May 2017

MAY 2017 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5

Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167 www.bicol-u.edu.ph

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

University of Liverpool visit

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The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

o strengthen the attainment of our vision, Tpartnerships.

I see the urgent need for expansion and We cannot simply be complacent

and remain within our borders. We need to go out and tread international waters to seek for the best global trends and practices that can be adapted in Bicol University. We need to continuously upgrade and fortify our resources as we push for expansion in imbibing our identity as a Borderless University.

Travel enriches the soul and expands one’s horizons as it opens different worlds far from what we have been used to. The month of May has been both a busy and productive month for forging international academic linkages.

Notwithstanding the risks involved because of the various security threats that come with travelling, it becomes both an instrument and investment for expansion and the realization of our vision of becoming a world-class University.

The recent trip to London, in the heart of historic United Kingdom, has allowed me to place Bicol University side by side the prestigious University of Liverpool. The structural immensity of the University of Liverpool cannot be discounted.

But beyond its essential enormity, it is the prowess of their academic programs and the expertise of their faculty that make University of Liverpool a formidable academic partner.

Presently, Bicol University has developed a niche academic program through the auspices of the British Council and the Philippines Commission on Higher Education. This niche academic program focuses on a joint partnership in developing a dual academic program on Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems.

Strengthening student and faculty mobility in response to ASEAN integration is another concern that is addressed by our sustained international academic linkages. To address this concern, a team of BU personnel headed by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs was dispatched to South Korea for an international academic mission at Dongseo University.

Dongseo University has openly expressed their willingness to accept exchange students and visiting professors from Bicol University.

Indeed, the academic climate for Bicol University shows a promising future. As we work together for the attainment of our vision, let us dream of the day when we, at Bicol University, can finally say, that the best has come!

College of Science project staff transfer microvolumes of solutions to well plate. The project is part of the laboratory processing of crude extracts from plants endemic in Albay. (Inset) Newly purchased equipment of PCHRD-DOST funded project.

College of Science receives P2-M PCHRD research grant he Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a Tacademic government prime provider of financial grants to individuals who are in to research on health product and technology development, awarded a one-

year research funding support worth 2 million pesos to Bicol University College of Science. The project started last August 1, 2016 and will run until August 31, 2017.

As part of the Drug Discovery and Bicol” was approved.

Development (3D Program) of DOSTThe objective of the study includes PCHRD the research project entitled phytochemical identification and screening “Phytochemical and In vitro Bioactivity of antioxidant, anti-obesity, Screening of Medicinal Plants in Albay and anti-diabetic property PCHRD/p.2

CHED: BU is delivering HEI for Second Generation Training for new GEC teaching

Bicol University College Tby heoftheEducation was identified Commission on Higher BU and CHED V officials and personnel conducted a joint flag raising ceremony to commence the ASEAN Week Celebration and Higher Education Week on May 15 - 19, 2017, at the BU-Albay Sports Complex.

Higher Education Week fosters ASEAN awareness among Bicol HEIs

nchored on the theme “Harmony in Diversity, A Connecting with the ASEAN Community”, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V spearheaded The Higher Education Week in partnership with Bicol University ASEAN/p.2 (BU) on May 15-19, 2017.

Education (CHED) as the Delivering Higher Education Institution (HEI) for the Second Generation Faculty Training for the Teaching of the New General Education Courses (GEC) held on May 8-26, 2017, at the BUCE. The training program which gathered over 80 teacherparticipants from HEIs across Bicol aimed to train a large number of GE faculty from HEIs nationwide in the teaching and delivery of the new GE courses GEC Teachers/p.2

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The week-long celebration highlighted different ASEAN and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)–related talks and events.

In line with the Civil Service Commission’s Circular No. 16 s. 2013 on “ASEAN Week Celebration and Display of ASEAN Flag,” CHED V, BU and other Bicol HEIs gathered on May 15 at BU Albay Sports Complex for the Philippine-ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony.

