeting its goals such as commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

(Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

Mr. Erwin Torres, OIC Planning and Management Office, gives a lecture during the BU Planning and Target-Setting Workshop for 2017 at the Patio de San Jose, Malilipot Albay.

(Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Information Technology and other ICT, Computer Engineering and Secondary Education major in TLE. Likewise, the College of Industrial Technology will offer all technology courses and Technical Teacher Education; Gubat Campus – Elementary Education, Secondary Education (Filipino and Social Studies), DAT/BAT and Entrepreneurship; TC – Fisheries and Fishery Technology, Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Secondary Education (Biology); College of Medicine – Doctor of Medicine and related courses and; Graduate School – all graduate courses and special programs.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Since BU will welcome first year students by 2018, the university is intending to reduce the number of students per class from 50 to 40.

The target number of students per block is 35 to 40. Each block will only accommodate five students who are either returning students, shifters, or regular students.

For laboratory courses, the university will only allow 25 students per class. VPAA Llenaresas emphasized that prospective students must meet the minimum 86% passing rate in the BU College Entrance Test to be admitted to the university especially those intending to enroll in board courses.

USC Chairperson and Student Regent Patrick Anthony Nota said students who wish to enroll in board courses especially in Forestry and Agricultural Engineering must meet the standards of BU since the university is known as a topperforming school in these fields.

Course offerings that comprise most of the below cut-off students will also be lessened.

All curricular offerings in BU will likewise be revised in preparation for 2018 when the university opens its enrollment for graduates of senior high school. (Joshua Caleb Pacleta/ OP | Cassandra Balala, The Bicol Universitarian)

BU Pubs from p.4 Page and; 7th place in Sports Page.

In the magazine category, The Inditers emerged as the champion in the Editorial Page and DevComm Page. The publication also won 2nd place in Literary Page, Feature Page, Opinion Page, Page Design, and Cover Design and 5th and 6th place respectively in News Page and Sports Page.

In the Literary Folio Category, The Inditers’ “Digta” won 3rd place in Page Design, 4th place in Literary Page and Visual Arts and 5th place in Best Concept.

For the 25 individual events, The Bicol Universitarian claimed the lion’s share with 21 wins, 14 of its staff members qualifying in

the national Luzon-Wide press con. Budyong garnered 9 wins with 6 national qualifiers, while The Inditers won 7 awards with 4 qualifiers.

The BUeños who made it to the top 5 in the individual events will earn a spot in the 16th Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference to be held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan come February 22-24, 2017.

They will be competing against other participants from Region 1 (Ilocos), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 3 (Central Luzon), Region 4A (Calabarzon), and Region 4B (Mimaropa). (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

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@BicolUofficial

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

BU admits over 4000 scholars for second sem

Participants and guest speakers strike a pose during the 10th International Kuroshio Science Symposium held at Patio de San Jose, Malilipot, Albay on Novermber 24-26, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Kuroshio from page 4 In the symposium’s rationale, the Kuroshio Current has been referred to as a typhoon alley because of the severe tropical storms that follow its warm-water energy path that strikes the coasts of the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan.

“For this reason, Kuroshio, together with the current broad scale of phenomenon of global warming has tremendously influenced the way of life of the people living in coastal areas including the terrestrial and marine resources upon which their economy depend on,” as stated in the rationale.

With this, the conference was conceptualized to further understand the impacts of Kuroshio among the countries involved using the lenses of ecological, environmental, economic and social perspectives.

It is therefore expected to bring scientific information beneficial to all countries.

“As early as 2004, BU has collaborated with Kochi

University following a research presentation by Dr. Victor Soliman on a Post-Resource and Social Assessment of Lagonoy Golf, as part of the Kuroshio Triangle.

The research proved to be the start of a number of engagements that led to the First International Kuroshio Symposium held in 2007 in Japan,” President Arnulfo Mascariñas said.

“The IKSS also provides an opportunity to share new knowledge and best practices in protecting our environment and managing it for our own welfare and development,” Mascariñas stressed.

With the theme, “Addressing Coastal Resources Conservation and Food Security thru Sciencebased Solutions and Innovations,” the event emphasized the important role of Kuroshio Science in the fulfillment of the world’s sustainable development goals, particularly the fight against hunger. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/ OP)

BU undergoes AACCUP accreditation

Guided by its vision to be a world-class institution, Bicol University (BU) underwent the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities (AACCUP) accreditation fourth survey visit last November 14-18, 2016.

