The
BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER
Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167 www.bicol-u.edu.ph
JULY 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 7
issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity
ISSN 2094-3991
facebook.com/BicolUniversity
PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX
I
t was not really that long ago when we had a grand celebration of fifty years of Bicol University. It was such a year-long festive moment for us as we recalled the milestones that we have gained through the years as the premier state university in the Bicol Region. We have indeed gained more milestones and sustained the gains built over the years. From being institutionally accredited to our responsivae academic governance and the massive physical and structural developments that have sprouted in the different campuses, we were slowly inching our way to becoming “a world-class University producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development.” We had plans of continuing our long-term goals and further expanding our reach and influence beyond the University borders. Like the rest of you including your mentors, I had a vision of Batch 2020, the Golden Batch that carries with them the distinction of becoming graduates during Bicol University’s 50th Golden Founding Anniversary, marching down the aisle of the grasscovered turf where many others have been. Instead, COVID19 happened; and the rest has been a continuing onslaught of challenges. Today, we stand at a cross road in one of the most defining moments of our lives. We are suddenly swept in the currents of change brought about by the global pandemic of COVID19. Life and learning as we know it, has become a mere semblance of what once was. This has been a year so far of many firsts – the first time schools, universities, and colleges closed; masses were suspended; public gatherings prohibited; fun and leisure curtailed; shops and businesses closed; and Pres Outbox | P8
News | P3 SILI DELI proposes BU Incubation Program Services
50th Milestone - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas delivering his commencement message for the 50th commencement exercises last July 4, 2020.
BU holds first virtual graduation
W
ith the community quarantine restricting mass gathering, Bicol University (BU) held its first virtual 50th Commencement Exercises with the theme, “BU@50: Building a Legacy, Transforming Lives” last July 4, 2020 via Facebook. BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas delivered the conferment of degrees and the commencement message for this year’s graduation. As an academic institution, BU President Mascariñas said that the ‘new normal’ caused by the pandemic will not hinder BU’s vision of becoming a world class university. “We are greatly challenged. COVID-19 may have stalled our momentum and redirected our steps especially in the delivery of education. But with this new normal as part of our everyday reality, your Bicol University will step up with new and better ways of thinking particularly in terms of learning delivery,” Mascariñas said. With its Learning Management System (LMS) and the distance education mode of BU Open University, President Mascariñas
Feature | P4-5 BU
premiers virtual BUEÑO 2020
assured that BU can adapt to this ‘new normal’ through the use of remote and flexible teaching and learning methods. “This is not a temporary shift; rather, it is the way we will be shaping the relevant education Bicol University is known for. Everything that we will be doing today, and all the directions we will take, amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, will never be temporary but has implications beyond this pandemic,” he said. He further reminded the graduates that the new normal will be their way of life. “Dear graduates, let your lives not be virtual moments that are forever captured on films and photographs, frozen in time. Let your lives be made up of moving moments ever directed towards making this pandemic world and beyond a bit better. Be agents of change amidst the uncertainty of a world gripped by a devastating pandemic one small step at a time. Build your legacies and transform lives,” he said. The complete 50th Virtual Commencement Exercises will be aired on a later date.
News | P7 GAWAD
BU faculty, officials undergo University Capability Building on Flexible Learning
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The BUzzette
NEWS
BUCN celebrates 47th Founding Anniversary online D ue to the present restrictions on mass gathering caused by the pandemic, Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) celebrated the 47th Founding Anniversary via Facebook last July 9, 2020. With the theme, “Health Crises Ready: Nurturing Competent Global Nurses through Years of Excellence” the online video celebration commenced with an opening message by BUCN Dean Dr. Bernadita A. Palacio followed by another message from BU President Arnulfo M. Mascarinas. Newly appointed Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International, Inc. Director for Global Standards, Dr. Jasper Toralbo, a BU alumnus, delivered the inspirational message. Interim BUCN College Student Council (CSC) President Jave Andrae Lotivio also delivered a message followed by a closing remarks by BUCN Associate Dean Dr. Jean Annette S. Ibo. The online celebration continued in the afternoon
and started with the reading of the BUCN student’s comments and online greetings. To realize the efforts of the unsung heroes, especially the medical forces fighting against the pandemic, a video presentation was shown
focusing on the theme of this year’s founding anniversary. The celebration concluded by showing art works and exhibits created by BUCN students with the segment, “Nursing is an Art and Science of Caring.”
