June 2018

The

JUNE 2018 | Vol. X Issue 6

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BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

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elcome to Bicol University, dear Freshmen! You have now entered a new and exciting phase of your life. You are leaving behind all the familiar things of your childhood and teenage years. You are entering a world where your character, discipline and intellect will be further developed and challenged.

Here at Bicol University, we make sure that you imbibe the core values of Character, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service as you live your life within the confines of this great academic institution.

You have been doubly blessed because you have chosen Bicol University – a premier state University in the Bicol Region that offers quality tertiary education – that by virtue of Republic Act 10931, allows each one of you, access to free tertiary education.

Guided by our vision of “a World-class University producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development,” we endeavor to mold each of you into productive and responsible scholars who would one day become leaders with the passion for change and service in your respective fields. With the great privilege and blessing of a Bicol University education, you too, must be aware at this early stage in your student’s life, of the great responsibility that comes with this privilege. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Along with your mentors and professors, we hope you will rise up to the challenge of using the quality education that Bicol University can provide to become quality students who later on will exemplify the Core Values of Bicol University. Enjoy the moment and savor the advantage of being a member of the Bicol University family. Make the most of your stay here and create wonderful moments and memories in all the nooks and corners of this great University.

As your President and surrogate father, I welcome you as official members, to the Bicol University Family!

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BU’s officials, Deans, Directors, and heads of offices blew birthday candles in celebration of the university’s 49th Charter Day last June 21.

BU celebrates 49th Charter Day in BUCIT

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n celebration of the birth of the university in 1969, Bicol University held its 49th annual Charter Day celebration on June 21 at the BRFICC Amphitheatre at the BU’s East Campus in Legazpi City.

It can be recalled that, on June 21, 1969, Bicol University was officially founded through the passage of Republic Act 5521. After 49 years of existence, this year’s Charter Day was made to rejoice and look back on the many advancements made by university since its inception.

The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass, which was celebrated by the campus minister Fr. Ronilo Javines. After the mass, BU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen Llenaresas welcomed the participants of the gathering.

Expressing the perspective of the three

major parts of the BU family; Student Regent Brian Mitchel dela Rama, BU’s Association of Non-Teaching Staff (BUANTS) president Mr. Salvador Bilono II, and Faculty Regent Dr. Jocelyn Paje were given opportunity to address to the crowd during the occasion.

Due to an equally important meeting with the university’s Board of Regents, BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas was unable to be present on the celebration. However, the Charter Day Address was delivered through an audio-video presentation. In his message, BU’s president lauded the efforts of the past leaders which led to the evolution and growth of the university throughout the years. Dr. Mascariñas stressed that it is not easy to cultivate and develop an institution, as it is done only through a combined effort of every faculty, staff and student.

Two new BOR members take oath and officially assume duty

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he new Faculty Regent Dr. Joselyn J. Paje and new Student Regent Brian Mitchel R. dela Rama officially join Bicol University’s Board of Regents (BOR) as they both took their oath of office last June 21 at the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

Having been elected as the new president of BU’s Union of Faculty Association Inc., Dr. Paje has succeeded Dr. Noel R. Rafer for the BOR membership. Likewise, with his election

Dr. Joselyn J. Paje and USC Chairman Brian Mitchell Dela Rama take their oath as members of the BOR.

as the University Student Council (USC) for school year 2018-2019, Mr. Dela Rama assumes the BOR seat from his predecessor Mr. Earl Vincent H. Vista.

