June 2020 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

JUNE 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 6

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

Photo courtesy: : https://bit.ly/3doccVK (Office of the CHED Commissioner)

Kalayaan 2020: Towards a Free, United, and Safe Nation

T

oday, we celebrate our country’s 122nd Independence Day. On this day, June 12, 122 years ago – we declared our independence as a nation borne by the blood and sacrifices of our forefathers and heroes. We claimed our freedom from foreign hands who professed to govern us by their own means and methods. But the resiliency of the Filipinos prevailed. The resiliency and perseverance that runs through the blood of every Filipino, prevailed.

United under one flag we overcome the hands of oppression in our battle for gaining the very freedom that we are all enjoying now.

One hundred twenty-two years later, we are once more in the tight grip of a scourge so great that it has invaded the very freedom that we have. Today, we are fighting an invisible and divisive enemy that has endangered our lives – threatening the very foundations of the freedom that we have so enjoyed all these long and fruitful years. The global pandemic brought

by COVID-19 has turned us into prisoners of a global disease that has affected every institution, structure, policy, and framework that have made the world safe and functional for such a long time. Today, we enter what we have all come to know as the “new normal” – that part of our lives that we have to accommodate and accept for the meantime because it is what will hopefully, keep us free, united, and safe as one nation.

But the battle that we are fighting for right now is not merely for freedom.

We are fighting for our very lives now.

Yet, our resiliency and strength as a people shines Pres Outbox | P8

News | P3 BUCET 2020 results out amid COVID-19 pandemic

CHED conducts ‘Webinar on Flexible Learning: Balancing Achievement and Well-being of Learners’ s a response to the growing concerns A and worries of learners amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) spearheads a Webinar on Flexible Learning: Balancing Achievement and Well-being of Learners via Zoom and Facebook Live last June 1, 2020.

The webinar was participated by presidents, administrators, officers, and members of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Coordinating Council of Private Educational Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), members of the governing board of various higher education institutions, student leaders of different student organizations, faculty members, academicians, and interested viewers.

To formally start the webinar, CHED Commissioner Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag delivered the welcome remarks where he discussed the scope and parameters of learning today and how it would be perceived in the near future as well as the objectives of the webinar including an orientation of the possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of students and to identify pertinent issues on how to prevent it; preparation in the transition towards flexible learning; and to provide insights to the administrators in formulating relevant intervention programs and policies that will ensure synergy between the noble education objectives of ‘quality’ and ‘equity’.

Afterwards, CHED Regional Director

Feature | P4-5 BU orgs unite to celebrate Pride Month amid pandemic

Dr. Freddie T. Bernal introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja, a Registered Psychologist and Associate Professor of De La Salle University.

Dr. Tarroja first discussed the COVID-19 pandemic context followed by defining ‘flexible learning’ and finding the balance between learning and wellbeing in an institutional level, teacher level, student level, and family level.

From the perspective of the psychologist, Dr. Tarroja continued her discussion on the pre, during, and post quarantine stressors based on researchers and studies. She furthered on the student’s and teacher’s adaptation to alternative learning and possible stressors on different quarantine periods.

Her discussion on the dimensions of the aspect of well-being focused on the emotional or psychological well-being not just for students but for faculty members as well. She also shared tips for supporting the student and teacher wellbeing at the same time advocating for mental health.

Proceeding with the program, student leaders were given the opportunity to raise their concerns based on the discussion.

Hector E. Santiago, BS Secondary Education Major in Social Sciences and Youth Empowerment Cluster Head from Ateneo De Naga University started his talk with the sudden adjustment from faceto-face interaction to online interaction.

Aside from the geographic concern, he also mentioned that some students may not have the necessary tools or technology to adjust for the alternative learning system. He suggested that student councils should always represent the student body in addressing concerns to HEIs. CHED WEBINAR | P2

News | P7 BUEMD launches its 1st BU webinar; targets radio program in July

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Remembering Sir Ariel Guban icol University College of Arts B and Letters (BUCAL) English Department faculty Ariel Guban took

his last breath last June 10 at around 1:00 am.

The 34-year-old professor was confined since June 5 at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) battling against severe pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis. Due to the pandemic situation, Guban was not only intubated but isolated as well. He was negative for COVID-19.

With his passing, some of his former students reminisce their first and unforgettable encounters with the late professor.

