June 2019

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

JUNE 2019 | Vol. XI Issue 6

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

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e have so many significant things in store for the coming months with Bicol University having just celebrated its Charter Day this June and is set to celebrate its 50th Founding Anniversary this coming September. With changes and celebrations, hard work, perseverance, and the team spirit are highly needed.

The foremost change this year, though, is our academic calendar. To keep abreast and be in step with the current educational climate, we have adopted the shift in our academic calendar. For the past years, we have always started our academic calendar in June – across levels – with the summer break scheduled in April and May. But this time, we have shifted and adopted the academic calendar which begins in August and ends in May. Hence, the summer break for faculty and students begins in June and ends by July of every academic year.

This move has brought some significant challenges to everyone – mostly, the faculty and administration.

But like all changes, a few apprehensions and even slight resistance are expected as changes or transitions always bring with it a few discomfort. Yet, such discomfort are mere temporalities that can always be overcome by strategizing on various aspects that will bear the brunt of the effects of such change. Ultimately, the few discomfort and apprehension will eventually be overcome because we know that this move is for the greater good of our students and the Bicol University.

Expect more tough yet fulfilling months ahead. But remember, “when the well springs of hope run dry,” faith comes in, and moves mountains. Let’s keep the faith and together, we will accomplish Feature much!

Feature | P4-5 News | P3

BU celebrates 50 years of growth in its 2019 BU Charter Day Celebration

For Love of Country – Administrative heads, deans and directors, student officers, faculty and non-teaching staff members of Bicol University united in singing the Philippine National Anthem during the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration at the BU-Albay Sports Complex in the BU Main Campus last June 12, 2019.

CAL, BUGS sponsors BU’s 121st Independence Day celebration

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oining in the celebration of Filipino identity and culture, Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) and BU Graduate School (BUGS) led the university’s celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day, through a program held last 12 June 2019 at the Albay Sports Complex of the BU Main Campus in Legazpi City.

This year’s Independence Day celebration revolved around the theme “Kalayaan 2019: Pagbabagong Ipinaglalaban, Alay sa

Masaganag Kinabukasan” (Independence 2019: Striving for Change as an Offering for the Future). The event was attended by BU’s various officials and personnel from across the university, representatives of allied institutions and sectors, and the student body.

The celebration began with a prayer led

by BUGS Associate Dean Dr. Ramon T. de Leon, followed by the traditional flag raising ceremony and singing Independence P7

BUIA boasts 40 passers in the June 2019 ALE, including Top 8th passer

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he Bicol University Institute of Architecture (BUIA) once again proves why they are one of the top architecture schools in the country with forty (40) graduates of BUIA successfully passing the 2019 Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE), one of whom is included in the Top Ten. As per the released results, which was released last 04 July 2019, 2,104 out of 3,172 examinees successfully passed the exams, garnering a National Passing Rate of 66.33 percent.

Among the ALE passers from BUIA, Arch. Neil Judd Caldit Consuelo stood out among his peers as he nabs the top eight spot in the 2019 ALE with his score 82.90 percent.

P4 For Bicol University, 40 out of 59 examinees

passed the 2019 ALE. The university earned an outstanding passing rate of 90 percent for first takers, and an overall passing rate of 67.8 percent.

BU’s performance in the June 2019 ALE reflects a significant improvement, in comparison to the January 2019 ALE where the university got an overall passing rate of 66.67 percent.

The result of the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) 2019 ALE which was released exactly four days after the exam took place last June 28 and 30. The June 2019 ALEs were administered by the PRC Board of Architecture, headed by its Chairman, Robert S. Sac, and its member, Robert M. Mirafuente, at PRC testing locations in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi City and Zamboanga.