BOR | P6

elcome back to work, to school, to the usual routine, and to life in Bicol University! As June is the start of another Academic Year, we welcome the Freshmen who will begin their journey with us. In this issue, we feature the latest pride of Bicol University – the “it” girl for every student who aspires to end up with the glory, prestige, and pride as a topnotch student in her chosen field. Get to know Deanna E. Corrinne Serrano as she shares her story and insights on her latest feat. But let us not forget, June is also the Philippine Environment Month with June 5 declared as World Environment Day. We reflect on these in our editorial and my column as we likewise get to know the current concerns of our Human Resource Management Office and how PRIMED they are at the moment. Happy reading, people! - EIC

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The BUzzette

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Beating plastic pollution

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ith June 5 declared since 1974 by the United Nations as World Environment Day to promote “worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment,” and with this year’s theme as “beat plastic pollution,” the current U.N. SecretaryGeneral António Guterres called on everyone to reject single-use plastic items, and warned that growing levels of plastic waste were becoming unmanageable as “every year, more than eight million tons end up in the oceans.”

It would have been better if the stark images can be reprinted here. Words will not do justice to the blunt data of our seemingly lethargic and indifferent take on the continuously growing environmental problem of PLASTICS. Consider the following disturbing facts from actual photos gathered by the e-magazine The Atlantic: Eighty plastic bags were extracted from inside a whale by Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources in Songkhla, Thailand. A black-footed albatross chick with plastics in its stomach was found dead at Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Midway sits amid a collection of human-made debris called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Along the paths of Midway, there are piles of feathers with rings of plastic in the middle—remnants of birds that died with the plastic in their guts. A wild elephant rummages through garbage dumped in the village of Digampathana in north-central Sri Lanka. At this dump, a herd of wild elephant forages among the rubbish, swallowing dangerous scraps of plastic mixed with rotting food in what experts warn is an increasing problem for the revered animals. Plastic bottles and garbage line Kuta Beach in Bali Plastic rubbish lies strewn across the polluted banks of the river Yamuna near the historic Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Volunteers collect largely plastic garbage along the coast of Manila Bay during the annual International Coastal Cleanup Day in Paranaque City, Philippines.

An excavator works to remove garbage from a river in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Plastic waste lies scattered through a forest near an uncontrolled garbage dump near Khabarovsk, Russia. A Vietnamese woman gathers shells in a coastal forest littered with plastic waste, stuck in branches after it was washed up by the rising tide in Thanh Hoa province, about 150 kilometers south of Hanoi, Vietnam. Mounds of plastic waste piled up at a dumpsite in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Indonesia has been ranked the second biggest marine polluter in the world behind China, with reports showing that the country produces 187.2 million tons of plastic waste each year.

We are slowly being engulfed by plastics – and if left unchecked, the web of life as we know it, may just be barely hanging on a thread. In a University that has a huge population, we need to urgently do our share in beating the plastic pollution and in turn combatting biodiversity loss and adhering to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) call to “go wild for life.” No amount of segregation or building of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) can

substitute for a unified and institutionalized action of the students through the University Student Council (USC) and the personnel across the university through the BU Administration on waging war against plastic pollution.

But there is a glimmer of hope.

After two Australian surfers Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski questioned the ocean pollution around them, they came up with an innovative idea of the Seabin (RD, May 2018, Everyday Heroes). Based on the principle of pool filtration and pump systems common in backyard pools, a single Seabin can collect 90,000 plastic bags, 11,900 plastic bottles, and 35, 700 disposable coffee cups over a year. The Seabin is in commercial production and being sold in 32 markets worldwide.

Imagine if Bicol University scholars can pool their innovative minds and allow the spark of creativity to work overdrive for some similar pursuits. Beating plastic pollution will be a breeze when brilliant minds come together for some spark of genius. Only then can we achieve the fulfillment of an education for social transformation.

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AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See Writer Julius Justino B. Embile Layout Artist Patrick M. Pablo Photographer Elizabeth Jemly M. Baliguat Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Ph.D.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

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The BUzzette

OPINIONS That “Centennial” Feeling

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wasn’t expecting it. I guess nobody did. Just like the old familiar things that have always been part of our landscape…like the old familiar things that have always been there…you blended with everything – the ups and downs, the ebb and flow, the sunrise and sunsets of our busy, complicated lives. You became such a familiar sight that those who looked at you including myself became so complacent and perhaps convinced of your immortality. Everybody started thinking that you will always be there – that nothing could ever break you.

