November 2018 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

NOVEMBER 2018 | Vol. X Issue 11

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ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

To my Dear Bicol University Family:

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am truly humbled by the overwhelming trust you have shown throughout the three years of my presidency. Your trust and confidence in my ability to steer Bicol University into the 21st Century has allowed me to view all the challenges we have encountered as difficult but surmountable challenges. Your passion for work and dedication to make every program, plan, and endeavor count has greatly inspired me to pursue more significant and fruitful directions for Bicol University.

As much as I have been enormously challenged by the rigors and unexpected detours of the Presidency, I am equally inspired by your collective spirit and cooperation. I cannot count the number of times when you have been called to walk the many extra miles either to beat deadlines or simply attend to matters that require immediate and sustained attention. Know that I am not blind to all the extra efforts each of you have exerted along with me to realize our vision of a strong and vibrant Bicol University.

As we continue to sustain the gains for Bicol University, I carry the unending hope of an even brighter future for our beloved Bicol University. Though I may bear the greater burden for the directions we have set for Bicol University, I am willing to endure and emerge triumphant because I know that you, my Bicol University family, will always be one with me, in creating more milestones as we move towards becoming a world-class university. Let us continue to work with passion guided by the wisdom of Divine Providence.

My warmest gratitude to all of you!

News | P7 UNESCO selects BU as pioneer implementer of STEP program

Applause All-Around - Bicol University joyfully received the news of the university’s ISO 9001:2015 passing during their meeting at the BU-GASS Conference Hall.

BU passes ISO 9001:2015 certification after external audit

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fter two days of meticulous review from the visiting audit team from TUV Rheinland, Bicol University successfully achieved its goal of updating its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, from ISO 9001:2008 to the latest ISO 9001:2015, during the external audit’s exit conference last November 20 at BU-GASS Building of the university’s main campus in Legazpi City.

During the said exit conference, BU officials and personnel in attendance applauded with glee as the external audit

team revealed the findings of their review and their recommendation of awarding BU the ISO 9001:2015 certification. The audit team from TUV Rheinland, composed of Ms. Mary Grace Balobalo, Ms. Jogina Mendiola, Ms. Zenaida Cruz, and Ms. Xylene Tagorio, performed the audit during their visit this November 19 and 20.

After collating the results of their two-day audit, the group concluded that BU has embodied the quality standard, as dictated by the ISO 9001:2015, and has recommended the university’s transition towards the new ISO certification.

73 examinees from BUCEng pass Civil Engineering Exam, with one nabbing second top rank

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tudents of Bicol University once again proved to be among the best in the country as 73 graduates of BU College of Engineering (BUCEng) pass the Professional Regulations Commission’s (PRC) November 2018 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination, as per the results that was released last November 15. Among them was Norejun De Guzman Osial, who nabbed the second top rank in the said exam.

According to PRC’s announcement, only 6262 out of 13887 examinees were able to pass

Editorial | P2

Absolutely Worth It

the examination, garnering a national passing rate of 45.09 percent. For Bicol University, 73 out of 139 examinees from the university passed, earning BU an overall passing rate of 62.90 percent.

With a rating of 96.50 percent, BUCEng’s Norejun De Guzman Osial was able to standout among his peers by earning himself the second top rank; with only a fraction of a point from fellow examinee Jaydee Niere Lucero of UP Diliman (97.20 percent).

Feature | P4 Testaments to Bicol University’s Enduring Legacy

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The BUzzette

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Absolutely Worth It

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ecently, visitors from TUV Reinland visited Bicol University for the university’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO) External Quality Audit. After meticulous review, the colleges and offices subjected to the audit passed with flying colors and earned BU the coveted ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The news of BU’s ISO certification update was received with much jubilation as many in the university considered it as the fruition of countless hard work and proof of strong dedication to BU’s quality policy. According to BU’s current administration, this is another achievement that brings the university closer to its dream of becoming worldclass.

Since the beginning of Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas’ term as BU President, the current university administration has repeatedly stated their ultimate goal: Bicol University’s world-class university status. For a state university, this particular objective is may be the crowning achievement in the institution’s history for years to come, but in itself presents great challenges.

At present, standardization is the proverbial “ladder” for institutions and organizations. To create a definite measurement of quality (and equivocally the reputation), levelled parameters have been created to identify an institution’s overall classification based on criteria along capability and influence.

In terms of standardization, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the

international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Recognized across the globe, the ISO has published international standards that give world-class specifications for products, services and systems to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.

ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere. Thus, for Bicol University –a university that eyes becoming world-class, this is the quality ladder. In the path towards becoming world-class, BU can prove to the world, through ISO, that it has what it takes to adapt to the needs of modern times possessing the quality in comparison to other internationally renowned higher education institutions (HEIs) as per recognized standards.

But, why should we care? We, BUeños, must understand that Bicol University is not just our school; it is “all of us” in a collective sense. The

moment we become this university’s students, teachers, employees, public or private partners, or any affiliate in any shape or form; we become part of Bicol University. With this, we carry the weight and reputation of its name.

