March 2022 BUzette

Iwould like to categorically state that Bicol University is an academic institution that treats its women with equity and equality.

As of February 2022, Bicol University has 538 women employees out of its total 947 employees. Of this number, 338 are teachers, 190 are non-teaching personnel and only 10 are casual employees. But, there’s more, of the 63 members of the administrative council, 32 are women, 11 of these women are academic deans, 21 are directors and heads of offices and our Vice President for Academic Affairs is also a woman. So when I say that we love our women in Bicol University, we say it with figures, we say it with actions. Our appreciation for and of women goes beyond mere aesthetics and right into their innovative and prolific minds. One may never be able to guess what goes on in the multitasking mind of a woman. She may be sitting all neat and looking fragile but is actually raising a future president or even a servant of God. I’m sure women especially mothers will agree with me when I say that women have the capacity to act as if they have multiple hands and feet and several compartments in their brains, too. This is what we celebrate and honor, the strength ingenuity, compassion, and power of women. The creature who can both be soft spoken and tough, who commands both awe and respect. Gina Dawn Anderson, an Australian feminist said when asked about feminism “Feminism isn’t about making a woman strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world

BUzzette

EDC-BU-NSTP collab for Higher-level Education or Training Readiness Orientation

Aiming towards pursuing further education and training for the DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS) completers, the Education Development Center (EDC) and Bicol University (BU) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of Higherlevel Education or Training Readiness Orientation (HERO) through National Service Training Program (NSTP) – National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) at the Aquilino P. Bonto Bldg. Amphitheater on March 15, 2022.

In pursuit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity (O2) in Legazpi City, the partnership will embed BU-NSTP volunteers and use HERO materials to guide out-ofschool youth (OSY) in the city as well. A two-day planning-workshop was held on March 16 and 17, to assist the university in the planning and implementation of HERO.

Present in the MOA signing ceremony were Carlo Fernando, Lead Higher Education Coordinator, Mark Lim, Youth Development Coordinator - Legazpi City, Ivy Jensen Jacob, BUNSTP faculty and HERO focal person, and Dr. Meriam Pahm, O2 Senior Education and Youth Development Advisor.

Messages of commitment were delivered by Dr. David Hall, Chief of Party and Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAID. The MOA was signed by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Dr. Hall. Messages of support from School Division Superintendent (SDS) Crestito Morcilla, DepEd Legazpi, and Atty. Septon Dela Cruz, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) V Regional Director were likewise given.

On the first day of the workshop, the overview of the HERO program, mindset, and walkthrough for senior high school (SHS) guidebook was discussed as well as the HERO for upskilling and multiskilling guidebook. In the afternoon, the planning-workshop commenced using HERO through the NSTP-NSRC program. Prof. Eduardo Thaddeus Livica Jr., BU-NSTP Director was also present, setting the tone of the workshop.

The second day focused on the finalization of implementation plans regarding the output for the calendar of activities, identification of next steps, and agreement to project goals.

Fernando was the overall trainer along with the technical assistance from Jacob.

BUCGAD honors 2022 Outstanding Women in Service

As part of the continuing celebration of Women’s Month, the Bicol University Center for Gender and Development (BUCGAD) gave recognition to this year’s Outstanding Women in Service awarded at The Proxy Hotel, Legazpi City on March 31, 2022.

Dubbed, “Karangahan para sa mga Kababaehan: A Tribute to the 2022 Outstanding Women in Service, the event was attended by the awardees, invited guests, some BU officials and students, and the CGAD coordinators across the university.

In his message, CGAD Director Dr. Noel R. Rafer noted that as a premier awarding body of the university for women, the selection of the awardees was made possible through the joint efforts of the different colleges and units of the institution.

To mark the occasion, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan also imparted an inspirational message. She told the audience that we need to understand and respect the choices each woman makes for herself and her family adding, “Every woman deserves a chance to realize her God-given potential,”

she said.

In recognition for her efforts in establishing the first Bicol Women’s Advocacy Center in BU that gave birth to CGAD, Dr. Dolores D. Laguilles was given an opportunity to share a message to the audience, as one of the highlights of the program.

Afterward, the audience was entertained by a folk dance performed by the BU Magayon Dance Troupe. An impromptu number from CGAD staff Camille D. Gelay and GAD Gubat Campus (GC) coordinator Instructor Gilber E.Lopez was also performed.

