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AUGUST 2021 | Vol. XIII Issue 8 ISSN 2094-3991 Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

The

BUzzette D

ear Freshmen, welcome to Bicol University – the premier state university in the Bicol Region! You have now entered a different kind of education – one that has adapted to the changing needs of our times – particularly with this pandemic that has turned our long-held beliefs and processes into the “new normal.” Yours is the generation – the batch of learners – that has been swept into the current pandemic waves because of the ongoing COVID19 virus. For and on behalf of the Bicol University community, and as the president, I assure you that your safety and learning are both protected and ensured as we employ Flexible Learning and strictly abide by the prescribed safety and health protocols. As part of ensuring the safety and protection of everyone, we are preparing for the gradual vaccinations of our personnel, and eventually, you, dear students. I know that times are hard – in all aspects these days. That’s why, we should make it our goal to make each other’s lives a little better. You have been doubly blessed because you have chosen Bicol University – a premier state University in the Bicol Region that offers quality tertiary education – that by virtue of Pres Outbox | P7 Republic Act 10931,

News | P3 Torrenueva receives international recognition

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

BU marks history as top performing school in Mining Engineering 3rd largest ‘producer’ of board placers, licensed MEs

icol University College of Engineering made a remarkable feat as the top performing school during the 2021 Mining Engineering Licensure Examination besting other State Universities and Colleges (SUC) across the country. In fact, in 2013, BU was supposed to be the top performing school with the highest passing rate of 93.3% that produced 28 out of 30 licensed MEs. But during those times, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was not yet recognizing school performances until 2014. Overall, BU has produced 252 licensed MEs ever since it first participated in 2013, making it the 3rd biggest ME ‘producer’ in the country - behind the Saint

Feature | P4-5 BU Alumni Engr. Sallena lands top 3 on 2021 Mining Engineering Licensure Exams; Sallena’s secrets to become topnotcher, revealed

Louis University in Baguio and Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U). But out of these 252 passers, in just 13 years, 14 were board placers, making the university 3rd as well in the overall number of board placers since 2013, just behind CIT-U and the University of the Philippines Diliman. Aside from being the top school this year, BU alumnus Engr. Rovin Jay B. Sallena, landed top 3 with a laudable 87.85 rating among 274 examinees. But three years ago, BU alumnus Engr. Santiago B. Agripa Jr. claimed the 1st spot with an outstanding 92.90% along with 10th placers Engr. Homer Romeo De Guzman and Engr. Alyssa Joyce B. Francia. All these data are based on the results released by the PRC where BU joined the board exams in 2013.

BUzzette | P7 BU signs MOA to mentor DepEd SDO-Albay teachers

The BUzzette

NEWS

Sinovac Shots - Bicol University employees have been vacinated with Sinovac vaccine held at BU College of Engineering (CENG) Gymnasium on June 18, 2021.

Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, ipinagdiwang S a pangunguna ng Pamantasan ng Bikol Kolehiyo ng Arte at Letra Departamento ng Filipino, Sentro ng Wika at Kultura at BU Extension Management Division, isang birtwal na Pampinid na Palatuntunan sa taunang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa ang isinagawa na may temang: “Filipino at mga Wikang Katutubo sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pagiisip ng mga Pilipino” na ginanap noong Agosto 31, 2021, ika-10 ng umaga sa Facebook page ng BUEMD. Tampok dito sina Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata na Pangalawang Pangulo sa Administrasyon at Pananalapi at Dr. Angela E. Lorenzana na Bikol Komisyoner sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.

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 Reynalyn Cernechez Contributors Julianne Nicolle G. Moral (SRA), BCAARRD, Antonino Mendoza, Aileen Rances, Mariel Bernadas, Michael Borejon 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

The BUzzette

NEWS

Torrenueva receives international recognition

Building Resiliency - Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas hosted the 1st PAEDA International Conference and 51st National Convention via Zoom teleconferencing and Facebook live on June 03 to 04, 2021.

#TatakBUeño

ydney Joseph L. Torrenueva, a 4th year BUeño taking up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, was recognized by the Asia-Pacific Luminare Awards (APLA) with the title “Youth Power: Outstanding Student Leader of the Year.” Founded on 2018, APLA is an international award-giving organization. It honors and celebrates notable individuals from the Asia-Pacific area who have excelled in disciplines

such as business, culture, the arts, public service and governance, education, and youth leadership among others. APLA believes that by doing so, individuals would be inspired to continue making constructive contributions to society and to serve the community. The 4th annual APLA was held on June 26, 2021 in the Grand Ballroom in Okada, Manila, with strict adherence to COVID-19 standards. Torrenueva was unable to attend the awarding ceremonies due to tight

