April 2021BUzzette

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APRIL 2021 | Vol. XIII Issue 4 ISSN 2094-3991 Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX Historical Heritage - The BU Gabaldon School Buildings were showcased as one of the historical heritages of the city as represented by Dean Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III with Hon. Mayor Noel E. Rosal during the ribbon cutting and reopening ceremony of Museo de Legazpi.

The

BUzzette A

Protecting Our Shared Home

s the coronavirus continues to ravage the world with its virulent scourge, we now see the need to build a more sustainable post-COVID economy that is pro-people and pro-planet.

While there is no direct evidence that climate change is influencing the spread of the coronavirus, scientific studies show that it alters how humans relate to other species on Earth, thus posing threats to human health. In the case of deforestation, for example, the loss of habitats of animals force them to migrate and potentially come in contact with other animals or people, thus increasing the likelihood of transmission of infectious diseases. Air pollution, on the other hand, also contributes to the prevalence of COVID-19 deaths as research shows that it disproportionately affects those people who live in places with poor air quality.

Indeed, our COVID-19 experience is a potent reminder of what happens if we will continue exploiting our only planet.

While the reminder has brought adverse economic ramifications as it enforced global lockdowns, it has also provided the much needed time for Earth to replenish and heal itself. With the virus disrupting human mobility dynamics, we now see a reduction in air pollution levels in global cities. Our depleted ozone layer is said to be gradually getting back its concentration levels, and the amount of pollutants contaminating our bodies of water have been significantly reduced due to the shutdown of manufacturing facilities and industries.

But for Earth to Pres Outbox | P8 be fully restored, we

News | P3 KADUNUNG-Bicol Program runs 1st school-on-air session

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

Museo de Legazpi reopens, BU Gabaldon Buildings showcased

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n celebration of its 2nd Anniversary dubbed, The Heritage and Culture of Legazpi City, Museo de Legazpi reopens its door to the public at the Gregorian Mall on April 8, 2021.

After its temporary closure due to the pandemic, Museo de Legazpi Curator Carlito Perez said in an interview that they will make sure to maintain strict health and safety protocols in their operation.

“We have been disinfecting the Museo every Friday for safety protocols. Hopefully, visitors will come because the Museo is ready for service,” Perez said.

Showcased in the exhibit were pictures of the visitation of Pope John Paul II in Legazpi City in 1981, important and historical events, and

Feature | P4-5 Marfil triumphs 1st S!NERGY comp worldwide

Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III holding the Plaque of Recognition for the Gabaldon Buildings as they were showcased in the Museo de Legazpi reopening.

personalities such as past leaders and individuals who made remarkable achievements nationwide.

The BU Gabaldon School Buildings were also showcased as one of the historical heritages of the city as received, attended, and represented by Bicol University Office of the Student Affairs and Services (BUOSAS) Dean Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III during the ribbon cutting and reopening Gabaldon Buildings | P2 ceremony.

BUzzette | P6-7 4 BUIDeA 3rd-year students ace national architecture design comp

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Gabaldon Buildings | P1

The BU Gabaldon School Buildings established in 1907.

The BU Gabaldon School Building is now named as Dominador R. Aytona Gabaldon Building.

The BU Gabaldon School Building is now named as Carlos R. Imperial Gabaldon Building.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See & Julie M. Isaac Photographer & Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin News Writer Arnold C. Noda Graphic Artist Joshua D. Del Puso Contributors Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, Antonino Mendoza, Aileen Rances, Mariel Bernadas, Michael Borejon, Dr. Antonio P. Payonga, and Laica Jean Mirabueno (Gearcast) Editorial Consultants Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan & 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

KADUNUNG-Bicol Program runs 1st school-on-air session T

he KADUNUNG-Bicol program officially began its school-on-air with the topic ‘siganids’ at the SKY Radio 93.1 FM, Tabaco City, Albay on February 22, 2021.

