May 2018

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

MAY 2018 | Vol. X Issue 5

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ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

To My Dear Bicol University Family: nother academic year has ended. We take note of our modest achievements – from the various infrastructures to the different academic programs that have been enhanced and introduced, including the leap towards internationalization and building sustainable linkages. All these, we are continuously doing, to attain the kind of status worthy of a world-class University.

I know that the direction we are taking requires more than your fair share of sacrifices and commitment.

With this, I appeal to your most generous sense of service to continue all your concerted efforts towards making our vision of a world-class University, a tangible reality.

I certainly hope that the summer break has given each of us a chance to rest and take even a short breather from our respective roles. I do know that beyond Bicol University, you are an expert in playing the various roles within your respective families.

With this in mind, May, being the month for mothers, let me greet all the mothers of the Bicol University family, a Happy Mother’s Day! Let us continue celebrating each other’s uniqueness as we move together towards the realization of our vision for Bicol University!

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News | P7 University heads gather for BU’s Work and Financial Planning for 2019

(From left to right) BU’S International Relations Office Director Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, and BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas travelled to China last May 15 to meet up with the officials of Shenyang Normal University.

Bicol University seals deal with Shenyang Normal University on International Cooperation

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dvancing the internationalization thrusts of Bicol University, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas pens another General Bilateral Agreement on International Cooperation along education, research, and extension with Shenyang Normal University after an hour inception meeting with Dr. Hao Deyong, the President of Shenyang Normal University, last May 15, 2018 at Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China.

The Bicol University Delegation was headed by the University President

together with Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, the Director of the International Relations Office; and Dr. Maria Jane B. Mascariñas, the Coordinator of Open University.

The accord formalizes global partnership of BU and SNU to intensify the trifocal mandates of higher education underpinning instruction, research development, and extension through faculty, student, and administrative staff exchange. The GBA also broadens the area of cross-strait Shenyang | P8

BU joins Research and Development Summit Being a major player in the research and development (R&D) field in the Bicol region, Bicol University was invited to participate in the R&D Summit, which was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this May 30 at NEDA-Bicol Regional Office in Legazpi City.

As an output of their recently conducted stakeholders’ consultative meeting last May 11, the said gathering was held by DOST, in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development

Column | P3

Bicol University’s Role in Extension

(BCHRD). The activity aimed to present the identified priority areas for research in the region and consolidate the R&D agenda of the different sectors. It also intends to develop a roadmap for the region’s research priorities addressing the needs of various sectors and come up with final Regional R&D Agenda for approval of the RDC. During the summit, universities within the region who have completed R&D projects from government funded projects gave their presentation on said projects. On the part of Bicol University, the R&D Summit | P6

Feature | P4 BU Extension Services: Going Beyond the Challenges of a Modern Society

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The BUzzette

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Strengthening the Alumni

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ach year Bicol University produces graduates who are inducted into its Alumni Association. Being a big University, the number of alumni are staggering. This year, 8,502 graduates automatically became the newest member of the Bicol University General Alumni Association, Inc. But that is only taking the figures from one graduation year alone.

If we are to sum up the total of all alumni across levels of the University, the numbers would be even more staggering. These numbers when translated into various alumni initiated projects will definitely be a veritable marketing tool as they generate invaluable word-of-mouth among social and professional networks. Undermining the power of the alumni and ignoring the fact that they are a force to reckon with in every academic institution jeopardizes the chance to utilize their skills and experience into the various areas necessary for institutional growth and development.

Having both a General Alumni Association and Alumni Relations Office that work closely to ensure a dynamic synergy among alumni locally and across the miles is a great advantage to Bicol University.

These offices ensure that a positive relationship is built and sustained with the alumni. It is necessary to maintain a positive and vibrant relationship

with the alumni because the stories and messages they in turn will share as ambassadors of Bicol University institution will also be positive. After all, each alumnus takes his knowledge of his Alma Mater to his hometown, to other countries where he might be, including his professional and social networks. A positive word-of-mouth is a seal of approval in itself.