New BUTC bldg awaits; opens renovated gym

Afterward, a program proper was hosted at the BUTC Gym. Dr. Mortega delivered the opening messages as well as the acknowledgment of guests followed by a message from BU President Dr. Mascariñas. Most notably, Hon. Lagman also gave his words of continued support and gratitude to the project.

Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) will be expecting a new Academic Building after holding a groundbreaking ceremony and inauguration of the newlyrenovated BUTC Gymnasium at BUTC, Tabaco City, on March 31, 2022.

After the groundbreaking activity

proper, the inauguration and turn-over ceremony of the BUTC gym was held led by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, along with BUTC Dean Dr. Maria Gisella N. Mortega, VP for Administration and Finance Atty. Joseph Bartolata, and Albay District Representative Hon. Edcel C. Lagman.

The face-to-face event was attended by the BU officials, deans, directors, invited guests, and the BUTC personnel and students.

In a Facebook post, the BUTC Education Club expressed their gratitude to Hon. Lagman for his initiative in the BUTC Gym renovation and the expected Academic Building in their college.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Celebrating Women - (L) VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan delivering her inspirational message and (R) Outstanding Women in Service pose for a photo during the “Karangahan para sa mga Kababaehan: A Tribute to the 2022 Outstanding Women in Service” held last March 31, 2022.

Consecutive Upgrades - BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BUTC Dean Dr. Maria Gisella N. Mortega, and Albay District Representative Hon. Edcel C. Lagman led the Groundbreaking Ceremony of New Academic Building and inauguration of the newly-renovated BUTC Gymnasium held last March 31, 2022.

BU alumnus with 5 PRC license wows netizens

An alumnus from Bicol University College of Engineering (BUCENG) went viral after humblebragging his five professional licenses early this year.

He is Engr. Apollo Pablo Zantua, 50 years old, from Paracale, Camarines Norte. He graduated from BUCENG in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

According to Zantua, when he was about to renew his licenses in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, professional teaching, and master plumbing, the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) staff in Metro Manila was dumbfounded when he submitted five applications for renewal. He said that the staff even went on and asked if it is really possible for one person to have five licenses at the same time.

After posting his newly-renewed licenses with a caption sharing his amusing encounter,

he went viral overnight where netizens even compared him to Chief Hong from the hit K-Drama series Home Town Cha-ChaCha, where the character also has multiple professional licenses.

4 licenses acquired in 6 months

Zantua recalled that he went to Japan and study production mechanical engineering under a government-scholarship program after graduating from Bicol University. When he returned to the Philippines, he was not allowed to take the licensure examination for mechanical engineering because his credits in Japan were not recognized.

Fortunately, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) gave him three recognitions to take the mechanical and industrial engineer and teacher board exams. However, he postponed taking boards and

pursued civil engineering program, which he finished in two years thanks to the units he earned from his first course.

In an interview with Bicol.PH, a media organization, Zantua said that he took the board exam for the four professional exams, and within six months, he passed all of them in 2017 making it the only record in Philippine history. Zantua also has four instructor licenses from Japan.

Presently, he teaches at the Taguig University in the engineering department of electrical, civil, and mechanical fields as well as plumbing. In the interview, he said that he is also working on engineering plans and structures of the university. He also shared that he constantly advises his students that college needs hard work and determination, not just intelligence. He thinks that if someone wants to succeed in life, they must pave the road for it.

Endemic plant named after late BUeño

Anew plant species of begonia endemic in Albay was discovered and named after a late BUeño conservation biologist, Francis Gregor P. Abuid, who passed away last year at the age of 25, in recognition of his efforts inspiring young Bicolanos to safeguard, conserve, and study the region’s biodiversity.

The species was given the scientific name Begonia francisabuidii. It belongs to the Baryanda section and resembles B. madulidii but it is “distinguished by shorter and puberulent rhizomes, densely hirsute stipules, reddish and pubescent petiole, smaller leaves, puberulous panicle, smaller bracts and 4-tepaled pistillate flower,” according to the researchers. The IUCN red list categories and criterion classifies the species B. francisabuidii as Critically

Endangered (CR).

Published online on March 28, 2022, researchers from Bicol University (BU) and the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative (PTI) collaborated to make this astonishing discovery.

The researchers are Cyrus Job P. Dela Cruz from BU Graduate School (BUGS), Steven R. Conception from BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Department, and Yu Pin Ang from PTI.

Professional Alumnus - (L) A photo of Engr. Apollo Pablo Zantua’s five PRC licenses and (R) a photo of him receiving his diploma during their commencement exercises.