The session started on siganids’ biology, taxonomy, and ecology with Dr. Renan Bobiles, one of the project staff of the KADUNUNG-Bicol Program and a faculty member of Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) as the resource speaker.

Siganids, also called rabbitfishes, is one of the types of reef fishes that belonging to the family siganidae. Dr. Bobiles stated that in Bicol, siganids are locally named as ‘bataway’, ‘mublad’, ‘taragbago’, ‘ketong/burikat’, ‘sandig’, and ‘balawis’. He mentioned that siganids are considered as one of the most important and peculiar species in the Bicol region and that majority of signadis juvenile occurs in the east coast of Albay, specifically at Lagonoy Gulf.

The following day, Dr. Bobiles shared his knowledge on Stock Assessment and Fishing Gears. Dr. Bobiles claimed that fishing is becoming increasingly overexploited causimg decline in fish population as a result of excessive fishing.

In continuation, the third sub-topic on siganids is about its processing techniques.

BUTC Dean Dr. Maria Gisella N. Mortega shared her expertise on the third day. Her discussion focused on the process of siganids and one of the most well-known is the fermentation of its juvenile locally known as ‘coyog’. Dr. Mortega enumerated the procedures of fermenting coyog as well as the characteristics of a well fermented product.

Afterwards, Dr. Marlyn Villar, Education Department Chairman and one of the project staff of KADUNUNG-Bicol Program, shared her knowledge on the sub-topic, Nutrition of Siganids. Her discussion covered the proteins, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin B1 and B2, and other siganid nutrients along with detailed information on their benefits. On the same day, Elmer Bien, an Aquaculture Technician of LGU Tabaco, was invited for an on-call discussion on the Laws and Ordinances of Siganids. Bien gave a brief detail on the matter mentioning one important legislations on siganids.

On the fifth day, Dr. Glenda Abejuela and Dr. Leony Barbacena also shared their findings from their previous research on ‘The Indigenous Knowledge System of Fishers on Siganids in Lagonoy Gulf, Philippines’. They learned from their interviews with fishermen that siganid juveniles are most abundant in the months of April and May, two days before and after the new moon. The discussion highlighted the environmental cues used by fishers in predicting the abundance of juveniles. According to the two speakers, the main objective of their study is to develop a better understanding of the indigenous knowledge system on siganids in Lagonoy

Siganids on air - BUTC faculty members and KADUNUNG project staff shared their expertise about “siganids” for six days.

Gulf for valuing, preserving and adopting such knowledge in fishery management.

On the last day, Dr. Plutomeo Nieves, a senior researcher and former BUTC Dean discussed his knowledge on the Aquaculture of Siganids. He shared fun facts on why siganids are called rabbitfishes in English. He explained that it was because of the siganids’ snout that resembled that of a rabbit. He then continued with the topic, stating that siganids, in particular, can be cultured in fish ponds and sea cages. He pointed out that siganids cannot survive in low salinity but

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

they can be cultured alongside other fishes like milkfish.

In every session, a segment called “Ukudan Mo Ngani Load Mo Sagot Ko” was conducted to test the students’ knowledge on the topic. So far, three students won P50 worth of cellular load by answering the lecturer’s question. The winners are Aiza Marie Bayola and Sarah Demana both from Bantayan National High School together, and Jerome Oliquino from San Miguel National High School. (Antonino Mendoza, Aileen Rances, Mariel Bernadas, Michael Borejon)

FEAT

The BU

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Worldwide Champ - Rica B. Marfil, a 2nd year Civil Engineering student of Bicol University (BU), was hailed Champion of World S!NERGY 2021 on April 17 after representing the Asia Pacific.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Marfil triumphs 1st ERGY comp worldwide

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ica B. Marfil, a 2nd year Civil Engineering student of Bicol University (BU), was hailed Champion of World S!NERGY 2021 on April 17 after representing the Asia Pacific in the said competition.