Sustaining an open channel of communication between the academic institution and the alumni is extremely essential as the fluidity of information sharing and updates allows each one to be informed of every achievement and development from both sides. Thus, the alumni do

not just become a part of the institution’s past, but more so of its future. As they become life-long and loyal supporters of the institution, the institutional support given to the alumni will always redound to the idea of giving back and paying one’s dues which will highly benefit the institution.

As Bicol University approaches its fifty golden years, it is important to rekindle and strengthen its relationship with its alumni if only to acknowledge, treasure and thank them for all their generous and sustained assistance and for being living testaments to the pillars of Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service borne out of a Bicol University education.

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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 Contibutors Dr. Dimson Rivero/BU-IRO 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 I

n this issue we focus on homecomings and the strength of the alumni. Several homecomings were done from elementary to high school and the various colleges of Bicol University. We are looking forward to the grandest homecoming next year of all Bicol University alumni across levels when BU turns 50. Likewise, we feature the Extension Division to get to know the great significance they play in the life of Bicol University.

Stepping Up for BU

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am not fond of class reunions. Truth be told, I feel rather inferior; thus, my avoidance of such events. Yet, I know that we are not here to do what we like. If you are doing what you like most, that is a great blessing, to a fulfilling life.

Most of the time, though, we do things because it simply has to be done; for it is the right thing to do. Doing things in spite of, not because of – now, that’s what develops character. Like death and taxes, school reunions are here to stay. And, may I say, rightfully so.

May 5, 2018, when our (BUCELHS) Batch 1993 (Silver) co-hosted with Batch 1969 (Jubilarians) the General Alumni Homecoming (of Albay High School/BUHS/BUCELHS/ BUCEIL-SHS) opened my eyes to the significant reality that the alumni is a powerful presence in every academic institution. When properly harnessed, the synergy they provide is enough to create and effect positive changes. When untapped, the school loses a veritable breeding ground for fresh ideas and generous as well as grateful souls who are willing to step it up for

Vantage Point Dr. Lester Narvaez

Director, Extension Management Division

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cademic institutions in higher education produce knowledge through research, and extend research outputs to communities. The term “university extension” was first used to describe teaching activities that extended the work of academic institutions beyond the campus.

In his ground-breaking, The Uses of the University, Kerr said, “A University…is not outside, but inside the general social fabric of a given era.” The university extension has evolved correspondingly with the transformation of society.

In today’s knowledge economy, universities have to train their students to have marketable skills to become members of the knowledge-based economy. The common adage says, “He who has the knowledge has the power.” In this day of the globally connected world, we can say that “He who has the knowledge-based work skills has the power.”

But knowledge and computers are not everything, particularly in extension. University extension means teaming up with other stakeholders and development workers in rural

their Alma Mater.

Hosting the homecoming and reluctantly being swept into the preparations which were adeptly handled by our Batch representatives, made me swallow my initial apprehensions and inhibitions about flinging myself wholeheartedly into the preparations. I needed to step up too, for my Alma Mater; and if the only way to do that is to offer our documentation services including facilitating some University processes, then, so be it; I was more than willing. Thanks to the ingenuity and generosity of my batchmates, we set up a block screening, had raffle draws, and purchased a large screen LED TV for our High School. Another generous batchmate gave 30 gift certificates for a “mani-pedi” experience to

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“The alumni is a powerful presence in every academic institution. When properly harnessed, the synergy they provide is enough to create and effect positive changes.”

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our faculty attendees. The night affair was made extra special by the presence of two bands – again, courtesy of a classmate whose presence was missed, but greatly compensated by one of the bands he provided (the other was likewise provided by another generous classmate).

These are only some of the perks that come with a highly active alumni association. The 700 plus alumni across batches who attended the night affair was indeed a great improvement and

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

achievement from the previous homecomings!

A few weeks ago, some alumna of the Elementary Department came and raised their desire to help their Alma Mater as a way of giving back for the many fond and wonderful milestones they have experienced as students.

They even requested our office to facilitate a video appeal to those alumni abroad so they can basically get an idea of the things and equipment that might be needed and which they can, hopefully, provide. Which brings us to a milestone event on September 21, 2019 – the Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Bicol University family dubbed as “One University, One Alumni.” Sponsored by the Bicol University General Alumni Association, Inc. with the Alumni Relations Office, this event intends to bring together all alumni of Bicol University across levels and campuses for a grand celebration of Bicol University’s fifty years.