The event sought to encourage all government agencies to include the singing of the ASEAN Anthem in the first flag ceremony of every month as well as to regularly display the ASEAN Flag, as part of the country’s efforts to participate in ASEAN Communitybuilding and foster awareness of ASEAN. On the same day, an event dubbed “ASEAN Assembly for Higher Education” was held at CAL Amphitheater. The ASEAN Exhibit and HEI Recognition Day took place during the event.

Furthermore, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Saint Anthony and BU shared experiences on ASEAN and Internationalization of HEIs linkages. An open forum with HEIs/ASEAN students enrolled in ASEAN from p.1

President Mascariñas and BU officials meet with University of Liverpool in London, United Kingdom

Pres. Mascariñas among PH delegation in Going Global 2017

icol University President Mascariñas B participated as part of the Philippine delegation to the Going Global 2017

Annual Conference on May 20-27, 2017 at Queen Elizabeth II Center, London, United Kingdom.

The international event is British Council’s annual conference on higher education that convenes policymakers, practitioners, and educators to discuss policies, trends, and issues around internationalisation of higher education.

Other meetings that the delegates attended were related to the TNE project between BC and the Commission on Higher Education which aims to establish partnerships between UK and Philippine higher education institutions.

Workplace Hazard Confab highlights safety for personnel

he Bicol University Health and Safety Tdubbed Advocates spearheaded a seminar “Workplace Hazards and their

Control” on May 16, 2017 at BU College of Nursing Amphitheater.

The event aimed to organize the Health and Safety Unit/Committee in the different colleges/campuses of the university. The College Student Council Presidents also took part in the seminar. Around 77 participants gathered in the said event. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas gave an inspirational message.

College of Medicine hails freshmen studes

he Bicol University College of Medicine TMD-MPA (BUCM) conducted its annual Freshmen Adaptation Program and Induction

Seminar week on May 30 – June 2, 2017 at BUCM. With the theme “Transcend: Embarking on the Road of a Five-star Physician”, the freshmen orientation program was designed to support new students as they begin their journey in medical school and be able to recognize and adjust to a different curriculum.

Region V HEIs was also held.

Likewise, representatives from Ateneo de Naga University, Naga College Foundation and BU lectured on quality information and awarding of HEIs achievements.

On May 16, an orientation on HEIs on CHED V HEIs programs on ASEAN linkages and projects as well as advocate ICT use to access CHED grants under K-12 Transition Program on the CHED Online Portal and Updates was held at Casa Lorenzo, Daraga, Albay. Dr. Dimson Rivero, BU International Linkages Office Director talked about linkages among universities.

A Briefing was conducted on May 17 at CAL Amphitheater to recent graduates on ASEAN Employment Opportunities and awarding of ESGP-PA Scholars, Press conference on CHED ASEAN/ Internationalization, Free Tuition Fee, K to 12 and other programs and policies.

Meanwhile, a Conference on ASEAN Civil Servant (Impact of ASEAN Integration, update on Geneder and Development, Civil Service Rules, benefits and responsibilities, and PRAISE-CHED 5 Employees awarding was held on May 18-19.

GEC Teachers from p.1

in both Filipino and English in their own respective institutions and/or regions.

The four GE courses are Art Appreciation, Life and Works of Rizal, Contemporary World, and Readings in Philippine History.

The said offering is anchored on R.A. 10522 or “An Act Enhancing the Philippine Basic Education System by Strengthening its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education.”

BU faculty members head the 2nd generation training for General Education Courses at BU College of Education on May 8-26, 2017.

PCHRD from p.1 of pre-identified 13

medicinal plants found in the slopes of Mt Malinao and Mt Mayon. A big portion of the research project budget is mainly for procurement of high-end laboratory equipment.

Prof. Jocelyn Serrano, Dean of the College of Science said that the approval of this externally funded research answers the university’s Research and Development thrust to undertake and integrate research efforts in relation to national and regional development goals. The College in support to research endeavors extended a counterpart of 260,000 pesos which includes the funds for the refurbishment of Natural Product Research Laboratory.