None of us were prepared to see you go in such a swift and fleeting manner. When I heard the first reports of typhoon Glenda’s fury, I was devastated to know that you have finally been broken – uprooted in fact from the very spot where you had always been rooted for more than a century. Looking back on that day when I heard the news about your sudden demise, I could not fully reconcile the depth of my feelings much less give a name to it. I just felt a deep sense of sadness – like a hallowed spot of some small corner of my heart has been carved out after being there for a long time. I will unashamedly admit it now. I did shed a tear for you. And memories inevitably came back.

While browsing through an old coffee table book, I saw your image as a young, budding Acacia tree for the first time. I felt happy because that was the only time I’ve seen your picture as a young tree.

All my memories of you were as a really tall tree with long wavy branches sticking out and an equally huge trunk that none of us, in our youthfulness, could embrace. I remembered how my friends and I started enjoying your company and the big shade you provide as high school students of Bicol University. It was under your comforting shade where we sat, played silly games, fought and made

Vantage Point Dr. Jennifer Barrameda

Head, Human Resource Management and Development Office

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hat is required of Bicol University’s workforce to steer a truly globally competitive institution of higher learning in the coming years? What change needs to happen to know we are in the right path, and how do we know we are moving towards it?

Unpacking PRIME-HRM

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he Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) is the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) initiative of becoming Asia’s Center of Excellence in Strategic Human Resource and Organizational Development by 2030. Using Assess, Assist and Award strategy, CSC believes that human resource management will continuously improve and ensure competence of public servants.

PRIME-HRM will assess four HR systems: (1) Recruitment, Selection and Placement (RSP), (2) Learning and Development (L&D), (3) Performance Management, (4) Rewards and Recognition through a Comprehensive HRM Assistance, Review and Monitoring (CHARM). Results of assessment will be used as a guide by the CSC in providing technical assistance and developmental interventions customized to the needs of BU through the Continuing Assistance and Review for Excellent Human Resource Management (CARE-HRM).

In 2013, BU was awarded as PRIME HRM Level

up, did our home works, told stories or invented ones, shared gossips, revealed our deepest secrets and crushes, made promises to our childhood sweethearts, and cried when our hearts where broken. The same way generations of students did before us. Imagine the secrets and stories that you have heard and scenes that have been played out before you or under your shade for over a century!

If only you could talk.

Back then, I was not aware of your significance to Bicol University. I didn’t realize that you were a witness too, to the blossoming of a University that grew in prestige and glory alongside your growth. I was already in college

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Other trees may be planted in the same spot where you once stayed, but you have forever made your mark – and there you will stay – in a hallowed corner in some space of our hearts and minds, forever, you will be, our Centennial Tree.

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when they placed a marker on you that revealed your age – 105 years old. Though I was still in the same University, my campus was quite far from your place, so I stopped visiting your shade altogether. Beset with other concerns, you faded in the background. But I continued to admire and revere your presence. After I left the University, I was hired as a secondary English teacher in a private school. I had to take on a different route commuting from my place to the school where I work. So the tree that I had grown up with, the Bicol University Centennial Tree, no longer became part of my landscape. But every now and II or (Accredited) – Process Defined agency, which means the University has met the basic requirements and was granted authority to take final action on appointments. During the accreditation, the Bicol University was assessed along Personnel Records Management, HR management systems and programs, Competency Level as well as the qualification of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) to be able to identify the developmental opportunities.

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We need to work so it doesn’t end as a neat lip service, but to become the lived reality of each and every personnel of Bicol University.

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The BU PRIME-HRM Journey

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etting PRIMEd is one of the priorities of BU. Aligned with its vision of becoming worldclass, the university is determined to achieve PRIME-HRM Level 4 – Strategic HRM, with the highest level of competencies in all HR functional areas. This year, BU is scheduled for accreditation.

