April 2018

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

APRIL 2018 | Vol. X Issue 4

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ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

To the graduates of Bicol University batch 2018: here is always something meaningful in every graduation.

It may be an annual affair, but it is something that is uniquely personal for each graduate. Each graduation ceremony holds a diverse meaning and a different purpose for the graduate.

To the parents, it is a period of pride and unending joy and gratitude for a great blessing and reward for all the hardships and sacrifices endured. For you, the graduates, it is a culmination of four or five years’ worth of waiting, working, and sweating it out every step of the way for the diploma that will serve as a bridge to your future career and contribution to the world.

For us, your Bicol University family, it is a moment of triumph and pride, because we are finally seeing the fruits of our life-long labors.

My dear Bicol University graduates, I am truly confident that as an academic institution known for its excellent and relevant academic program offerings, Bicol University, through its competent faculty has prepared you extensively for the life you are about to lead beyond the University borders. Spread your wings and let yourself be guided by the pillars of Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Let yourself be carried by the winds of transformative change as you become social catalysts living up to the lofty ideals of Bicol University.

Congratulations and May you always be blessed in all your endeavors!

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News | P7

DOST and BU meet-up for BRFICC harmonization

BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas (center, in white) and LCWD Board of Directors Chairman Ranulfo Imperial (second from right) sign the MOA concerning the repair, upgrade and maintenance of the water system of BU’s Main and East Campus.

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LCWD and BU inks MOA for water system of main and east campuses

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Bicol University and the Legazpi City Water District (LCWD) was signed last April 18, 2018, which involves the installation, repair, upgrade and maintenance of the water service system across the university’s main campuses.

During a meeting in the office of BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas, the president signed the MOA with Mr. Ranulfo Imperial, chairman of LCWD’s Board of Directors, along with other representatives of BU and LCWD as witnesses.

As indicated in the MOA, LCWD will be undertaking the implementation of the ‘Proposed Rehabilitation, Improvement,

and Installation of Equipment of Water Distribution Network of the BU Main and East Campus’.

According to the agreement, the project shall be implemented as soon as LCWD receives a ‘Notice to Proceed’ from BU and will have a 210 calendar days of project duration.

The constructed and rehabilitated pipeline network shall be subjected to pertinent testing requirements, in accordance to the applicable standards to ensure durability and reliability of the water system.

LCWD will be handling the procurement of all materials, equipment, and appurtenances necessary for the implementation and completion of the project.

BUTC receives Php 8.5 million from DOSTPCAARRD for two research projects

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wo research projects were recently approved

by Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) researchers.

The first project, entitled “Current Status and Resilience of Coral Reefs in Lagonoy Gulf, Eastern Bicol”, was awarded by the Marine Resource Research Division (MRRD) of PCAARRD with a total budget of Php 4.9 million for three years under the leadership of

Column | P3

The Uncontested Best Teachers of the World

Prof. Antonino B. Mendoza, Jr. The main objective of this project is to assess current status of coral reefs around Lagonoy Gulf and to determine the potential recovery and resilience of these resources after a natural catastrophe.

The second project is from Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), entitled “Eel Fishery along the Tributaries of Lagonoy Gulf: Its Implication to Management and Conservation”, with an approved budget of DOST-PCAARRD | P6

Feature | P4

8,502 BUstudents graduate for 2018

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The BUzzette

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL An Edge Above Others

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very year, Bicol University produces graduates for the country’s labor force. This year Bicol University produced 8, 502 graduates who will join the employment search.

What future awaits the graduates?

The good news is the Bicol Region is not among those with the lowest employment rates. The current employment climate seems to favor those in the Bicol Region as the Regions with the lowest employment rates based on the January 2018 Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority were attributed to the National Capital Region (NCR) with 92.2%, Ilocos Region, and CALABARZON were on the same spot at 93.3%. Employment rate in January 2018 was estimated at 94.7 percent with a 1.3 percent difference from the January 2017 employment rate at 93.4 percent. Workers in the construction and manufacturing subsectors made up the largest groups, accounting for 48.2 percent and 47.0 percent of the workers in these subsectors, respectively.

Among the unemployed persons in January 2018, 65.5 percent were males. Of the total unemployed, the age group 15 to 24 years comprised 43.2 percent, while the age group 25 to 34, 31.1 percent. By educational attainment, 21.9 percent of the unemployed were college graduates.