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 Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin News Writer Arnold C. Noda Photographer Cherry Grace H. Calisin Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & 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
SILI DELI proposes BU Incubation Program Services uring the 2nd Steering D Committee and Implementing Team meeting held via Zoom last June 30, 2020, Bicol University (BU) – Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development (CTCED) Start-up Incubation and Limitless Integration of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Leaders of Innovation (SILI DELI) proposed an Incubation Program and its inwall and outwall incubatees. In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) as a Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) program, SILI DELI aims to become the benchmark for entrepreneurship in the Bicol Region by serving as an
open platform for innovation, and creating a dynamic and productive ecosystem that will enable startups to scale up. The conference commenced with the welcome remarks delivered byVice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VP-RDE) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan followed by a message from BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas. After the presentation of house rules and participants, Project Leader of HEIRIT: DOST – BU TBI Dr. Arnulfo P. Malinis presented the Accomplishment Report of HEIRIT: DOST – BU TBI Project Implementation during the 1st to 3rd Quarter: August 2019 to April 2020. SILI DELI is BU’s own Technology Business Incubator that offers business incubation program based on its entrepreneurial services. Afterwards, Technical Project Leader of HEIRIT: DOST - BU TBI Professor
nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.
Ma. Crestia C. Bañares proposed that the incubation admission procedure business idea is scalable, disruptive, and solutions-based according to its application eligibility. SILI DELI is still looking for 24 teams as incubatees. Interested teams may apply and message SILI DELI Facebook page for more details. Afterwards, Technical Project Leader HEIRIT: DOST – BU TBI Eng. Christopher O. Pacardo presented Way Forward: Year 2 Work Plan and Proposed Budget followed by the closing remarks by Dr. Malinis. The conference was moderated by SILI DELI Business Development Officer Anna Marie M. Balleta. For more information, interested entrepreneurs may contact SILI DELI through e-mail at buctced1@gmail.com or landline at (052) 742-2587.
FEAT
The BU
BU GAW
A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang
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Uzzette
premiers virtual WAD BUEÑO 2020 fter releasing the first part A of the virtual graduation, Bicol University (BU) held its
virtual university recognition awards or Gawad BUeño 2020 that premiered on Facebook last July 31, 2020. The program commenced with the music video entitled, “Pusong BUeño” performed by various BU students followed by the presentation of BU in a nutshell prepared by the Communication and Public Relations Office (CPRO) and International Relations Office (IRO). Another music video was played entitled, “Tatak BUeño” composed by Aine Marya Lupo and Jairo L. Fider. To formally start the recognition program, Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Dean Dr. BB Benjamin D. Nebres III welcomed the viewers to BU’s community of achievers followed by the message President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas. Afterwards, the program started to present the list of honorees and achievers in this year’s recognition with Bethany Jayne I. Carizo from the BU College of Business
Economics and Management (CBEM) giving her message as the Most Outstanding University Graduate in Academic Excellence. The program continued with the presentation of Outstanding College Graduates in Academic Excellence followed by the list of Graduates with Honors and Most Outstanding University Student and College Students in Academic Excellence. Continuing with the awarding, the presentation of the President’s Listers and Dean’s Listers were awarded across every college and campus of BU followed by the Presidential Citation Awards. University Student Council (USC) and College Student Council (CSC) Presidents were recognized with the Presidential Citation Leadership Award. Meanwhile, BU LAWOD was awarded as the outstanding University Based Organization. Another Presidential Citation Service Award was given to former USC Chairperson Brian Mitchel Dela Rama for his persuasive leadership, foresight, and
ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.
extensive effort during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). To recognize the efforts of the faculty members during the early implementation of ECQ, Prof. Julius Caesar Martinez of BU College of Arts and Letters (CAL), Dr. Braulo Jude Rivera of BU College of Medicine, Prof. Roscefe B. Dy and Team of BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) were also given Service Award. Presidential Citation Award was given to the Directors of OSAS for their strong support, unselfish assistance, and steady commitment to the welfare of the students during the challenging times brought by the pandemic. The same award was also given to the College Student Activities Coordinators. An acceptance speech was delivered by USC Chairperson Ivan Ian Baria followed by a congratulatory message and closing remarks delivered by then Vice President for Academic Affair Dr. Helen M. LLenaresas. The program concluded with the singing of the BU Hymn.