Come September, the CSC will conduct an onsite assessment on three lenses: systems, practices and competencies along four HR functional areas.

To comply with the 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointment and Other Human Resource Actions (ORA-OHRA), BU submitted a revised Merit and Selection Plan (MSP) to the CSC for approval.

Included in the revision are the new provisions such as Behavioral Event Interview (BEI),

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Editor’s Desk Renelyn E. Bautista Director, Communication & Public Relations Office

then when I had the chance to go back to the University, I never fail to catch a glimpse of the continuously growing and gigantic tree of my childhood and adolescent years. When I became a faculty of Bicol University, I felt once more the sensation of being around well-loved and familiar things. I was back on familiar grounds.

Reunited with my centennial tree, I marveled at its ancient beauty and reflected on the passing of time and the various events that have unfolded – always within the presence of this towering tree.

You have weathered many storms. Storms that were, perhaps, even worse than those that have been in my life. It is only when you have been finally broken that I came to the reality of the life lessons you have been imparting to me – if only I took the time to reflect on your presence every time I looked at you. But in your presence, I was much more taken, awed, and mesmerized by your beauty. I forgot to look beyond your beauty and find its essence.

Indeed, Joyce Kilmer is right. Poems and sentimental essays such as this are made by fools like me. But only God can make something as grand and glorious, such as our Centennial Tree.

Other trees may be planted in the same spot where you once stayed, but you have forever made your mark – and there you will stay – in a hallowed corner in some space of our hearts and minds, forever, you will be, our Centennial Tree.

Background Investigation (BI), Exit Interview and strengthened implementation of Equal Opportunity Principle (EOP). BU is required to adopt new forms particularly RSP forms for submission to the CSC. In the performance management, the BU administration revised the Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) and Office Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR) customizing success indicators for faculty according to KRAS of the College in accordance with SUC Leveling standards while targets and success indicators for non-teaching personnel are designed per occupational group.

PRIME HRM also provides a broader venue to BU recognizing deserving personnel and faculty members by incorporating “On-theSpot” non-monetary incentives in the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Guidelines.

Gearing to towards ‘PRIME HRM’, the Human Resource Management Office is in the process of polishing the Human Resource Management Information System or HRMIS and automating other HRMDO systems for easy report generation and retrieval.

While PRIME-HRM provides the template of how meritocracy and excellence can be actualized and sustained, the bulk of the work remains in the hands of each and every BU personnel committing to make the university the bastion of high performing workforce. PRIME HRM outlines the contingencies of transforming our human resource management to enable a world-class public sector. We need to work so it doesn’t end as a neat lip service, but to become the lived reality of each and every personnel of Bicol University.

FEAT

The BU

A Path “Four years of stay in BUCN is already a great preparation for the board exam. I have always wanted to be a nurse since I was in high school and BUCN was my best choice,” started Deanna when asked about what she did to ready herself with the exam.

It can be recalled that Bicol University’s College of Nursing (BUCN) achieved an outstanding performance this year with a 92.52 percent passing rate in the recently concluded 2018 NLE, to which Deanna got 87.20 percent that bagged her the second top spot. This was a big jump in rating compared to the 84.47 percent in 2017.

Across the university, there were 99 passers of the 2018 NLE out of 110 examinees. This resulted to a major boost on the university’s national passing rate, from 34.47 percent in 2017 to 43.82 percent this year, making BU the third top performing nursing school in the country.

Reputation-wise, Bicol University has been known to have produced highly competent professionals, evidenced by regularly maintaining a competitive rank in licensure examinations year after year.

Understandably so that, in the university’s path towards becoming a world-class university, the standard for student excellence are not only maintained but is constantly fine-tuned and raised to be kept at par with worldwide standards.