The BU programs that accreditation of the MM program, were accredited were: Master in together with Taupan, Obrero, Management (MM), Master of Arts Tucay, Gaño and Asid. in Public Administration (MaPA), For the Ed. DELM and MaEd, Doctor of Education in Educational the surveyors were Dr. Eden Callo, Management (Ed. DELM), Master Dr. Ricardo Somblingo, Prof. Elisa of Arts in Education (MaEd), Apelado, Dr. Emma Ventura and Master of Arts in Industrial Dr. Asid. They were led by Dr. Education (MAIE), and Bachelor Danilo Galicia and Dr. Tessie de la of Science in Industrial Education Cruz.

(BSIE).

In the opening program held Headed by Dr. Edilberto at the College of Arts and Letters Andal, the team of accreditors Amphitheater, BU President who evaluated the MAIE program Arnulfo M. Mascariñas presented includes Prof. Franco Nero, Dr. to the accreditors and audience the Renelda Nacianceno, Dr. Nelson profile of excellence of BU. Nacana, Dr. Marites Fronda and Founded in 1987, AACCUP is Dr.Benhur Asid. the youngest of the four accrediting Team leader, Dr.Esmen Cabal, agencies in the country until late led the panel composed of Nero, 2003. As stipulated in its charter, Nacienceno, Nacana, Fronda, and one of its functions is “to develop Asid in assessing the BSIE program. a mechanism of, and conduct Meanwhile, Prof. Liberato the evaluation of programs and Silverio headed the team composed institutions.” Programs that are of Dr. Sarah Taupan, Dr. Remegio awarded accreditation status Obrero, Dr. Estrelita Tucay, Dr. are recognized for their quality Leticia Gaño, and Dr. Asid for standards. (Joshua Caleb P. the MAPA program, while Dr. Pacleta/OP) Cristina Salvosa, supervised the

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Despite the K-12 program’s impact on Bicol University’s (BU) enrollment, BU still managed to provide an avenue for the students to lessen their educational expenses by offering various scholarships.

For the second semester of 759 and the Polangui Campus academic year 2016-2017, the with 654.

BU Office of Student Affairs Meanwhile, the College of and Services has recorded a Medicine has the least number total of 4, 412 scholars from of scholars with 1, followed by all colleges and institutes of the College of Arts and Letters BU. The types of scholarships with five scholars, and the offered in BU are either College of Nursing with 14. classified as internal, study Here is the list of colleges grants, external and loan and their corresponding grants. number of scholars: At least 1756 students College of Engineering, were granted with internal 331; College of Industrial scholarships, 9 were recipients Technology, 268; Gubat of the study grants,and one Campus, 262; Tabaco Campus, for the loan grants. Also, 247; College of Agriculture and 2647 students benefited Forestry, 213; College of Social from externally-funded Sciences and Philosophy, scholarships.

194; College of Science, 134; The College of Business Institute of Physical Education Economics and Management Sports and Recreation, 89; has the most number of Graduate School, 81; Institute scholars with 851, followed by of Architecture, 28. (Joshua the College of Education with Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

BU welcomes Belgian stude

As part of its vision to become a borderless university, Bicol University (BU) once again opened its door to a foreign student from Belgium.

Ysaline Declercq, 19, is a high school student of Ecole Europeene de Bruxelles I – Uccle, Brussels, Belgium. Declercq’s study in BU was made possible through her scholarship in the AFS Intercultural Program.

“I love meeting people, having conversations, spending some time in a group,” Declercq said.She also added that her hobbies include drawing and horse riding and the subjects that she love the most are Philosophy, French, English and History.

The Belgian student is also passionate in Biology. In fact, she finds it interesting to know how every living creature works.

More than anything else, Ysaline values the importance of education.

“I love school because I think that without a goal our life feels worthless. It teaches us life in community and the difficulties we would be facing in life at a smaller scale.

When asked about her first impression with BU, the BUeños and Bicolanos, Declercq said, “My very first impression of BU was that it was really big. In fact there are campuses all around the city. I found it easy to feel secured because the members of the main offices were always ready to help me with anything. I found the students joyful and curious! Many of them were interested about where I came from, why I was here, how it was in my home country. It really helped to get to know some of them really quickly. What I can say about Bicolanos in general is that they are really cheerful and spontaneous people.”

Likewise, Declercq is currently enrolled in the Journalism program and is taking courses like Speech and Communication, Magazine Publishing, Feature Writing, Online journalism and Masining na Pagpapahayag.

“Being completely alone in a place where I didn’t know anyone or anything, I learned to be more independent by organizing things on my own.

Moreover, I realized that even if people look completely different and you wonder how you will be able to adapt, you will often be surprised to see that you share much more than at first sight, and in the end, you make new friends,” she stated.