This is the scenario that graduates will find themselves in. Although

employment has increased, and underemployment minimized, we cannot discount the fact that of the total unemployed, 21.9 percent are college graduates. We cannot deny the reality that most of the jobs available are within elementary occupations – which according to the International Labor Organization, consists of simple and routine tasks which mainly require the use of hand-held tools and some physical effort. This is a sad reality for college graduates who naturally expect to be gainfully employed.

But Bicol University graduates do have an edge. Based on tracer study data, the typical BU graduate finds gainful employment in three to six months after graduation.

The excellent track record of Bicol University serves as a positive affirmation for prospective employers of the kind of graduates BU produces. The edge is further heightened by measures that Bicol University institutes to ensure employment for its graduates from its annual job fair to building and maintaining an extensive and impressive line-up of linkages in various industries.

The path to the future where reality awaits is never the same for every graduate. But Bicol University indeed takes care of its own by ensuring that its graduates will not be left behind in the race for employment and career opportunities.

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AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See Writer Julius Justino B. Embile Contibutors Antox Mendoza/BUTC, Agsunod and GRBulawan/Extension Layout Artist Patrick M. Pablo Photographer Elizabeth Jemly M. Baliguat Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Ph.D.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

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The BUzzette

OPINIONS Being Open

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ere in Bicol University, April is the time for commencement exercises; which signals new beginnings and journeys to take. We feature in this issue, the various commencement exercises across the University as we look into what lies ahead for our 8, 502 graduates who will be joining, hopefully, the country’s labor force.

Historically, April, in the initial Roman calendar was the second month of the year until January and February were added in 700 BC. Originally, the name April comes from the Latin word “to open” and describes the trees opening at springtime.

Thus, it is a time for our graduates to “be open” to new and better possibilities including varied experiences that will allow them to face the real world and test the waters of uncertainty. Hopefully, our graduates, with the kind of preparation they have had with us, will take all things in stride and survive if and when, reality bites.

Looking back, I realized that my opening up to the real world came long before I grasped my second Bicol University diploma back in 1997 (the first one was my high school diploma in 1993). Reality bit me earlier than usual. And I realized three things.

First, passing the BU College Entrance Test (BUCET) is really an achievement we should all be thankful for. Notwithstanding

Vantage Point Atty. Norly P. Reyes

Chief Admin Officer, Legal Officer & Board Secretary

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he month of May commands one of the most significant celebrations in the life of every family, especially to the beacon that provides light and guidance to its members – the mothers. The second Sunday of May is particularly celebrated as Mother’s Day. Undeniably, mothers are the best and most unforgettable professors/teachers in every child’s life. In fact, mothers are experts in many fields ranging from genetics, astronomy, hypnotism and many other things. Mothers are the first to teach children about hypnotism as they menacingly utter the phrase “makuha ka sa tingin!” as their way of telling children to stop their naughtiness.

Mamas train kids about contortion as they lament “naku namang bata ka! Maligo ka nga, hindi mo ba nakikita and dumi ng leeg mo!” Nanays educate youngsters about astronomy every time they command “bilisan mo nga anak ang paglalakad mo at hindi tayo namamasyal sa buwan!” Mom’s logical proposition is also beyond question whenever they threaten “pag hindi mo mahanap ang nawawala mong gamit, makikita mo!” Inays

the difficult test items, the BUCET is every Bicolano scholar’s passport to what many, myself included, attest to as quality education and with it, a chance at a better future. Right now, the BUCET has become everybody’s dream of a free tertiary education via Republic Act 10931 – An Act Promoting Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (by Providing for Free Tuition and Other School Fees in State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities

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It pays well for every graduate who will venture into the real world to remember that nothing beats a great attitude with a good heart, packaged in a good mind.

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and Colleges and State-Run TechnicalVocational Institutions).

Second, “to open” oneself to new opportunities and chances, one must be equipped with the invaluable weapons of hard work and perseverance. No matter how good you are or the school where you came from, these aren’t assurances of success. We have to be willing to get our hands dirty and continue toiling even when we feel we are not really going anywhere. We cannot be

Editor’s Desk Renelyn E. Bautista Director, Communication & Public Relations Office

content with folding up every time we fall or fail. When we do, we will find windows of opportunities opening and second chances, appearing.