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

travel restrictions. However, on August 2, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascarinas along with VP for Academic Affair Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan held a simple awarding program for Torrenueva at the Office of the President. The BUeño achiever is notable for his active participation lately in webinars, online trainings, and virtual programs. He is also this year’s University Most Outstanding Student and University Most Outstanding Student in Service. (written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO)

BU Alumni Engr. Sallena lands top 3 on 2021 Mining Engineering Licensure Exams Sallena’s secrets to become topnotcher, revealed

8. Ask. T

icol University College of Engineering alumnus Engr. We learn by as Rovin Jay B. Sallena landed top 3 with a laudable 87.85 It’s okay to ask teaching and d rating among 274 examinees during the 2021 Mining classmates tha ideas and und Engineering Licensure Examination announced by the Professional Regulation Commission 6. Take Notes (PRC) on August 16, 2021. In addition, BU was hailed as It is best to summarize the topics you have learn review session. This will make it easy for you to the Top Performing School with an the concepts when you have forgotten some, so to read your books again. Also, some may find i outstanding 85.29% passing rate with to have formulas and concepts posted on the wa you can do it too if it works best for you. a total of 29 out of 34 new licensed Mining Engineers. I n an interview, Sallena 4. Utilize your Resources shared that after taking the exam, he told Ask for review materials from previous batch. Unfortunately, no one provided me hard copies of reviewers so I really need to his parents that he will surely be a passer. produce my own. Learn by researching topics, reading articles, Little did he know that he will land a top spot and even attending lectures available on YouTube or any website about the subjects that you may find helpful in the exam. among other takers. Raised by a farmer and an I admit, Indian professors are the best! Everything is on the internet. You may find summaries in PDF or PPT files. online plant entrepreneur, Sallena dedicated Those really helped me a lot, given that I did not enroll in any review center. his achievement to his parents and said that struggles in life are not hindrances 2. Have Goals to reach your dreams. I did not graduate with Latin honor. My GWA Sallena said that his books were went short to qualify for Cum Laude. That mothe key that helped him review ment made me eager to really TOP THE BOARD EXAM! I may seem ambitious but having that for the examinations. On the goal really helped me to keep myself motivated. My classmates and professors expected me to be a other hand, in a Facebook post potential topnotcher so that it added pressure but Sallena shared tips to be a it pushed me to do my best on the exam. topnotcher in the midst of the pandemic for those who will take licensure examinations: 1. Preparation is the key

2 1

Before I started reviewing, I made a schedule that really helped me maximize my time and cover most of the subjects or topics. It’s like planning not only for the exam but also for your future! We need to get that license, so we need to prepare for it!

TOPNOTCHER

10. Padagos Padagos, in Bikol, means “to continue.” I know the frustration and anxiety brought by the cancellation of exams. The uncertainty whether it will push through or not really affected our momentum. However, don’t be discouraged, just continue. Don’t lose hope and stay focused! Small progress is still progress. Padagos lang, future Engineers!

Teach. Discuss

sking. We can’t just rely on ourselves. k for help. We can also learn by discussing topics with your friends or at may also help you get derstand the subjects better.

ned every o check o no need it useful alls, so

11 11. Always Pray Have faith in God. Surrender everything to Him. Trust that everything will be worth it in God’s perfect time. Keep calm and don’t let fear rule us. Believe that you can! We prepared long for this, let’s give it our best shot!

9. Rest and Relax

Don’t feel guilty when you rest or relax. It’s okay to take a break. It is important to have plenty of rest than reviewing so hard. Take care of yourself! You can’t learn or comprehend thoughts when you’re stressing yourself too much. Rest and relax when you feel the need to. Ease your mind and don’t overthink.

7. Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice your math skills! Don’t just know how to solve it but understand how to solve it! Memorize some useful conversion and formulas! You can also try to answer sample exams if you have. Don’t forget to double check the answers because sometimes, answer keys can be wrong.

5. Repetition is important It took us a year before we had our board exam. Due to the pandemic, it was cancelled twice which really affected our review. However, that really didn’t stop me from studying. I felt discouraged and unmotivated sometimes but that won’t help me from achieving my goals. Actually, I read our fundamental books for 3-4 times. You may ask why but repetition really helped me retain the concepts and understand it more. I just read it again and again.

3. Back to Basics Start your review by going back to your fundamentals. It is best to focus on your foundations because some of the examination questions will revolve on the basics. Know the concepts by heart! Learn to correlate topics with other topics. Lastly, know your strengths and weaknesses. This will guide you on what to focus on.

87.85%

3rd Placer

The BUzzette

NEWS

Art and photography memorial to the late President Benigno “Noynoy’ Simeon C. Aquino III by Renz Adrian Ronda, a BUCSSP student.

BCAARRD Secretariat participates in DOSTPCAARRD 3-day training on Media Relations

he Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) spearheaded a three-day training workshop on August 25 to 27, 2021. Focused on Media Relations, the workshop was attended by invited participants and the various consortia in the nation, with the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) in attendance.