Marfil’s project entitled “Project NCT: Nurturing Child’s Talents: Scaffolding Technical Vocational Training to Children with Special Needs” visualizes a community where every child belongs and envisions an empowered Person with Disability that is working, receiving a quality education, and obtaining child support.

“I see hope in their disabilities, just like someone have seen hope in my vulnerabilities,”

Marfil quoted presentation.

in

her Russia, Nicaragua and two

S!NERGY is a tournament that was initiated by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace and the founder of International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP or YSP) that engages dynamic public speaking where students share their projects and innovative ideas in a professional setting.

The said competition consisted of two online events: The World Youth and Students’ Rally of Hope, and S!NERGY International 2021, which featured top presenters from Regional YSP S!NERGYs. Marfil bested the other four competitors from different countries;

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

from Korea. More so, she received a certificate and $5000 intended to fund her project.

This year is the first ever S!NERGY International that happened and the event was conducted virtually on Youtube and Facebook pages of different regions and chapters of IAYSP including Asia Pacific 1 and 2, America, Europe etc. with the voting on the official website of the S!nergy International.

Winners were announced during the YSP World Assembly today, April 17, 2021, at 3:00 pm (Manila Time).

(Laica Jean Mirabueno, Gearcast – BUCENG student publication)

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4 BUIDeA 3rd-ye national architect

Winners

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Yvonne Joy Salamero

Adrian Jerome Pajarillo

our third-year architecture students of Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture (BUIDeA) tops ArchiNEXT 2021 as announced during the virtual awarding ceremony held at the Archinext: HCG Young Designers’ Competition Facebook page on April 23, 2021.

Dubbed, LINGAP: General Hospital and Extended Emergency Facility, this year’s challenge aims to build an accessible, eco-friendly, and well thought out interactive structure to contribute to the provision of accessible, affordable, and available facilities for all Filipinos, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.

Interested architecture students competed to design a healthcare structure that extends itself for further emergency purposes. The primary objective of this project is to reduce the lack of hospital care delivery services for provinces as well as to increase the health safety of its communities by serving as an emergency space, an evacuation area, or isolation facility when calamities or a pandemic strike.

Out of 78 entries from architecture students around the country, Yvonne

Joy Salamero and Adrian Jerome Pajarillo were proclaimed grand winner with their design, FORMOSA: Proposed Hospital & Extended Emergency Facility.

“Despite the challenges we faced throughout the process, where there were times we think of giving up, we still managed to accomplish what we had started. And all of these, [is] because of the support and love we had from the people around us and especially God who guided us to make it all happen,” Yvonne said in an interview with BU Architecture Student’s Association (ASA).

“It was a rough journey. Designing a hospital is extremely difficult, to begin with, but we are driven by our advocacy which is to create an impact and change in our desired profession.

We should aim to design for the people, on how we can provide them a better place to live in, and on how we can provide solutions to societal and environmental concerns. As future architects, we have the power to shape the world,” Adrian shared with BUASA. Since the competition started last year, Yvonne was worried that they may not be able to make it in time.

FORMOSA SITE PLAN

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

ear students ace ture design comp “The competition started on October last year and nag start lang po kami by the end of November. It is because of the typhoons we had last year. There was no electricity, no communication, and no progress,” she said.

But in the end, with determination, talent, and guidance from their mentor Ar. Ramon Dealca, they managed to push through despite the challenges.

“Inisip na lang po namin yung opportunity, that there is nothing to lose if we try,” Yvonne said.

“We never expected that we can make it to the top 3 of one of the most prestigious competitions for Architecture students. As of now, we feel like we are living on a dream,” Adrian said.

Born and raised in Camarines Norte, Yvonne and Adrian both agreed to use formosa as their design concept.

Formosa is a variety of pineapple (Ananas comosus) noted to thrive in Camarines Norte. The soil in this part of Bicol has high potassium best suited for cultivating this fruit. According to the Provincial Agriculture Office, Camarines Norte

in 2014 covered 96 percent of the Bicol’s total production or 118,492.25 metric tons of pineapple.