Finally, be open to the harsh reality that life is never fair. There will always be instances when in spite of the good that you do, bad people and things still come to you.

There will always be somebody better, bitter, or richer than you; or more good looking. As the poem Desiderata said, “do not compare yourself with others; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”

Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. The sooner we accept this, the better we will be at surviving the many bricks, boulders, and challenges life may throw our way.

Whether we are in the springtime, fall, or winter of our lives, it pays to be like the month of April – “to open” ourselves to the unending commencement journeys of our life. It pays well for every graduate who will venture into the real world to remember that nothing beats a great attitude with a good heart, packaged in a good mind.

The Uncontested Best Teachers of the World are also at their best when they boost the selfesteem of children when they say “Yan! dyan ka magaling!” Most importantly, our beloved mothers, nanays, moms, and inays are the best teachers in genetics especially when they

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“The mother’s role in the life of her child is well-nigh irreplaceable. In prose and poetry, the depth of a mother’s love has been immortalized times without number, finding as it does, its justification, not in fantasy but in reality.” (Perez vs. CA, G.R. No. 118870)

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reprimand us with their rhetoric of “Pasaway kang bata ka! Manang-mana ka talaga sa tatay mo!”

But above all the foregoing innovative pick-up lines, a mother’s role to a child’s life cannot simply be understated much less ignored. It is through a mother’s loving heart that a child is able to develop a sense of compassion and sympathy for others; a mother’s industrious hand influences the child to value hard work and perseverance;

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

a mother’s unending guidance trains a child towards self-reliance and independence; and a mother’s way of disciplining fortifies a child’s character. Unlike all other profession, vocation, and work, a mother’s unending task however is not monetarily compensated. The only reparation that a mother can have is an altruistic feeling that her child has grown up as a person of character and integrity.

Mothers therefore are constant reminders to children to always do good so that all their sacrifices will not be put to waste.

Thus, the next time we hear a mother teaches a child about hypnotism, contortion, astronomy, logic, self-esteem and genetics as well as other subjects of which they actually claim no expertise, it is actually her sweet way of telling her child that she loves her so much and all that she wants is for her child to have the best things in life. Finally, as a tribute to all mothers, a jurisprudential disquisition about mother’s role is worth mentioning. As said by the Supreme Court: “The mother’s role in the life of her child is well-nigh irreplaceable. In prose and poetry, the depth of a mother’s love has been immortalized times without number, finding as it does, its justification, not in fantasy but in reality.” (Perez vs. CA, G.R. No. 118870) Happy Mother’s Day!

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th BICOL UNIVERSITY

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

FEAT

The BU

Dr. Ronald L. Adamat

Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Main Campus

Dr. George M. Colorado Director, CHED - ROV Polangui Campus

Hon. Cynthia A. Villar Senator, House of Senate Tabaco Campus

Hon. Francis Escudero Senator, House of Senate Gubat Campus

Hon. Christopher S. Co

AKO BICOL Sectoral Representative College of Agriculture and Forestry

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

e

8,502 BU students graduate for 2018

By Julius Justino B. Embile Infographics by Patrick M. Pablo Photos by Elizabeth Jemly M. Baliguat

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total of 8,502 students were given their diplomas as this year’s official graduates of Bicol University, culminating their years of academic perseverance.

The graduates from the main and external campuses saw the conclusion of their college life during the university’s “graduation week” held from April 7 to 14, 2018. The commencement exercises of the main campus and the extended campuses were done separately but uniformed as per BU’s tradition. Aside from the students and their families, the BU administration, faculty and staff were also in full-force to witness the achievement the event.

Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, SUC President IV, welcomed everyone in attendance. According to the president, the university expects the graduates to be agents of positive change in their community.

The traditional imposition of the hood and BU ‘alampay’ to the graduates were done. After that, the graduates were given their opportunity to come up the stage to have their

diplomas conferred to them.

Before the ceremonies drew to a close, the graduates recited their pledge of loyalty to their alma mater followed by the singing of the BU Hymn.

Main Campus Commencement Exercise he graduating batch of 2018 of BU’s Main Campus took the stage for the university’s 48th Commencement Exercises, held last April 07 at the BU Sports Complex in Legazpi City. These graduates are from BU’s Main, East and Daraga campuses, while the satellite campuses, namely the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Polangui, Gubat and Tabaco campuses, held their separate graduation rites.

