April 2019

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

APRIL 2019 | Vol. XI Issue 4

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

To the graduates of Bicol University batch 2019: Every commencement event is both a meaningful and nostalgic exercise. Your stay with us as members of the Bicol University family has allowed you to make meaningful moments as you discover yourself and the wonders of knowledge and companionship from your mentors and peers. It is, at the same time, 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.

As much as it is a time of triumph and reward for all the hard work you put into your scholarly life, it is also a time for nostalgic reverie over the many rich and significant experiences of your young life that you have accumulated within the confines of your home here in Bicol University.

My dear Bicol University graduates, know that we, your mentors are truly proud of this moment when you will be leaving the academic portals of your second home no longer as the wide-eyed naïve youth, but as confident young men and women equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, competencies, and proper attitudes; and ready to find your rightful places in your respective world. 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.

Let yourself be guided by the pillars of Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service borne on the wings of transformative change as you become social catalysts living up to the lofty ideals of Bicol University.

Congratulations and May you always be the greatest version of yourself in all your Feature endeavors!

Feature | P4-5 News | P3

Bicol University’s 2019 Graduation Week

The Graduate’s Oath – Members of BUCAF’s graduating batch of 2019 solemnly recite their oath of induction to the BU Alumni last April 11 during their 2019 Commencemen Exercises.

5,939 graduates take the stage in BU’s 2019 ‘Graduation Week’

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his year’s ‘Graduation Week’ concludes in Bicol University with a total 5,939 students across the university receiving their diplomas as members of BU’s Batch 2019.

The series of commencement exercises took place as follows: the BU Main, Daraga and East Campuses last April 06, the BU Polangui Campus last April 08, BU Tabaco Campus on April 10, BU College of Agriculture and Forestry on April 11, and the BU Gubat Campus last April 12.

With the theme “Sustaining Gains, Building Milestones”, this event saw the culmination of years of scholastic endeavour of students from across the university. BU’s graduating batch of 2019 is composed of 5,909 degree graduates and 30 non-degree graduates, including 779 cum laude, 30 graduates with academic distinction, seven magna cum laude, twelve outstanding graduates.

First in this series of commencement exercises, the 49th Commencement Exercises in Legazpi City last April 06 was participated by 3,637 degree graduates and 24 nondegree graduates. Aside from the graduates, the ceremony also honoured 6 magna cum laude, 564 cum laude, and 24 students with academic distinction.

The ceremony took place at the Bicol

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3,651 students graduate in BU’s 49th Commencement Exercises in Legazpi City

University Sports Complex and was attended

by Taiwan’s National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) President Dr. Leon Shyue-Liang Wang as the invited commencement speaker.

The next commencement exercise was the 39th Commencement Exercises of the BU Polangui Campus, which took place last April 08 at the BUPC Gymnasium. The event was participated by BUPC’s 940 degree graduates, including eight cum laude and one graduate with academic distinction.

As the invited commencement speaker in BUPC, Mrs. Jean Margaret Lim Goldbourn, founder and president of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, addressed those in attendance of the graduation ceremony.

On April 10, it was the BU Tabaco Campus’ (BUTC) graduating batch of 2019’s turn to take the stage and claim their diplomas during their 49th Commencement Exercises, held at the BUTC Lagman Auditorium. BUTC’s class of 2019 was composed of 467 degree graduates and six non-degree graduates, including 33 cum laude.

Imparting her wisdom and giving the BUTC graduates a motivational boost was commencement speaker Dr. Elenita L. Tan, the Regional Director of the Professional Regulation Commission of Region 5.

BU Gubat Campus (BUGC) then held Grad Week| P7

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BUCM presents pioneer batch of graduates in first Hooding Ceremony

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The BUzzette

NEWS

BU-ARO, BUGAAI, BU Alumni Association USA International meet to talk plans for BU 50th Anniversary

NUK visits BU to strengthen partnership and discuss collaboration

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In Search of the Torch-bearer - (far left) BUARO Director Dr. Rosana L. Madrona meets up with represetatives of BU’s Alumni organization to discuss their plans for the upcoming 50 th BU Founding Anniversary.