BCAARRD was represented by its Deputy Director, Dr. Sevella T. Almorfe and Knowledge Management Cluster Coordinator, Ms. Maria Luisa Tango, with their Science Research Assistant. The workshop aimed to strengthen DOST-PCAARRD’s media presence in the region as well as hone the skills of the consortia’s staff in relation to media coordination and communication. The discussions during the virtual training were headed by Ms. Edree Estaura, PR and Brand Officer

of Midas Hotel and Cassino. She first discussed her topics with ease and led the participants to draft their own pitch emails and briefing documents. The outputs of each group were then presented during the workshop. Participants commended Estaura for her very light and upbeat discussions. All thanked her after the conclusion of the event for the new knowledge gained by the members and expressed how useful the shared information will be to future endeavors. (written by Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA, BCAARRD)

BCAARRD supports Queen Pineapple NICER Program during Inception Meeting A

fter the conclusion of the program on “Enhancing Productivity and Marketability of Queen Pineapple”, a threeyear Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) for Queen Pineapple was conceptualized. DOST-PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division (CRD) spearheaded and officially started the program through an inception meeting. Project team members and faculty staff from Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD); representatives from the DOST’s Special Project Division and Science for Change Program’s (S4CP) Project Management Office; and Department

of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOSTPCAARRD) key officials and staff attended the meeting, which was held via Zoom. According to the article posted by the funding agency, DOST-PCAARRD, the program will be led by Dr. Arlene C. Alegre of CNSC, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 5 (DARFO 5). The said article also discussed how the production of the sweetest variety of pineapple in the Philippines can be traced back to the 50’s, becoming the most popular cash-crop in 12 municipalities and 282 barangays in Camarines Norte.

However, with the booming demand, came the inadequate agricultural mechanization, pest infestation, and inadequate knowledge in postharvest processing methods are experienced by Queen pineapple growers. These difficulties led the DOSTPCAARRD to tap agencies and establish the Queen Pineapple NICER Program. Moreover, on the said article, the Queen Pineapple R&D Center will focus on the management and detection of pests, enhance the cultural practices of the farmers, disseminate technologies with consideration to gender relations, and transfer of viable technologies. (Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA, BCAARRD).

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

The BUzzette

NEWS

BU signs MOA to mentor DepEd SDO-Albay teachers

Society Services - Bicol University through its College of Law and Social Action Center - Diocese of Legazpi held a MOA Signing on June 25, 2021 where BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU College of Law Dean Atty. Hardy B. Aquende, BUCL Associate Dean Atty. Norly P. Reyes, BU-CPRO Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, SAC-Legazpi Executive Director Rev. Fr. Eric B. Martillano, SAC-Legazpi Operations Officer Ms. Myrna Llanes and SAC-Legazpi Community Development Worker Ms. Jeanette Barcellano were present.

icol University, represented by President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas along with Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano and other deans, directors, and involve BU personnel, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO)-Albay live streamed via BU Facebook page on August 19, 2021. Dubbed, Project on Action Research Made Easy: A Mentoring

Program for Master Teachers and Head Teachers/Department Heads of SDO Albay, the virtual meeting was conducted via Zoom teleconferencing. The program commenced with an invocation led by Prof. Gerard Protacio, Component Leader 1 followed by BU College of Education (CE) Dean Dr. Lorna M. Miña. Afterwards, Dr. Epifania B. Nuñez, Project Leader, discussed the rationale and project background followed by the virtual MOA signing

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

ceremony. Messages of support were delivered by DepEd SDO-Albay Dr. Norma B. Samantela, CESO IV and BU President Mascariñas. To conclude the virtual meeting, Dr. Maria Teresa M .Abainza, BUCE Assoc. Dean and Planning Officer, delivered the closing remarks. The virtual event was facilitated by Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, BU Communication and Public Relations Office (CPRO) Director and Component 4 Leader of the project.

KADUNUNG Radio Program presents Scallops and Scallop Fishery of Asid Gulf Masbate Month 3 [Topic 7: Scallops] Welcoming the month of April after the Holy Week, the KADUNUNG-Bicol program had consistently imparted knowledge to their listeners, with Scallops as the topic of the week on April 5 to 7 and 9, 2021 discussed through radio broadcasting at SKY Radio 93.1 FM. Scallops are marine mollusks in the Pectinidae family. These are bivalve mollusks, which means the interior muscle is surrounded by two shells, like oysters, mussels, and clams. Scallops have a white adductor muscle (the part we eat) inside that opens and closes the shell. The name scallop refers to the rigid shell pattern and fanned shape of the shell. Scallops can have up to 200 eyes on their mantle. These eyes, which can detect light, dark, and motion, can be of a brilliant blue color. They use their retinas to focus light, similar to how the cornea in human eyes does. Scallops are locally called as kapis (tagalog), tikab, and paypay in bikol. On April 5, 2021, Prof. Antonino Mendoza led the talk on the Biology and Ecology of Scallops. Before moving on to the main topic, he shared some facts about the species. This includes the fact that the name “scallop” is derived from the Old French escalope, which means “shell,” and that the scallop is the only bivalve mollusk that can “jump” and “swim.” He then enumerated and focused on the scallop species found

