The
BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER
Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167 www.bicol-u.edu.ph
MARCH 2021 | Vol. XIII Issue 3
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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX
ISSN 2094-3991
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BU ROTC Reyes is PH Army’s 2020 best male cadet officer F
W
ith the COVID-19 pandemic still wreaking havoc globally, little attention is given to the gendered impacts of this crisis on public life. Emerging evidence, however, shows that this pandemic is disproportionately affecting women as they bear the brunt of the social and economic consequences of this global crisis. In a global survey conducted by Deloitte Global, results revealed that the pandemic further exacerbates the plight of working women as they are forced to take on expanded duties at home and at work at the expense of their mental and physical health. In a patriarchal society that expects women to fulfill their reproductive (household and child care) roles even if they are already performing productive labor, gender-roles stereotypes further complicate the struggles of working women. As we celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, Bicol University recognizes the vital role of women in regional and national development. With 538 women employees, 24 of which hold key positions of governance, Bicol University stands on the shoulders of empowered Filipinas who continue to advocate for quality education amidst this crisis. It is in this context that we add our voices to the resounding call for gender equality at home and at work to protect women, and safeguard their rights as they are instrumental in achieving our global goals of a sustainable world. To the courageous Filipinas who stay optimistic and positive despite the numerous challenges that they face, we salute you! Your lives offer a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak world due to COVID-19.
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or the third time in the history of the Bicol University (BU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), a corps commander was awarded the Philippine Army Best Male ROTC Cadet of the Year. Corps Commander Unit Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Gerald B. Reyes was declared as the 2020 Philippine Army Best Male ROTC Cadet of the Year during the 124th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary Celebration at the Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur on March 22, 2021. The awarding was supposed to be held at the national headquarters, Fort Andres Bonifacio. But since the pandemic and issues with the lockdown in different areas, the Bicol regional representatives and awardees held the ceremony at Pili, Camarines Sur and participated via teleconferencing. Reyes is currently a third-year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. As a young leader, Reyes advocates for peace and environmental protection. He is also a member of the BU Blue Feathers Society. Since this is the third time that a BU ROTC cadet officer was recognized nationwide, Reyes was overwhelmed and grateful especially for the people who supported him all throughout his journey. “This is my greatest achievement so far and I am dedicating this to my Bicol University ROTC family. I humbly pledge to always look back and give my utmost respect
to Bicol University for the overwhelming support,” he said When asked about his future plans as Corps Commander Unit, Reyes said that he wants to garner numerous support for BU ROTC Unit within and outside the university. “I would also like to bring BU ROTC Unit closer to the students. Most importantly, I would like everybody to feel secure around us because on our perspective, even though we are under the guidance of the Philippine Army, at the end of the line we are still BUeños and we are all under the same administration,” he said. Reyes added that he also plans to strengthen the unit’s relationship with other university-based as well as college-based organizations. Meanwhile, the female category of the same award was conferred to Cadet Colonel Destinee A. Noor from the University of San Jose Recoletos ROTC Unit, Cebu City.
BUCN Prof. Sande lands 2nd Place on National Health Policy Pitching
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icol University College of Nursing (BUCN) Professor Dr. Mary Joy B. Sande represented the Bicol region and won 2nd place during the virtual 3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers Competition held by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on March 17, 2021.
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Founded on March 17, 1982, the competition was in line with the 39th PCHRD anniversary dubbed, Strategic R&D Partnership for Global Health. It focused on the presentation of successfully completed health research studies with aims of exercising and cultivating researchers’ presentation, and research communication skills as a way of sharing evidence to stakeholders and policymakers. The panel of judges consists of University of the Philippines (UP) Manila – National Institutes of Health Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-Dela Paz; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief of Economic Development Specialist, Social Development Staff – Health, Nutrition, and Population Division Ms. Arlene S. Ruiz; ADepartment of Health (DOH) – Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau OICBUCN Prof. Sande | P7
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