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n their meeting last April 25 at the Marison Hotel in Legazpi City, officers of the Bicol University Alumni Relations Office (ARO), the BU General Alumni Association Incorporated (BUGAAI), and the BU Alumni Association USA International discussed their plans for the “Finding the BU Bearer of the Burning Torch of Wisdom” Essay Writing Contest and other activities related to the upcoming Bicol University 50th Founding Anniversary.

According to the BU alumni bodies, the essay writing contest looks to bring into fore the awareness on the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character among BU students. It also aims to inculcate, instil and engrain these values among BU students by recognizing their best efforts.

With the goal of inspiring all members of the BU community, the contest is set to serve as a showcase platform for the literary masterpieces of Bicol University through its alumni.

The “Finding the BU Bearer of the

Burning Torch of Wisdom” is an essay writing contest to be sponsored by the BU Alumni Association USA International, through the BU-ARO and in coordination with the BUGAAI. The awarding of the winners in the first year of the contest will coincide with the BU 50th Founding Anniversary, and every year thereafter. It will be open to all elementary, high school and college students of Bicol University within AY 2019-2020, as well as students in the next school year. The mechanics and prizes for the contest are still to be announced.

Aside from the essay writing contest, the BU-ARO, BUGAAI and the BU Alumni Association USA International also planned other activities for the BU anniversary, like the Alumni Market and the Alumni Sports Olympics.

BU-ARO also updated their counterparts about the ongoing “Search for the 50 Outstanding BU Alumni”, while the BUGAAI shared updates in the ongoing registration for the BU Alumni ID.

aking their partnership a step further in the name of growth through collaboration, key officials of Taiwan’s National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) visited Bicol University this April 05 to meet up with key officials of the university and the local government.

The said group, composed of NUK President Dr. Leon Shyue-Liang Wang, Edu-Connect Asia Association’s Executive Director Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, NUK’s Science and Technology Center for Disaster Prevention and Reduction (STCDPR) Director Dr. Min-Hao Wu, and STCDPR Coordinator Ms. Amy Hsiang-Yun Mao, were received by BU International Relations Office (IRO) Director Dr. Dimson Rivero and his staff, upon their arrival in Legazpi City on the night of April 04.

The following day, Dr. Rivero and the BU-IRO staff accompanied the visitors in their courtesy visit at the Legazpi City Hall. There, they met with Legazpi City Administrator Mr. Carlos A. Ante and City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Joseph B. Esplana and discussed possible collaborative plans between BU, the city government of Legazpi, and NUK. Afterwards, the group headed to Bicol University Main Campus for their official visit and business meeting. They first proceeded to the office of BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas for their courtesy visit, where they were joined by BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas.

For a more in-depth discussion of possible activities for BU and NUK’s partnership, the officials of both universities then attended the business meeting at the BUGASS Conference Room. On behalf of BU, University President Dr. Mascariñas, VPAA Dr. Llenaresas, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. Ronnel R. Dioneda Sr., Vice President for Planning and Development (VPPD) Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia, BU College of Engineering NUK BU | P6

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See Layout Artist Patrick M. Pablo Writer Julius Justino B. Embile Photographer Elizabeth Jemly M. Baliguat Contributors Angela A. Britanico, BUTC-CSC President Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

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The BUzzette

NEWS Study results on the value chain promotion of Sorsogon’s Baduy discussed in stakeholders’ meeting

3,651 students graduate in BU’s 49th Commencement Exercises in Legazpi City

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n order to improve the carpet shell (locally called ‘baduy’) production industry in the province of Sorsogon, the Bicol University researchers, led by Dr. Viola L. Amano, conducted a stakeholders meeting for the value chain promotion of carpet shell last 28 March 2019 at the Sorsogon Disaster Risk Management Office in Sorsogon City.

The said meeting was attended by various concerned government offices, particularly the Office of Provincial Agriculture (OPAG) of Sorsogon (Fisheries Division), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) NSAP 5, PFD and RFL, as well as the City Fishery Aquatic Resource Management Council (CFARMC). They were also joined by representatives from the local governments of Sorsogon City and Juban municipality, Sorsogon State College, and the baduy fisherfolks and traders.