Hopefully, we can encourage more alumni to return and as they reminisce and revisit the visages of the past, their hearts will be filled with gratitude for what Bicol University has made them, and all that they have become. May they be moved to give back as selflessly as they have been educated and nurtured by Bicol University!

Bicol University’s Role in Extension communities.

University extension has to respond to the felt needs of today. With decentralized government, the university is no longer the autocratic source of knowledge and wisdom. It has to partner with other stakeholders to promote facilitative governance.

The growth of information technology calls for corresponding changes in university extension so

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“He who has the knowledge-based work skills has the power.”

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as to remain relevant. Information technology has placed knowledge at the tip of the peoples’ fingertips, and want a “real change”. To remain relevant, university extension has to bridge the gaps in its academic functions-instruction, research, and last but not least extension.

At the same time, there is need to look at the changing needs of industries for skilled graduates, and the urgency to address the people’s needs for meaningful change.

Extension has to do its share of the work needed to produce graduates with work skills that

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

fit the needs of globally competitive industries. For instance, university extension should train them to come up with solutions that are “outside the box”, as well as to operate in different cultural settings, translate vast amounts of data across various disciplines into useful concepts, develop content for persuasive communication, and work as part of a team.

At the very least, through extension our faculty should reach out to communities. At the same time, they produce graduates that fit the 2012 Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)- able to “discuss latest developments in the specific field of practice, effectively communicate orally and writing, as well as work effectively and independently in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

Addressing urgent concerns in national and regional development, the Bicol University identified thematic areas in extension: (1) Food security and poverty reduction, (2) Climate change and natural resources/disaster risk reduction management, (3) Business enterprise development, (4) Social development promotion, and (5) Intuitional policy.

The University extends its services along these thematic areas through various activities across the region.

FEAT

The BU

BU Extension Services: Going Beyond

By Jullius Jus the needs for one’s self and dependant, which has been the root cause of undereducation in the country, particularly for those residing in far-flung areas. When asked, many who live in rural barangays would say that they constantly struggle for their daily meal, moreover in sending their children to college.

Correlating this to access to education, school aged children belonging to these poor families, despite great potential for modern-day skill sets, are rather taught to survive through traditional livelihood as access to higher education is either unaffordable or Organic TechnoDemo farm Project Orientation - A project in distant. partnership with the Legazpi City Agricultural Services Office Perhaps, with the passage of Republic Act 10931, also known as the “Act Promoting n its path towards becoming a world-class university, Bicol University has to overcome Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education”, a lot of hurdles and challenges to prove that it the issue on affordability of college education have is worthy of such recognition. However, due to been given a solution. However, “accessibility” and the continuously evolving demands of today’s “affordability” are two very different concerns.

RA 10931 resolves the in-school expenses, world, the university must adapt to rapid changes like tuition, matriculation, and other schooland make sure that its services, both academic and non-academic, are up-to-date, relevant and collected funds. But other expenses required as upkeep in staying in school remains to be address. developmental.

A student, for example, with her scholarship, Maintaining the marketability of skill-sets being taught to students has become a major is exempt from paying tuitions or admission fees. factor. In this age built upon the foundations of However, her home is miles away so she is still knowledge-based industries, developing up-to- required to fund her stay at her boarding house, date skills has proven to be essential in this rapidly transportation fare, her daily meals, clothing, and other out-of-school expenses. If her parents are evolving world.

In other words, it is a must for a learning earning very little, they can only pay for so much; institution to keep up with the times or be left and often the simple solution is not to go to college behind. It’s like having hunting and foraging as and help the family out instead by working.

Distance has become an obstacle, and quintessential skill to be taught to children about a thousand years ago, but it would be virtually practicality the base logic. The idea of going to useless in this modern age wherein modern college is being dismissed by the poor because industrial skills like mechanics would be more the “going” part is seen as expensive and albeit impractical. suited.

In recent decades, public and private learning Resource is also another challenge to contend with. High-quality learning is requires high- institutions have contended with this obstacle quality resources, not only in financial terms but through many different ways like installation of external campuses, inclusion of cost-of-living also in material and human resource.

There’s also the issue of poverty- the allowances in scholarships, and many more.

The Creation of the Extension Services situational inability or lack of capacity to provide Responding to this and many other challenges, Bicol University formed the BU Extension Service in 1970. The said office was formed to handle out-of-school activities of the students and the community extension services undertaken by the university administration and faculty; including training programs, information campaign programs through publications and radio broadcast, agro-industrial exhibits and staff support to various agencies.

The office evolved as time goes by. In 1977, the Public Affairs Office was institutionalized into the Extension Service Center with five major areas Capacitating Higher Education Institution (HEIs) specific to public information, training for nonin School-base Managed Disaster Risk Reduction degree requirements, specialist support, action

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cum research and extension all geared to the actual needs and requirements of the Bicol Region.

In the seventies and eighties, The BU Extension Service Center (BUESC) was the voice of Bicol University through Tsokalate at Pandesal 1st Anniversar broadcast media on information and agricultural development. The conduct of workshops and seminars as well as short term skills training was used as a popular mode of extension delivery.

“As Bicol Univerity strives to a class institution, we (BUEMD the approach we will be taking service by increasing and enha with our fellow HEIs and gove Experts from the different units of the University were tapped to discuss useful and simplified technologies in developing indigenous resources needed by the clients to improve their socio-economic conditions. Audio visual presentations were also the windows in showcasing the University’s achievements, projects, programs and aspirations.

During the nineties, BUESC evolved as a more visible entity in the University. The organizational structure was put into place.

Policies were instituted and extension components were enhanced. Communication with the greater number of clientele was reached through radio broadcasts and was enhanced through the InfoPackaging Section. Newsletters and information materials on different technologies developed by the University were the Center’s information media. The Center also took the lead in hosting national convention in extension.

Today, BUESC is now called the Extension Management Division (BUEMD). When it was integrated, its responsibility constitute the inherent function of institution of higher learning with the purpose of initiating, catalyzing, and sustaining the development of various communities, using their experience and available resources. It

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

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serves a vital component in creating a more favorable, true to life teaching-learning experience for students and for the school to bring to the community its expertise and resources.

The extension services also involves packaging, demonstration, and application of appropriate technology, tools, materials, processes and products, generated through research and technical studies in selected communities for countrywide adoption.

It includes community organizing activities and similar extension, or community development work.

Extension Services: Moving Forward “As Bicol University strives to achieve

achieve recognition as a worldD) will rise up to this challenge, g is providing quality extension ancing our linkages, especially ernment agencies.” recognition as a world-class institution, we (BUEMD) will rise up to this challenge,” stated Dr. Lester Narvaez, Director of BUEMD. “The approach we will be taking is providing quality extension service by increasing and enhancing our linkages, especially with our fellow HEIs and government agencies,” saidthe director, as he explains BUEMD’s current strategy in achieving their goals.

As per Dr. Narvaez, one of the programs they are currently focused on is the ‘BU Skills Training Program’, wherein BUEMD partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in conducting multiple skills training across the Bicol region throughout 2018.

He explained that BU will be handling the implementation of skills training, primarily livelihood and industrial skills like fisheries, electrical, carpentry, metalwork, and agricultural skills, which will be funded by DSWD. These trainings will focus upon Bicolanos living within poverty, guided by the database used by DSWD on their ‘PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program’ (4Ps).

In a rough estimate, the training project will consist of around 600 skills training programs that will favour 27,000 individuals as target beneficiaries.

With BU being the prime implementer of the

project, DSWD will be in close coordination and will regularly be monitoring and evaluating. To help the beneficiaries of the trainings in obtaining employment, trainees who are able to complete the training will undergo TESDA assessment to be given National Certificates (NC) and starter kits.

To ensure this project maximizes its potential, BU and DSWD’s partnership in this endeavour was also shared Local Economic Development for Local Government Unit (LED4LGUs) with other HEI’s within the region, particularly those outside the and security; and establishing cooperation, mainland. In Masbate province, BU has joined with partnership and commitment among agencies Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Memorial State College of for synergy and complementation on programs Agriculture and Technology (DEBEMSCAT). and projects. Through the LESTER Program, For the island province of Catanduanes, BU is around 26 government and non-government working out a partnership with Catanduanes State agencies have combined their efforts in reaching University (CSU) for said project. In the mainland out to the communities, and BUEMD has provinces, the University is also coordinating a coordinated with these agencies in creating possible cooperation with Partido State University extension projects, alongside the ‘Tsokolate at (PSU) in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte Pandesal’ Organization which was initiated by State University (CNSU).

Col. Patrick Cinco of the Philippine Army.

“As this is a large undertaking that looks to Transformations within BUEMD encompass the entire region, our partnership with Aside from the projects planned by BUEMD, fellow SUCs is vital,” said Dr. Narvaez. “In terms of Dr. Narvaez also revealed that they would also linkages, this also a good opportunity to establish be having regular Extension Project Leaders’ a productive relationship with other HEIs for Meetings (EPLM) as part of their monitoring future collaborative projects,” he added. and evaluation mechanism.

Moreover, BUEMD also seeks to boost its To be done quarterly basis annually, the plans by combining its efforts, not only with EPLM will gather college coordinators from other learning institutions, but also with other the 15 colleges and campuses of BU to share government bodies. It can be recalled that BUEMD ideas and update on their extension activities. spear-headed the inter-agency cooperation The strategy, according to the director, is to colloquium dubbed “Linking Education to Society alternately conduct meetings and site visits Through Extension and Research” (LESTER) with project leaders of on-going and completed Program. extension programs and projects to ensure that Based on the need to solidify and encourage the target outcomes of the projects are achieved. partnerships and cooperation, the LESTER Program was intended to create innovation through feedback and collaboration with stakeholders. During its inception last August 2017, the proposal cited that, “Collective efforts, sharing of resources and familiarization to various programs of the academe can empower communities to make informed-based decision.”

The LESTER Program is also aimed at achieving the following objectives: familiarization with BU’s social agenda, extension, and researchbased programs and its impact to the community and partner agencies; gaining ideas on how to build sustainable communities to attain peace Leadership Training for Income Generation Group -

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Prieto Diaz Community Development Project

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The BUzzette

NEWS BU-BOR approves projects under CHED grant

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The ‘Advancing CDIO Programme: Master Trainer Workshop and Immersion’ involved learning sessions and idea-sharing among the participants.

BUCENG faculty trains for CDIO Master Trainer in Singapore

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longside eight other state universities and colleges (SUC) in the Philippines, representatives of Bicol University’s College of Engineering (BUCENG) travelled to Singapore last April 16 to 20 for the ‘Advancing CDIO Programme: Master Trainer Workshop and Immersion’.

The said four-day training was hosted by the Singapore Polytechnic and was attended by SUC representatives, through their linkage with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). To represent Bicol University, the gathering was attended

by BUCENG Dean Prof. Amelia Gonzales, along with faculty members Prof. Joseph del Villar and Prof. Michelle Canaria.

The CDIO (Conceive-DesignImplement-Operate) initiative is an

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innovative educational framework for producing the next generation of engineers. The framework provides students with an education emphasizing engineering fundamentals set in the context of conceiving, designing, implementing, and operating real-world systems and products. Throughout the world, CDIO initiative collaborators have adopted CDIO as the framework of their curricular planning and outcome-based assessment.

In the said workshop in Singapore, the participants were trained to become master trainers in the preparation and delivery of advancing CDIO implementation through initiatives and workshops in their respective universities.

It consists of a series of BUCENG | P8

Grand Alumni Homecoming gathers Secondary Grads

athering the graduates of Bicol University High School within the past 50 years, the BUHS Batch of 1993 hosted a grand alumni homecoming last May 05 at the Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City. Coined “#BUrutwaan 2018: Defying Age To Make Things Happen”, the gathering celebrates the silver anniversary (25 years) of Batch 1993 and the golden anniversary of Batch 1968.