Deanna Corrine E. Serrano

After her outstanding performance in the 2018 Nursing Licensure Examination, Deanna Corinne E. Serrano shares her insights on her success in the NLE and how holistic training made BUCN one of the top nursing schools in the country.

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t was a sunny Tuesday afternoon when at Bicol University’s College of Medicine (BUCM) and we were there for a scheduled

interview in response to an amazing feat which was pulled-off by the university’s nursing students who recently took the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE).

Our interviewee greeted us with a warm smile that sparked an aura of both humility and confidence. Today’s interviewee is Ms. Deanna Corinne E. Serrano, currently a freshman of BUCM and the now-licenced nurse who nabbed the second top spot on the 2018 NLE.

sourc

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

h of Faith, Dedication, and Excellence

By Julius Justino B. Embile

As BU keeps its eyes fixed in its goal of global recognition, it constantly strives to provide excellence and also expects to create nothing less than an excellence result. For the students, particularly those who take the examinations of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the stakes are high and the pressure is on.

According to Deanna, the journey was not easy for her and her peers. Aside from academics, they deeply held on to their faith, family and each other to pull through.

“There is a big expectation and there is pressure, so I held on to my spiritual connection with God. We started preparing for the exam during our last semester, even our weekends have been devoted to review classes, but we still have other classes and hospital duties so we had our intensive preparation after graduation,” reflected Deanna.

“My family was my very strong support system. They showered me with all my needs financially, morally and spiritually. I would also like to put emphasis to my two brothers, who usually are my companions as they drive me to and from my review classes on weekends. It’s a sacrifice for them because they needed to wake up early just to accompany me to our review center before 7am on Saturdays and Sundays,” she added.

The university’s faculty of academic

courses for licenced professions, like that of nursing, institutes as much holistic preparation as possible to have each student pass the board examination. These include the academic, practical, and disciplinary aspects to give the examinees complete preparation.

“Our stay in BUCN is a big part of our preparation. The faculty’s training and discipline goes beyond improving our knowledge and skills, but also in our attitude,” said Deanna. “As nurses, we needed this because we deal with people from different walks of life and it is a real test of patience,” she added.

When asked about which part of her training worked to her advantage, she revealed that it is about having a clear goal and keeping a healthy work and life balance.

“We still have life outside the school and the hospital, and we can excel without sacrificing those. I personally maintain time spent with my family, friends and with God,” she stated.

To her, faith was crucial in her success.

Aside from being one of the top passers of the 2018 NLE, she graduated cum laude and was accorded awards, such as the 2018 BUCN Clinical Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Graduate of BUCN for 2018, Most Outstanding Student of BUCN, and the Academic Excellence Award among others.

ce: Professional Regulation Commission

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

While taking her bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she also served as the head of BUCN’s College Student Council in her senior year. She stated that she credits these achievements to her supportive family and God to whom she trusts.

She also regarded her fellow students and examinees from BU as this was their victory, not just by her but also by her batch.

“Collectively, we have faith as a group. We are driven to bring BUCN on top and it manifested, which is a great blessing,” she Deanna.

“We intend to return home (to BU) with great achievements as globally competitive health professionals,” Deanne said.

She concluded the interview by revealing who she dedicates her achievement for.

“I would like to thank my eversupportive parents; especially to my Papa who works hard overseas to provide for our needs, and my Mama who has been my source of inspiration and strength in achieving my goals, as well as my extended family who is ever-ready to support me with my financial needs. I’m sharing this because I would like to put emphasis that success is earned through the people who help you achieve it,” she said.

Deanna Corrine with her mother Prof. Jocelyn Serrano, the Dean of BUCS

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The BUzzette

NEWS BUIA focuses on research and extension for this year’s planning workshop

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Students across BU gathered at the university’s main campus to participate in the ‘Il Carnevale’ – the 2018 freshmen welcome party.

