February 2022 BUzette

Ako ay lubos na nagagalak sa patuloy nating pagtangkilik at pagpapausbong ng iba’t ibang sining. Sa aking paniniwala, kung ang bawat tao ay matuto maglinang ng kahit isa man lang na uri ng sining, sa tingin ko higit na magiging mabuti, maaliwalas at payapa ang ating mundo. Hindi lingid sa inyong kaalaman na ako ay mahilig sa sining ng musika. Ang hindi ko lang alam ay kung ang aking musika na dinadaan ko sa mga awiting malapit sa puso ko ay may sining nga ba o wala. Subalit sa tingin ko ang mas mahalagang tanong ay “kapag ako ba ay kumakanta, ano ba ang nararamdaman ko?” Siguro ay bunga ito ng ng katahimikan ng puso na aking nararamdaman kapag ako’y kumakanta na para bang walang naiisip na problema at iba pang isipin. Pangatlo, sabi nga, kapag ang tao ay nalulungkot o natutuwa ang unang nagagawa ay napapakanta. Kung kaya ang sining ay talaga namang nakakadulot at nakapagdadala ng kakaibang pag-asa.

Ano nga ba ang pag-asa at bakit napakahalaga nito sa ating panahon at paano nakapagbibigay ng pag-asa ang sining? Ang pag-asa ay siyang nakapagbibigay ng liwanag sa madilim na kahapon at nagsisilbing tanglaw sa masalimuot na panahon. Ito’y isang sandata na nagpapatunay na lahat ng bagay at anumang paghihirap ay natatapos din. Gaya ng sining na pamana ng ating lahi na patuloy nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa ating magandang bukas sa gitna ng pandemya. Kung kaya’t bakit kailangan natin ipagdiwang ang buwang ng mga sining? Simple lang ang dahilan. Ang sining ay kultura, ang kultura ay kasaysayan ng bawat mamamayan at ang kasaysayan ng bawat isa ay isang sining na nililok ng mapagpalang kamay ng ating Diyos. Nawa’y sa bawat paglilok, pag-awit, pagpinta, pagsulat, pag-indak o pagsayaw at pakikilahok o pagpapalaganap ng iba’t ibang sining, tayo mismo ay maging alagad nito sa pagpapalaganap ng sining ng pag-asa.

The

CGAD kicks off 1st

MaGADyon Awards

In recognition of its myriad achievements, programs, and activities, Bicol University Center for Gender and Development (BUCGAD) hosted the 1st MaGADyon Award held at The Proxy Hotel, Legazpi City on February 3, 2022.

Attended by the GAD Coordinators from the different colleges and units of the university as well as invited guests and awardees, the program formally commenced with the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Noel R. Rafer, BUCGAD Director followed by a message from the BU President represented by Atty. Joseph Bartolata, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF).

To entertain the guests, an intermission was performed by the BU Albay Magayon Dance Troupe followed by the awarding ceremony.

For the Outstanding Service of Former GAD Coordinators, the awardees were Prof. Grace Brizuela from Tabaco Campus and Prof. Virginia Gonzales from the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM).

Awarded with Outstanding Service of Non-Teaching Personnel as GAD Coordinators were Pritzie S. Rey from the College of Science (CS), Michelle B. Andes from the College of Law, and Teodora Onato from the University Health Services.

In recognition of their Outstanding Service as GAD Coordinator Teaching Personnel, the recipients were Ar. Maureen M. Sia from the Institute of Design and Architecture (IDeA), Prof. Sarah Jane Labarda from the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR), Prof. Gilbert E. Lopez from the Gubat Campus (GC), Dr. Ma. Victoria L. Monte, who was also awarded as Outstanding GAD Coordinator from the College of Education (CE), Prof. Roselyn O. Ragas from the College of Agriculture and

Forestry (CAF), Prof. Francia L. Abarientos from the College of Engineering (CENG), Prof. April Joy. B. Nuez from the Polangui Campus (PC), Dr. Rosevida V. Cadag from the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), Prof. Melinda D. De Guzman from Open University (OU), and Dr. Odette R. Gonzales from the College of Nursing (CN).

