October 2016

ISSN 2094-3991

OCTOBER 2016

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10

The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX BU Pres. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas leads the ground breaking ceremonies for the three new BU buildings. Present in the event were university officials and some local government officials on October 5, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

October has brought a number of changes to the university, and we look forward to many more changes to come. All of these spell nothing but improvement for our beloved institution in all aspects—from additional program offerings to new infrastructures, not to mention a more appropriate and practical academic garb.

On the whole, Bicol University is slowly and carefully rationalizing every facet of its existence.

We aim to pursue the attainment of our vision in a holistic manner, leaving no item untouched or neglected. It may be a painstaking process, but it is the only way towards true excellence and subsequent world-class stature.

Even now, we see the fruits of these changes in the performance of our constituents, among faculty members and students alike.

We continue to shine in our engagements, and look forward to reap even greater harvests in the years to come. We do not get tired of making BU proud, that we may be even prouder to be part of this beloved institution.

Thank you for the continued commitment and may your love for Bicol University never wane and continue to grow!

BU grad ranks 8th in Mech Eng board exam

Earl Medallon Buemia, a graduate of Bicol University, made it to the top ten list of the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Exam released October 7.

Added to the roster of BU Regulation Commission and Camarines Norte State topnotchers, Buemia ranked announced in its website that College – Daet also made it to eighth with a rating of 88.85% 3, 110 out of 4, 470 passed the the top ten list. (Joshua Caleb Pacleta/OP) in the said test which was given licensure exam.

Meanwhile, two by the Board of Mechanical Bicolanos, Engineering last September 2016. other from BU posted an 81.58% passing coming State rate in the exam with 62 passers Sorsogon out of 76 takers. The Philippine College – Sorsogon

Ground breaking rites of three new BU buildings held

2016 CPA exam: BU is top 5 performing accountancy school in Phil Bicol University (BU) shares the spotlight with the top performing universities in the Philippines, results of the October 2016 Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Board Exam revealed.

Among the 462 institutions, BU placed fifth with a passing rate of 84.93% and a national passing rate of 36.48%. The University has produced 62 passers out of 73 who took the said exam.

It can be remembered that in last year’s CPA board exam, BU ranked third among the top performing schools with a rating of 94.20%. Monico Paulo Rañosa, an accountancy graduate in 2015, notched the 10th place with a rating of 90.86%.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University – Manila and Ateneo De Zamboanga ranked first to fourth place respectively. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP) SCHOLARSHIP

LEADERSHIP

A series of Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the three new BU buildings was conducted at the BU-Albay Provincial Sports Complex (New Grandstand) on October 5, in line with the Comprehensive Land-Use Plan of Bicol University.

The three new buildings are the threestorey BU Regional Information and Knowledge Center, two-storey BU Student Dormitory and three-storey University Student Union Center.

Albay Second District Congressman Joey Salceda represented by Atty. Carol Sabio, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal represented by the City Administrator Carlos Ante, Dir. George Colorado of CHED Region V, and Dir. Maria Angelita Cells of DBM gave their messages congratulating the university for this new achievement and expressing their support for the project. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas likewise gave his message of thanks, promising that this is only the start of a series of infrastructure projects.

Other BU officials, members of the board of regents, different college and unit heads, and BU students were also present during the said event. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/BU-OP with a report from Earl Recamunda/BU-OP) CHARACTER

SERVICE

Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, former Secretary of Health, discusses the challenges in integrating complementary therapies on medical schools during the BUCM Integrative Health and Medicine Seminar at the BU Amphitheater on October 8, 2016 . (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BUCM holds health and medicine seminar anew

The Bicol University College of Medicine (BUCM) through its Integrative Health and Medicine Seminar conducted a one-day seminar which focused on the complementary Filipino traditional healing practices held October 8, at the BU College of Arts and Letters Amphitheatre.

The event, which is on its third year now, focused on the challenges in integrating complementary therapies in medical schools discussed by the former Secretary of Health, Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan. Tan discussed the use of several existing herbal plants that heals common illnesses such as pili, malunggay, luyang-

dilaw and coconut oil as well as the takipkuhol, makabuhay, sambong and lagundi which are rarely known for healing in most localities in the country.

Also, he encouraged the medical students to conduct researches which focus on other herbal plant species yet unknown in the country.

On the other hand, integrative medicine practitioner Dr. Jessica de Leon shared her expertise in strengthening the health system through energy and body-mind medicine. She emphasized the significance of good energy flow that affects and helps the abnormal functions of the body organs through pranic healing which is a non-touch therapy/technique to uproot the causes of diseases.

Event co-sponsor and BUCM benefactor Dr. Nagato Azuma again attended the seminar on his second visit to the University. A closing dinner was conducted at Venezia Hotel after the activity as thanksgiving, and in celebration of the success of the event.