Freshmen across BU gather for ‘IL CARNEVALE’ party

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eing an annual tradition in Bicol University, the University Student Council (USC) once again hosted the university-wide freshman welcome party, which was held on June 29 at BU’s Main Campus is Legazpi City. This year’s welcome party, coined “Il Carnevale”, was attended by around five thousand students from across the university’s 15 colleges/ campuses.

Proving to be bigger and grander than its predecessors, the 2018 freshmen welcome party endured for roughly 17 hours. The activity kicked-off with a parade that began at 7:00 in the morning and concluded with a rave party around midnight.

“We are very happy with how this event turned-out. The number of students who participated was more than we expected, and the feedbacks we are receiving from students

and the faculty are very positive,” said BU-USC Chairperson Brian Mitchel dela Rama.

According to the head of the USC, another thing that made this year’s party a success is the participation of the twenty universitybased organizations. These UBO’s helped in the conduct of the party, and most installed shops and kiosks at the venue which gave a fairgrounds-feel to the event.

Throughout the celebration, there were song, dance and band performances by students and guest artists. To lift the spirits of the freshmen, there were also competitions among the delegations of BU’s colleges. There were the Best College Representation award which was won by BU Tabaco Campus, Best College Performance that was bagged by BUIPESR, and the Best Delegation award that was snagged by BUCSSP.

BUHS hosts annual pre-school year seminar for students

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he Bicol University High School held their annual orientation seminar for their junior and senior high school students last June 15, in order to prepare the students for the commencement of school year 2018-2019.

Dubbed: “Revelry: The Get Go”, the said gathering was held at the Arcilla Hall of BU’s College of Social Science and Philosophy (BUCSSP), and has served as both orientation seminar for the students and recruitment opportunity for the school clubs.

To make the students understand their value as a part of the university, BUHS alumni and now teacher Chris John P. Lorena discussed the contribution of the students for the glory of Bicol University. He talked about the challenge presented to students, which is breaking the stereotype of millennial culture by proactively participating in meaningful endeavours.

BUHS alumni, BU College of Education (BUCE) faculty member, and head of BU’s Communication and Public Relations Office (BU-CPRO) Dr. Renelyn Bautista also took

s part of the university-wide preparation for this school year, the Bicol University’s Institute of Architecture (BUIA) hosted its planning workshop and team-building activity this June 08, 09 and 11 at the BU-HERRC Amphitheater of BU’s East Campus in Legazpi City.

The said event was attended by the BUIA faculty and staff, wherein they engaged in lecture-type presentations, assimilation interaction and workshops.

The goal of the activity is to plan and set the direction of the institute, equip the faculty and personnel with the right mind set so that they are aligned with the agenda of the institute and the university, and to come up with implementable proposals for research and extension.

In its path towards becoming a world-class university, it can be noted that one of BU’s thrusts is to produce research and extension outputs that are significant in the development of the region and the nation. Thus, as an academic unit within the university, BUIA is one with this vision and has synced its activities to align with the university’s goals by adapting its planning and direction within the next fiscal year.

In line with this, the said workshop of BUIA has been designed to focus more on the planning and direction setting with research and extension. At the end of this three-day workshop, it is expected for the BUIA to have a clear roadmap on its activities for this coming school year.

BOR | P1

Dr. Renelyn Bautista (far right), the Director of BU-CPRO, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation as guest speaker for the BUHS 2018 Student Orientation Seminar. part in the event as a guest speaker. She lectured about etiquette and personality development, to which she related the value of proper conduct among students towards holistic character growth.

During the BOR’s gathering in Manila, Dr. Paje and Mr. dela Rama’s oaths were administered by BOR Chairperson and CHED Commissioner Dr. Ronald Adamat. Their oath-taking proceedings were also witnessed by guests and fellow BOR members: BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, Atty. Ed Valdez (representing Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero), CHED Bicol Regional Director George Colorado, BU’s Administrative Head Atty. Norly Reyes, private sector representatives Engr. Clemente Ibo and Atty. Hardy Aquende, Prof. Edgar Barrameda of BU’s General Alumni Association Inc., National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Bicol Regional Director Agnes Espinas-Tolentino, and Congressman Atty.