The stakeholders’ meeting was designed to formulate the ‘Key Intervention Model (KIM) for the Carpet Shell Value Chain Upgrading and Promotion’. Specifically, the meeting aimed to present and validate the result of the said study, obtain suggestions and comments for areas of improvement of the value chain, formulate the KIM for the study, and determine areas of collaboration with the stakeholders in the implementation of the KIM. During the meeting, Project Leader Dr. Viola Amano gave the overview and presented the results of the initial study.

Afterwards, an open forum took place, where the stakeholders’ feedback and suggestion were collected for the areas of improvement of the value chain. The open forum was followed by a discussion on the formulation of the KIM and collaboration in the project’s implementation.

After the productive discussion, it was agreed that the following are to be done: strict implementation of the Clean Water Act of LGU- Sorsogon City and BFAR, market information must be provided to fisherfolks by BFAR and CAO, the BFAR is to assist fisherfolk organizations to consolidate and sell the carpet shells directly to the consolidators, SUCs and research organizations are to conduct research on the biology, ecology, growth, and reproduction of carpet shells under Sorsogon Bay conditions, and to conduct product development for carpet shell.

It was also agreed that the inventory of policies be conducted, including the zoning of Sorsogon Bay and the City Ordinance regulating the use of ‘scuba’, or any form of compressors or underwater breathing devices, be reviewed.

Friend of the University – NUK President Dr. Leon Shyue-Liang Wang (center) receives a Plaque of Appreciation, awarded by (from left to right) BU’s Faculty Regent Dr. JocelynM. Paje, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, University President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Albay Second Congressional District Representative Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda, BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, and BU Board Secretary and Administrative Head Atty. Norly P. Reyes, for his participation as Commencement Speaker during the 49th BU Commencement Exercises last April 06.

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reams were once again achieved as the 3,651 members of Bicol University’s Batch 2019 saw the culmination of their years of study during the 49th Commencement Exercises last April 06 at the BU Sports Complex in Legazpi City.

With the theme “Sustaining Gains, Building Milestones”, this event saw the culmination of years of scholastic endeavour of students from BU’s Graduate School (BUGS), College of Medicine (BUCM), Institute of Architecture (BUIA), College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL), College of Nursing (BUCN), College of Science (BUCS), College of Engineering (BUCEng), Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR), College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT), College of Business, Economics and Management (BU-CBEM), College of Education (BUCE), and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BU-CSSP).

The commencement exercises of the main campus and the extended campuses were done separately but uniformed as per BU’s tradition.

In total, the graduation ceremony in Legazpi City was participated by 3,637 degree graduates and 24 non-degree graduates. Aside from the graduates, the ceremony also honoured 6 magna cum laude, 564 cum laude, and 24 students with academic distinction.

On the day of the event, the ceremony began with a processional entrance to the commencement grounds, participated by

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BU’s President, Vice-Presidents, Deans and Directors, Faculty and Non-teaching Staff members, the BU Board of Regent members, and guests. As per tradition, the graduating students’ processional, accompanied by their loved one, became one of the commencement ceremony’s highlights.

During the ceremony, each College Dean and Institution Director respectively took turns in their presentation of candidates for graduation in various degrees. Each list of candidates for graduation from the colleges and institution was submitted to BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

Once all the list of candidates were received, Dr. Mascariñas led the conferment of degrees, followed by his introduction of this year’s commencement speaker for the graduation exercise.

The said commencement speaker was Dr. Leon Shyue-Liang Wang, the President of Taiwan’s National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) and an internationally respected academic. Dr. Wang delivered a heart-felt speech by describing how, as graduates, the students are now given a chance to make a positive difference in the world.

After Dr. Wang delivered his message, he was given a Plaque of Commendation by the BU President, Vice-Presidents, and members of the Board of Regents.