“At first, I thought Sir Guban was a difficult and strict professor but he was actually the opposite. He was very approachable even outside class. He always greets back whenever you greets him,” Arrem Ceyzel Orbase said.

“I remember seeing him wearing a dress in an event in CAL. I love how proud and out he was during those moments,” she added.

Lester Dellosa, alumnus and former president of BU MAGENTA, an LGBTQIA+ organization in the university, said that Guban was a very supportive organization adviser.

“He was more than an adviser, he was our friend and parent. He’d propose ideas for improvement of the organization and support us to be the best versions of ourselves,” he said.

Dellosa recalled Guban’s handson preparation during their university event called “Ganda ko, Ganda ng Albay”.

“Sir Guban was excited for the project and was mad at me because I arrived late at the event. He was going around the venue checking the models and everything if things are in order.

When the show started, he asked me, ‘You made all these clothes?’ and I confidently answered ‘Yes po’,” he said.

During those moments, Dellosa said that he felt surreal because Guban, who was cranky earlier, turned into a calm and bright person and told him that he will be having a bright future if Dellosa continues to do his passion.

Meanwhile some of his colleagues describes him as a ray of sunshine whenever he enters their faculty room.

“He always has a funny story to tell.

Aside from that, he is a generous soul, palaging may binibigay na pagkain. As a teacher, he has mastery of the subjects he handles, masaya ang classes niya.

He was a good friend, he was always ready to give a helping hand,” Prof. Lily C. Malasa said.

On the other hand, Dr. Maria Julieta Borres remembers the time when Ariel Guban was still her student.

“We would usually walk together to Harong Pagkamoot Subdivision. After graduating, he joined us in CAL as a part-timer until he became permanent.

I was the Dean of CAL when he was hired as permanent,” she said.

“He was a very good friend and my happy pill. I would even call him my clown because he had this natural skill to make me laugh and feel better. He was also a trusted friend, I valued his opinions even though I was older yet I seek advice from him time to time,” she added.

One of the questions was from BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Dean Atty. Alex Nepomuceno where he asked if it is possible to create and activate a flexible learning materials mobility centre at the barangay level.

Dr. Darilag answered that at the moment, they are having different consortia across the regions. He said that it needs a development of a partnership between HEIs, SUCs, LUCs, and private HEIs to reach learners especially those from far-flung areas. With regards the support, Dr. Darilag said that CHED is already looking into it and addressing different concerns from students as well as the teachers. Aside from the consortium, he added that HEIs need a coalition that will exist to differentiate the executive from the barangay levels.

With the Learning Management System, he assured that there is a

funding support to be given to HEIs to develop the module and train faculty members and students on navigating the said system. This fund is allocated for capacity building and content development procedures. There is also a possibility to enhance connectivity for them to be connected to their teachers and administration.

After some more discussion and clarification, Dr. Mary Sylvette T. Gunigundo, Director of the Office of Student Development and Services of CHED, delivered the synthesis and closing remarks of the webinar. She also shared some of her insights on flexible learning and how students can adopt to this mode.

The webinar was hosted by Patrick Owen L. De Guzman, Technical Staff for Policy Research of OCAD.

CHED WEBINAR | P1

On the other hand, Ivan Ian Baria, BS Geodetic Engineering student and USC Chairperson and Student Regent of Bicol University (BU), shared his personal encounters and mentioned some advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of flexible learning. He also enumerated some challenges for the students on coping up with the demands necessary for their respective courses.

Hearing from the student leaders, Dr. Tarroja said that it is really important to hear the experiences of students firsthand in able to fully understand them.

She also said that adjustment is necessary not just for the admin or teacher but for the student as well.

To further expound the discussion, the webinar proceeded to the open forum facilitated by the Office of Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag (OCAD) staff.

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 Contributors: Bicol Universitarian, Mark Kevin Abelita, Jane Erlyn Rejuso & Julius Caesar Martinez 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

BUCET 2020 results out amid COVID-19 pandemic

A

fter months of delay, Bicol University Admissions Office (BUAO) on Saturday, June 13, has released the results of the Bicol University College Entrance Test (BUCET) for the academic year 2020-2021.

Applicants of different undergraduate degree programs may view their individual BUCET results by visiting the official BU Admissions website.

However, some students reported earlier that they cannot access the said website. In response, the BUAO Facebook page posted the list of qualified and waitlisted students per

program. Applicants will be redirected to google drive links to view the results.