All medical students, along with teaching and non-teaching professionals of the University participated and were able to gain a number of new concepts on complementary therapies during the event. The event was spearheaded by the BUCM in cooperation with the BUCM Sigma Lambda Chi Fraternity and Sorority. (Christine Z. Andes/BUCM)

BU Costume from p.4 commencement exercises are held in the summer, and usually under open skies because of the large number of graduates. The Alikbuy, which is Bicol by heritage and culture, is climate-friendly and handy. Since it is locally weaved and customized, its use is exclusive for the university.

The move is likewise meant to rebrand the university identity, and further uphold the pride and spirit of BU based on its core values and aspirations.

The use of Alikbuy is also meant to promote Bicol’s

locally produced fibers, and stimulate and support the growing economy of the local textile industry in the region.

The Alikbuy symbolizes the “true Filipino and Bikolano”—from its design to its origin, needs, and symbols.

The University academic garb is essential to BU as it aims to be one of the leading Philippine Universities in the world in the coming years.

DESIGN The BU Alikbuy is made up of three local fibers indigenous to Bicol, which are abaca, piña formosa, and cotton. The official colors are

BU to allocate P1.7 M fund for BS Meteorology In its mission to provide world-class clientele service, Bicol University (BU) will allocate a million-peso fund as it launches the BS Meteorology to be offered at the College of Science.

The 1.7 million fund will be used to attract qualified personnel to fill the positions of Assistant Professor III, Assistant Professor I, Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician I, and Administrative Aide III. The allocation was authorized as per the General Appropriations Act RA 10717 for calendar year 2016. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

aqua blue, gray, and orange.

The design of the alikbuy utilizes the modest monopigmented Ibalon (Old name of Bikol), and is inspired by the over-dress garment similar to the well printed motif and multi-colored Malong of Mindanao.

The embroidered symbols of Bikol and the BU acronym in Baybayin adorn the academic garb.

In order to maintain the control over the production of the Alikbuy, the embroidery will be processed at the BU Fabrication Laboratory.

(Joshua Pacleta/OP)

CPDS from page 4

Hon. Conchita Carpio Morales keynotes the Youth Empowerment Forum held at the BU College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater on October 20, 2016. (Joshua Pacleta/OP

PH Ombudsman visits BU; inspires Albayano youth

Hon. Conchita Carpio Morales, Ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines, visited Bicol University (BU) and gave a keynote speech during the Youth Empowerment Forum held at the College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater, October 20.

The forum, which was participated by students from Bicol University and Aquinas University of Legazpi, was in line with the Office of the Ombudsman’s “Integrity Caravan to Southern Luzon.” Morales said in her speech that the campaign to improve the people’s lives cannot be complete without joining the crusade to end the forces that degrade people’s lives. Progress can only start to propel when corruption ends, according to Morales.

“The obvious challenge for young people is to say ‘yes’ in remaining upright in their doings be it in school, in community or at home,” the Ombudsman said.

She said that the challenge for young people is to remain conscious in saying no to compromising circumstances. She also said that those who are able to speak justice must do justice; those who speak accountability must be accountable with their action.

Morales concluded that the country needs young people who are competent, courageous, and conscientious, who can stand up for what is right and what is just both in principle and in action. She encouraged the students and youth to “lead the way and shine bright as the mighty sun.”

The Ombudsman also entertained questions from the students. (Joshua Caleb Pacleta/OP)

The areas for policy research shall cover Director. During its first two years of operation, areas like agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the center will be manned by faculty members natural resources, renewable energy, science from different academic units of the University and technology, rural, urban and regional who are interested in conducting researches development, tourism industry development, along policy and development. education and culture and arts.

Starting SY 2017-2018, faculty members ESTABLISHMENT PLAN will be hired to man the center before it totally BU-CSPD shall take-off from the pool of separates from the BURDC to stand on its own experts in the University in the different fields as a research center under the Vice-President such as education, agriculture and environmental for Research, Development and Extension. science, engineering, accountancy, business, (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP) economics and management, and medicine and nursing.

For its organizational structure, CSPD shall be under the BU Research and TheBicolUniversity BicolUniversity @BicolUofficial Development Center

Read more news

www.bicol-u.edu.ph

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

BUTC champs in national research contest

Four researchers from the Bicol University Tabaco Campus made a splash in the national research scene when they won the best paper (Professional Non FIMFS Category) during the 48th Annual National Convention of the Federation of Institutions for Marine and Freshwater Sciences held at University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, September 21-23.

BUTC faculty Ninfa Pelea, Leonila Barbacena, Maria Luisa Tango, and Glenda Abejuela’s research paper titled, “Indigeneous Knowledge System of Fishers on Peculiar Species in Lagonoy Gulf, Philippines for Fisheries Management”, outshone seven other researches in the said event.