allows each one of you, access to free tertiary education. With great blessing, comes great responsibility. Hence, I urge all of you, dear Freshmen, to continue persevering in your work, and hopeful in your outlook because times will still be harder, and life will not always be easy. That’s why here at Bicol University, we make sure that you imbibe the core values of Character, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service as you live your life within the confines of this great academic institution. Guided by our vision of “a World-class University producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development,” Pres Outbox | P7

in the Philippines. Bractechlamys vexillum (tikab), Mimachlamys sanguinea (tikab de color), Mimachlamys funebris (tikab dakula), Mimachlamys gloriosa, and Annachlamys striatula (paypay) are the five commercially important scallops in Asid Gulf, Masbate. Dr. Alex Camaya presented the next day and spoke about his team’s project, “State of Scallop Fishers and their Knowledge of Natural Resource Management in Asid Gulf, Masbate.” They conducted a survey for the fishermen, which revealed that scallop fishers in the Gulf are multi-aged, mostly 30 to 40 years old, married, and rely primarily on fishing for a living. “Scallop fishers remain economically impoverished, and have lower years in school as they have less opportunity to formal education”, said Dr. Camaya. The survey also included questions about fishermen’s basic knowledge of climate change, as well as their awareness of its occurrence and impact on the scallop fishery. The next day, Mr. Ian Chris Buban, an instructor at Bicol University Tabaco Campus discussed the Stock Assessment, Production and Harvesting of Scallops which he had his study. He started his discourse by explaining the significance of scallop resource in Asid Gulf as well as the reasons on why we have to manage those resources. Mr. Buban also presented the production and exploitation data of scallops in the said gulf. With this, he then enumerated the types of overfishing as applied to scallop resources which includes growth overfishing, recruitment overfishing, economic overfishing and ecosystem overfishing. With all the problems that contribute to the decline of scallop production, Mr. Buban introduced a process called mariculture, listing why it is necessary to be conducted. He claimed that together with the suite of management options, mariculture has the potential for lessening the dependence on natural scallop

we endeavor to mold each of you into productive and responsible scholars who would one day become leaders with the passion for change and service in your respective fields. With the great privilege and blessing of a Bicol University education, you too, must be aware at this early stage in your student’s life, of the great responsibility that comes with this privilege. To whom much is given, much is expected. Along with your mentors and professors, we hope you will rise up to the challenge this pandemic and use the quality education that Bicol University can provide to become quality students who will exemplify the Core Values of

population while increasing production potential of the resource. Aside from siganids, Dr. Leony Barbacena and team also studied the Indigenous Knowledge of Fishers on Scallops in Asid Gulf. Due to their unavailability to attend in the radio broadcasting, Prof. Mendoza was the one who discussed the matter. He cited ten of the noted indigenous knowledge of fishers. One of which is that gleaners identify six species of scallops in Asid Gulf. These are the tiger, flying saucer/paypay, tikab puti, tikab de color, bukol-bukol and de color. Based on the study conducted by Soliman et. al 2004, there are only 5 commercially important scallops present in the gulf. These are the Decatopecten striatus or Tikab (now Bractechlamys vexillum), Chlamys senatoria nobilis or de color (now Mimachlamys sangiunea), Chlamys gloriosus or Tigre, Chlamys funebris or Tigre, and Chlamys macassarensis or paypay (now Annachlamys striatula). According to Soliman, Spondylus calcifer (bukol-bukol) is not considered as a commercially important scallop in the gulf. Avid lucky listeners Mark Darren Capistrano and Shirley Buenconsejo of Bantayan National High School, and Ariel Brigueles of San Lorenzo National High School won the program’s regular paukod (guessing game) segment. (Antonino Mendoza, Aileen Rances, Mariel Bernadas, Michael Borejon/ BUTC)

Bicol University. Enjoy the moment and savor the advantage of being a member of the Bicol University family. Make the most of your stay here and create wonderful moments and memories in all the nooks and corners of this great University, even as we ride the waves of this pandemic! Let’s create and find happiness by doing small acts of courage and compassion – as all of us can use a huge dose of these because we are all struggling, in various ways. Let us not allow this pandemic to rob us of the moments we can still build and enjoy! As your President and surrogate father, I welcome you to another year of learning with the Bicol University family!