As BU’s reputation develops, so does ours. Consider this, how would you like having an edge over the competition when applying for a job because you are a graduate of a world-class university? Or, if you’re a professor, how much of a reputed intellectual could you be if you teach in an internationally recognized school?

The dream of becoming world class is not a concept the current administration pulled out of thin air.

As a BUeño, the dream of uplifting BU to a higher level of recognition was envisioned with you being a part it. It was made for YOU, for all of us, and for our sakes.

The ladder BU was given posed a difficult climb, but is BU’s world-class dream worth it? Absolutely.

We love to hear voices from across the University and encourage article contributions. You may send your articles to bu-cpro@bicol-u.edu.ph. Looking forward to hearing your voices!

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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 Contributor Prof. Ma. Cienna Jaucian- BUCE 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

NEWS

Four BUCAF and BUPC academic programs undergo AACCUP survey

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Reaffirming the Support - Commission oh Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V Director Dr. George M. Colorado CESO III delivers his inspirational message during the Regional Seminar on Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners.

BUCE reconvenes Regional Seminar on Inclusive Educ for Diverse Learners

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n response to the request of many teacher-participants during the first regional seminar conducted last April 2018, The Bicol University College of Education (BUCE) organized the Second Regional Seminar on Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners, which was conducted last November 21 to 23 at the Bicol University College of Education (BUCE) CTE Hall in Legazpi City.

A total of 80 attendees from universities and schools within and outside the Bicol region participated in the three-day activity. These institutions are Camarines Norte State College, Ceguera Technological Colleges, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Genecom Institute of Science and Technology, Legazpi Hope Christian School, Libon AgroIndustrial High School, Libon Community College, Mabini College Incorporated, Mary’s Child Science Oriented School, Partido State University, Piamont Science Oriented School, Pio Duran Central School, Sorsogon National High School, Southern Bicol College, Zamora Memorial School, University of Saint Anthony, Capalonga Central School, Saint Louis Review Center, and the Community College of Manito.

During the opening program in the morning of November 21, Prof.

Maria Cecilia P. Aguilar, the chairperson of the Management and Professional Education (MPE) Department of BUCE, welcomed the participants. Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, SUC President IV of BU, and Dr. George M. Colorado CESO III, Director of CHED Regional Office V, also gave their

inspirational messages respectively. Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico, BUCE’s Associate Dean, then facilitated the getting-toknow-you activity and presented the overview of the seminar.

The discussions officially began in the afternoon with Ms. Katrin Tore, a SPED teacher from Legazpi SPED Center, talking about preparing the pre-service teachers on inclusion. This was followed by Ms. Ma. Easter Rose Ebio, Director for Academic Affairs from PEP Center, discussing the different exceptionalities, while Prof. Ma. Cienna Jaucian from the BUCE’s MPE department provided the synthesis of the first day.

The second day began with the ‘management of learning’ or the recapitulation with Prof. Sandra Casitas of the MPE Department. This was followed by the discussion about ‘Classroom and Behaviour Management Strategies for Learners with Difficulty Seeing, Walking and Moving’ with Ms. Janet Alibin, a SPED teacher from Daraga North Central School.

The next topic focused on ‘Strategies for Learners with Difficulty Hearing and Communicating’, which was delivered

by Ms. Celestina Omanga from Pag-asa National High School.

In the afternoon, Mr. Niño Ricky Tumadiang, a consultant on ‘learners with special needs’, talked about classroom and home interventions for children with autism. Dr. Hennie Lomibao of the Early and Late Childhood (ELC) Department of BUCE facilitated the learning takeaways after all the interactive sessions.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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roving their alignment with the university’s goal of upholding quality services at par with updated standards, Bicol University’s College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) in Guinobatan and the BU Polangui Campus (BUPC) were visited by fourteen accreditors sent by the Accredited Agency of Chartered Colleges and University of the Philippines (AACCUP) to review four academic programs in their three-day stay from November 22 to 24.

The visitors from AACCUP arrived in BUCAF in the morning of November 22, led by their Overall Coordinator Prof. Enrico M. Dalanguin of Batangas State University (BatSU). They were welcomed by BU’s top officials and heads of the host colleges, including BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas.

“Here in Bicol University, we walk the talk and breathe life to our vision.

We present what we have, not to impress, but for all to know how serious and committed we are in pursuing quality and excellence at its finest through a relevant and transformative education,” stated BU President Dr.Mascariñas in his message during the opening program of the accreditation visit. The opening program was held at the Farmers’ Training Center in BUCAF. Led by VPAA Dr.Llenaresas for BU and Prof.Dalangin for AACCUP, the members of the accreditation group were officially introduced to the BU officials, particularly the Local Accreditation Task Force of the two campuses. Prof. Dalangin also conducted a brief orientation before the accreditors proceeded to their respective teams.

There were four teams tasked to review the programs; one for each academic program. Accreditor Dr.Marilou C. Laurean, from Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU), stayed in BUCAF as she was tasked to handle the preliminary survey for the graduate program of Master in Rural Development, while the other groups proceeded to BUPC to review three undergraduate courses.