News| P3

News | P6

7,526 undergrad freshmen admitted in BU for the first semester of AY 2019-2020

BUCM’s Class of 2018 gather for 2nd Hooding Ceremony and Recognition Rites

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The BUzzette

NEWS

37 public financial management professionals trained in budgeting during BU-DBM’s PFMCP

The Value of Budget - BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty. Joseph

L. Batolata welcomes the participants of the PFMCP’s Budgeting and Performance Track last 14 June 2019.

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ontinuing the partnership between Bicol University (BU) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in creating financially educated public servants, the DBM and BU’s Business Affairs Office (BAO) conducted the ‘PFMCP Budgeting and Performance Track’ –the second in a series of training workshops under this year’s Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP).

It can be recalled that A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BU and DBM was signed on 14 June 2018, solidifying the partnership between DBM and BU in the implementation of the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) Twinning Arrangement. Through this accord, the implementation of the PFMCP was transferred to Bicol University,

with the goal of expanding the reach of the PFMCP to more PFM practitioners in the province.

The PFMC is a competency-based training program that seeks to provide impact on behaviour, attitude, skills and knowledge (BASK), as well as work performance of PFM practitioners. The objective is to address the identified gaps in PFM in the country, particularly the implementation of appropriate capacity development initiatives and learning interventions.

During ‘PFMCP Budgeting and Performance Track’, which was held at the Casa Blanca Hotel in Legazpi City this May 28 to 30, 37 PFM practitioners from various government institutions, including BU, participated in the training.

BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty. Joseph L. Batolata and Training Specialist from

DBM Central Office Mr. Brian Carpio welcomed the participants on the opening day of the training.

Afterwards, the training’s initial phase began with BU-BAO Director Dr. Viola L. Amano leading the introduction of participants and guests. She also gave an overview of the training, explained the house rules, and conducted the levelling of expectation and pre-test.

The resource person for the first day of training was Ms. Jennifer B. Barcoma, Budget and Management Specialist II of DBM-Region 05, who providing a solid introduction of the training’s prime subject by discussing ‘Introduction to Budgeting’.

On the second day of the event, DBM Bicol Regional Director Renato M. De Vera himself shared his knowledge to the participants of the training when he taught them the concepts of ‘Fiscal Planning’.

During the last day of the training, DBM-Region 05 Accountant III Ms. February E. Manuel discussed Performance Incentive Bonus (PIB) and Program Expenditure Classification (PrExC), while DBM-Region 05 Budget and Management Specialist I Ms. Joanna M. Rasco talked about ‘Developments in Budgeting’.

Soon after the discussions, a posttest and evaluation of training was facilitated by BU-BAO to measure the impact and learning benefits of the threeday training. The training concluded with a simple closing program, which began with the participants’ sharing of impressions about their training.

Also during the closing program, the trainees were awarded their certificates in a ceremony led by Dr. Viola L. Amano, Dir. Renato M. De Vera, and Dir. Jose Cyril T. Pinambo. Finally, the training officially concluded with the closing remarks delivered by Dr. Viola L. Amano.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See Layout Artist Patrick M. Pablo Writer Julius Justino B. Embile Photographer Elizabeth Jemly M. Baliguat Contributors Angela A. Britanico, BUTC-CSC President 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

BAO, JMRIGD trains DPWH personnel for the IRR of RA 9184

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fficers and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Albay Second District Engineering Office (DEO) gathered last June 10, 11, 13and 14 as they refresh their knowledge on public procurement during the Training on the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184, better known as the ‘Government Procurement Reform Act’.

The said training was conducted by Bicol University’s Business Affairs Office (BAO), in partnership with the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (JMRIGD), at the DPWH Albay 2nd DEO in Legazpi City.

Through a series of lectures and workshops, it is the objective of the training to ensure the department’s compliance to the legal guidelines of government procurement, in line with the updated provisions of RA 9184.

As the training was organized through the combined efforts of BU and DPWH, the activity started on its first day with the opening statements, respectively delivered by BU Vice President for Planning and Development Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia and DPWH Albay DEO District Engineer Engr. Danilo J. De Villa Jr. For all to get acquainted before the training, BU-BAO Director Dr. Viola L. Amano conducted a brief introduction of the training’s participants, resource persons, and facilitating staff. She also gave an overview of the training and led the ‘levelling of expectations’ and pre-test.