This was the first time that the FIMFS gave awards for papers presented by non-member institutions like BU. The annual convention served as a venue for exchange and updating of research outputs, as well as a platform for mentoring young and budding scientists Specifically, the convention aimed to convene scientists and researchers involved in marine and freshwater sciences for sharing and exchange of research outputs and professional experiences; foster collaboration between member-institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders; and identify solutions to problems besetting the aquatic environment

and resources.

A total of 19 papers competed for best paper - 6 of which were for members, 8 for non-members, 2 for graduate students, and 3 for undergraduate students. Also, 44 researches from professionals were featured in the oral presentations plus 5 papers from the students and 32 poster presentations.

“The convention was worthspending on since we were able to meet again brilliant researchers, educators, students, and scientists as they shared their thoughts and wisdom about researches and innovations in the field of marine and fish science. The information gained is indeed vital in educating students and at the same time in pursuing quality researches.

With these, I gained so much information and ideas that I could share to my students and to the faculty members as well,” Abejuela said.

Their paper is from a research project funded by the BU Research and Development Center. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP )

CHED Commissioner Ruperto S. Sangalang gives a lecture on the establishment of the Techno-Demo and IGPs in SUCS on October 13, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

CHED Commissioner visits BU

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Ruperto Sangalang visited the Bicol University (BU) College of Agriculture and Forestry and Tabaco Campus on October 13, 2016.

Sangalang delivered a his observations on the outcomes presentation on the establishment of the Research and Development of Techno-Demo Projects and projects of the SUCs. He Income Generating Projects in emphasized the importance of State Universities and Colleges conducting intensive analysis (SUCs), which aimed to improve of the projects and conducting the implementation of these extension cum research. research and development and After his presentation, he extension projects. entertained questions from the Before his presentation, the crowd composed of researchers, two BU units presented their professors, and officials, research and extension outputs concerning matters on research and accomplishments. and extension. (Earl Epson L. Sangalang also mentioned Recamunda/BU-OP)

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

The BU team together with their coach, Engr. Ben Saminiano (second from the right)during the ACM-ICPC Philippines Southern Luzon Invitational Programming Contest 20166 held at Ateneo de Nage University on October 1, 2016(Photo courtesy of Engr. Ben Saminiano)

BU tops Southern Luzon programming tilt

Bicol University (BU) teams garnered top spots during the American Computing Machine Collegiate Programming Competition (ACM-ICPC) Philippines Southern Luzon Invitational Programming Contest 2016 held at Ateneo de Naga University, October 1.

Three teams from BU competed against twelve other teams from eight schools in southern luzon. BU placed third among the Over-all Top Performing Schools.

The team was composed of Ray Anthony Gonzaga, BS-CPE 5; John Lemuel Lipio, BS-ECE 3; and Raymund C. Sarturio, BSIT4 garnered the 4th place. On the other hand, B-Jay Carrillo, BS-CPE 5; Miguel Dorado, BSECE 3; and Brian Broñola, BSECE2 got the 6th place in the top performing teams.

Meanwhile, Engr. Ben Saminiano was hailed as the third top performing coach in the said competition. The contest was sponsored by the International Business Machines. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP) GATE from page 4 R.J. Macer, president of American University of Sovereign Nations, Arizona, USA; HEIs Contribution to Local Development through Research-based Extension Programs

by Ms. Agnes M. Espinas, director of Region V National Economic and Development Authority, and Academic Publishing

by Prof.

Jonalou S.J. Labor of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Eleven groups of local researchers vied for the best paper competition with works along teaching and technology, research – based extension projects, curriculum, and research and development. Dr. Nicanor Balbin of BU College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) emerged as the first best paper award for his work on the “Development and Evaluation of Refrigerant

Recovery, Recharge and Vacuum Pump Apparatus with Refrigerated Cooling System”. Second in rank was Dr. Dolores Laguilles of BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy for authoring “Sex Disaggregated Data of the Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel of Bicol University for 2013: An Explanatory Study”. Prof.

Jayson Abrigo of BUCIT obtained the third best paper for presenting the “Hydro-Pneumatic Power Brake System Trainer”.

The Extension Service Center worked collaboratively with the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, Global Linkage Office, Research and Development Center, and the College of Education in realizing this event.

(Ma. Corazon R. Naz/ Rowena F. Zoilo/ ESC)

Graduate Forum from page 4 The students delivered their paper presentations on the different agencies like: Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board; Department of Education; Philippine National Police; Department of Social Welfare and Development; Commission on Audit; Department of Public Works and Highways; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Justice; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; Department of Agrarian Reform; National Food Authority; Department of Budget

and Management; and Department of Science and Technology.