The Institute of Women’s Studies, St. Scholastica College, Manila was recognized as the Outstanding Linkage Network while the IPESR was awarded as the Outstanding GADResponsive College. On the other hand, CS received the Outstanding GAD-Responsive Extension Program.

Special awards were also given to Prof. Carina Sales, Director of the IPESR, as Ms. Photogenic while Mr. Photogenic was awarded to Atty. Norly Reyes, Chief Administrative Officer for Administrative Services and Board Secretary. On the other hand, the Best Dressed Female Category was conferred to Dr. Mary Joy Catangui, BUPC Dean, while Arch. Leo Del Rosario, Director of the IDeA received the Best Dressed Male Category award.

Also present in the event were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Tabaco Campus (TC) Dean Dr. Ma. Gisela N. Mortega, Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) Supervising Administrative Officer Dr. Jennifer T. Barrameda, College of Science (CS) Dean Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Graduate School (GS) Dean Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, College of Arts and Letters Dean (CAL) Dean Dr. Leticia M. Lopez, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Dean Atty. Alex B. Nepomuceno, Planning and Development Office (PDO) Director Prof. Alwin Joseph M. Maceres.

The ceremony was facilitated by OU Faculty Dr. Roldan Cabiles.

OSAS highlights importance of Mental Health

As part of the prerequisites for the internship program, the Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Student Welfare Services Division (SWSD) held a webinar dubbed, Mental Health: Taking Care of Oneself via Zoom and Facebook livestreaming on February 15, 2022.

Resource speaker and Cluster 1 Guidance

Councilor Marie Angelica C. Paz, discussed the RA 11036 Mental Health Act, the myths and facts on mental health, its scientific explanation, researches, and effects. She discussed further mental health on a national scale and revealed that six million Filipinos live with depression and anxiety, making it the 3rd highest rate of mental disorders

in the Western Pacific. Her discussion concluded with the techniques in managing mental and emotional struggles. Messages were also delivered by VP For Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan and OSAS Dean Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III. The webinar was facilitated by Grecia A. Demesa, OSAS Administrative Aide IV.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista

Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See & Rica Mae B. Barnedo

Photographer & Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin

News Writer Arnold C. Noda Graphic Artist Reynalyn C. Cernechez

Contributors British Council PH and Bicol University Office of Student Affairs and Services

Editorial Consultants Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan & Dr. Reina O. Habalo

Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

Managing Mental Health - Bicol University Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Student Welfare Services Division (SWSD) conducted a webinar highlighting the importance of mental health last February 15, 2022.

BU-IIEE partnership to conduct technical lectures, webinars to CENGians

Through a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Bicol University (BU) and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) –United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chapter, inked on February 23, 2022, Virtual Technical Lecture-Webinar Series including other forms of engagements among others, will be held for the Electrical Engineering (EEng) students of the university.

According to the MoU, both parties will conduct academic lectures and webinars, research projects and colloquia, industry

immersion and internships, and expert exchange programs for EEng students using virtual platforms and online teach-teaching modalities.

Among the signatories for BU were President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, International Relations Office (IRO) Director Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, and College of Engineering (CENG) Dean Dr. Amelia B. Gonzales. On the other hand, IIEE-UAE was represented by its Chapter President Engr. Enrie Andy E. Vergosa, VP for External Affairs Engr. Marlon B. Hipolito, and Engr. German B. Borlagdan

Jr. The virtual signing was also attended by VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, EEng Department Head Engr. Marites E. Olesco, CENG Associate Dean Engr. Rolando M. Dacillo, IIEE BU Student Chapter President Aira Lorraine Hizo, and some EEng faculty members.

For the IIEE-UAE, its Secretary Engr. Jacob Sambahon and Digital Vice Chairman Engr. Eryl Villa showed their support for the collaboration.

The virtual meeting was facilitated by IRO Staff Abigail Jo M. Abainza.

Expertise Exchange - Bicol University President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas signs Memorandum of Understanding with Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) – United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chapter held virtually last February 23, 2022.

DWBU FM 106.3 is back-on-air; reaches 1st, 3rd

by: Arnold

After two years of nonoperation due to the damages caused by typhoons, the DWBU FM 106.3 was upgraded and relaunched on February 8, 2022 at the Aquilino P. Bonto Building Amphitheater and BU Radio Station.

Aside from resuming operations, the DWBU FM 106.3 frequency was also expanded. Its frequency can now reach the 1st District of Albay at Sto. Domingo and 3rd District at Guinobatan, Albay. Previously, the frequency was limited to the university’s Main Campus. A five-year franchise was granted to the station, which will run until 2024.

The official relaunching commenced with a ribboncutting ceremony at the

BU Radio Station led by BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Dean Dr. Leticia M. Lopez. Afterward, a short blessing was presided by Fr. Edward Allan Pandaan.

Simultaneously broadcasted via the DWBU FM 106.3 and BU Facebook live, the event continued at the Amphitheater. Messages of support and future plans for the new facility were discussed. Present were Dr. Mascariñas, Dr. Lopez, VP for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano, VP Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, and Print and Broadcast Media Department Head Prof. Anacito E. Dematera. In his message, Prof.

Dematera mentioned that the colleges, units, and offices, can request airtime for disseminating information, events, announcements. He recalled the establishment the radio station through effort along with former Dean now Procurement Management Office Director Dr. Julieta B. Borres.

With its wider frequency, the university officials hope to reach students who experiences signal or internet problems in the midst the pandemic. Dr. Lopez also eyes worldwide reach of the radio station through livestreaming.

The public can listen to DWBU FM 106.3 from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am 5:00pm.

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Change Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

British Council features BUTC faculty as former TNE scholar

On its #BuhayUKStudent stories and in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the British Council interviewed Sarina Mae Arciga, an alumna turned faculty member of Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC), as a UK Transnational Education (TNE) scholar from the University of Liverpool.

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Launched in Bicol University in 2018, BU is one of the 10 higher education institutions in the Philippines that offers postgraduate degrees through UK universities as TNE program under the Graduate School (GS) offering Master of Science (MS) in Sustainable Food Systems.

This program spans for two years, with students spending

their first year in the Philippines and their second year in the United Kingdom, with the goal of developing professionals with food system competences and multidisciplinary understanding.

Dual awards are overseen by both the Philippines and the United Kingdom because this is a dual Master of Science degree.

In the interview, Arciga talked about her experience and learnings in the UK and as a woman in the field of science. She took MSc in Sustainable Food Systems in BU and MSc in Advanced Biological Science in the University of Liverpool. She stated in the interview that she wanted to experience a different learning technique from what she learned in the Philippines. This encompasses both the way UK give teaching and their research culture.

One of her career goals was to be a more effective faculty member in BUTC. When asked what advice she could give to those who aspires to pursue a graduate degree in UK, Arciga said that it is important to look for scholarships as well as admission requirements and qualifications.

Aside from finishing two graduate degrees both in BU and the University of Liverpool, Arciga also has a Masters Degree in Biological Education from BUGS.

But Arciga is not the only BUeño to study through the TNE program. In December 2020, Arciga, along with Demetrio E. Castillo, Jeffrey D. Peregrino, and Jhunell A. Regala, returned to the Philippines as the first batch of scholars under CHED-BU who have successfully finished the Master of Science in Advanced Biological Sciences at the University of Liverpool.

#BuhayUKStudent - Sarina Mae Arciga, a UK Transnational Education (TNE) scholar from the University of Liverpool with her co-scholars visiting London.

SOON-TO-RISE: 2-Storey BUCAF Dorm

The groundbreaking ceremony for the two-storey Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) Dormitory was held at the BUCAF campus on February 24, 2022.

Included in the President’s report for this year’s Thrusts and Priorities, the dormitory building costs 36M and will accommodate 36 rooms.