The said homecoming was attended by hundreds of BUHS graduates, along with current and former staff and faculty members of BUHS. The alumni of each generation of BUHS graduates were enthusiastically represented, with the participants wearing shirts bearing the mark and color-scheme of their respective batch.

The celebration began with a holy mass which took place in front of the main building of BUHS, located inside BU’s main campus.

This was then followed by a motorcade routed around Legazpi wherein the alumni joined to

ith constant development and overall welfare of the Bicolano learners in mind, the Bicol University’s Board of Regents (BOR) approved several projects designed to improve the university’s operations and infrastructures during their regular meetings in 2017.

During three board meetings that were held last June 15 and December 21 in 2017, the BOR approved the resolution pertaining to the proposed project entitled “Enhancing Bicol HERRC’ RD&E Management, Innovation and Technology Rollout Capabilities”. The said project was made for the institutional development and innovation grant under the K to 12 transition program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

As per Republic Act 10533, CHED was mandated to help ensure a smooth transition to the K to 12 systems by formulating appropriate strategies and mechanism by creating partnerships with higher education institutions (HEI).

Thus, CHED signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with BU, wherein CHED will be providing financial support to the university to upgrade institutional capabilities and sustain the development toward leveraging the opportunity provided by the K to 12 transition period to upgrade the Philippine Higher Education sector. For its part, BU is expected to implement the cascading of best practices program, adhering to the obligations of an HEI grantee.

R&D Summit | P1

The HS Alumni gathered at Albay Astrodome last May 05 for their Grand Alumni Homecoming.

show their unified pride and joy despite the rainy weather that morning.

The motorcade started at Bicol University’s main campus and ended at Albay Astrodome, where the formal program took place.

The program featured games, raffles and presentations which were #Alumni | P8

project on the ‘Sustainable Free Range Management System for the Camarines Strain of Native Chicken’ was presented by Dr. Teresita B. Pequeña, while the ‘Herbal and Traditional Medicine’ project was presented by Mr. Dennis Godola.

Other projects presented during the summit is the ‘Project 2.B.6 LIDAR Data Processing, Modeling and Validation by HEIs for the Detailed Resource Assessment in Luzon: Bicol’

by Ms. Joana Plopinio od Ateneo de Naga University, and the SAFE Project by Dr. Marissa Estrella from BCAARRD.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS LGU-Castilla and BU inks MOA for training of CDWs

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ith the goal of enhancing the skills of child development workers (CDW), Bicol University President Arnulfo Mascariñas and Castilla, Sorsogon Mayor Joan Lorenzana Aquende meet up last May 30 to sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the professionalization of CDWs of Castilla.

The MOA signed by the said parties involves the training of CDW’s of Castilla in order to develop and enhance their skill in early childhood education and care. The training will be done by BU’s College of Education (BUCE) in Daraga, Albay this May and June of 2018, and will be funded by the local government of Castilla.

“What we want is to make sure the children of Castilla are taken cared of properly; that is why we are investing on this. We know that there are sacrifices to be made but we all are willing to improve for the sake of the children,” said Mayor Aquende, as she stressed the importance of the CDW training during her talk.

BU’s president also expressed his joy in LGU-Castilla’s decision to partner with the university. “This is a very good cause and we are very happy to be part of it. I hope that this will pave the way towards a more productive working relationship between BU and Castilla,” stated President Mascariñas.

To ensure that the training agreed upon is done accordingly, the MOA also involved the cooperation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Spainbased institution Fundación Educación y Cooperación (EDUCO).The said MOA signing took place at BUCE, and was witnessed by the twenty three chosen CDW’s from across Castilla who will benefit from the said agreement.

Joining President Mascariñas and Mayor Aquende in the MOA was also signed by EDUCO Country Director Imelda Abalos. They were also joined

by Dr. Lorna Miña, the Dean of BUCE, EDUCO Project Coordinator Corazon Obra, and Ms. May Madridano, the CDW Federation President of Castilla.

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Bicol University President Arnulfo Mascariñas addresses the participants of the ‘Work and Financial Planning for 2019’ gathering last May 23 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City.