The first resource speaker for the training was BU’s Chief Admin Officer and Acting Board Secretary Atty. Norly P. Reyes.

Throughout the first day of the training, Atty.

Reyes lectured on three key topics about government procurement.

First, he gave an introductory lecture about RA 9184 and it’s IRR. Afterwards, Atty.

Reyes shared his knowledge on procurement planning and the legal environment of procurement.

On the second day of the training, Atty. Reyes continued teaching the DPWH personnel about procurement procedures and alternative modes of procurement (AMP).

After each topic, the learners participated in the first sets of workshops, which involved presentations of procurement documents for goods and services.

During the third day, the training was given by another resource speaker, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Bicol Regional Director Renato M. De Vera. The DBM Director taught the participants

IRR of RA 9184 | P7

7,526 undergrad freshmen admitted in BU for the first semester of AY 2019-2020

University’s Doorway – Freshmen applicants of Bicol University College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) await their turn to enrol last May 27 at the BU East Campus in Legazpi City.

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s the coming semester’s enrolment period nears its closure, Bicol University prepares for a busy opening of classes this coming August 2019.

This is particularly true in terms of accommodating the new students as the BU Registrar’s Office tallies a university-wide total of 7,526 admitted undergraduate freshmen for the first semester of AY 2019-2020.

As per the records, the BU Main Campus admitted the most number of undergrad freshmen with a total of 2,147. The college in the Main Campus with the most number of freshmen is the BU College of Education (BUCE) with 587 students, followed by BU College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) with 563, and BUCS with 505 undergrad freshmen.

The BU Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) also admitted a total of 323 freshmen, while the BU College of Nursing tallied the least in the Main Campus with 169 new undergraduate students.

Second to the Main Campus in terms of undergrad freshmen population is BU Polangui Campus, with a total of 1,330 new students.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

The BU Daraga Campus also boasts a total of 1,329 undergraduate freshmen, with 536 of them enrolled in BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) and 793 are enrolled in the BU College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM).

For the BU East Campus, 175 new students were enrolled in the BU Institute of Architecture (BUIA), 498 were admitted in the BU College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT), while 636 undergraduate freshmen were accepted in the BU College of Engineering (BUCEng). In total, there are 1,312 new undergraduate students in the BU East Campus for the first semester of the coming academic year.

On the other hand, the BU Tabaco Campus (BUTC), Gubat Campus (BUGC), and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) are slightly less populated with new students compared to the previously mentioned campuses.

BUTC recorded only a total of 607 incoming undergrad freshmen, while BUCAF will be welcoming 437 freshmen this upcoming opening of classes. The campus with the least number of new student is BUGC with only 330 undergrad freshmen for this coming semester.

FEAT

The BU

BU celebrates 50 years of growth in its 2019 BU Charter Day Celebration

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elebrating five decades of growth since its establishment in 1969, Bicol University holds the 50th BU Charter Day Celebration this June 21 at the BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) Campus in Guinobatan, Albay.

The commemoration of Bicol University’s establishment has always been one of the university’s annual event. However, this year’s celebration was done with great reverence as BU’s 50th Charter Day marks a significant milestone in the university’s history.

Historically, the university has served the Bicolano communities as the region's premier academic institution for five decades, since its establishment on June 21, 1969 through Republic Act 5521. The establishment of Bicol University was realized through the efforts of its three Founding Fathers: Hon. Dominador R. Aytona, Hon. Carlos R. Imperial, and Hon. Jose M. Alberto.

In line with paying respects to the BU Founding Fathers and to all who contributed to the creation of the university, the 50th BU Charter Day began with a wreath laying ceremony, dubbed “Alay Parangal” (Offering of Honor), at the Roxas Monument in the BUCAF Campus.

Afterwards, BU officials gathered to release fifty doves as a symbolic representation of the university's growth over the past fifty years. This was followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Charter Day Exhibit in BUCAF.

To show gratefulness to God’s blessings to the university, a Thanksgiving Mass was also celebrated by Rev. Fr. Roberto Crisol who exhorted the BU community to continue serving with love as he emphasized the many sacrifices that were done to reach the birth of the University.

At the start of the Charter Day Celebration’s program, the participants were greeted by BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas in her opening remark who praised the BUCAF for festive atmosphere of the Charter Day celebration. Representing the student body, faculty, and alumni respectively, Student Regent Mr. Brian Mitchel R. dela Rama, Faculty Regent Dr. Ma. Joselyn J. Paje, and Alumni Regent Prof. Edgar S. Barrameda expressed their appreciation, joy, and hope for BU’s developments over the years in their felicitations.

Intermission numbers in the form of native dances were given by the BU Magayon Dance Troupe trained by IPESR Director Carina L. Sales. After a brief presentation about BU’s history, the participants gave their attention to BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas as he delivered his Charter Day Address. In his speech, he cited the reasons why every BUeño should rejoice being with a school that has stood strong for fifty years.

“Today, we celebrate half a century of lives lived for and in behalf of every Bicolano scholar, their families and friends who passed through the pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service in Bicol University,” stated

Dr. Mascariñas. The president then cited the 25 reasons why BU deserves a golden celebration.

When the BU President’s address concluded, Dr. Mascariñas was joined by BUCAF Dean Prof. Domingo Ll. Nace, BUCAF Associate Dean Dr. Roscefe B. Dy, BUTC Dean Dr. Maria Giselle N. Mortega, and BUTC Associate Dean Dr. Renan U. Bobiles for the Turn-Over Ceremony of the BU Flag to the sponsor of the 51st BU Charter Day Celebration in 2021.

With BUTC being next year’s Charter Day host, Dean Dr. Mortega expressed in her acceptance speech her joy and willingness to lead BUTC’s hosting of the 51st BU Charter Day Celebration. She was soon followed by BUCAF Dean Prof. Nace who officially concluded the program in his closing remarks.

Throughout the celebration of the Charter Day, it was repeatedly emphasized that the key reason why BU endured and developed over fifty years was the unity and motivation of all who became members of the BU family. In the word of BU President Dr. Mascariñas: “We take the time to really count, not just what we have all collectively achieved, beginning with our Founding Fathers down to the past and present administrations, and the 638 teaching and 332 non-teaching personnel, but more so, the blessing of being part of a dynamic, innovative and persevering Bicol University family.”

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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The BUzzette

NEWS t BU grabs 7th Top Performing School spot in June 2019 NLE; four students in Top Ten

T United We Stand – Employees of BU offices engage in activities to build camaraderie during their two-day team-building activity last June 07 and 08 in Oas municipality, Albay.

BU-GASS personnel improve workplace camaraderie in BU-HRMDO’s Enhancement Seminar

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ostering friendship and camaraderie among the offices in the Bicol University General Administration and Support Services (GASS), the BU Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) conducted this year’s BUGASS Enhancement Seminar (Team Building and Stress Management Activities) with the theme “BUGASS at 50, Together We Can…” at the Casa Mamita Farm and Beach Resort in Oas municipality, Albay.

This two-day activity, which took place last June 07 and 08, was participated by twenty-two personnel from various BUGASS offices, including the BU Administrative Office, Motorpool, Procurement Management Office (PrMO), Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF), Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), Internal Audit Services (IAS), Planning and Development Office (PDO), and General Services.

The participants assembled at the BU Main Campus before traveling together to the

venue of the seminar. After lunch, they engaged in the first set of team-building activity, hosted

by BU College of Science’s (BUCS) Prof. Samuel C. Bobiles.

Later in the afternoon of the first day, the BU personnel took part in a discussion and experiential learning exercise for stress management. This part of the activity, led

by Dr. Hennie P. Lomibao of BU College of Education (BUCE), involved meditation exercises designed to relieve occupational stress.

After dinner, the team-building activities continued with fun games that enhanced teamwork, facilitated again by Prof. Bobiles.

The next day, there were more recreational activities for the participants before the seminar concluded around noontime.

It can be recalled that the BU-HRMDO conducted the same type of enhancement activity last year in the same venue. BUHRMDO has made this activity an annual event to maintain a harmonious working environment for the BUGASS personnel.

BCDI receives completed process documentation on their Sustainable Agri Project from BU

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fter a series of on-site documentation of the Sustainable Agriculture Project of the Bicol Consortium for Development Initiative (BCDI), Bicol University fulfils its share in its partnership with the project’s implementers when it turnedover the completed process-based project documentation last June 13.

The said turn-over was done through a brief program at the Chancery of the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi City. In behalf of Bicol University, the documentation was given by the project leader Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista,

Director of BU Communications and Public Relations Office (CPRO) –the office that was tasked in producing the documentation output.

For the project implementers, the documentations including the five minute video were received by Ms. Carol Ubalde, the Executive Director of LIKAS, Rev. Fr. Romulo O. Castañeda, the Vice Chairman of BCDI and Executive Director of the Caritas of the Diocese of Libmanan, Rev. Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, Social Action Center (SAC)-Legazpi Executive Director, SusAg Project | P8

he Nursing Departments of Bicol University is once again filled with joy upon the release of the Professional Regulation Commissions’ (PRC) June 2019 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) last June 21. As per the results, BU was ranked as the seventh top performing school in the said NLE with 115 passers, including four in the Top Ten. Bicol University’s examinees scored an outstanding finish in the June 2019 NLE, with 177 passers out of 189 examinees or 94.26% passing percentage. This is a greatly improved result compared to the last year’s NLE, where BU got an 89.19% passing percentage.

This was a remarkable achievement due to the competitive difficulty of this year’s NLE, which has a National Passing Rate of only 52.20%. According to result announcement, only 5,059 out of 9,691exam takers successfully passed.

Four examinees from BU also managed to be among the Top Ten passers. Leading them was Darlene Grace S. Ranera of BU Polangui Campus (BUPC), who took the seventh top rank with an 86.20% mark. Next is Edgar Philip R. Patriarca of BU Tabaco Campus (BUTC), who earned the eight top spot with an 86.00% passing score. Cecil-An S. Dalanon (85.80%) and Melannie Sta. Rosa Camasis (85.60%), both from BU College of Nursing (BUCN), also passed with flying colors as they respectively nabbed the ninth and tenth top spot in the exam.

Individually, BUCN, BUTC and BUPC each boasted remarkable numbers in the June 2019 NLE. BUCN had a 94.36% overall passing percentage, including 95.73% for firsttime takers. BUTC garnered a 93.18% overall passing percentage, including a 97.14% for first-time takers. BUPC also scored an overall passing percentage of 91.30%, including a 95.23% for first-time takers.

The June 2019 NLE results, including the official list of passers, topnotchers, top performing schools, and the performance summary of colleges and universities, were released by the Professional Regulation (PRC) last June 21, as scheduled. The PRC conducted the first schedule of Nursing board exams for 2019 last June 02 and 03 at PRC testing centers around the country, namely in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

PRC Board of Nursing is composed of its Chairman, Glenda S. Arquiza, and its members, Carmelita C. Divinagracia, Gloria B. Arcos, Carfredda P. Dumlao, Florence C. Cawaon and Cora A. Añonuevo.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS IRR of RA 9184 | P3 the proper procurement procedures and preparation of bidding documents for consulting services and civil works. Just like the previous learning sessions, lectures were followed by workshops in order to better improve the understanding of the given topics.

In the morning of the training’s final day, Atty. Reyes returned to teach the DPWH personnel on how to prepare Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicators (APCPI). The lesson was followed by the final workshop for the training.

In the afternoon, the training concluded with a post-test and training evaluation. In a closing program, led by Engr. De Villa, Atty.