Moments later, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas led the imposition of the BU

2019 Commencement| P7

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A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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self. What defines you? If you d be more valuable because mpass that will guide you to the a setback comes your way.”

Mrs. Jean Margaret Lim Goldbourn, founder and president of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation

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urself. What defines you? If you uld be more valuable because ompass that will guide you to the en a setback comes your way.”

- Dr. Leon Shyue-Liang Wang

BGen. Charito B. Plaza, the Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority

College of Agriculture and Forestry

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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The BUzzette

NEWS t BU’s new RD&E Roadmap featured in OVPRDE performance review and planning workshop

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The First among Many – Fifty-three (53) students of BU College of Medicine officially became BUCM’s pioneer batch of Doctor of Medicine graduates during BUCM’s First Hooding Ceremony last April 04 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City.

BUCM presents pioneer batch of graduates in first Hooding Ceremony Taking pride in being the first among many great achievers, the Bicol University College of Medicine’s (BUCM) pioneer graduating batch of 2019 culminate their journey as they participate in the BUCM’s First Hooding Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass and Recognition Rites last April 04 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City.

The said pioneer batch of BUCM was composed of 53 students who completed their degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Among them, the top ten students were conferred the Academic awards, along with three students with Outstanding Clinical Clerk awards for students who excelled in specified fields of medicine, and three students earned the Leadership Awards for their service as student leaders.

The event began with the Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Manuel Camu. It was soon followed by the opening program proper for the Hooding Ceremony and NUK BU | P2

(BUCEng) Dean Dr. Amelia B. Gonzales, College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) Dean Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, College of Science (BUCS) Dean Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) Dean Dr. Gerardo O. Ocfemia, BU Planning and Development Director Prof. Erwin E. Torres, and BU-IRO Director Dr. Rivero were present in the said meeting.

In their talks and exchange of ideas, the leaders of both institutions expressed their confidence their planned joint activities, like the NUK’s participation in the upcoming International Youth Camp in BU and the proposed student mobility programs.

When the business meeting

Recognition Rites.

Those in attendance at the event were welcomed by a proud Dr. Ruben N. Caragay, the Dean of BUCM. The Dean took gleeful pride from the BUCM pioneer graduates as they have become milestones in the College of Medicine’s budding yet promising history.

Dr. Caragay’s message was then followed by the keynote address of BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, who also shared the same proud sentiments upon the graduates.

For the University President, BUCM’s Class of 2019 is an embodiment of the university’s growth towards excellence which the BU administration is striving for.

Afterwards, the current President of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and former BU President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya delivered her inspirational message to the graduates.

After Dr. Lauraya’s message, the hooding ceremony BUCM | P7

concluded, the guest returned to their hotel to rest before returning to BU later in the afternoon for the 49th Commencement Exercises. In the said event, NUK President Dr. Leon ShyueLiang Wang participated as the guest commencement speaker.

After attending the commencement ceremony, the officials of BU and NUK rendezvoused at Hotel Venezia for their dinner meeting, during which they were joined by Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal.

After dinner, BU President Dr. Mascariñas, Legazpi City Mayor Rosal, and the leaders of NUK engaged in a fruitful dialogue regarding their plans in advancing the academe and the communities through a strong partnership among their institutions.

imed at providing an opportunity for collective, participatory and directionbased performance review for the research and extension functions of the Bicol University, the BU Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension (OVPRDE) conducted their Performance Review and Action Planning Workshop last April 28 to May 01 at the Coastal View Resort in Santo Domingo, Albay.

The workshop was participated by 60 BU personnel involved in research and extension activities, namely the university’s research coordinators, extension coordinator, faculty-researchers, and the heads and staff members of divisions under the OVPRDE. According to the activities proponents, the activity addresses the need to look back and learn from the gains and challenges in the past, and strategize for a more responsive and effective RD&E management service delivery.

To achieve the said goal, the workshop is created as a venue for presenting the accomplishments and performance deficiencies of the university based on reference set targets from 2016-2018, as well as to provide avenue for discuss impediments and agree on strategies for more effective RD&E management for the university.

By providing a consensus-building discussion on recent developments related to RD&E as they relate to existing university policies and practices, audit observations, and emergent national guidelines, the body can present, discuss and fine-tune the new RD&E roadmap in line with the agenda of the University Throughout its three day duration, the each crucial topic were given attention in eight lectures, which was followed by open forums for the participants’ better understanding. The first to talk was BU’s Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE) Prof. Ronnel R. Dioneda Sr., who discussed the ‘State of RD&E Performance of BU’.

The second talk, which was done by University Planning Office Director Prof.

Erwin E. Torres, was about the RD&E performance of BU in regards to the prospects of collective efforts to meet targets. After Prof.

Torres’ talk, he was followed by the lecture of BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan about the ’Administrative, Financial and Technical Concerns

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS Grad Week| P1 their 16th Commencement Exercises on April 11 at the Gubat National High School (GNHS) Multi-purpose Hall. During the event, BUGC took pride on their class of 2019 composed of 417 degree graduates, including one magna cum laude, 64 cum laude, and one graduate with academic distinction.

Inspiring the graduates in their students during the graduation ceremony was their commencement speaker Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, the National Director of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Research.

Last but not the least, the BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) in Guinobatan conducted their 49th Commencement Exercises last April 12 at their BUCAF Commencement Grounds. BUCAF’s graduating batch of 2019 was composed of 458 degree graduates, including eight cum laude and one graduate with academic distinction.

The graduation ceremony in BUCAF was participated by BGen. Charito B. Plaza, the Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, as the invited commencement speaker.

Throughout this year’s series of commencement exercises, each event was attended by BU’s key officials, namely BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, the University Vice-Presidents, and the various deans and directors of Bicol University.

2019 Commencement | P3 Alampay to the graduates of Masters and Baccalaureate Degrees, while BU President Dr. Mascariñas headed the imposition of the BU Alampay to the graduates of Doctoral Degrees.

Afterwards, the long-awaited distribution of diplomas began, led by BU President Dr. Mascariñas along with key officials of the university. To many of the graduates, years of hard work and dedication has paid off as they each marched on stage, received their diploma, and official call themselves graduates.

Due to the high number of participants in the commencement exercise, the conferment of diplomas to the graduates lasted well into the night. Once it was done, BU Batch 2019’s Outstanding Graduate led the graduates’ Pledge of Loyalty to the Alma Mater.

Afterwards, Prof. Edgar Barrameda, the President of the BU General Alumni Association Incorporated (BUGAAI), led the graduates’ induction to the BU Alumni. The commencement exercise then concluded in the singing of the BU Hymm, headed by the BU Band.

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Best CSC 2019 – The College Student Council of BU Tabaco Campus was recognized as BU’s Best CSC for 2019 during an awarding ceremony led by VPAF Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan.

BUTC CSC hailed Outstanding College Student Council

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he Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) College Student Council (CSC) was hailed as this year’s Outstanding College Student Council among other CSC’s in the university during the Search for the Outstanding College Student Council.

The result was based on the evaluation of council’s activities and projects along education towards sustainable development, council operation, council participation, and awards received.

BUTC-CSC adviser Mr. Anthony C. Dacuya was also awarded as the

Outstanding College Student Council Adviser, being the adviser of the winning student council.

The BUTC-CSC ended its success to the guidance article from its adviser to the College Student Activities Coordinator, Dr. Glenda A. Abejuela, as well as to the full support extended by the BUTC Administration, faculty and students to the council’s activities and projects. (Angela A. Britanico, BUTC-CSC President)

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and recognition rites officially commenced, where each candidate for graduation marched to the stage and were conferred their symbolic hoods that signified the completion of their MD degree. The ceremony also gave recognition to the honor students who exhibited exceptional performances during their stay in the College of Medicine.

Speaking in behalf of her peers, Academic Awardee, Outstanding Clinical Clerk Awardee and Class Valedictorian Ms. Loreth Mirandilla

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

gave her valedictory speech after the hooding ceremony. This was followed by BUCM Batch 2019’s official ‘Induction to the BU Medical Alumni Association’, led

by Class President Ms. Tina V. Candelaria.