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The BUzzette
NEWS
BU faculty, officials undergo University Capability Building on Flexible Learning
In preparation for the coming I(BU) school year, Bicol University faculty members and officials
underwent a training workshop on University Capability Building on Flexible Learning last July 13 to 22 via teleconferencing on Google meet and Zoom meeting. The training workshop ran for eight days where the Training Management Team (TMT) and a pool of resource persons provided various talks on flexible learning. In the afternoon, workshops conducted at the college, institute, or department levels to revise syllabi, and write course guides and
modules were also held. The first topic, “Learning in the New Normal: Adapting to the Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic,” was discussed by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas. Mascariñas highlighted the significance of the training, and urged the BU community to fulfil its mandate in these uncertain times. The second topic, “Understanding the Basic Concepts and Principles of Flexible Learning” was discussed by Dr. Lorna M. Miña, Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico, Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, and Prof. January M. Dechavez. The
discussants gave an overview on the definition and characteristics of flexible learning, its delivery modes through distance education, online learning, and blended learning. The third topic, “Module Design and Development for Flexible Learning” was divided into six sessions: The ADDIE Model: An Instructional Design Model by Prof. Ma. Elma L. Mirandilla; Preparing Outcomes-Based Syllabus by Prof. Anacito Dematera; Identifying and Organizing Content by Prof. Erwin E. Torres; Writing a Course Guide by Engr. Pee Jay Gealone; Module Structure by Dr. Rebecca Rosario
A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change
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The BUzzette
NEWS O. Bercasio; and Pointers in Writing Course Modules by Dr. Gremil Alsesandro A. Naz. The fourth topic focused on “Defining and Evaluating Instructional Media and Delivery Strategies”, which was also divided into four sessions: Defining Instructional Methods by Prof. Gerard M. Protacio; Defining Delivery Strategies by Prof. Daves L. Tonga; Solutions for Limited or No Connectivity by Dr. Aries S. Perez; and Some Good Practices by Prof. Ruby M. Macasinag. The fifth topic emphasized on “Managing Course Delivery and Learning”. The topics include: Components of Instructor-led Facilitated Course by Mr. Julius R. Satparam; Planning and Documenting Activities by Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista; Facilitating Learner’s Activities by Prof. Adrian B. Aguilar; and Communication
Tools for Flexible Learning by Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano. The sixth topic focused on “Developing Assessment Tools and Rubrics for Flexible Learning,” which was divided into four sessions: Assessment Foundations by Dr. Maria Teresa M. Abainza; Assessment for Learning by Prof. Rafael B. Buemia; Preparing Pre and Post Assessment by Dr. Rebecca Rosario O. Bercasio; and Assessing Learning Outcomes by Dr. Lorna M. Miña. The seventh topic was on “Courseware Development” divided into three sessions: Courseware Development and Migration of Modules to e-Learning Materials by Mr. Ramon Gian A. Bron, Mr. Arnold B. Platon, and Prof. Aris J. Ordoñez; Use of Authoring Tools by Prof. Christian Y. Sy and Mr. Paulo L. Perete; and Copyright Policies by Engr. Christopher O.
Photo courtesy: : Bicol University Extension Management Division Facebook page
e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.
Pacardo. Lastly, the eight topic focused on “Using Learning Management System for Flexible Learning” with five subtopics: What are Learning Platforms?; Proprietary vs Opensource LMS; Moodle and Other Open-source LMS Solutions; Using BU-LMS for Flexible Learning; and Workshop on the use of BU-LMS as discussed by Prof. Laarni D. Pancho, Prof. Felix R. Penetrante, Ms. Carla Angelica C. Cells, and Mr. Adrian A. Rodriguez. During the closing program, each cluster was assigned to identify a participant to give his/ her feedback on the training workshop. The training ended with BU President Mascariñas delivering his message followed by the presentation of certificates of the TMT, resource persons, and participants.