The program commenced with an invocation led by Rev. Fr. Efren Borromeo from Mary’s Healing Sanctuary followed by BUCAF Faculty Aileen E. Comprado for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem

Afterward, a welcome message was delivered by BUCAF OID-Dean Dr. Roscefe B. Dy followed by the overview of the project discussed by VP For Administration and Finance Atty. Joseph Bartolata.

Guinobatan Municipal Mayor Hon. Ann Gemma Y. Ongjoco was also present to show the LGU’s support to the project.

BU President Arnulfo M.

Mascariñas was also present to deliver his message.

BU budgets 160M for CAF ‘total development’

In his message, the president recalled proposing to the Congress to invest 160M to renovate and build new facilities in BUCAF. The projects were put on hold due to the pandemic.

Fortunately, the university was able to reach an agreement with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress to continue the BUCAF dormitory project. According to the president, a ‘complete development’ proposal for the college’s upgrade will be executed next year.

As of writing, BUCAF is undergoing renovations and repairs, as well as the ongoing construction of the BUCAF Covered Court.

Present also in the ceremonies were VP For Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Polangui Campus (PC) Dean Dr. Mary Joy

B. Catangui, Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Director Prof. Carina L. Sales, College of Engineering (CENG) Dean Dr. Ameceremony folia B. Gonzales, College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM) Dean Dr. Eddie S. See, College of Science (CS) Dean Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Office of Student Affairs and Servies (OSAS) Dean Dr. BB Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, University Student Development Services Director Prof. Daves L. Tonga, Business Affairs Office Director Dr. Viola L. Amano, Chief Presidential Mgt. Staff Dr. Reina O. Habalo, Internal Audit Services

Chief Cyrus A. Barrameda, Planning and Development Office Director Prof. Alwin Joseph M. Maceres, and Consortium Director Dr. Marissa N. Estrella along with some invited guests and BUCAF administration and staff.

Strict health safety protocols were observed in the conduct of the activity.

- A social enterprise facility named El Palacio for the welfare of the clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi was blessed and inaugurated last January 29,

Project Development - Bicol University officials, deans, directors and heads of offices gather during the groundbreaking ceremony of the two-storey BUCAF Dormitory held at Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry, Guinobatan, Albay on February 24, 2022.

BCP training to prepare microentrepreneurs for sustainability, resilience

To strengthen the disaster resiliency of small businesses in the province of Albay, Bicol University virtually signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management –Philippines (APADPH) for the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) on February 10, 2022.

Based on the research and project proposal prepared by Center for Policy Studies and Development (CPSD) Director Prof. Elmer A. Lorenzana titled “The BCP for Sustainability and Resiliency of Micro Enterprises in the Province of Albay,” BU through CPSD, in partnership with APADPH, will conduct trainings to microentrepreneurs in Albay.

As the most vulnerable sector to natural and manmade calamities, the BCP will

create an environment for the micro-enterprise to strengthen their ability to endure, adapt to changing conditions, and recover positively from shocks and stresses.

In addition, CPSD will undertake the training’s research component, which will involve an assessment of the microentrepreneurs’ disaster preparedness and response capabilities, as well as improvements to the BCP training design and module.

Present in the signatories of the MOA were BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, VP for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano, CPSD Director Prof. Lorenzana, APAD-PH President Gilbert N. Albero along with Executive Director Althea Penaloza.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Ma. Crestia C. Bañares, Technical Staff of the Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development, Dr. Gremil Allesandro Naz, Prof. Emmanuel Preña, and Prof. Cherrylyn Labayo, Technical Staffs of CSPD, and Abigail Jo M. Abainza, Staff of the International Relations Office (IRO).

For the APAD-PH, present were Firzan Hashim, Kaori Neki Maeda, Hyunsook Yun, Cris Binas, Kathleen Baez, Kristine Dean, Maritess Belen, and Jan Cedric Portuellano.

The virtual event was facilitated by IRO Director Dr. Dimson M. Rivero.

The BCP training is set to be implemented today, until March 2022.

Strengthening Resiliency - Bicol University and Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management – Philippines (APADPH) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the disaster resiliency of small businesses in Albay held last February 10, 2022.