Women’s Month in Bicol University

by: Arnold C. Noda

During the 2022 Opening Meeting held via Zoom Conference on January 12, 2022, Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas presented 16 Thrusts and Priorities for this year as well as the Organizational Targets.

First March welcomes the celebration of National and International Women’s Month. The history of these celebrations can be traced to the early part of the 20th century, when women were uniting to campaign for equal rights through action such as the Women’s Suffrage and other movements at that time.

The Bicol University community is beaming with exuberance, not simply because it is a celebratory event, but to emphasize women empowerment and their contributions to the university, the region, and the society. As an expectator, I witnessed a lot of student organizations spearheading virtual events to honor women this month. It is amazing how the students have been actively involved in these activities, showing their passion to share, educate, and inform the masses about this worthwhile commemoration. This is a manifestation that this institution promotes an environment where it is free to be themselves with no prejudices or preconceived notions.

A collaborative virtual event dubbed “Beyond Babae: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” was launched by the BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP)-College Student Council, BU UNESCO Club, and BUCSSP Gender and Development Office and Peer Counselors Organization, along with 17 other student organizations across the country.

Held on March 8, 2022, at least 300 participants were present virtually via Zoom and Facebook live. The program aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in the worlds of business, politics, sport, the arts and other fields. It also encourages people to support and fight for the protection of women against discrimination and violence.

Prominent guests were Jessica ‘Aika’ Robredo, Chairperson of the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, Inc., Ret. Comm. Rowena Guanzon, and Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, former BU president and now University of Nueva Caceres president.

The speakers’ relevance to the country’s present political woes speaks loudly of the students’ opinions. I am personally impressed by these excellent steps toward enlightening the youth

about pertinent issues in society.

Meanwhile, 10 students attended the Young Women’s Leadership Caucus 2022: #RightandWisely! Young Women

#BreakingtheBias in Political Leadership hosted by the Miriam College on March 7, 2022.

The BU Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) joined the monthlong celebration as well.The office released a video dancing to Joan Abigael Da and LJ Manzano’s song “Ikaw ay Ginto” from the #MusikJuanaSongWritingContest2021.

But on March 2, 12 professor-volunteers shared their knowledge as part of the gender responsive extension programs (GREPs) in an ocular visit at the island barangays of Malilipot, Albay.

The College of Science (CS) – CSC and CS Gender and Development Office also featured the celebration of the achievements and anecdotes of women in various sectors entitled Raised to the Womenth Power: Winning Stories of Filipina Women with the theme: ModernDay Filipina: Achieving Milestones Beyond Definition.

Through a social media campaign, BUCS-CSC posted a message from the BUCGAD Director, Dr. Noel R. Rafer.

“Ending violence and discriminations

of women and children should start from us, from our homes, from our communities, and we could do so in the spirit of volunteerism and culture of care to make our involvement more meaningful,” he said.

Indeed, gender violence can be broken with smart, deliberate, and continued advocacy. This has been the director’s goal ever since. With the university backing up the visions of BUCGAD, we can always hope for a safer, inclusive, and accepting school community.

A month is not enough to advocate for women’s empowerment and equality, but it could be a start to continue promoting and realizing the ills of gender inequality. If a month is all that is given, perhaps time will become a factor if the issues of equality are not addressed and resolved.

While these efforts might be too small, it does reinforce the fact that as long as we are dedicated to furthering the causes of women empowerment and equality, we should be encouraged to continue striving for a better future.

Happy International Women’s Month!

BU’s research on Pili Technology Assessment, Geo-Mapping takes course

With the implementation of the research project “Pili Research-Based Technology Assessment and Geo-Mapping,” the turn-over of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), geo-maps, and training manuals, as well as the signing of the deed of donations of the five LGUs in Sorsogon were held at the Una Pizzeria Function Hall, Sorsogon City on March 24, 2022.

The geo-mapping component of the project, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Project (Project Support Office – Luzon B. Cluster) through the I-PLAN Component, aims to create a pili geodatabase and capacitate endusers in the five pilot areas of the Sorsogon

province, namely Sorsogon City, Gubat, Bulusan, Barcelona, and Irosin.

On March 23, two series of training were held for the partner LGU staff and taught them the fundamentals of data collection using handheld GPS and the updating and monitoring of their pili resources database through Geographic Information System (GIS), as well as the data gathering using handheld GPS, preparation of geo-map, monitoring, and updating of pili database. In addition, the Component Leader and staff from the DA-PRPD Head Office in Quezon City was also present. Hence, the formal turnover and signing ceremonies the following day.

