BSBI bldg. management now in Diocese of Legazpi; MOA signing, official turnover, held

Through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, the Bicol Small Business Foundation, Inc. (BSBI) building’s management, administration, and maintenance was formally transferred to the Diocese of Legazpi on August 3, 2022, to establish an Interfaith Center. The agreement was based on the original MOA which expired in 2017. Before it ended, a fiveyear extension period was authorized that should finish in 2023, hence the turnover ceremony. The three-story building includes the Catholic Chapel, Bicol University (BU) Campus Ministry Organization (CMO) office and service centers for other related functions, Diocesan Youth Commission Office, and the Chaplain’s Office.

To guarantee inclusion in the spirit of ecumenism, a space within the building will be designated as an “Interfaith Hub,” which will be used for worship, events, and other activities relating to spiritual affairs and other related concerns of the members of other religious denominations and faith groups along with the BU community, stakeholders, and partners.

As an arm of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Legazpi Inc. (RCBLI), the Diocese of Legazpi will support BU-CMO in its mission of providing youth formation and development. The promotion of an environment of peace and ecumenism among various religions and faith groups that allow for ecumenical dialogue and the unrestricted expression of religious beliefs and practices was one of the top priorities identified.

In addition, a priest will be assigned to minister the University’s Catholic population. The priest may also be an affiliate to teach his field of expertise such as Philosophy or Ethics. The MOA is effective for a period of 10 years, subject to renewal of the agreement.

The MOA signing ceremony was attended by the BU officials headed by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, VP for Academic Affairs Dr.

Amelia A. Dorosan, Legal Officer Atty. Daryl B. Redoblado, Campus Ministry adviser Dr. Norma Ll. Magdato, and BSBI President Dr. Ofelia S. Vega (retired).

For the RCBLI representatives, present were Bishop of Legazpi, His Excellency Bishop Joel Z. Baylon; Diocese of Legazpi Chancellor Rev. Fr. Laurence C. Bringino; Diocesan Commission on Youth, Commission Head Rev. Fr. Teody John A. Camba; Member’s Development Services Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Rafael Don B. Sambajon; Commission Head on Temporalities Rev. Fr. Jose E. Lobrigo represented by Arch. Ana M. Lorilla of Bicol University.

Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, BU Communication and Public Relations Office Director, served as the programme facilitator. The program was conducted face-to-face, observing minimum health and safety protocols, and livestreamed through the university’s and diocese’s Facebook pages.

BU to act as Accredited Cooperative Training Provider for CDA trainees

In the promotion of advocacy and development of cooperatives in the education system, a Memorandum of Agreement was sealed between Bicol University (BU) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on August 16, 2022.

Pursuant to Article 44 and Section 5 of Rule 7 of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 9520, otherwise known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the MOA will require cooperative officers to undergo necessary training conducted by BU as training institution duly accredited by the authority.

This will also prescribe the “New Guidelines on the Accreditation and Monitoring of Cooperative Training Providers (CTPROs), based on CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2022-11. At least 24 hours of Training of Trainers (ToT) for cooperative training providers.”

As a state-supported institution, BU shall gear its programs to national, regional, or local development plans, and exemplify a scholarly leadership. Through this partnership, a standard curriculum for ToT will be developed and formulate guidelines to operationalize the agreement.

Present in the MOA signing were CDA Regional Director, Salvador V. Valeroso, with the Assistant Regional Director, Gracia P. Layosa, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, and BU Center for Policy Studies and Development Director, Prof. Elmer A. Lorenzana.

This project will be valid for a period of five years and may be renewed upon agreement.

Through the Bicol University International Relations Office, three BU students are bound to an international student exchange program, with full scholarship and credit transfer.

Summer Jan Forrest Untalan is currently a 3rd year student from the College of Arts and Letters taking AB

Communication. He will undergo the exchange program on the

Global Korea Scholarship at Dongseo University, South Korea. He has departed from the Philippines on the last week of August and will begin his study from September to December 2022. Meanwhile, Francheska Iubelle Perez, a graduating student taking BS Business Administration Major in Management in the College of Business, Economics, and Management, and John Olan Gomez, a 3rd year student taking BS Computer Science in the

College of Science, will both undergo the Youth Elite Exchange Program under the New Southbound Policy International Study Program at National Quemoy University, Taiwan. The pair will leave the country on the 2nd week of September and they are expected to finish the student exchange program on January 2023. Good luck and safe travels! | by Arnold C. Noda