University heads gather for BU’s Work and Financial Planning for 2019

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o ensure the university’s smooth and systematic operation and expenditure, Bicol University gathered their concerned officers and staff for their Work and Financial Planning 2019 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City this May 23 and 24.

The purpose of the gathering is for every office of BU to have a uniformed and well-coordinated work and financial plan for 2019, in order to have organized operations and projects within the given budget of the university.

On the first day of the conference, the participants were welcomed by

BU’s President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas.

The university president mentioned that abiding to a solid and well-crafted WFP is one of the school’s efforts in its path of becoming a world-class university.

For the first discussion, Dr. Amelia Dorosan, BU’s vice-president for administration and finance, talked about concerns on procurement.

This was followed by a discussion on the mechanics of the activity, expected output and announcement for sequence of presentation, which was done by University Planning and Development WFP 2019 | P8

Prof. Nestor O. Rañeses, from the University of the Philippines, discusses the history of the Procurement Law during the Public Procurement Specialist Certification Course (Level 01).

BU hosts Public Procurement Specialist Certification Course

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ontributing in the safeguard of fairness in government transactions, Bicol University hosted the ‘Public Procurement Specialist Certification Course’ (Level 01), which was organized by the University of the Philippines’ National Engineering Center (UP-NEC) and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), from May 28 to June 04, 2018.

The said program, held at BU’s College of Education (BUCE), is aimed at producing certified procurement specialists and practioners imbued with the required

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

body of knowledge, skill sets, right attitude and behaviour for public procurement.

With professional staff in procurement, operational excellence and quality results in terms of the procurement system are to be expected from the participants as after completing the program.

On the first day of this week-long program, the participants were welcomed

by BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas. The activity held in BU has been divided into eight learning modules, with a 56-hour total duration.

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.

Source: Bicol University Publication and Knowledge Management Division

Shenyang | P1

cooperation by creating dual or double degree programs, fostering international internship programs, and developing joint research programs on Teacher Education and Business Education as priority disciplines.

Preceding to the signing of the contract, a business meeting was held at the International Education College last May 14, 2017 to strategically discuss areas of potential collaboration with the Vice-Director of International Exchange and Cooperation Office of Shenyang Normal University, Prof.

Wang Xin. Both parties affirmatively concurred to strengthen offshore partnership through Teacher Education Practice-Teaching Program; English-Mandarin Exchange Program; Business Entrepreneurship Immersion Program; and Joint-Research Projects.

BU Officials likewise convened with Prof.

Zhao Dongfang, the Associate Dean of the College of International Business last 15 May 2018. The coordination meeting underscored the prospects of faculty and student exchange programs for a duration of two weeks to one month.

The visit was culminated with cultural immersion to Shenyang Imperial Palace, Beiling Park, and Hushan Great Wall of China last 16 May 2018 courtesy of Shenyang Normal University.

In toto, the 3-day visit of Bicol University to Shenyang Normal University promotes global learning, international research and extension, international faculty and student support, and substantive university-wide internationalization in response to pervasive and cumulative world-wide demands on higher education institutions. (Dr. Dimson Rivero, BU-IRO) #Alumni | P6

organized by Batch 1993 for the participants to have a fun-filled experience.

To reminisce and feel the nostalgia of their high school years, some of the graduates gave testimonials along with audio-visual presentations of their lives in BUHS. Aside from the program, the celebration also culminated with an ‘alumni’s night’ dinner as a thanksgiving activity of the alumni for years of friendship and cherished memories they have shared with each other.

WFP 2019| P7 Office chief Atty. Joseph Bartolata.

The Deans, Directors, heads of units and top management then commenced with the presentation and critiquing of their respective WFPs. The participants were advised to prepare their WFPs ahead of time, after consultation with their sub-units, so that they could have it presented and improved during the said gathering.

BUCENG | P6

exercises which are aimed at providing practical training and guidance to equip the master trainers with the requisite skills and knowledge to lead and support CDIO implementation.

Among the fifty participants, twenty five were able to qualify for further development as master trainers, and among them are the representatives from BU. They were the ones who successfully completed the Advancing CDIO workshops and have been tasked to initiate, lead and guide their peers in the implementation of Advancing CDIO.