The event formally commenced with the welcome message from BU President and Project Leader Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas while the overview of the project was discussed by Dr. Viola L. Amano, Business Affairs Office (BAO) Director and the Assistant Project Leader.

After the signing of the deed of donation, the turnover of maps, manuals, and handheld GPS was held. For the acceptance messages, present were representatives of the partner LGUs – Hon. Ma. Ester Hamor, LGU Sorsogon City; Hon. Sharon Escoto, LGU Gubat; Hon. Michael G. Guysayko, LGU Bulusan; and Hon. Alfredo J. Cielo Jr., LGU Irosin.

Seinäjoki University of Applied SciencesFinland, latest BU international partner

In its continuing promotion for international cooperation in research and education and development of exchange programs to foster common understanding, Bicol University (BU) inked the General Bilateral Agreement (GBA) on international cooperation with Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK)-Finland on March 30, 2022.

The scope of cooperation includes the (1) exchange of scholars, (2) development of dual or double degree programs, (3) exchange of academic information, documentation, materials, researches, and publications, (4) development of joint research programs, and the (5) creation/organization of other joint initiatives.

Held virtually, the ceremonies

commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, Dean of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), followed by messages delivered by BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and SeAMK President Dr. Jaakko Hallila.

For the brief university profile presentations, Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, BU International Relations Office Director, discussed BU’s profile of excellence while Marjo Arola, SeAMK International Education Services Head, presented SeAMK. They are also designated as administrative coordinators in the agreement.

The virtual signing was also attended by the respective administrators from the participating BU colleges that includes Prof. Roscefe B. Dy, Dean of the College of

Agriculture and Forestry (CAF); Prof. Jean Annette S. Ibo, Dean of the College of Nursing (CN); Dr. Eddie S. See, Dean of the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM); and Dr. Herbert B. Rosana, Dean of Graduate School (GS).

On the other hand, attendees from the SeAMK were Heikki Rasku, Dean of Technology and Business; Dr. Päivi Rinne, Dean of Welfare and Culture; Dr. Anne-Maria Aho, Head of Master School; Dr. Ari Sivula and Dr. Taru Mäki, Research and Development Managers; Dr. Seliina Päällysaho, Research Manager; and Alaine Armario Hallila.

The event concluded with a closing remark from Dr. Luis O. Amano, BU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension.

Pili Geodatabase - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and five other LGUs in Sorsogon gathered for the Signing of Deed of Donation and Turnover of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), geo-maps, and training manuals held at the Una Pizzeria Function Hall, Sorsogon City on March 24, 2022.

Developing Programs - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Dr. Dimson M. Rivero and other BU faculty attended the General Bilateral Agreement (GBA) on international cooperation with Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK)-Finland on March 30, 2022.

BU to manage 1.8-hectare field in Sorsogon for agriculture enterprise

Through a Memorandum of Agreement sealed between Bicol University (BU) and land owners Estela P.B. Fuentes and the heirs of Romeo E.C. Bartolome, represented by Cesar F. Bartolome, a total of 18,820 square meters in Barangay Carriedo, Gubat, Sorsogon, was granted for agricultural usage to BU on March 24, 2022.

The land will be use for agricultural research, extension, and various undertaking through unified endeavours with farmers. In addition, students of the Agriculture Technology and other agriculture-related

programs, can have their practicum on the land.

The scope and coverage incorporates the permission to use the land for agricultural purposes and other entrepreneurial undertakings such as; (a) planting rice in the fields with a small portion (3000 sq. m. or more) organically tilled and the other 15,000 sq. m. at the land owner’s discretion; (b) utilizing coconut and other uplands for other agricultural production; (c) conduct training of farmers in Barangay Carriedo; (d) conduct of entrepreneurial related activities

in the site; and (e) other developmentrelated undertakings in the future.

The MOA is set to take effect in two years, with the possibility of a five-year extension based on mutual agreement. Present in the signing ceremony were BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU Gubat Campus Director Dr. Rosemarie R. Jadie with Associate Dean Maria Rechel M. Marcaida, and Legal Officer Atty. Daryl A. Redoblado. On the other hand, the partner for the extension project was signed by Cesar F. Bartolome, the farm owner.

BU CALiber stars in international short film contest

Crisbel M. Aurellano, 22, a 4th year student of Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) taking Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts (BPeA), was casted as the lead character “Luna” in the short film Mabaybay.