This undertaking is made possible

through the collaborative efforts of the project team headed by Dr. Lilibeth A. Cajuday, faculty and department head of the BS Biology Program of Bicol University College of Science. Included in the roster of project staff are Prof. Daile Meek S. Membreve, Prof. Jocelyn Serrano, Prof.

Michael V. Montealegre, and Prof Phil Morano together with Science Research Aides Diomerl Edward Baldo and Cyrin Mae Burton.

Research accomplishments such as the current project shall initiate the important use of natural products and as well as the generation of new knowledge that can address the health needs and problems of the country. (Diomerl Edward Baldo/BUCS)

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

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Participants of the conference on the joint program of BU and the University of Liverpool held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, on May 2, 2017.

Developing innovations on food sustainability: BU and University of Liverpool develops niche academic program

reaches our tables after passing through a series of linked systems. More popularly described as from ‘farm to fork’, from ‘seed to salad’ Fitself.ood or from ‘fry to frying pan’, these systems determine the quality and volume of food for human nutrition, animal feed and mankind’s security Understanding the nature, stability and interconnectivity of the systems is as relevant to our survival as life’s existence. Developing a suitable academic program is a formal strategy to address this imperative.

With support from British Council (BC) and BU and another from UoL upon completion Philippine Commission on Higher Education of requirements through aligned assessment (CHED), Bicol University (BU) and University criteria between the two institutions. of Liverpool (UoL), United Kingdom are jointly The overall aims of the program are uppartnering to develop a dual academic program skilling junior staff, preparing BU personnel for on Master of Science in Sustainable Food PhD in appropriate disciplines, and developing Systems (MSc SFS). research collaboration between the institutions.

The program aims to train professionals who Various strategies to deliver the program include will develop innovations on food sustainability team-teaching (‘flying faculty’), shared modules by managing linked systems in terrestrial and including online courses, and Liverpool students aquatic bio-resource environments. studying/researching at BU and vice-versa.

Potential tracks for specialization under the Key officials of BU and UoL have been program are plant genetics, aquaculture, value- meeting to design, cost, and determine suitable chain analysis, and precision and technology- funding arrangements and scholarships by enhanced agriculture. The key principle of CHED for the first batch of entrants to the the program recognizes that sustaining the program in late 2018. Under the CHED-BC Joint availability and access to food depends on the Development of Niche Program (JDNP), BU is linkage of the whole system and not on one envisioned to provide the platform of the program component of the food production cycle. in the Philippines in cooperation with other topUnder the dual program, the MSc candidate notched universities. is granted two separate degrees – one from Meanwhile three UoL officials namely Prof.

Prof. Mortimer, Dr. Edwards, and Prof. Andy Morse, met with the Pres. Mascariñas in the Office of the President to discuss the course of the visit.

Steve Edwards, Prof. Martin Mortimer and Prof.

Andy Morse visited BU on May 1-3, 2017. They evaluated facilities for graduate courses in the main campus, BU College of Agriculture and BU Tabaco Campusas part of the due diligence task by UoL for forging partnerships with other universities.

They also visited the College of Science Laboratory, FABLAB, HERRC Building and BU Main Library with demonstration on the e-journal subscription.

On the same day, a Partnership Conference was held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City. Prof.

Victor Soliman, BU Vice President fot Research, Development and Extension presented the BC-CHED funded TNE-JNDP. Prof, Antonio Payonga, BU Graduate School Dean provided the profile of key BU faculty while Prof. Antonio Payonga, former BURDC Director, delivered the presentation on BU R&D’s sustainable food systems.

Likewise, Prof. Edwards, Prof. Mortimer, and Prof. Morse gave a presentation UoL R&D partnerships. An open forum took place after the presentations.