Declercq will go back to Belgium come March 30, 2017. She said that she plans to visit Legazpi again as she feels it is her second home. “I plan to come back with my family and one of my best friends who is half Filipina,” Declercq said.(Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

ISSN 2094-3991

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11

NOVEMBER 2016

BU Pubs rake awards in regional journ tilt

BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas beams with pride as he strikes a pose with the participants of the 12th AUAP-DHC General Conference at Novotel Hotel, Daegu City, South Korea.

Going Global: Pres. Mascariñas attends int’l confab Consistent with its mission to bring Bicol University (BU) to the world, President Arnulfo Mascariñas attended the 12th Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) General Conference held at the Novotel Hotel, Daegu City, South Korea on Novermber 7-9, 2016.

The international event, which was hosted by the Daegu Health College, in partnership with the AUAP, aimed to provide a platform for exchange of ideas, suggestions and operation of proposed strategies in areas like higher education, entrepreneurship and employment.

Members and participants of the AUAP meet yearly for the said international conference in order to analyze, positively criticize, and offer solutions to various AUAP issues.

Different talks were delivered during the three-day event. The speakers who graced the confab were: Mr. Bonian Golmohammadi, Secretary General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations; Dr. Sompop Manarusan (Thailand), President of the Panyapiwat Insitute of Management and Vice President of CP All Public Company Limited; Dr. Fernando Leon Garcia (Mexico), President of Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior University, Mexico and; Mr. Thumbay Moideen (United Arab of Emirates), President of Thumbay Group in UAE. A special lecture was also conducted which focused on beauty therapy, and a panel discussion was also held which circled on the topic, “University-Industry Relations: Creating Mutually Beneficial Partnerships.

The event was anchored on the theme, “The Roles of Universities in Fostering Student Employability and Entrepreneurship.” (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

Bicol University (BU) once again proved that it is the home of the best campus writers in the region after it raked numerous awards in the 17th Region V Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) held at Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial College of Agriculture and Technology, Mandaon, Masbate, November 16-18.

Three BU campus publications, namely, The Bicol Universitarian, official student publication of BU, Budyong of BU College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and The Inditers of BU Polangui Campus (PC), won big in the different individual events and group categories during the RTSPC. The Bicol Universitarian was hailed as the best campus paper in Tabloid category. The publication’s wins include: 1st place in News Page, Editorial Page, Opinion Page, DevCom Page, and Page Design; 2nd place in Feature Page; 3rd place in Literary Page and; 4th place in Sports Page.

In the Newsletter category, The Bicol Universitarian won the championship in the Opinion Page and Features Page. It also placed 2nd in the News Page and Page Design; 3rd place in Literary Page and; 4th place in Editorial, DevComm and Sports Page.

Meanwhile, Budyong bagged the following awards in the tabloid category: 2nd place in Opinion Page; 4th place in News Page, Editorial Page, Page Design, and DevCom Page; 5th place in Feature Page and Literary BU Pubs/Page 2

CONGRATULATIONS to all the passers

SEPTEMBER 2016 LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS (L.E.T.)

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

ZANITA BOÑALES CORULLO 87.40% Rank 4

DENICE BEA BEDIS 86.20% Rank 10

SECONDARY LEVEL

MARIA TRICIA BERTIZ NASAYAO 88.20% Rank 9

BU Passing Rate:

Elementary: Secondary: BU Gubat: 81.13% BU Tabaco: 62.59% BU Legazpi: 24.91% BU Daraga: 73.68% BU Daraga: 59.40% BUCIT: 23.96% BU Polangui: 70.48% BU Gubat: 43.18% BU Guinobatan: 8.89% BU Legazpi: 42.86% BU Polangui: 40% National Passing Rate: Elementary Level: 30.18% Secondary Level: 33.78%

The Editorial Board

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

Dr. Teruyuki Shinbo, a professor from Kochi University, introduces the Kuroshio current to the participants of the 10th International Kuroshio Science Symposium held at Patio de San Jose,Malilipot Albayon Novermber 24, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BU holds int’l confab on coastal resources conservation, food safety

To address problems and foster cooperation on coastal resources conservation and food security, Bicol University (BU) hosted the third cycle of the 10th International Kuroshio Science Symposium (IKSS) at Patio de San Jose, Malilipot, Albay on November 24-26.

The symposium discussed various topics on fisheries and coastal resource management, ecological habitats and coral sciences, socioeconomics and food security, biosciences and oceanography.

The convention, which was attended by participants from BU Tabaco Campus, Partido State University, Kochi University (Japan), National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan), BU Research and Development Center, also featured a lecture series on the diverse aspects of marine protected areas.

Kuroshio/Page 3 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