Bicol University Main Campus had 3508 undergraduate students and 161 graduate school students who were then incorporated as alumni of Bicol University. From a total of 3669 graduates, six were proclaimed as Magna Cum Laude, 727 as Cum Laude, and 25 graduated with academic distinction. Dr. Ronald

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ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Adamat, commissioner from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and chairperson of BU’s Board of Regents (BOR) was commencement speaker who enlivened the occasion with his wit address the crowd with his message.

“As graduates and future professionals, you have the moral obligation to set examples of uprightness, goodness, industry, creativity and diligence,” stated Dr. Adamat in his address. “Education outcome would be more relevant and responsive if it carries with them the needed values, virtues and god habits that you can adopt one you leave the portals of your alma mater,” he explained.

Referring to the theme of the commencement exercise on “Coalescing Innovation and Creativities for Social Transformation”, Dr. Adamat further stressed the imposed challenge to every graduate and that is becoming productive and transformative citizens, imbued with an unwavering sense of responsibility.

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The BUzzette

NEWS BUCEILS’ 389 pioneer senior high batch graduates

T Out-of-school youths of Barangay Fatima of Tabaco City test their skill in arc welding in one of the hands-on training (right) and attentively listen to the expert in one of the lectures (left)during the BUCIT’s BWEL-HM.

BUCIT trains Tabaco City locals on arc welding

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s part of their Sharing Hands to Overcome Poverty(SHOP) extension program, the Bicol University College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) along with concerned stakeholders continues with their “Basic Welding and Home Mechanics” (BWELHM) –a livelihood skills and competency training on shielded arc metal welding for the unemployed and out-of-school youth.

Alongside cooperating agencies, namely the BSMT-Society of Mechanical Technologist and BU’s Extension Management Division, BUCIT’s Mechanical Technology Department trained twenty-five unemployed and out-ofschool youth of Barangay Fatima in Tabaco City.

BUCIT has been implementing the SHOP as their university approved extension

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program to sustain the engagement of BUCIT in their sincere efforts to alleviate poverty through active cooperation with stakeholders.

Since 2007, SHOP as a banner program of BUCIT, provides community extension service through practical knowledge and skills training to deliver an impact to the society especially those who are in the economically– marginalized groups.

DOST-PCAARRD | P1 Php 3.6 million for 18 months under the leadership of Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves.

The main objective of this research is to assess the eel fisheries along Lagonoy Gulf and its tributaries and come up with a CRM plan for this fishery resource. (Antox Mendoza/ BUTC)

Seminar for inclusive and special education strategies conducted by BUCE

n order to learn better methods of teaching different kinds of students, Bicol University’s College of Education (BUCE) conducted their ‘Regional Seminar on Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners’ in Legazpi City last April 25 to 27, 2018.

The said training was attended by faculty members of Teacher Education Institutions across the Bicol region, particularly those who will be teaching the’ Professional Education Course Foundation of Special and Inclusive Education’.

This three-day gathering was organized

by BUCE for the purpose of sharing different initiatives, research findings and legal frameworks, as well as future directions, on inclusive education from local and international perspectives.

On the first day of the event, the seminar began with BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas welcoming the participants. The assembly was also graced by the presence of Dr. George Colorado, regional director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of Bicol, as one of the invited speakers.

For the first topic of the day, the matters of International and Philippine Contexts of Inclusive and Special Education were discussed by Dr. Jeremy Cruz, the principal of Pag-asa National High School in Legazpi

Bicolano teachers attend the BUCE’s ‘Regional Seminar on Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners’ in Legazpi City last April 25 to 27.

City. To relate the vision of the Department of Education (DepEd) in terms of inclusive education, DepEd’s current initiatives and future directions on inclusive and special education was tackled in the lecture of Dr. Joan Latagan-Lagata, Education Program Supervisor from DepEd-RO5.

Dr. Lorna Miña, Dean of BUCE, also gave a lecture about understanding the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers and its domains, with emphasis on BTIs and diversity of learners. To maximize the comprehension of the participants on the said topics, an open forum was done after every RSIEDL | P8

he pioneer Senior High School students of Bicol University’s College of Education Integrated Laboratory School (BUCEILS) has finally reached another milestone in their academic life during their graduation ceremonies at the BU College of Engineering (BUCEng) Gymnasium last April 10.

