MARCH 2020 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

MARCH 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 3

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

T

hree months into the pandemic and we are faced with an inevitable fate: we are about to be shut in as President Rodrigo Duterte recently announced that he is putting the whole of Luzon on enhanced community quarantine to curb the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

While the declaration of the lockdown did not come as a surprise as the country’s COVID-19 cases continue to increase, its impact on trade and travel, however, has caught many unprepared. The imposition of travel restrictions has left many people stranded, and the suspension of operation of some establishments has rendered some Filipinos jobless.

In this time of relentless uncertainty, we are called upon to help ease each other’s burden. We may be shut in, but we cannot allow the vulnerable to be shut out.

As the father of this premiere university in the Bicol region, I encourage the whole BU community to embody our core values of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service by going beyond our ivory tower to help the most vulnerable in this time of global crisis. Alongside our intellectual engagement, we need to strengthen our practical engagement in order to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of our communities.

It is in this spirit that I would like to commend our student council and faculty association for their initiatives in extending assistance to our students who were left stranded in their boarding houses and dormitories because of the lockdown.

Such act of service is a testament to our commitment Pres Outbox | P8

News | P3 CGAD conducts seminarplanning-workshop on Gender and Development

Building Milestone(L-R) Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia, Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, Atty. Emerson B. Aquende, Hon. Congressman Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., Hon. Elizaldy S. Co, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Hon. Mayor Noel E. Rosal, Atty. Hardy B. Aquende, Atty. Carol Cruz, and Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan led the ground breaking of the BU College of Law last March 12, 2020.

BU to build premier state university college of law building in Bicol

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icol University (BU) officials, local and national leaders, their representatives, heads of different offices and private education institutions, media partners, and other guests attended the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the BU College of Law (CL) held at the BU Main Campus last March 12, 2020.

The program commenced with an invocation led by Asst. Executive Director of the Social Action Center- Diocese of Legazpi Rev. Fr. Eric Martillano followed by a welcome message from BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

Afterwards, BUCL Dean Atty. Hardy B. Aquende delivered the statement of purpose followed by messages of support from Atty. Carol Cruz who represented Hon. Joey Sarte Salceda, outgoing Legal Education Board Chairperson Atty.

Emerson B. Aquende, and Legazpi City Mayor Hon. Noel E. Rosal, and Ako Bicol Party list representative, Hon. Congressman Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. Rev. Fr. Eric Martillano, together with BU President Mascariñas and BUCL Dean Atty. Aquende, presided over the site blessing. The ground breaking was

Feature | P4-5 Improvised face shields COVID-19 frontliners

led by BU President Mascariñas with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Vice President for Planning and Development Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia, BUCL Dean Atty. Hardy B. Aquende, outgoing LEB Chairperson Atty.

Emerson B. Aquende, Hon. Congressman Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., Hon. Mayor Legazpi City Noel E. Rosal, and Atty. Carol Cruz, representing 2nd District Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda.

The ceremony was graced with the presence University of Santo Tomas Legazpi City President Rev. Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo with Vice President for Academic Affairs and 6th BU President Dr. Susana C. Cabredo, and Ms. Jen Barcoma who represented Dir. Renato M. De Vera of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The ground breaking ceremony was concluded with the closing remarks by VP for Planning and Development Jerry Bigornia. The event was hosted by BU Communication and Public Relations Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista.

News | P7 for

BU, KWF nilagdaan ang Unawaan, Ugnayan sa Pagtatag ng Sentro ng Wika

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Dematera is new BUUFAI President, Faculty Regent

New Goals - Benedicto B. Balilo Jr., Francia D. Octeza, Indira B. Tabo, Fernan D. Dematera, Tania L. Anonuevo, and Richard B. Colasito during the proclamation of the new set of officers for Bicol University Union of Faculty Associations Inc. (BUUFAI) last March 10, 2020.