Rodel M. Batocabe (representing Cong.

Ann Hofer).

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS BU Celebrates 2018 Independence Day

More than a hundred participants, including BU’s officials, faculty members, personnel and students, attended the university’s 120th Independence Day commemoration ceremony.

University researches probed during BURDMD’s, Inception Meeting

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he Bicol University’s Research and Development Management Division (BURDMD) held an Inception Meeting last June 26 at the HERCC Amphitheatre of BU’s East Campus in Legazpi City, with the goal giving orientation on the approved research programs and projects of the university.

In addition the said activity also looks to reach a mutual understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of the said research projects and programs to the RDMD and vice-versa. It also aimed at validating the projects with researchers and research policies, implementation systems and procedures, monitoring and reportorial guidelines.

The meeting also sought to translate research activities into the required Annual Procurement Plan (APP), Project Procurement and Management Plan (PPMP) and the Approved Budget Contract (ABC). This activity is one of BU’s efforts in maintaining the highest standards from the RDMD and from its outputs in research, development and extension.

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www.bicol-u.edu.ph @BicolUofficial

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BicolUniversity

84 researchers lauded during BU Researchers’ Awarding Ceremony

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total of 84 researchers from across Bicol University were given recognition last June 18 during the BU Researchers’ Awarding Ceremony, at the BR-FICC of BU’s East Campus in Legazpi City.

The awarding ceremony is an annual event organized by BU’s Research and Development Center (BURDC) in order to express gratitude on the efforts of the university’s researchers; particularly in the categories of research presentation and dissemination, research publication, invention, utility model (UM) and copyright. The said awarding ceremony gave recognition to BU’s exemplary researchers for 2017.

From the university’s main campuses, 10 awards were given to researchers of BUCBEM, 13 to researchers from BUCN, 8 to BUCS researchers, 6 to BUCSSP, 9 to researchers of BUCE, 7 awards to BUCIT, 2 awards

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas delivers an inspiring message during the BU Researchers’ Awarding Ceremony last June 18.

to researchers of BUCENG, and one for BUCAL. For the external campuses, 12 awards were given to researchers from BUTC, while 2 awards were given to BUCAF. BU officials who conducted researches were also awarded during the event. Researchers from BU’s Business Affairs Office bagged two awards, along with 10 awards for the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (OVPRDE), and one for the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA).

EXECUTIVE

UPDATES

Editor’s Note: This column is reserved for information dissemination on policies, directions, targets and other relevant data for general awareness of the BU community following the principle of transparency and accountability in good governance.

The Road to Becoming World-Class:

How Far Have We Gone in Our Journey?

Charter Day | P1

In his message, the president gave focus on the university’s significant strides in six key strategic options: the promotion of responsive academic governance, enhancemet of the university’s resource endowments, availability of marketdriven and relevant academic programs, reinforcing the research development and extension (RD&E), developing a critical mass of quality students and competent faculty members, and the upgrade and

modernization of physical facilities.

“We have continuously stressed good stewardship by building on what the previous administrations have so far instituted and achieved,” he further said.

On the 49th Charter Day celebration, there was also a symbolically blowing of the candles on 49 cakes, which was done

by BU officials and guests.

During the program, Dr. Jonathan Arroco, the Dean of the host college BU College of Industrial Technology

(BUCIT), also turned over the BU Flag to Dr. Gerardo Ocfemia, the Dean of BU College of Agriculture and Fisheries, as BUCAF is to host next year’s Charter Day. As the celebration of the 2018 Charter Day included, the officials, faculty members, employees and students are now gearing up for the long awaited 50th Golden Founding anniversary of the university next year, which is expected to be a big celebration of the institution’s major milestone.