During the said hallmark event, 389 senior high school students of BUCEILS graduated for school year 2017-2018. Their graduation was confirmed personally by Dr. Arnulfo Mascarinas, SUC President of BU, at the said ceremony.

The ceremony began with the entrance of the graduates, accompanied by their parents, along with BU’s officials, faculty and staff, during the processional.

Prof. Sandra Casitas, head of BUCEILS senior high school department presented the candidates for graduation. After confirming the graduates, President Mascari?as also delivered his message as keynote speaker for the event.

Batch Magnanima is the first and thus will serve as the pioneer batch of BU’s senior high school.

BU Polangui Campus brings computing technology to the community through skills training

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eared towards the skills and technology development of the barangay officials, out-of-school youths, professionals, employed, underemployed and employable adults to become skilled in the field of computing technology, BU Polangui Campus brings ICT to Barangay Santicon, Polangui, Albay through a series of skills training and development activities.

Formally launched on February 12, 2018 and currently being implemented at Barangay Santicon, about 19 faculty from the BU Computer and Engineering Studies Department (BUCESD) in Polangui are implementing the activities that consist of six modules. The training will be extended to nearby barangays until January 2022.

The training program will benefit 15 community leaders and members expected to be familiarized with the basic knowledge and skills needed in using office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They are also provided assistance to be proficient in using internet technology, photo editing, video production, network technology and management, as well as electronic hardware servicing and troubleshooting.

The project training is in support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.4 which aims that, by 2030, there should be a substantial increase in the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. JAgsunod and GRBulawan/Extension

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS BU explores off-shore collaboration with Shih Chen University

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n pursuit of advanced knowledge at par with global standards, Bicol University’s College of Medicine has sent ten of its promising students to the National University of Malaysia Medical Center from April 13 to 23, 2018.

These ten students from BUCM has taken part in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s(UKM) Mobility Program from April 15 to 21. The objective of the trip is to enhance the skills through knowledge sharing and interaction among fellow medical students.

Under their Office of International Relations (IRO), international students get the opportunity to study at UKM under the UKM-Global Student Mobility Partnerships programme. It combines experiencing university life at one of Malaysia’s leading universities as exchange students.

BUCM’s delegation is composed of Michelle Ann Yu, Shera Marie Camposano, Virgie Nonette Agripa, Yloisa Marie Gabin, Mary Concepcion Gallano, Katherine Carmen Isabel Calleja, Mark Laurence Barrios, Paulo Martin Villanueva, Katrina Bautista, and Bernflor Pielago.

BUCM sends ten students for UKM Mobility Program

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oing full swing with internationalization, Bicol University, through its International Relations Office, discuss possible off-shore collaboration between the two universities during Shih Chen University’s 60th founding anniversary in Taipei, Taiwan.

Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, director of BU’s International Relations Office, travelled to Taipei last March 22 to 24 for the said purpose, alongside the invitation by Shih Chien University for its 60th founding anniversary.

At the said gathering, Dr. Rivero was involved in the ‘Exhibition of International Achievements’ during the International and Overseas Higher Education Workshop.

Aside from collaborating with the Taiwanese academicians, Dr. Rivero also collaborated with representatives of higher learning organizations from other countries like Thailand, Belgium, France, Japan, and the Netherlands.

According to Dr. Michael J.K. Chen, president of Shih Chien University, they have enjoyed their relationship and collaboration with BU for the past years.

Read more news @

www.bicol-u.edu.ph @BicolUofficial

TheBicolUniversity

BicolUniversity

Bicol University President Arnulfo Mascariñas (fourth from left) and Department of Science and Technology - Regional Office 5 Regional Director Tomas Briñas (third from left) discussed the BRIFCC harmonization,along with the project heads, when they met in the BUGASS Conference Room.

DOST and BU meet-up for BRFICC harmonization

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meeting took place last April 18 between heads of Bicol University and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to harmonize the plan for the workshop of the ‘Bicol Regional Food Innovation and Commercialization Center’ (BRFICC).

DOST-Bicol Regional Director Tomas Briñas and BU’s President Arnulfo Mascariñas headed the said meeting. The two heads of institution expressed their enthusiasm in this joint venture between BU and DOST, given how this would greatly help students who aspire to be entrepreneurs or innovators in the food business.

According to DOST, the BRFICC looks to foster innovation to address the science and technology (S&T) requirements of the food industry of the region. This will be done by

providing S&T assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing and transferring new food products and processes.

For its learning and growth perspective, which pertains to its human resource development program, the plan is to develop and maintain an engaged and competent workforce. It is also expected to create a network of food scientists and researchers that are actively involved in research and development within the region, in order to strengthen local and international linkages.

To attain financial sustainability, the BRFICC will look into reduction of operational costs, increase collection fees from rendered services, and enhance resource generation capabilities.

Hundreds of students, faculty members, advocates, and concerned agency representatives across the Bicol region gathered last April 27 at the Legazpi City Convention Center to join the call in promoting RA 10931 of the Affordable Quality Tertiary Education Law.

#FreeEducationNa RA 10931Info Caravan visits Legazpi City

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epresentatives of higher education institutions (HEI), student bodies, and concerned public and private agencies across the region gathered last April 27 at Legazpi City Convention Center (L3C) to participate in the Bicol Region leg of the Nationwide Information Caravan for Republic Act 10931, or the “Act Promoting Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education”.

The stop in Legazpi City is the eighth leg of the said caravan. Flagged and aptly named by the social media hash-tag #FreeEducationNa, the caravan has the

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

objective of drawing public support and disseminating accurate information about the law and what it entails.

In order to achieve the said goal, the caravan features discussions from experts and authorities as keynote speakers and booth exhibitions, through a conventiontype setting, for a more interactive approach in educating the people about RA 10931.

The caravan was organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through its partnership with related government and private organizations like the Department #FreeEducationNa | P8

EXECUTIVE

UPDATES

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.

Projected Income for CY 2018

RSIEDL | P6 discussion to make the seminar more interactive.

Before lunch, the participants were made to try an andragogical activity to enhance the content, learning outcome, activities and strategies of their prototype syllabus.

For special education, strategies in addressing diversity of learners were discussed

by SPED teachers with extensive experience on the matter; Ms. Ma. Isabel del Mundo talked about learners with difficulty seeing, Ms. Celestina Omanga discussed about students with hearing difficulties, while Ms. Evanjelin Ante shered her knowledge on learners with difficulty self-help.

For a more extensive understanding in special education, Dr. Marylendra Penetrante, the director of Children and Youth Wellness and Advocacy Center Incorporated, discussed about learning characteristics of students with special education needs.

The strategies in addressing diversity of learners with difficulty in focusing and

Proposed Utilization of Usable Income

remembering, as well as learners with difficulty moving or walking, was discussed by Prof.

Jeanette Naval of Ateneo De Naga University.

#FreeEducationNa | P7 of Education (DepEd), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) just to name a few.

For the said gathering in Legazpi City, the event was coordinated with BU as the chosen HEI in the region for the campaign.

Led by Dr. Benjamin Nebres, Dean of BU’s Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), representatives of the university took charge of the implementation of the proceedings.

The welcome remark for the programproper was delivered by Dr. George Colorado, Director IV of CHED-Bicol. He acknowledged the presence of the participants, particularly the representatives of the state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private local universities and colleges (LUCs) as they would be the one directly affected by the new legislation.

After an audio-visual presentation

about the conceptualization of RA 10931, the congressional intent of the law’s passage was explained by Congressman Joey Sarte-Salceda, Albay’s second district representative and one of the prime proponents of the said legislation.

For her keynote address, Atty. Carmelita Yadao-Sison, OIC Executive Director IV of CHED and secretariat of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), provided an orientation on RA 10931.

Ms. Marife Lou L. Bacate, technical assistant for Macro-HRD, also gave the orientation on the implementing rules and regulation (IRR) of the said RA. As explained by the speakers, the provisions of RA 10931 prioritize poor or indigent students so that they would be given a chance to go to college in the spirit of equity.

Throughout the gathering, the venue was filled with enthusiastic supporters of the law, most of whom are students who wore white #FreeEducationNa shirts. The participants also took the opportunity to take advantage of the free education fair, which features exhibition booths of education-related organizations.