F

ernan D. Dematera of the Sincere, Active, Responsible, Optimistic (SARO) Party was elected President and Faculty Regent of Bicol University Union of Faculty Associations Inc. (BUUFAI) during the election of new BUUFAI Officers held at the College of Science Building (CSB) 2 last March 6, 2020.

Dematera garnered 192 votes against Maria Joselyn J. Paje of the Principled, Participatory, Transparent, Transformative, Socially-responsive, (PATAS) with 183 votes resulting to a nine-

point difference. Meanwhile, Benedicto B. Balilo Jr. won Vice President for Internal, Francia D. Octeza for Vice President for External, Tania L. Anonuevo for Auditor, and Richard B. Colasito for Business Manager all from SARO Party.

On the other hand, Indira B. Tabo secured the position of Secretary together with coPATAS Party candidate, Sherry M. Orozco for Treasurer and Evelyn R. Albao for Business Manager.

With the presence of the Commission of Election

Chairperson Virginia N. Gonzales, the newly elected officers of BUUFAI Inc. were formally proclaimed last March 5, 2020 held at the Arcilla Hall, Daraga Campus. Meanwhile, an Oath Taking ceremony was conducted for the new BUUFAI Inc. officers presided by BU President Arnulfo M. MascariĂąas held at the Office of the President last March 10, 2020.

According to the summary of election returns, there were 636 registered voters where only 391 actually voted.

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: Dr. Ruby Ann L. Ayo, Ianne Christine Aquino & BU Extension Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. MascariĂąas

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Nanunungkulang Tagapagpangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Dr. Arthur P. Casanova nakikipagkamay sa Pangulo ng Pamantasan ng Bikol Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas matapos lagdaan ang memo ng Unawaan at Ugnayan sa Pagtatag ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura na naganap sa BUCAL Amphitheater, Aquilino P. Bonto Building, Marso 4, 2020.

BU, KWF nilagdaan ang Unawaan, Ugnayan sa Pagtatag ng Sentro ng Wika U

pang muling buhayin at pasiglahin ang pagtutulungan tungo sa ibayong pagunlad ng wikang pambansa at pangangalaga sa kultura, isang Unawaan at Ugnayan sa Pagtatag ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ang nilagdaan ng Pamantasan ng Bikol (BU) at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ng Malacañang, Manila na ginanap sa BUCAL Amphitheater, Aquilino P. Bonto Building noong ika-apat ng Marso, 2020.

Ito ay isang paraan ng KWF upang magkaroon ng aktibong bisig sa ibat-ibang lalawigan at rehiyon ng Pilipinas bilang pagtupad sa mandatong pangwika nito na

inilatag ng Batas Republika Blg. 7104 ng 1991.

Ayon sa KWF, ito ay sa paniniwalang higit na magiging epektibo ang pagpapalaganap ng Wikang Pambansa at ang pangangalaga ng mga katutubong wika at kultura ng aing bansa kung may mga sentrong itatatag sa mga estadong unibersidad at kolehiyo.

Pinangunahan ng bungad-bati ni Dr. Angela E. Lorenzana, Komisyoner ng Bikol – KWF ang kaganapan na sinundan ng isang panalit bilang ni Kyla Nicole Raquion, magaaral ng BU. Upang pormal na markahan ang okasyon, nilagdaan nila Dr. Arthur P.

Casanova, Nanunungkulang Tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, at Pangulo ng Pamantasan ng Bikol Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas ang Memorandum ng Unawaan at Patnubay hinggil sa Sentro ng Wika at Kultura.

Isang mensahe at pagkaloob ng Butil ng Karunungan ang inihatid ni Dr. Casanova na sinundan ng tugon ni Dr. Mascariñas.

Ang Dekano ng BU – Kolehiyo ng Arte at Letra na si Dr. Leticia M. Lopez naman ang naghatid ng pinid bati. Pinamunuan ni Dr. Evelyn C. Oliquino ang kaganapan bilang guro ng palatuntunan.

