January 2021 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

JANUARY 2021 | Vol. XIII Issue 1

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

T

he start of a new year will always hold a special place in our hearts.

For many of us, it is an opportunity for a fresh start, and a celebration for having made it through another year.

As we leave 2020 behind, a year replete with uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, may we look forward to the year ahead with renewed optimism and hope.

Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, may we have the courage, wisdom and strength to overcome all the hurdles that we may face, and the peace and comfort to sustain us in times of trials and sufferings.

To all the BUeños, we survived the 2020 lockdown, online classes, and natural disasters that threatened to shatter our spirits. In 2021, let us show the world how to transition from mere surviving to thriving despite the looming threat of a second wave of coronavirus infections.

May the world bear witness as we embody our core values of Character, Leadership, Scholarship and Service in the midst of adversity brought about by COVID-19.

The year ahead will offer new and unforeseen challenges. It is my hope that we move beyond simply surviving to actively thriving in 2021 as we fulfil our mandate along instruction, research and extension.

May this be our New Year’s resolution that we intend to keep for the rest of the year.

Have a blessed and healthier 2021!

News | P3 AKB Par ty List provides East Campus, CE free Wi-Fi with 100mbps internet speed

Sinergy Champ - Rica Marfil, awarded by the Asia Pacific Leaders at the IAYSP-Pilipinas Headquarters, Quezon City, Philippines last January 29, 2021.

Photo courtesy: IAYSP Asia-Pacific facebook page

CENG student Marfil champs intl public speaking, leadership comp –to represent Asia in Worldwide lvl

B

icol University College of Engineering (BUCENG) 2nd year Civil Engineering student Rica B. Marfil was announced winner of the Asia Pacific S!NERGY competition last January 9, 2021.

Headed by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), an international nongovernment organization that empowers youth and students to become global citizens through character education and peace projects, S!NERGY (Students × Ideas × Energy) is an engaging and dynamic public speaking competition for students to share their projects and innovative ideas.

Entries propose solutions to current social issues while being aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dubbed, “The Role of Youth in Resolving Conflicts and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals,” S!NERGY started its registration last October 29, 2020.

Encouraged by her friends, Rica submitted her proposal entitled, “Nurturing Child’s Talents: Scaffolding Technical Vocational Training to Children with Special Needs.” After qualifying the screening, Rica started competing for the national level and landed 2nd place against four other entries last December 16, 2020.

Qualified for the South East Asia level, Rica won 1st place against six other entries last December 20, 2020.

Feature | P4-5 BU thanks Sen. Cayetano, Sen. Angara

Competing against six other qualified entries, Rica was declared winner of the Asia Pacific S!NERGY competition awarded with $500. She will be representing Asia in the World S!NERGY competition.

“Since it is my first time competing on an international level, I never expected something big to happen until it happened.

I feel blessed, honored, and pressured to represent Asia Pacific in the World S!NERGY Competition because I know that I still have a lot to learn,” Rica said when asked about how she feels representing Asia on the World S!NERGY .

Rica also said that she never expected to compete and win in an international competition.

“It was prayers and the people who were with me in my darkest times that allowed me to bounce back. ‘Whatever happens, if this is for me, it will be for me,’ became my mantra on every level of the competition. This allowed me to look forward again in the Worldwide S!NERGY competition,” she added.

Since her project is operating, they are looking for potential partners and sponsors who are willing to help their cause in helping children with special needs.

Rica is also engaged in various local, regional, and national organizations within and outside BU. Currently, she is the interim Representative of BUCENG – College Student Council (CSC).

BUzzette | P7 Diocese of Legazpi, BU architects partner to build El Palacio

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Bicol University Official Statement B

icol University’s official statement on the list released by Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the NTF-ELCAC identifying Bicol University as a recruitment haven of CPP NPA NDF. In the recent statement of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the NTF-ELCAC, Bicol University was identified among the 38 higher educational institutions (HEIs) as a breeding ground for radicalization and recruitment havens for the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army. It is a sweeping and derogatory statement that recklessly labels the entire Bicol University community. This accusation on Bicol University as haven for NPA recruitment and radicalization should be backed up by solid and truthful data.

To say that we, and the other universities are havens of radicalization and recruitment of groups that intend to undermine the government, disregards the established truth that our graduates have greatly contributed and are continuously contributing to government thrusts and developmental directions towards nation building. Bicol University as the premier state university in the Bicol Region has consistently produced

top performers and servant-leaders occupying the higher posts in various private and public agencies, including civil society organizations.

As a higher educational institution, Bicol University, along with the rest of the universities, enjoys academic freedom as guaranteed in our Constitution. We provide an avenue where students can develop critical thinking skills and exercise peaceful dissent as by-products of a healthy, and thriving democracy. As in every aspect where freedom and democratic thought is concerned, we recognize the need for temperance, prudence, and restraint as part of such exercise of academic freedom.

There being no reports, data or other solid proof coming from concerned authorities sufficient for us to conclude that indeed such alleged acts are being committed within the university, we find no reason to curtail the academic freedom we deservedly practice and enjoy. We neither condone nor support such alleged acts as mentioned in the report; believing that each person carves and chooses one’s meaningful path.

Hence, we strongly oppose the statement

given by Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. and the National Task Force to End All Armed Conflicts (NTF-ELCAC). Releasing a list that directly implicates academic institutions likewise places our students, faculty, personnel, and administration including our stakeholders in a vulnerable position as it only creates fear and unfounded suspicion.

We have always worked in productive partnership with the government and its various agencies and have been conscientious in fulfilling our mandates built on our core values of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. We will continue to do so as we remain faithful to our moral and civic responsibility of holistically promoting learning and protecting the rights of every learner who confidently enters Bicol University. We remain committed to our vision of “a world-class education producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development”.

ARNULFO M. MASCARIÑAS SUC President IV

Mascariñas lays 2021 Thrusts, Priorities D

uring the 2021 Opening Meeting and Pre-Planning Meeting, Bicol University President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas presented this year’s thrust and priorities via videoconference on January 12, 2020.

He discussed the construction and completion of facilities in the university. This year, BU targets to finish the construction of BU Polangui Campus Multipurpose Gymnasium, the Two-Storey BU College of Agriculture and Forestry Dormitory, and the Infirmary Building. On the other hand, the construction for the College of Law Building will commence as well as the conversion of BU Research Extension Program Center Building to Business Incubation and Display Center.

Since the onslaught of typhoons last year, renovation, rehabilitation, and repairs were necessary to take place particularly at the Aquilino P. Bonto Building, Arcilla Buidling, and some damaged roofs, ceilings, windows, including building re-painting.

After adjusting to the ‘new normal’, BU

will ensure observance of protocols and corresponding support system for the wellbeing of personnel and stakeholders such as provision of face masks and face shields to BU personnel especially the frontliners; Putting up of sanitation/hand-washing stations and foot and tire baths at all entrances and exits (one entrance-one exit policy); Installation of automatic/ ’sensorized’ alcohol dispenser and thermal scanners in building entrances Installation of table barriers as preventive measure; Regular disinfection of buildings/ facilities and vehicles; Reconfiguring office and conference areas to meet the required social distance; Provision of transportation support to BU personnel esp. frontliners; Support for other possible platforms for flexible learning delivery such as other than the usual online platforms like radio, TV, and modules.

In order to fully adapt to the flexible and blended learning, BU will be upgrading facilities, equipment, and infrastructure in support of the establishment of a

SMART campus. This will improve internet connectivity, the Learning Management System, procure ICT equipment and peripherals, and subscription to online journals and other learning materials.

To lessen face-to-face contact in office procedures and processes, BU will be developing information systems for Human Resource Management, Document Tracking, Online Student Clearance, Procurement Information Management, Records Management, and Faculty Workload Information Management.

On the other hand, Research and Extension will redirect its undertakings to Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) that address problems related to COVID-19 by implementing Short-term desk researchers using secondary data, policy analysis, online survey, and meta-data analysis; Conducting laboratory experiment/analysis; Technodemonstration of projects and online technology dissemination; and Writeshops and mentoring Thrusts, Priorities | P8

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 Del Puso 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

Aksyon Co Initiatives- Executive Director of AKB Partylist, Ms. Melinda E. Teope, College of Industrial Technology Dean Dr. Jonathan Arroco, Cong. Alfredo Garbin, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Director of Institute of Architecture Ar. Leo A. Del Rosario, College of Engineering Dean Engr. Amelia A. Gonzales, and College of Education Dean Dr. Lorna M. Miña were present during the turn over of free Wi-Fi connection facilitated by Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, BU Communication and Public Relations Office Director at BU East Campus last January 28, 2021.

AKB Party List provides East Campus, CE free Wi-Fi with 100mbps internet speed T

hrough the initiatives of Cong.

Zaldy Co and Cong. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol Partylist, Bicol University East Campus comprising of the College of Engineering (CENG), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), and the Institute of Architecture (IA), and the College of Education (CE) were provided with free Wi-Fi connection of the Wi-Fi Mo, Sagot ng Aksyon Co project during the turnover ceremony at the BU East Campus last January 28, 2021.

Present in the occasion were Cong.

Alfredo Garbin, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, executive director of AKB Partylist Ms. Melinda E. Teope representing Cong. Zaldy Co, Director of Institute of Architecture Ar. Leo A. Del Rosario, College of Engineering Dean Engr. Amelia A. Gonzales, College of Industrial Technology Dean Dr. Jonathan Arroco, and College of Education Dean Dr. Lorna M. Miña,

who are recipients of the project and the Information and Communication Technology Office Director Laarni Pancho and her team who facilitated the Wi-Fi installation along with the DCTV technical team.

“Para mas madagdagan ang internet connection sa Bicol University, minarapat ng Action Co Center katuwang ang Ako Bicol Partylist na maglagay ng internet connection sa Unibersidad. Tinatawag na Wifi Mo, Sagot ng Action Co program, maaari itong gamitin ng mga estudyante at guro na nangangailangan ng internet.

Walang password ang wifi connection kaya kahit sino pwedeng maka-access nito na may 100 MBPS speed,” as Cong.

Zaldy Co, wrote on his Facebook page.

On the other hand, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas was thankful that BU students and employees will benefit from the project.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

“Bicol University has so much to thank… Sana po ang saindong pagtabang sa Bicol Univeristy, magpadagos hanggang sa ang samuyang mga aspirasyon para sa unibersidad, samuyang ma-achieve,” he said on an interview.

BU President Mascariñas further stated that around six thousand students can benefit from the free WiFi inside the East Campus while around five thousand students in the CE campus will be benefitted,given that other students from different colleges can also access the free internet connection.

The turnover ceremony was facilitated by Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, BU Communication and Public Relations Office Director.

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

FEAT

The BU

B thanks Sen. Cayetano, Sen. Angara The Bicol University family expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to Senator Pia Cayetano and Senator Sonny Angara for securing additional budget to increase the carrying capacity of the COLLEGE OF MEDICINE amounting to Php 84, 432,000. Senator Sonny Angara is also responsible for the Php 92,534,000 for the construction of the College of Law building.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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The BUzzette

NEWS

BU Performance Management Review, WorkFinancial Planning sets direction for AY 2021

Managing Performance - Deans of the different colleges presented their FY 2020 performance management review presentation at BU College of Engineering (CENG) Gymnasium last January 19, 2021.

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s an annual meeting to set academic, administrative, and fiscal direction of Bicol University (BU), all heads of academic and non-academic directors along with associates and cluster/unit administrative officers discussed and presented their Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Performance Management Review Presentation (PMRP) and FY2021 Work and Financial Planning (WFP) Workshop at the BU College of Engineering (CENG) Gymnasium and Ricardo A. Arcilla Building Conference Room, January 19 to 30, 2021.

The nine-day event’s focus was on the critiquing and realignment of the WFP presented by every college, unit, and office of the university. The gathering’s purpose is to have a uniformed and well-coordinated WFP for 2021, resulting to organized operations and continued projects despite the pandemic.

This year, all WFP were particularly anchored on the 10 Thrusts and Priorities for FY 2021.

The opening program began with a welcome message from Vice-President for Planning and Development (VPPD) Prof.

Jerry S. Bigornia followed by a message from BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and the

discussion of the mechanics of the PMRP. The presentation started by the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), followed by College of Science (CS), College of Arts and Letters (CAL), Gubat Campus (GC), College of Nursing (CN), and College of Law (CL). In the afternoon, sessions began with the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM), College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (JMRIGD), Tabaco Campus (TC), Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR), College of Engineering (CENG), and Graduate School (GS).

The second day continued with the presentation of accomplishments for the Polangui Campus (PC), Institute of Architecture (IA), College of Medicine (CM), College of Education (CE), and Open University (OU).

The WFP Workshop proper began in the afternoon with VPPD Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia setting the tone for the directions of the afternoon’s event, which was followed by the Fiscal Outlook for 2021 presented by BU

Planning and Development Office (PDO) Director Alwin Joseph M. Maceres and the ISO 9001-2015 2020 Results by BU ISO Lead Auditor Dr. Roscefe B. Dy. BU COVID19 Recovery Plan was discussed by VicePresident for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata followed by the Gender and Development Plans by Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) Director Dr. Noel R. Rafer.

The morning session of the second day was facilitated by Dr. Maria Delia C. Rañeses while Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista hosted the afternoon.

The third to ninth day schedule was for the simultaneous presentations on the WFP FY 2021 and One-on-One Presentation of OPCR Targets at the 2nd Floor, Ricardo A. Arcilla Building Conference Room, 2ND Floor FICC Building, East Campus, 2nd Floor Information and Communication Technology Office (ICTO) Training Room, and HERCC Amphitheater, East Campus.

Strict health and safety protocols were observed headed by University Health Services (UHS) Medical Officer IV Dr. Julio M. Abainza.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Social Enterprise - 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, 2021.

Diocese of Legazpi, BU architects partner to build El Palacio

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esigned by Bicol University seasoned and newbie architects, El Palacio, the latest entrepreneurial hub, a social enterprise facility for the welfare of the clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi, and the brainchild of Most Rev. Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, D.D, Bishop of Legazpi, officially opened to the public with its inauguration, blessing, and turn-over ceremony on January 29, 2021.

The event commenced with the ribbon cutting with Legazpi City Mayor Hon. Noel E. Rosal, Bicol Priests Security System (BPSS) Executive Secretary Fr. Domingo R. Florida, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Commission on Temporalities Lay Co-Chair Atty.

Milagros G. Quijano, and BPSS Secretary Atty. Edna Hingco. The blessing of the facility immediately followed headed by Bishop Baylon assisted by Rev. Freddie A. Balino, Rev. James G. Cid, Rev. Noel B. Bobiles Jr., Rev. Aaron C. Llasos, and Rev. Edcel Anthony N. Lucila.

The two-part ceremony concluded with the turn-over ceremony where two Bicol University board placer-architect and engineer, were acknowledged and recognized. Engr. Clifford M. Arimado and Arch. Neil Judd C. Consuelo, part of the team who designed and built the said social enterprise facility,

were commended along with their parents. Present to facilitate the turnover ceremony was Commission on Temporalities Chairman Fr. Jonnathan L. Calleja, with Vicar General for Administration Msgr. Crispin C. Bernarte Jr., Supervising Architect of El Palacio, Arch. Ana Lorilla, and BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

An overview of the context for the establishment of El Palacio, and the process of naming the facilities and some parts of the building, was given

by Vicar General for Administration Msgr. Crispin C. Bernarte Jr., to give the guests and visitors a background on said establishment, aptly called “In Memoriam.”

SEDP-MPC Chairman Rev. Fr. Jose Victor E. Lobrigo with SEDP-MPC Executive Director Ms. Remegia Ll. Balucio and Fr. Eduardo R. Ramir Jr. This was followed by Bicol Priests Security System (BPSS) Board Member Mr. Joseph B. Lim who presented a brief introduction of the BPSS and El Palacio as a social enterprise for the welfare of the clergy.

To discuss the rationale for the establishment of El Palacio, a brief introduction of the Bicol Priests Security System (BPSS) and El Palacio as a social enterprise for the welfare of the clergy,

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

was given by Mr. Joseph B. Lim, Board Member, BPSS. Messages were delivered by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Hon. Noel E. Rosal. Most Rev. Bishop Joel Z. Baylon expressed his gratitude to conclude the day’s ceremony. Included in the day’s event was a three-hour Open House for El Palacio.

El Palacio, a social enterprise facility, is facilitated by the Commission on Temporalities and managed by SEDP Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The occasion also marks the 67th birthday celebration of Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, D.D. The following facilities are now fully operational at El Palcio: Bed and Breakfast (assisted by Bicopl College Hotel and Restaurant Management), Function Halls, Our Father’s Kitchen (assisted by Chef Connie and Chef Dick), Matha’s Laundry, and Water for Life Refilling Station. Services from El Pacaio’s tenants such as Angle’s Pizza, Vita Catholica, Figaro Coffee, Pinak and Blue Massage and Spa, and Rabelas, Ballan-Rabelas and Basanta Law Office, are likewise available and fully operational.

Strict adherence to health and safety protocols were observed. DJ Kelly Recuenco of Spirit FM hosted the event.

Inauguration and blessing of El Palacio

Vita Catholica establishment

Photo courtesy: 94.7 Spirit FM Legazpi

El Palacio establishments

Photo courtesy: Jaime Ecal Sy Masagca

El Palacio establishments

Photo courtesy: Jaime Ecal Sy Masagca

Msgr. Crispin C. Bernarte Jr. discussed about El Palacio.

El Palacio Function Hall

Photo courtesy: Joseph Quililan

Thrusts, Priorities | P2 support for faculty publication.

Through business incubation, BU will promote technology commercialization on the inventory of Research and Development outputs for possible technology incubation, technology assessment, and mature technologies.

This year, BU will review and revise some curricular programs: General Education Curriculum and other major courses/ subject will be re-tracked or re-distributed; reversion of engineering courses to 5-year

Photo courtesy: Ma Theresa Detera Nuñez

degree program with immersion in the final year; Possible integration of BU College of Industrial Technology and College of Engineering degree programs; Adoption of common subjects for certain graduate degree programs; and involvement of key stakeholders in curricular review.

BU will also continually review and revise policies in support to operation of higher education, advanced education, research, and extension programs. This will enable BU to adopt big class size, ‘international’ enrollment scheme, centralization of common utilities

for greater efficiency, and functionality of designations and work equivalent credit.

For the program accreditation, ISO audit, and QS Star Ranking, BU aims to meet 80% target for undergraduate programs and 70% for graduate programs in quality assurance and program accreditation.

This year will see the groundwork for the conversion of BU to a regional university including plans to establish a national Research and Development center for the pili industry.