They also discussed features of the most suitable academic program structure for MSc-SFS that should be aligned to the requirements for obtaining a Prof. Jonathan Arroco, CIT Dean, presents the sample outputs of master’s degree in BU and UoL. the Bicol FabLab to the visitors from University of Liverpool during The offering of the MSc-SFS their visit in the BU East Campus. starting next year will no longer require an approval from CHED as part of the JDNP where 10 other Philippine state universities and colleges are participating to develop similar niche graduate programs. (Dr. Victor Soliman, VP for Research, Development, and Extension)

Dr. Marissa N. Estrella introduces the projects and researches between Prof. Steve Edwards discusses the possible models of the joint BU and DOST PCARRD to the guests during their visit at the BU College program of BU and the University of Liverpool during a conference of Agriculture and Forestry. held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, on May 2, 2017.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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EXECUTIVE UPDATES

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(Editor’s Note: This column is reserved for information dissemination on policies, directions, targets and other relevant data for general awareness of the BU community following the principle of transparency and accountability in good governance.)

Responding to the Needs of Our Time: Bicol University’s Governance Structure BOARD OF REGENTS COMMISSION ON AUDIT

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

ACADEMIC COUNCIL

UNIVERSITY AND BOARD SECRETARY COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE

OFFICE OF THE VP FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

GRADUATE SCHOOL

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (incl. IPESR)

COLLEGE OF ART AND LETTERS

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

COLLEGE OF NURSING

PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT STAFF

INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES

OFFICE OF THE VP FOR RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION

OFFICE OF THE VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

LEGAL AFFAIRS OFFICE

COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

OFFICE OF THE VP FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS, AND MANAGEMENT

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFCE

POLANGUI CAMPUS

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY

GUBAT CAMPUS

TABACO CAMPUS

* Due to space constraints a slight deviation from the original layout was applied to the academic units’ boxes. -Ed.-

New org structure, 5S key focus of Leadership Training

B

icol University heads and officials underwent a three-day live-in Leadership Training and Planning Workshop on May 9-12, 2017 at LRV Agri-Science Farm, Brgy. Calabanga, Camarines Sur. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas along with the four Vice Presidents Dr. Amelia Dorosan (VPAF), Dr. Helen Llenaresas (VPAA), Dr. Victor Soliman (VPRDE), and Prof. Jerry Bigornia (VPPD) attended

USAID’s SURGE Project to further lift Legazpi City’s economy

he SURGE Project is Tprogram USAID’s five-year flagship in the Philippines, which was launched in July 2015 and covers the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga.

It aims to promote broad-based, inclusive, and resilient economic growth of secondary cities in the country, through the improvement of

the said events. Also present were the BU Directors, Chiefs, Heads of Office, Academic Deans and Administrative Officers.

The activity aimed to familiarize and update BU leaders about the University’s administrative processes, protocols, and decision-making hierarchies; provide planned, systematic process of improving organizational effectiveness and employee’s well-being; and guide and orient the newly designated officials on SUC levelling, Performance Based Bonus, Strategic Performance Management System Implementation and Program to Institutionalized Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management.

urban development and planning, promotion of lowemission local economic development, and facilitate greater connectivity and access between urban and rural areas. SURGE assists cities and adjacent areas to plan effectively, guarantee basic public services, reduce business transaction costs, promote competitiveness, support sustainable development, reduce disaster and climate change risks while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Bicol University (BU)

Dr. Victor Soliman, VPRDE, introduces the direction of BU in research, development and extension to the BU officials during their leadership training and planning workshop held at LRV Agri-Science Farm, Calabanga, Cam Sur on May 9-12, 2017.

participated in the Stakeholders’ Forum (SF) on May 16 represented

by Dr. Joseph Bartolata while BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas attended the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 17 at the Ibalong Conference Room, Legazpi City Hall Annex.

The SF was a whole day event which sought to identify the key constraints of the city that hinder its economic growth, and discuss key actions stakeholders need to undertake.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL BOARD Renelyn E. Bautista, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief Mary Ann M. See Circulation Manager Earl Epson L. Recamunda Photojournalist/ Layout Artist Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta Newswriter Diomerl Edward Baldo/BUCS Dr. Victor Soliman/VPRDE

Contributors Reina O. Habalo, Ed.D. Helen M. Llenaresas, Ed.D. Editorial Consultants Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Ph.D. Overall Consultant/Publisher