No entry policy in BU due to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bicol Read more news @

www.bicol-u.edu.ph @BicolUofficial

TheBicolUniversity

BicolUniversity

D

ue to the recent development on confirmed cases of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Bicol region, Bicol University (BU) Office of the President has issued Administrative Order No. 90, Series of 2020 implmenting a “No Entry Policy” in BU effective today, Sunday, March 29, 2020 until

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

further notice.

In line with this, all BU officials and personnel are prohibited from physically reporting to office including all those issued with accreditation order.

This is to further support the measures instituted to curb the spread of the virus.

FEAT

The BU

#BUCares COVID19 Prevention Initiatives

Impro face s for COV frontl

Prod durin

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

ovised shields VID-19 liners

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n response to the growing needs of our COVID-19 frontliners, Bicol University through its College of Industrial Technology along with partner organizations has designed an improvised face shield equipment at the BU Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab).

The face shield project was made possible through partnerships with Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Albay, Inc., BU College of Industrial Technology, BU Extension Management Division, Handsoff Advertising, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) V, and other partners and sponsors.

Last March 25, more than 20 face shields were produced and at least 120 were ready-to-assemble at the FabLab according to BUCIT Dean Dr. Jonathan Arroco during an interview with Inquirer.

ducing Protection - (L-R): Ms. Ianne Christine Aquino, YMCA General Secretary, Dr. Christina Carmelli Brocales, YMCA member and Dr. Jonathan Arroco, BUCIT Dean ng the production of faceshields for the frontliners.

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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The BUzzette

NEWS

BU releases advisory to students outside Albay Province due to lockdown he Province of Albay is provisions for food, hygiene Concerns may be directed T implementing a lockdown. kits and others that may be to the USC Public Information This means the borders are available.

Officer MARC LOUIE ALER closed. Entry to and exit from the province is now being checked. In view of this latest development, we are calling on all our students who are still unable to go home especially those residing outside of the Albay Province but are still staying in their respective transient and boarding houses to request assistance from their respective landlords so they can be reported to the barangays where they are temporarily residing so that they can access assistance and be given

Bicol University, through the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) with the respective College Student Activities Coordinators (CSACs) and the University Student Council (USC) through the College Student Councils (CSC) are continuously tracking and monitoring the whereabouts of those who have been unable to go back to their respective provinces and municipalities because of the earlier declaration of an Enhanced Community Quarantine.

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s the entire Province of Albay has responded to the Executive Order issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, placing the entire Luzon on an Enhanced Community Quarantine, the Bicol University President releases its latest Administrative Order No. 88 series of 2020 pertaining to the Work-fromHome scheme for its faculty and non-teaching personnel. This latest administrative order rescinds the

alternative learning mode previously implemented while enjoining its faculty and non-teaching personnel to set-up a work-from-home arrangement including suspension of other academic-related activities. The Bicol University Administration reiterates its support to all precautionary measures being implemented as it places a premium on the safety of the general public and the Bicol University community.

BU adopts alternative mode of learning, four-day-week flexi-time sched as COVID-19 precautionary measures

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U adopts an alternative mode of learning and four-day-week flexi-time schedule as COVID-19 precautionary measures A shift to alternative learning instruction and teaching methods was issued by BU President in accordance through Administrative Order No. 86 series of 2020.

In addition, all support services and offices of BU will adopt a flexi-time schedule or 4-day work scheme. The AO provides guidelines to be adopted by the BU community as part of the precautionary measures and management of the COVID19 pandemic.

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Office works, alternative classes due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine suspended

(mobile number+63 930 668 9472). All students covered by this advisory are hereby directed to keep in constant contact with your respective College Student Activities Coordinators (CSACs) and/or College Student Council (CSC).

We reiterate our commitment to the safety and protection of those concerned and pray that with our concerted effort and untiring support to all government initiatives, we will overcome this present CoVid19 pandemic.