BU launches Capability Building on Flexible Learning
T
o prepare the faculty members for the opening of classes amid the pandemic, Bicol University (BU) held a series of online training workshops for the University Capability Building on Flexible Learning last July 13 to 22, 2020. Using digital technologies such as teleconferencing via Google Meet and Zoom, the eight-day training pooled together regular and part-time BU faculty members to equip them with the essential skills necessary in teaching in the ‘new normal.’ The seminar-workshop aimed to orient the faculty with alternative learning methods given that there will be no face-to-face learning this semester. Various workshops on revising syllabi and crafting the course guides and modules were also conducted at the college, institute and department levels. To ensure proper coordination
among the different colleges and departments, a Training Management Team (TMT) was assigned to identify the pool of resource persons. The deans and directors, as well as the department chairpersons, were also directed to facilitate the training following the training design and guidelines for the university capability building and flexible learning. The TMT was headed by Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas along with Dr. Reina O. Habalo, Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, Engr. Medel E. Aligan, and Engr. Oliver E. Aligan. To ensure the manageability of the participants as well as activities and maximize time and output, the different colleges were clustered into four groups. Cluster 1 consists of College of Industrial Technology (CIT), College
of Engineering (CEng), Institute of Architecture (IA), and Polangui Campus with 170 participants. Cluster 2 consists of College of Education (CE), College of Arts and Letters (CAL), and Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) with 150 participants. Cluster 3 consists of College of Science (CS), College of Nursing (CN), College of Medicine (CM), College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), and Tabaco Campus (TC) with 192 participants. Cluster 4 consists of College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM), Gubat Campus (GC), Open University (OU), and Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (JMRIGD) with 108 participants.
Bicol University will step up with new and better ways of thinking particularly in terms of learning delivery. The global trend on Education 4.0 that has been the direction of Bicol University with our Learning Management System (LMS) and the distance education mode of our Open University will definitely shape the way we, at Bicol University will learn and deliver learning in the next challenging months – or years. Learning under the new normal in Bicol University will be defined by both remote and flexible teaching and learning. This is not a temporary shift; rather, it is the way we will be shaping the relevant education Bicol University is known for. Everything that we will be doing today, and all the directions we will take, amidst this COVID19 pandemic, will never be temporary but has implications beyond this pandemic. With your graduation from Senior High School in this time of a pandemic, you are faced with an even greater challenge in terms of living and learning. Welcome to the new, and better normal, that Bicol University will offer, if you so happen to decide and still choose Bicol University for your college years. The new normal will be your way of life – if only to preserve humanity, and to continuously meet head-on the varied and unique challenges that you, and us, here at Bicol University – and elsewhere – will be facing. But changes are underway. Pivotal moves are being made. Capacities and professional development for teachers and other service providers are being crafted – if only to continue our steps towards building
legacies, and transforming lives for every student and teacher that walk these grounds of Bicol University, in the midst of the greater challenge that is the COVID19 pandemic. The road is long and winding, dear graduates, for all of us in these trying times. The steps and our footing may be uneasy and unsure. The burdens for you on career and professional development, and for Bicol University with every stalled projects, unmet targets, and pending deliverables are part of these challenges; with the burdens urgently seeking newer and better alternatives. The COVID19 pandemic may have stripped us of our sense of security in every aspect of our lives. But what this pandemic can never stripped us off is our God-given will and the seed of faith in our hearts that make us the resilient and God-fearing people that we, Filipinos, are known for. It is these that will ensure our survival in this pandemic jungle. Dear graduates, the pandemic does not end our ability to dream of a golden future where the harvests of significant accomplishments in your respective fields, are truly possible. Let your lives not be virtual moments that are forever captured on films and photographs, frozen in time. Let your lives be made up of moving moments ever directed towards making this pandemic world and beyond a bit better. Be agents of change amidst the uncertainty of a world gripped by a devastating pandemic one small step at a time. Build your future – because there is, and will still be better days and years, ahead. Congratulations!
Pres Outbox | P1
thousands of lives lost, including numerous jobs and industries. Not since the Great Depression of the 1930s or the infamous World War in the 1940s have there been such a great upheaval where the world literally, stood silent and still; bowed by the challenges of a deadly virus sweeping the world. This pandemic has indeed, drastically changed all of us – especially, Bicol University. As an academic institution suddenly thrust in this pandemic crossroad, we are faced with major and significant lifechanging decisions that would shape the way we learn and accomplish our vision as an academic community of scholars and educators. Much as we would have liked to go back to the normal we once knew and the way things were, we have to accept this new reality. We have to accept that face masks, hand washing, physical distancing and health protocols are the constructs of our new reality. Our academic landscape and the way we have conducted classes has been drastically altered. We have to accept that this reality in the new normal in the academic landscape that has been altered, will involve exploring alternatives and other modalities of education, learning, and professional as well as personal development. We are greatly challenged. But we will neither hesitate nor stop in our efforts to bridge the education gap that this latest global health crisis has given us. COVID19 may have stalled our momentum and redirected our steps especially in the delivery of education. But with this new normal as part of our everyday reality, your