“Formosa, to be specific, can only be produced in the town which we think na ideal siya to use as a concept that it embodies the culture of CamNorteños,” she said.

Aside from the recognition, the duo also received a cash award of P100,000 with a school counterpart of P25,000.

Meanwhile, Gelene Francisco and Peter Jhon Marc Tubo landed third place with their design, KALINAW: Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital.

Yvonne and Adrian were not the only team that was experiencing inconveniences due to typhoons and power interruptions last year but Gelene and Peter as well.

“Though the circumstance last December is unfavorable, I pushed myself to go on with my dream. I think when the opportunity is offered right in front of you, you must grab it.

You can never win without getting into the battle,” Gelene wrote on her Facebook.

They also received a cash award of P30,000 with a school counterpart of P15,000.

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

3rd Placers

Peter Jhon Marc Tubo

Gelene Francisco KALINAW SITE PLAN

DARE TO project terminates; year-end review, workshop held

Resilient Technology - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU President, delivering his message and a pause with the representatives of Fr. Rector Dr. Ernesto Arceo, OP President, UST-L during the “Sustainability Workshop” of the DARE TO Project last March 19, 2021 at Casa Basilisa Inc. Diversion Road, San Rafael, Guinobatan, Albay.

fter two and a half years of A implementation, the Discover Applied Research and Extension for Trans/

Interdisciplinary Opportunities (DARE TO) project on Enhancing Food Security through Climate Resilient Science-based Farming Technology held a two-day YearEnd Review and Sustainability Workshop on March 18 to 19, 2021.

Funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) being implemented

by Bicol University (BU) along with the University of Sto. Thomas (UST) – Legazpi, Department of Agriculture V, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ligao and Tabaco City, the event reviewed the project’s accomplishments and consolidated results and outputs.

The program commenced with an opening remarks delivered by Project

Leader Dr. Antonio P. Payonga followed by a message from BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) Dean Prof. Domingo Ll. Nace while DARE TO Project Staff discussed the mechanics of the workshop.

Afterwards, the workshop proper began presenting the project accomplishments and financial reports facilitated by the DARE TO Project Staffs and Administrative Staffs followed by an open forum moderated by DARE TO Project Staff Asst. Prof. Jet G. Guerrero. To celebrate the occasion, a fellowship night was held organized by DARE TO Project Staff Dr. Virgilia G. Armendi and Sarrah D. Sambajon.

On the second day, the event focused on the sustainability workshop. Dr. Payonga delivered the welcome remarks as well as the presentation of project accomplishments. Afterward, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas delivered a message

as one of the partner institutions of the project.

In the afternoon, the identification of strategies to sustain project outputs were discussed led by DARE TO Project Staff Prof.

Ma. Julieta C. Gonzales. In able to show support and commitment to the project as partner LGUs, Tabaco City Mayor Hon. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro and Ligao City Mayor Hon. Patricia Gonzales-Alsua were also present.

The awarding of certificates and commendations was led by BUCAF Dean Prof. Nace assisted by DARE TO Project Staff Prof. Alma O. Satimbre. To formally conclude the event, BUCAF Associate Dean Dr. Roscefe B. Dy delivered the closing remarks.

Health and safety protocols were strictly followed during the conduct of the event.

need the concerted effort of all sectors.

At Bicol University, we are doing our share by fostering trees inside our campus. In 2019, we partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

and the LGU-Albay in “2D Growing Trees” where we planted trees inside the main campus. Last year, we collaborated with the Energy Development Corporation where we plan to propagate 96 premium indigenous species inside the campus. These allotted

native tree seedlings were identified as threatened or endangered species.

In retrospect, our COVID-19 experience has taught us that if we want to prevent the next pandemic, we need to protect our shared home.

Pres Outbox | P1