Reyes, and Dr. Amano, those who were able to complete the training were awarded their certificates.

Independence P1 of the Philippine National Anthem which was led by BU Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Director Prof.

Carina L. Sales.

With great fervor, the participants of the gathering also sang ‘Pilipinas Kong Mahal’ which was led by BUGS Dean Dr. Antonio P. Payonga. The BUGS Dean also delivered the opening remarks for the program.

Then, giving an artistic expression of Filipino patriotism was Ms. Alyssa Katigbak, an alumni of BU College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL), delivered a spoken poetry performance about the value of our nation’s independence.

“Our flag represents our freedom, our love for our country, and the dream of every Filipino,” said BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty.

Joseph L. Bartolata in his message about the importance of the Independence Day celebration.

“For the sake of our nation, we must all learn to be worthy flag-bearers,” he added.

Afterwards, students of BU-IPESR performed a cultural folk dance during their intermission number.

The last to speak during the program was BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, who talked about the importance of remembering the past for the country’s path towards a promising future.

“We achieved our progressive present because of the people who struggled and sacrificed for us in the past,” explained the University President.

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The Brilliant Flame - The Bicol University College of Medicine’s (BUCM) ‘Laad’ Batch –the college’s pioneer graduate class of 2018- once again gathered last June 25 at the Casa Blanca Hotel in Legazpi City for their Second Hooding Ceremony and Recognition Rites.

BUCM’s Class of 2018 gather for 2nd Hooding Ceremony and Recognition Rites

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raduates belonging to the Bicol University College of Medicine’s (BUCM) ‘Laad’ Batch –the college’s pioneer graduate class of 2018once again gathered last June 25 at the Casa Blanca Hotel in Legazpi City for their Second Hooding Ceremony and Recognition Rites.

For the students of BUCM’s pioneer class, dubbed ‘Laad’ (derived from the Bicolano word for ‘flame’), the said event was the final milestone in their journey as medical students.

The name ‘Laad’ was chosen for the said batch as, being the pioneer batch, they are to be the light that guide the future of BU in becoming a school of respected medical professionals.

Before the official ceremony, a Baccalaureate Mass was first celebrated, led by Rev. Fr. Manuel Camu. Afterwards, the program officially began with BUCM Associate Dean Dr. Luis Domingo B. Mendoza welcoming the participants in his opening remarks.

Then, after an introduction given by Integrated Basic Sciences Chair Dr. Rosebe N. Lauraya, the invited Keynote Speaker for the occasion Dr. Miguel Manuel Dorotan took the stage to deliver his address. Dr. Dorotan was invited as guest speaker for his notable work both in the medical and humanitarian field.

After Dr. Dorotan’s speech, BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas gave the Commemorative Address for the graduates.

The University President honoured BUCM and the graduates for their milestone achievement and stressed the importance for the graduates to hold on to the values that they have learned as students when they transition as medical professionals.

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

“As your dream becomes nearer to becoming a reality, we need to celebrate not just the existence of your institution that has nurtured you for several years, but more importantly, we need to celebrate the values of your vision and the uniqueness of your mission,” stated Dr. Mascariñas.

Once the BU President concluded his speech, the gathering proceeded with the Hooding Ceremony. During the ceremony, each member of Class ‘Laad’ took turns in being conferred with their hoods and caps, accompanied by their parents or family members.

Those who graduated with distinction were also awarded with medals, namely the Top Ten Academic Performers, the Service Awardee, the Leadership Awardee, and those recognized as Outstanding Clinical Clerks. When the ceremony ended, Class ‘Laad’ graduate Liezel B. Bolilan represented her class in conveying their gratitude through her Graduation Speech.

As the program near its end, BUCM Dean Dr. Ruben N. Caragay gave the Closing Remarks where he expressed his pride for the graduates and his confidence in their bright future.

The class, composed of 20 male and 33 female students, have completed studies and are now deemed fit to prove themselves worthy of becoming real doctors.