Atty. Alex Nepomuceno, CSSP Dean and MPA students’ adviser in the course Operation Management and Leadership, gave the opening remarks. Also, College of Business, Economics and Management Dean, Dr. Eddie See, delivered a message to the students.

Atty. Daisy Bragais, Assistant Regional Director of the Civil Service Commission Region V, graced the event as the keynote speaker. (Joshua Caleb Pacleta/OP)

ISSN 2094-3991

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10

OCTOBER 2016

BU-OSS rebrands org BU to launch In a bid to rebrand the organization to incorporate function that caters to student affairs, the Center for Policy itsBicolnewUniversity Office of the Student Services will now be called the Office of the and Dev’t Studies (BU-OSS) Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) effective this

Sample photo of the BU Alikbuy

BU adopts new academic costume

Graduates of Bicol University in the succeeding years will soon wear the “BU Alikbuy,” the official academic costume of the university.

BU Alikbuy was proposed during the Synchronized Pre-Board and Finance Committee meetings held on August 31 at the National Economic and Development Authority Region 5. The move to replace the traditional academic gown or “toga” to the new academic costume was borne out of the desire of the university for institutional distinction as the Alikbuy will serve as a University symbol that will distinguish BU from other universities.

Proponents of the BU Alikbuy also cited the expediency of using Alikbuy instead of the traditional toga given that the annual BU Costume/Page 2

Bicol University (BU) will launch the Center for Policy and Development Studies (CPDS) as part of its mission to promote policyoriented research and development programs relevant to the region and the nation.

Pooling together the University’s multidisciplinary experts, it is the aim of CSPD to be the leading research and advocacy center that promotes trans-disciplinary and state-ofthe-art approaches in analyzing policy issues of regional and national significance.

CPSD endeavors to disseminate results and recommendations of policy analysis conducted through appropriate modes of communication, and organize training programs and advocacies to help improve policy-oriented researches. It is also the vision of the Center to provide advisory and technical assistance services to both public and private sectors along policy research and program development and administration.

With a strong focus on the policy and development concerns in the region, the CPSD’s activities will revolve around its five complementing functions—knowledge management, policy analysis, policy advocacy, advisory and technical assistance and linkages.

In terms of its research agenda, CPSD’s policy researches will cover the entire spectrum of the policy-making process—from policy formulation, policy implementation to policy evaluation. The effectiveness of policies will be evaluated in terms of accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, participation, and transparency.

CPDS/Page 2

year.

Along with its modified name, OSAS will also undergo a change in its organizational structure, and a rebranding of its logo. This was approved during the 115th BU Board of Regents Meeting held last September 30 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Quezon City.

The rebranding of the organization was meant to ensure the there is an office that will manage the student affairs and services, and to guarantee that there is an adequate number of student services’ personnel to serve the student population.

The move was likewise made to comply with the minimum requirements for the student affairs and services as required by CHED and other accrediting institutions CHED Memorandum Order No. 9 s. 2013 or the Enhanced Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services served as the OSAS’ legal basis in its proposal. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

BU Public Ad studes head graduate forum

The Bicol University Master in Public Administration students headed a graduate forum dubbed “Public Service Delivery of Select Philippine Government Agencies” at Arcilla Hall, College of Social and Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), October 1.

The event was anchored on the theme “Empowering and Transforming People through Delivery of Quality Public Service Delivery.” The MPA students gave relevant information and recommendation about the history, public service delivery, and programs of the selected government agencies in the Philippines.

Graduate Forum/Page 3

CONGRATULATIONS to all the passers

OCTOBER 2016 MECHANICAL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAMINATION

EARL MEDALLON BUEMIA

88.85% Rank 8 BU Passing Rate: 81.58% National Passing Rate: 69.57%

OCTOBER 2016 CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT LICENSURE EXAMINATION

5TH TOP PERFORMING SCHOOL BU Passing Rate: 84.93% National Passing Rate: 36.48%

The Editorial Board

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

The participants pose together with the speakers during the Global Alternative Technologies in Education Conference held at the Casablanca Convention Center, Legazpi City on October 26, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/BU-OP)

BU conducts GATE Conference

Aimed to bring together approximately 100 academe, researchers, extension service implementers and interested entities to a venue in presenting updates on both local and international education trends in higher education, American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN) and Bicol University jointly held a Global Alternative Technologies I Education (GATE) Conference at Casablanca Hotel on October 26-28, 2016.

The conference brought in new perspectives and insights on interesting topics such as the Internationalization of Higher Education by Ms. Nelly Wadsworth, director of International Education Center, Fitchburg State University, Massachusetts, USA; Bio-ethics in Education by Prof. Darryl

GATE/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