The short film is about a young Aeta girl named Luna who was deprived of societal privileges. With her earnest wish to learn, she encountered a life-changing experience that transformed her life.

It was Crisbel’s first time to be on film, since she is more experienced in stage plays. After learning about the on-going auditions, she was both frightened and thrilled to explore the film industry.

Crisbel is a known performing artist in the university. In 2018, she was awarded as the most promising actress when she played Diane, one of the lead roles, in the firstever musical theatre production play of the university Sa Pamitisan kan Bulkan. She also played Angela in a short monologue play titled Manika in 2019.

Aside from playing different roles both in theater and film, Crisbel is a studentachiever and leader. She was recognized as an Academic Scholar in S.Y. 2018-2019 and given the Service Award for her active involvement as Junior Councilor in the same academic year. She also held position for three consecutive years in the Performing Arts Union Integrated for Culture Arts and Nature

(PAUICAN) in CAL. She is an active choir member as soprano of the Bicol University New Generation Cultural (BUNGCUL) Singers. Recently, she co-founded an art organization in her hometown, Iriga City, called SadiRinconada.

Crisbel is also an aspiring vlogger who shares content about herself, life events, and performances as a singer. With her talent, she is often invited at weddings and online concerts to perform.

When asked about her inspiration in pursuing her passion, the young performing artist said that it is important to keep fighting for your dreams no matter the situation you are in.

“Keep going, with or without support. It is so easy to go and fight for your dreams when you have all the support you need but what is truly exceptional is when you continue to achieve great things even if people do not believe in you, even if they try to put you down, and even if you feel like giving up,” she said.

Mabaybay is a Filipino phrase that means “Godspeed,” implying that a person’s travel will be safe and fruitful. Located in Iriga City, the 17-minute short film is one of the official entries for the 4th China-ASEAN University Students’ Culture Week short film contest.

Frederick Noel Fucio directed the film, which was coproduced by the Local

Agricultural Usage - A total of 18,820 square meters in Barangay Carriedo, Gubat, Sorsogon was granted to Bicol University through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Mr. Cesar F. Bartolome held last March 24, 2022.

Government Unit of Iriga and Shotlist Productions.

BU introduces 4 new buildings

The inaugural ceremonies for the four new buildings in Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) were held on March 17, 2022.

The new Computer and Engineering Studies Department (CESD) building in BUPC will house the computer-studies department and engineering department. The

construction of the building was made possible through the support of 2nd District Representative Cong. Joey Salceda.

In her statement of purpose, BUPC Dean Dr. Mary Joy B. Catangui said that another building will rise in the campus for the nursing department.

Meanwhile, the Plant Pathology Biotech Laboratory, Animal Science Building, and Bio-system Innovation

Center or the Lagman Building in BUCAF were also inaugurated.

BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas said in his message that he is looking forward to more ground breaking activities and inauguration ceremonies in the Guinobatan Campus.

Both events were attended by the BU officials, deans, directors, and invited guests.

New IPESR bldg. soon to rise

The ground breaking ceremony for two-storey construction of the new building for the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) was held on March 11, 2022.

This new two-storey building will hosts additional classrooms and a fitness gym for the students and personnel of the institution. Rev. Fr. Aaron C. Llasos from the St. Vincetn Ferrer Parish in Bigaa, Legazpi City, and an IPESR alumnus, officiated the blessing of the building site commenced the event.

Messages were also delivered by IPESR Director Prof. Carina L. Sales, Daraga Mayor Hon. Victor Perete represented by Mike Dela Rama, Hon. Vince Baltazar on behalf of 2nd District Representative Cong. Joey Salceda, Ang Probinsyano Partylist representative Hon. Giselle Salceda, and Engr. Warren Azotea from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - 2nd District.

1st IPESR bldg. in Mascariñas regime

In his message, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas mentioned that in his seven years holding ground breaking ceremonies, the new IPESR building is the first for the institution. He also said that the university will continue to submit building proposals to partner agencies and sponsors in the future.

The event was attended by the IPESR admin, BU officials, teaching and nonteaching personnel, and invited guests. The ceremony was hosted by IPESR faculty Lyndon Bailon.

Continuing Legacy - BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, officials, deans, directors, and invited guests gathered during the inauguration ceremonies of various buildings in Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) and College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) held last Marc 17, 2022.

First of Many - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, BU officials, deans, directors, IPESR admin, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and invited guests attended the

ceremony

the new two-storey building of the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR)