January 2022 BUzette

We are now on the third year of the COVID19 pandemic. Just when we thought there might just be the tiniest glimmer of returning to normal, at least in our educational set-up, with majority of our students and personnel vaccinated; we are again in a slump. We are under Alert level 3 –which simply means, even the limited faceto-face classes that most of us are longing for, are again temporarily suspended. We have to go back to the way we were before 2022 started – with the BUCET back to BUCESS, and the at least 30% of the total population in public gatherings. Indeed, the current Omicron COVID19 variant is a frightening reality.

But we have carried on, as one Bicol University united with a common resolve to overcome this dreaded COVID19 virus. As one family, we renew our commitment to our Bicolano scholars, their parents, and our stakeholders, to sustain and further improve on our systems and processes. This year, we have formalized the creation of the University Crisis Management Committee, to ensure that all the necessary protocols for the health and safety of our clients, students, and personnel, will be strictly followed and imposed.

So, to my dear Bicol University family, please stay safe and keep in mind that this, too, shall pass, and with God’s grace, together, we shall overcome all obstacles. Until then, I am one with each of you in prayer for our continued safety and protection, and for an immediate end to this pandemic.

GS alumnus wins Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda 2022

An

alumnus of Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS) won the best thesis in the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino’s (KWF) 2022 Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda on January 18, 2022.

Roque Augustus L. Lamadrid’s Master of Arts in Filipino Education thesis entitled “Preserbasyon ng Wikang Manide ng mga Katutubong Minorya ng Camarines Norte” was awarded the best thesis in the said award-giving body making him the first-ever BUeño to win the prestigious award.

The Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda is an annual award given to the best thesis and dissertation written in the Filipino language to encourage and promote the development

Theand publication of unique works that contribute to its intellectualization and modernization.

Lamadrid’s thesis focuses on Manide, a tribe of Negritos living in the province of Camarines Norte that has its unique spoken language and culture.

According to the statement posted by KWF in their official Facebook account, the thesis possesses critical quality as a step towards the advancement and preservation of the Manide language and culture.

The winners of Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda will receive a plaque, medals, and Php 100,000 each. The awarding day will be on January 26 at the Bulwagang Romualdez of KWF. (Jerven N. Antivola, The Bicol Universitarian)

DOST-BU iFWDph project inception meeting held

The overseas Filipino workers and their families will gain greater value as the DOST iFWDPh (Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines) will provide series of learning events. They will be assisted to set up a technology-based enterprise with funding support.

To jumpstart the project implementation, Bicol University as a partner of DOST V, conducted the inception meeting for the project titled “Bicol University Capability Training Program for the DOST iFWDPh Technology-Based Business Enterprises for the OFWs in Region V” on January 19, 2022.

The virtual inception meeting and fund release was attended by Dir. Rommel R. Serrano, DOST V Regional Director Ms. Teresa Alcantara DOST V Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas Bicol UniversitySUC President IV, Dr. Luis O.

Amano BU Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Dr. Arnulfo P. Malinis BU Director Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development, Dr. Nicanor B. Balbin – Director BU Intellectual Property Management Division and Prof. Rowena F. Zoilo – Director, BU Extension Management Division. The Bicol University and DOST IFWD Ph Technical Working Group and project staff attended the event.

The training program brings up ways to use technopreneurship training as a means to capacitate OFW beneficiaries through the provision of specialized training that would allow them to tap available innovations or be driven by their innovative quests and pursue technology-based entrepreneurship.

The project specifically aims to develop training modules on the development

and management of technology-based enterprises, provide capability-building training through an action-based entrepreneurial approach, and facilitate the development of the beneficiary’s business plans. It is expected that at the end of the training program, the participants would be able to pitch their business/start-up in order to access funding.

Moreover, the project would also pave the way for disseminating technologies both of DOST and Bicol University, which the participants may choose to adopt as they develop their business enterprise.

The Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development and SILI DELI, the BU-IPCOM Project, and the Extension Management Division will lead the project implementation. (Gerimel Bulawan & Anna Marie Balleta)

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 Jerven N. Antivola, Gerimel Bulawan, Anna Marie Balleta, Julianne Nicolle G. Moral & Prof. Shiela B. Desuyo

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

Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

Series of Learning - Bicol University conducted the inception meeting for the project titled “Bicol University Capability Training Program for the DOST iFWDPh Technology-Based Business Enterprises for the OFWs in Region V” attended by Bicol University and DOST V on January 19, 2022.

Guerrero, Bello receive DOSTPCAARRD Publication Incentive

Another two papers endorsed by the Bicol Consortium of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) were awarded ₱60,000.00 each as publication incentive.

The grant funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST –PCAARRD) is awarded under the Publication Incentives Program of the institution.

Jonathan Jaime G. Guerrero from Bicol University (BU) clinched the ₱60k award with his paper entitled, Siderophore of Fungi from Lipa Clay Foam Soil, Philippines.

Meanwhile, from Partido State University (ParSU), Leo Constantine S. Bello was awarded the same amount with his paper, A Framework for Applying

Semantic Web in the Design and Development of Web Portals for Agricultural Crops: The Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Case.

Two of Dr. Plutomeo Nieves’ published papers were also awarded last year.

The DOST-PCAARRD Publication Incentives Program aims to motivate researchers to publish regularly quality research articles and to promote knowledge sharing by increasing publication record of the Council and the network and facilitate application of the research results.

The selection criteria of the program stated that the research results of the endorsed papers must be aligned with PCAARRD’s banner programs or the harmonized national R&D agenda for the AANR sector as evidenced by a certification from the technical research division concerned. Also, the paper must

be certified by the researcher’s head of office that it has not been granted any publication incentive by any institution. Lastly, the research needs to be submitted to PCAARRD within six months from publication.

Interested applicants should take note that the incentive is limited to the principal researchers of on-going or completed PCAARRD or DOSTfunded or coordinated programs.

The applicant can also be PCAARRD or Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program scholars, can also be a PCAARRD staff, and can also be researchers from the National Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Network.

Those who meet the criteria in applying for the grant can coordinate with BCAARRD. (Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA/BCAARRD)

Mascariñas sets Priorities

During the 2022 Opening Meeting held via Zoom Conference on January 12, 2022, Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas presented 16 Thrusts and Priorities for this year as well as the Organizational Targets.

First on the list is the construction/ completion of some physical infrastructure facilities in the university. Included are the completion and construction of the BU Polangui Campus (PC) Multipurpose Gymnasium, College of Law (CL) Building, the two-storey BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), Infirmary Building, PDMO/ University Supply Office Building, the College of Dental Medicine Building (Phase I)

On the other hand, rehabilitation and renovation will take place to the Crop Science Building, Rice Mill Building, Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Building, COA Building, BU East Campus Road Network care of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the BU Convention and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (Phase III) care of DPWH, as well as the conversion of the Accreditation Building to Food Science Building and BUREPC Building to Business Incubation and Display Centre.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation, repair or renovation projects also includes those old and typhoon-damaged physical facilities. These includes the Aquilino P. Bonto Multipurpose Building to the house the University Registrar Office (URO) and registrars of Daraga and East Campus, Clusters 1, 2, 3, as well as the Administrative and Finance Divisions.

Repairs will continue to the BUTC Buildings damaged by typhoons and affected by the fire incident as well as the renovations of roofs, windows, and ceilings to buildings in CAF, CENG, CIT, and IDeA.

For the observance of ‘new normal’ protocols and corresponding support system to BU personnel and stakeholders, the University will continue to follow strict health and safety protocols such as the provision of face masks and face shields to BU personnel especially the frontliners; sanitation/hand-washing stations and foot & tire baths at all entrances and exits; 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 communication assistance to faculty

members; provision of transportation support to BU personnel and frontliners; support for other possible platforms for flexible learning delivery such as other than the usual online platforms like radio, TV, and modules.

In preparation for the possible limited face-to-face classes, especially for health-related courses and those that requires OJT, field practicum, and laboratory, the university will prepare guidelines and protocols as well as the reconfiguration of physical facilities, including classrooms and laboratory rooms to meet the requirements for the conduct of limited face-toface sessions. Presented in the other important matters, the activation of the University/College Crisis Management Committee was discussed to address the tracking of personnel and students infected with COVID-19 and the policy formulation and implementation of COVID-19 protocols.

In support of the construction of a SMART campus, BU will upgrade buildings, equipment, and infrastructure to properly adapt to flexible and blended learning. Improved internet access, the Learning Management System, ICT equipment and peripherals, and subscription to online journals and other learning resources will all be improved as a result.

sets 16 Thr sts,

Priorities for 2022

The University will continue to develop information systems for Human Resource Management, Document Tracking, Online Student Clearance, Procurement Information Management, Records Management, and Faculty Workload Information Management to reduce face-to-face interaction for office procedures and processes.

For the Program accreditation, ISO audit, and Curricular revision, BU targets 80% for undergraduate programs and 70% target for graduate programs for quality assurance.

In contrast, Research and Extension will redirect its efforts to Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) that address COVID-19 issues by implementing short-term desk researchers using secondary data, policy analysis, online survey, and meta-data analysis; conducting laboratory experiment/analysis; project demonstration and online technology dissemination; writeshops, mentoring support for faculty publication; and conducting laboratory experiment/ analysis.

BU will continue to support technology commercialization on the inventory of R&D outputs for probable technology incubation, technology evaluation, and mature technologies

through business incubation.

This year, the university will continue policy review and revision in support to operation of higher education, advanced education, research, and extension programs. Other policy concerns include the adaptation of large class sizes, the implementation of a flexible enrollment scheme, the centralization of common utilities for greater efficiency, the functionality of designations and work equivalent credit, the rationalization of JO personnel’s daily/monthly rates, the conduct of time and motion analyses, and other policy concerns.

International activities will thrive to invite part-time visiting professor for selected colleges, dual degree program and re-packaging existing programs, and the application for impact ranking.

With two new programs offered, the university will secure certificate of program compliance/authority to operate for the Doctor of Dental Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs.

To address personnel gap, recruitment, hiring, and promotion of teaching and non-teaching personnel will take place based on the finalization of the 10-Year HRD Plan for BOR approval and submission to the DBM; adoption of the PASUC V proposal on

“Institutional Policy on Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion for Faculty Members of State Universities and Colleges in Bicol Region”; creation of new plantilla items for teaching and non-teaching personnel through scrap-and-build; and continuing local promotion for teaching and nonteaching personnel.

Implementation of BOR-approved proposals such as revised Graduate School policy guidelines, parking and traffic guidelines, and PDMO-GSO re-structuring will also be addressed especially the GS policy concerns. This includes the constitution of Graduate School Advisory Council composed of Deans/Directors of academic units offering graduate programs; accreditation of graduate faculty members; research engagement of graduate faculty members; policy on thesis/dissertation advising (assignment of advisers and panel members, thesis advising cap, etc.); publication and presentation as part of the requirements; and admission requirements and deadlines.

BU also targets CSC accreditation to the next level under PRIME-HRM and the security of land titles/patents of the university land assets and formulation of BU-LUDIP. (Arnold C. Noda, CPRO)

BUCAF secures P4.9M for Postharvest Facility Upgrading project

Atotal of P4,940,020.00 has been awarded to Bicol University College of Agriculture (BUCAF) for the project on “Upgrading of the Postharvest Facility of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department of BUCAF.”

The financial and technical assistance had been worked out through the Institutional Development Division (IDD) of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST –PCAARRD).

According to BUCAFDABE, the Postharvest Facility was established in the early 80’s to conduct research and development of students during its prime years. But in the recent years, the facility was always flooded and took a bigger hit

during the super typhoons that destroyed the Bicol Region.

Thus, the project is set to repair and upgrade the BUCAF Postharvest Facility to revive its operation supportive to the ongoing Project 7 of the Pili NICER Program which is into the retrofitting of pili postharvest machineries. It is one of the projects under the Pili NICER Program being funded by the Department of Science and Technology under its Science for Change Program (S4CP).

“The facility will be used in the conduct of the Pili NICER project wherein the project proponents would like to continue the implementation and make sure that the outcome of the research will be used by the community.” BUCAF-DABE furthered.

The upgrading project is set to make the BUCAF Postharvest Facility operational, modern,

presentable, and safe from flooding and typhoons. It will also acquire various office and postharvest research apparatus and equipment for pili postharvest processing.

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE), headed by Engr. Christopher O. Pacardo, has started the project in coordination with the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD). Improvement of the BUCAF Postharvest Facility is one of the projects endorsed by Director Marissa Estrella of BCAARRD and approved for implementation by the DOSTPCAARRD for 2021. The project started last July 1, 2021 and will end on June 30 2022.

(Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA/ BCAARRD)

CBEM holds seminar-workshop on Instructional Methodology Updates

To improve the principles and methods of teaching, the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM) held this year’s seminar-workshop on Instructional Methodology Updates at the Entrepreneurial Hall on January 17 to 18, 2022.

Attended by the CBEM faculty members, the two-day workshop formally commenced with welcome remarks delivered by CBEM Dean Dr. Eddie S. See followed by an inspirational message by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

Afterwards, Associate Dean Prof. Shiela B. Desuyo discussed the overview of the activities. The seminar-workshop proper began with a discussion of e-resource used for instructional materials preparation, lectures, exams, and

evaluations of the various CBEM department.

For the accountancy and economics department, Dr. See was the study leader. On the other hand, Prof. Ronnel G. Madroso led the study for the business administration department. Meanwhile, the entrepreneurship department was led by Prof. Geniva M. Nario.

After a rigorous two-hour discussion, the program continued with Accountancy Department Head Prof. Analiza O. Pabilona who presented the topic on the use of selected e-resources for Instructional Material Preparation.

For the use of selected e-resources for Lectures and Discussions, Prof. Lea L. Bongat, Economics Department Chair, led

the discussion followed by Prof. Christina U. Ballesteros, Business Administration Department Head, who presented the same topic for exams and evaluations.

On the second day, a quick recap was discussed by Prof. Jazmin Jayne F. Salazar followed by a training proper on Google Classrooms by Prof. Edgar Barrameda, Head of the Entrepreneurship Department. The workshop continued in the afternoon where all faculty members participated which also included the submission of class codes.

The event was facilitated by Prof. Jazmin Jayne F. Salazar. Strict and health and safety protocols were observed in the conduct of the training-workshop.

- 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,

Teaching Enhancement - Dr. Eddie See delivers his welcome remarks followed by Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas with his inspirational message during the seminarworkshop on Instructional Methodology Updates held by the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM) on January 17 to 18, 2022.

BUCAF Greenhouse set for renovation, upgrade

AAs part of the deliverables of the Pili NICER Program, Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) is set to implement “Renovation and Upgrading of the BUCAF Greenhouse,” which is a new project.

According to the proposal submitted by the Project Leaders, Dr. Marissa N. Estrella and Dr. Genean L. Galicia, the existing greenhouse located at the BUCAF Crop Science Department has been destroyed by the series of typhoons hitting the Bicol Region every year.

Moreover, the said greenhouse is said to have been in place for more than 2 decades and due to the destruction in the past years, its metal beams, joists, and trusses have been twisted and finally collapsed. It also used to be an orchidarium and was converted into an experimental facility during the last seven years.

With the entomological and pathological studies being conducted in connection with the Pili NICER

Program, the renovation and upgrading of the greenhouse will provide a more convenient and conducive place for this kind of research, while delivering one of the components of the Pili NICER Program which focuses on the identification and survey of emerging pests and diseases in Pili. The said project is also in support of the other projects which will produce quality pili seedlings for plantation establishment as well as pili genetic analysis.

It can be noted that the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD) spearheaded the Pili NICER Program with funds from the Department of Science and Technology –Science for Change Program (S4CP). The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST – PCAARRD) is also providing additional funds from its Institutional Development Division (IDD).

The Renovation and Upgrading of the BUCAF Greenhouse will be carried

out with a total of P5,457,946.91 project cost and will start its implementation in January 2022 until December 2022.

The said project will have the following six (6) major activities: (1) Strengthening of the structure to make it typhoon-proof; (2) Dividing the space into two compartments separating the working area for entomological and pathological studies; (3) Elevating the floor to safeguard the facility from occasional flooding; (4) Installation of the water system inside the greenhouse; and (5) Establishment of a typhoonproof office and stock room.

According to the proposal, the re-establishment/upgrading of the Greenhouse at BUCAF will enhance the teaching and research functions of faculty and help the students with their research undertakings and laboratory activities. It can also be a site for the training of farmers and ‘agripreneurs’ related to crop protection and quality seedling production. Thus, a lot of stakeholders will be benefited. (Julianne Nicolle G. Moral, SRA, BCAARRD)