A printed copy of the individual results will also be mailed to the applicants’ home addresses.

On the other hand, applicants are advised to follow the online and printed instructions of the enrollment process to be released by each college.

DELAY OF RESULTS

the spread of COVID-19.

The lockdown, which started in mid-March, led BUAO to temporarily stop the processing of the results, as per the advice of the Bicol University’s Executive Committee headed by the university president.

According to Dr. Hennie Lomibao, dean of admissions, the results could also not be processed outside the premises of the office to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the results.

The release of the results was postponed from April 15 after Written by The Bicol Universitarian, Luzon was placed under enhanced the official university publication of Bicol community quarantine to mitigate University.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

FEAT

The BU

BU orgs unite to celebrate Pride Month amid pandemic I

n line with the Pride Month celebration, Bicol University (BU) – University Student Council (USC) along with BU MAGENTA, BU Order of the Blue Feather Society, BU College of Nursing (CN) – College Student Council, BU Political Science Club, and other partner organizations conducted a webinar entitled, Igniting Colors in the New Normal: The Digital Pride with the theme, Defying Standards, breaking barriers, challenging narratives – PRIDE amidst COVID19 via Zoom Conference and Facebook Live last June 21, 2020.

Aside from supporting the global virtual celebration of this year’s Pride Month, the webinar aims to strengthen the call to end discrimination and violence against LGBTQ members and other sectors in the society.

According to Sydney Joseph Torrenueva, one of the Event Heads, the virtual celebration attracted international audience from Thailand, India, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, Caribbean, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Kuwait, and Bhutan.

“We didn’t expect it po talaga. We immediately informed the speakers that we have international audience kasi they were requesting us to speak in English since we started the discussion using English and Tagalog language,” he said.

With over 730 registrants and 300 actual participants on Zoom and Facebook, the webinar was live on three

Facebook pages namely JJC University – Political Scien The webinar commen remarks and message o Hontiveros-Baraquel follow speakers lead by BUCN – C M. Lotivio.

Afterwards, Percival Cen Youth Organization (TAY President and former Nat (NYC) Commissioner for Pride Story: An LGBTQ Act Introduced by Commit Rights Committee of BU Fery Lou Frivaldo, Rey Val Spokesperson of Bahaghar about The SOGIE in You: C Messages of Hope were d Lester Dellosa, and Kenne of the LGBTQIA+ Commun Toots Estrada – Rivac and Head Secretariat of B Network, delivered the clos The webinar was hoste BU – LAWOD President an Order of the Blue Feather S calibrated by Mark Jacinto.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

C Ph, JJC Legazpi, and Bicol nce Club. nced with the welcome of hope by Senator Risa wed by the introduction of CSC President Jave Andrae

ndaña, Ten Accomplished YO) and Babaylanes Inc. tional Youth Commission Luzon, discussed about tivism. ttee Chairperson, Human U Political Science Club lmores – Salinas, National ri Metro Manila, discussed Coming out for Equality. delivered by Samira Gutoc, etchi Espedido - advocates nity. c, Gayon Inc. President Bicol LGBT Regional CBO sing remarks. ed by Dan Lester Llorente, nd Finance Officer of BU – Society and technicals were .

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

6

The BUzzette

NEWS

Oplan Hatod helps 30 more BU student; 110 BUeños overall

ith the help from the W Provincial Government of Masbate, Pioduran Coastguard,

Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), BU-OSAS headed by Dr. Benjamin Nebres III and BU - Lawod, 30 BUeños were able to go home safely to their respective cities and municipalities in the province of Masbate according to a Facebook post by BU - University Studenf Council last June 10, 2020.

Facilitated by Prof. Julius Caesar Martinez and other College Student’s Activities Coordinators and faculty headed by BU Pres.

Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, there are now a total of 110 BUeños aided

by BU’s Oplan Hatid and Oplan Sundo project.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

7

The BUzzette

NEWS

Photo courtesy: : Bicol University Extension Management Division Facebook page

BUEMD launches its 1st BU webinar; targets radio program in July

B

icol University Extension Management Division (BUEMD) launches its first Webinar Tuesdays via Facebook Live with the topic, Managing Conflicts in Long Distance Relationship (LDR) discussed by Dr. Gremil Alessandro Naz last June 2, 2020.