Before the program concluded, BUCM Associate Dean Dr. Luis Domingo B. Mendoza gave the event’s closing remarks, followed by the singing of the BU and BUCM Hymn, and then the recessional.

The BUzzette

NEWS BU documents BCDI’s sustainable agriculture project

Going Healthy, Going Organic – Project implementers from BCDI, process documenters from Bicol University, and vegetable farmers of Bacacay municipality meet up to discuss how organic farming could serve as the key in eliminating poverty in the Bicolano farming communities.

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onouring their partnership in promoting sustainable livelihood for Bicolano communities in need, Bicol University’s Communication and Public Relations Office (CPRO) accompanied the project implementers from the Bicol Consortium for Development Initiatives Incorporated (BCDI) in their field visits for a process researchdocumentation of the joint BCDI-LIKASSAC-Legazpi project “Building Resilient Farming Families in Bicol through Sustainable Agriculture”.

It can be recalled that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BU and BCDILegazpi City was signed last 17 October 2018, during a meeting of their key officials at the Chancery , Cathedral Compound in Legazpi

City.

For the university, the MOA was signed

by BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, while BCDI’s CEO Fr. Jose Victor E. Lobrigo signed in behalf of the consortium. BU Communications and Public Relations Office (CPRO) Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, BCDI Executive Director Nerissa S. Casin, and the Diocese of Legazpi’s Social Action Center (SAC) Executive Director Rev. Fr. Rex Paul Arjona also participated in the said signing as witnesses.

The partnership between BU and BCDI focuses on the process documentation of the project that promotes sustainable organic agriculture. The said project is aimed at reducing poverty and improvement of food

security for families that are highly dependent on agricultural livelihood by increasing productivity and income.

Initiated since July 2017, the project is now being implemented in twenty (20) barangays in the municipalities of Bacacay, Santo Domingo, and Tiwi in the the province of Albay, and in the municipalities of Castilla and Pilar in the province of Sorsogon. In accordance to the MOA, documenters led by BU-CPRO Director Dr. Bautista joined BCDI’s team in their regular site and field visits for the said project since November 2018.

During that time, testimonials from concerned local government officials, local agricultural officers, and farmerpartners were taken for data analysis, in order to measure the project’s effectiveness in attaining its goals. In addition, photos and other visual footages were also taken for documentation and to create a clearer concept of the project’s progress.

So far, the data reveal the satisfied response of the farmer-partners in adopting the organic farming system that was introduced by the project. Various farming groups have also attested to the positive results, including increased production and easier commercialization of organic farming products compared to synthetic farming.

Local leaders, like the mayors and councillors of the municipalities involved in the project, have also expressed their confidence in the project and has reaffirmed their support. As the people in direct contact with the farmers, the municipal agriculture officers (MAO) have also shared the positive feedbacks they have received from the farmers in line with the project’s implementation.

The group headed by Dr. Bautista with Dr. Reina O. Habalo and Prof. Janette N. Ariola are now in the process of writing the reports with the expected documentation results packaged in a magazine type knowledge product. The results of the process documentation research will be disseminated to BCDI-LIKAS-SAC-Legazpi and other stakerholders.

Search Committee members for vacant BOR post meet in Manila

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ith the private sector representatives vacating their seats in the Bicol University Board of Regents (BOR), the Search Committee for Private Sector Representatives to Bicol University had their first meeting last April 23 at the Cesar E. A. Virata School of Business (VSB) in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The said committee, tasked with identifying qualified candidates for the given post, is composed of Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman as Chairperson, with Dr. Faith M. Bachiller and Prof. Joel N. Sales as members, to be assisted by Board Secretary Atty. Norly

P. Reyes and his staff.

It can be recalled that the formation of the Search Committee was approved by BU-BOR’s Governing Board during their 125th Regular Meeting last 21 March 2019. The main functions of this new body is to screen and asses the documentary requirements submitted by the applicants and to recommend to the BOR nominees for the said position.

One of the key topics during the committee’s first meeting is the creation of the criteria for the nominees.