“No work, no pay� No more

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ith the release of the Joint Circular (JC) No. 1, Series of 2020 by the Commission on Audit (COA) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday on the Interim Guidelines Governing Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) Workers in the Government for the Duration of the State of Calamity and Community Quarantine due to the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), the Office of the President of Bicol University has released Administrative Order (AO) No. 89 Series of 2020 adopting the guidelines in the joint circular.

The recently released Administrative Order No. 89 assures the continuance of salary and wages for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) personnel in relation to the Workfrom-Home arrangement. The latest Administrative Order covers those who will be tasked to be part of the skeletal workforce that may be requested to report with additional compensation including those who may not be covered by any of the arrangements stated in the AO will still be paid their salary.

These will only be effective during the community quarantine period.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Making Developments - CGAD Director Dr. Noel Rafer together with BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Department Chair of Social Work Dr. Ma. Vida Teresa O. Sales with the CGAD seminar-planning-workshop participants last March 4, 2020.

BU-CGAD conducts seminar-planningworkshop on Gender and Development B icol University (BU) - Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) conducts a three-day university-wide GAD seminar-planning-workshop dubbed as Bicol: Building a GenderSensitive Academic Community Par Excellence held at the BU Daraga Campus last March 4 to 6, 2020.

Attended by representatives and CGAD Coordinators from different colleges, campuses, units, and offices of BU, the event commenced with an opening remarks from the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan.

CGAD Director Dr. Noel R. Rafer addressed the participants of the activity and presented an orientation on the BU-CGAD Mission, Vision, and Objectives.

Afterwards, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas delivered a message stating the administration’s support in attaining CGAD’s objective. Similarly,

he emphasized the importance of having a common understanding on gender.

Department Chair of Social Work Dr. Ma. Vida Teresa O. Sales discussed GAD sensitivity during the training followed by a forum on GAD allowable items and activities by the Chief Internal Audit Services Cyrus Barrameda. After the open forum, BU Institute of Architecture (IA) GAD Coordinator Prof. Maureen M. Sia led the GAD training and project checklists.

The program for the second day commenced with lecturediscussion on GAD issues and its legal mandate from the BU College of Law (CL) Associate Dean and Administrative Officer Atty. Norly P. Reyes. He discussed the 17 Statutory Bases or the Legal Bases of GAD and the Protection of Women and further elaborated on GAD Issues

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

in the Workplace significant to the Administration, Teaching and Nonteaching Personnel, and students.

CGAD Director Dr. Rafer led the workshop proper that focused on the preparation and finalization of GAD Plan and Activities for 2020.

On the last day of the event, participants presented their outputs and suggestions were given based on their presentation. The participants and organizers agreed to share the approved proposals to facilitate the implementation of GAD plans and activities.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates led

by CGAD Director Dr. Dafer. The three-day event was hosted by Prof. Katherine E. Evasco, Research Coordinator of BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP). (with reports from Dr. Ruby Ann L. Ayo – BUCSSP GAD Coordinator)

#BUCares COVID19 Prevention Initiatives

Dr. Christina Carmelli Brocales, a YMCA member, a professor at BU College of Medicine and a private practitioner in different hospitals.

Dr. Jonathan Arroco and Dr. Christina Carmelli Brocales on examining and assembling the produced face shield.

Dr. Jonathan Arroco with Dr. Christina Carmelli Brocales with the FABLAB and BUCIT team.

Pres Outbox | P1

to serve the needs of our clientele in whatever way we can.

As we brace for the impact of this lockdown, I implore everyone to practice self-care. This virus has

caused so much physical and mental strain on each and every one of us so we need to find ways to nourish our health and well-being.

COVID-19 may have shut down the

world and shut us in physically, but it should not shut us out from the rest of the world. Now is the time to think not only of ourselves but of the welfare of our communities.