The BUzzette

NEWS Japanese engineering firm visits BU for waste-to-energy plant proposal

Shoichi Kume, along with Dr. Masami Ueno, Dr. Miyatake, Mr. Yuichi Ono and Country Representative PH Mr. Noel Dumaop. The Magma Co. Ltd. is an engineering firm, based in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan.

The purpose of the group’s visit to the university is propose their plans to design and manufacture a WTE plant for BU, which utilizes a melt-down process called Ultra-

High Temperature Reduction Fusion and Gasification Technology. According to them, this is part of their waste management and power generation ventures that Iwa Besu Corporation is working on.

Magma Co. Ltd. has also collaborated with government offices, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in collaborative studies for designing the WTE plant that is being proposed to BU. To hear out their proposal, they were met by BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Research Development and Management Division (RDMD) Director Dr. Luis O. Amano, Extension Management Division (EMD) Director Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, College of Engineering Dean Dr. Amelia B. Gonzales, College of Nursing Dean Dr. Maria Bernardita A. Palacio, College of Medicine Dean Dr. Ruben N. Caragay, College of Industrial Technology Dean Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, and College of Science Associate Dean Prof. Jayson Lucilo (representing Dean Prof. Jocelyn A. Serrano).

As BU have always welcomed innovative ways of using clean alternative energy, as well as measure that can improve solid waste management, the leaders of the university welcomed the visitors with eagerness. They listened intently to the proposal as they are being presented by the visiting academicians.

Though a finalized partnership between the two parties is still subject for further discussions, BU and Magma Co. Ltd. has gained an understanding, though their common advocacies, for possible future partnerships.

in documentation, specifically on projects for Research, Development and Extension (RDE).

Since November 2018, the documentation team from BU conducted fieldworks for documentation at the project recipient communities in Albay and Sorsogon, accompanied by the project focal persons.

Testimonials from concerned local government officials, local agricultural officers, and farmer-partners were taken for data analysis, in order to measure the project’s effectiveness in attaining its goals.

In addition, photos and other visual footages were also taken for documentation and to create a clearer concept of the project’s progress.

Local leaders, like the mayors and councillors of the municipalities involved in the project, have also expressed their

confidence in the project and has reaffirmed their support. As the people in direct contact with the farmers, the municipal agriculture officers (MAO) have also shared the feedbacks they have received from the farmers in line with the project’s implementation.

After all necessary data have been collected, Dr. Bautista, along with Dr. Reina O. Habalo and Prof. Janette N. Ariola, drafted the reports with the expected documentation results packaged in a magazine type knowledge product.

Last June 06, Dr. Bautista met up with the heads and representative of BCDILIKAS-SAC-Legazpi and other stakeholders to present the initial draft for the process documentation on Sustainable Agriculture project. The comments and feedbacks from the stakeholders were gathered to be incorporated in the documentation’s final version.

Clean Energy for the University – Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas met with the heads of Japan-based engineering firm Magma Co. Ltd. last June 26 for the possibility of having a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant installed in the university.

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n line with their goal of proliferating the use of clean energy, five representatives of the Iwa Besu Corporation’s Magma Co. Ltd. from Japan visited Bicol University last June 26 to speak with the university heads and propose the installation of a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in the university.

In the morning of the said date, BU welcomed Magma Co. Ltd. President Dr.

SusAg Project | P7

and BCDI Executive Director Ms. Nerissa Casin.

It can be recalled that the process documentation on Sustainable Agriculture Project was outsourced to Bicol University last 17 October 2018, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and BCDI’s President Fr. Jose Victor E. Lobrigo.

The partnership between BU and BCDI focused on the process documentation of the project ‘Building Resilient Farming and Fishing Families in Bicol through Sustainable Agriculture’ –a project aimed at reducing poverty and improving food security for families highly dependent on agricultural livelihood by increasing productivity and income.

BCDI’s collaboration with BU in the project revolves on the need for a higher learning institution with technical expertise