Assistant Professor Dr. Naz shared his research on LDR where it focused on conflicts and conflict management, communication channels, and preparations for LDR. He elaborated on the limitations of LDR that causes conflicts among couples as well as advices on how they can resolve it.

According to the BUEMD

Facebook page managed by Charlene Magdaong of Continuing Education Section (CES), Prof.

Kalayaan Triunfante, CES Head, was assigned by BUEMD Director Dr. Lester M. Narvaez to conduct trainings online.

Hence, the Webinar Tuesdays was conceptualized as it is conducted every Tuesday.

With the help from Head of Technology, Innovation, and Information Dissemination Section (TIIDS) Dr. Elizabeth Alfane and her staff Gerimel Bulawan together with CES staff Charlene Magdaong, they facilitated and expedited the process. During the first webinar,

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

they were able to identify the needed improvements for a better and more engaging webinar.

They call for those interested to act as Resource Speakers to send their intent through BUEMD Facebook page. Aside from Webinar Tuesdays, BUEMD also plans to have its radio program starting on July as their way of reaching out to the community. The radio program will focus on knowledge sharing and information dissemination involving the colleges of BU and their fields of expertise. They also plan to further discuss topics related to coping with the pandemic.

BU-HRMDO launches first webinar on Stress Management B

icol University (BU) – Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) launches their first webinar on “Stress Management: Mental Health and the New Normal,” via Facebook Live, June 29, 2020.

With the pandemic situation and its effect to mental health, BU-HRMDO invited Associate Professor III of BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Dr. Salvacion L. Villafuerte, a Registered Professional Psychologist, currently completing her second doctoral degree on Clinical Psychology.

The one-hour webinar was aired live via Facebook account of BU HRMDO at around 9:00 a.m. Dr. Villafuerte started the webinar with a Wellness Quiz where participants, answered ten questions that reflect the state of their Mental Health.

Afterwards, Dr. Villafuerte discussed and explained the perception of the word “stress” and its symptoms. She furthered that there are specific stress source and Pres Outbox | P7

through in the midst of this pandemic.

Indeed, it is the moments of trials, tempests, and controversies that make unlikely heroes. As we celebrate the commemoration of our country’s Independence Day, let us look with deep pride and gratitude to the countless men and women - our frontliners - who are bearing the brunt of our battle for liberation and freedom from this deadly disease, that is COVID19. We remember with heads bowed in prayer and endless thanksgiving the various medical practitioners and every frontliner who offered their lives that we may all have better chances of surviving. We remember those who unselfishly sacrificed their comfort and safety – that others like us – may continue to live lives with still an amount of comfort and safety, amidst the discomfort of many. You are indeed the new heroes in this new normal who continue to strive “towards a free, united, and safe nation.”

With hope in the infinite Love of a compassionate God, and the strong support of our frontliners and each of us rallying behind one another, encouraging and continuously extending help in our own capacities, we shall once again, rise up, reclaim our freedom from this pandemic and heal as one!

Isang makahulugang pagbabalik-tanaw at pagpupugay sa ating kasarinlan at kalayaan!

psychological impact during quarantine called “quarantine stress”.

To avoid dwelling on these stress indicators, Dr. Villafuerte advised the viewers to practice daily gratitude even on simple situations, optimism, and being appreciative of what one has.

Making the participants engaged in the webinar, Dr. Villafuerte shared the meaning of the yes-no answers from the Wellness Quiz given earlier. She said that the questions focused on the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects.

Dr. Villafuerte then discussed stress in the new normal due to restrictions on movement or traveling, avoidance of public places, prohibition of face-to-face interaction, social or physical distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, sanitation, and disinfection.

Focusing on the stress about work in the new normal, Dr. Villafuerte gave an activity to the viewers for submission

to BU-HRMDO via FB Messenger.

Continuing with the topic, she then discussed what is stressful about working from home.

She said that stress on working from home may be caused by the lack of internet access, no laptop/computer access, printer, scanner, no workspace, distractions, the feeling of being overworked, and the lack of drive due to uncertain situations.

With this, she gave her Work from Home Coping Strategies to combat stress caused by the stressors mentioned at the same time maintaining good mental health.

To conclude the webinar, Dr. Villafuerte gave the final activity called Self-Care Bingo. All the activities are documented and submitted to BUHRMDO’s Facebook account as requisites for receiving the e-certificate of the said webinar.

BUEMD launches its 1st BU webinar; targets radio program in July