After two days of reviewing the programs, the survey visit concluded with an exit conference/closing program, where the accreditors shared their impressions based on their review findings. BU’s officials and faculty members listened intently, including BU President Dr.Mascariñas who later deliverd the Statement of Commitment in behalf of the university.

FEAT

The BU

Testaments to Bicol Univers

“Bicol University is my most beautiful crossroad; it is the most delightfully glorious turning point of my life”. - Dandee Magcayan Bitancor

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his is the very line Dandee Magcayan Bitancor said when asked about Bicol University. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Bicol University College of Business Economics and Management (BUCBEM) in 2011 and got his Master’s Degree on the same field from the Bicol University Graduate School in March 2015.

Prior to that, finishing college seemed an impossible dream for a young boy who used to scour the mountains of Bulan, Sorsogon for a living, and worked as a nanny in Manila just to save for his family and his studies.

It was in 2007 when, after 5 years of substantial hard work and remarkable patience, he managed to save a small amount to finally enroll in college. Sadly, his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He decided

Bitancor with his mother, when he Baccalaureate Degree in Economics and medallion. Facing them was the then Dea Liwayway R. Ables, a proud supporter and Bitancor. (March 2011)

to prioritize him. Fate hurt him exstremely when his father died five days before his 21st birthday.

It was at this point that Bitancor declared ENOUGH! It brought him to the “most delightfully glorious turning point in his life”. Immediately after his father’s interment, he went to Bicol University to apply for the college entrance test and rushed to Manila because he needed to go back to his work as a nanny. After a month, he went back to Sorsogon to take the scheduled exam. On his way, the cranky bus in which he was on board had a flat tire in the middle of the night near Quezon Province, and in a dim lamp post with an empty pocket and stomach, while waiting for the bus to finish its repair, he run through his UPCAT reviewer, trying to rebuild his lost confidence in taking exams.

Several months later, he received the letter from the University that he passed the entrance exam. Finally, he is now about to go to college! But he needed a place to stay, and food to eat, and some amount for his daily expenses. Gladly, good Samaritans came in. He was even accepted as a library student assistant at BU Daraga Campus, and eventually became a full scholar.

During his Bic won as the Natio 2009 Nationwide S Environmental Env Philippines in partn Nations Environm earned him a fr in Germany. He winners from the 1 continents. The s and site exposure There were firstlaboratories, dem garbage incinerat experiences furthe passionate commu home country.

Back in the Un his presidency in of Economics Stud their Department lost Outstanding Award of the Economics and M three years in Colle positions at the C and engaged deep volunteer work. T Gonzales and Prof ins-and-outs of co

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

sity’s Enduring Legacy

e earned his his cum laude an of CBEM, Dr. d mentor of Mr.

Bitancor, during the launching of his entry project for the 2009 Nationwide Search for Bayer Young Environmental Envoys, with (L-R) the Chairperson of the Department of Economics Dr. Ricardo M. Belgica; the then Assistant Dean of CBEM, Dr Ramesis M. Lorino; Bitancor’s Senior Adviser to his project and the then Director of the University NSTP Office Prof. Rowena F. Zoilo; the Governor’s Representative; Mr. Bitancor; Prof. Ilona Mapa-Matias, a very supportive professor of the Economics Department, and Bitancor’s Technical Adviser to the project and mentor, Dr. Virginia Gonzales. Photo courtesy of Peranca Studio, the official sponsor for documentation of the project. (June 2009)

col University days, he onal Top Envoy in the Search for Bayer Young voys organized by Bayer nership with the United ment Programme. This ree study-trip/program e joined the National 19 countries across four sessions were intensive es were well-designed.

-hand experiences in mo plantations, and tion facilities.

These er developed him into a unity volunteer for his

niversity, it was during the Philippine Council dents-BU Chapter that earned back the long College Organization College of Business, Management. In his first ege, he served in various CBEM Student Council ply in community and Trained by Dr. Virginia f. Rowena Zoilo on the ommunity development,

Bitancor with his sister and the members of the BU Board of Regents, when he earned his master’s degree in Economics.

(March 2015)

he became so passionate about the field and likewise in teaching. He later became a Professorial Lecturer at Bicol University.

In his teaching term, Bitancor managed to form a group composed of three classes who won in the 2012 Nationwide Fresh U Contest of Colgate. They used their prize in helping a community in Kimantong, in the Municipality of Daraga that earned him its love and gratitude. He then became a fulltime member of the faculty in the nearby private college and served as the head of their community outreach office where he championed rebuilding the community dignity of their focused area.

He worked day and night, working with the community through rain and shine and volcanic threats. Once again, he reaped the love and respect of the community and his students and was given by the Bicol College, the Presidential Award for Outstanding Community Extension. At the time of the award, he was a regular faculty at the Bicol College and the Head of the Community Outreach Office.

At present, he is a member of the faculty of the University of Rizal System and serves as the Head of the Research and Extension Office of his College earnestly establishing the Aruga Magsasaka Project

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

for the impoverished upland farmers of Rizal province. It is a project that aims to empower upland farmers and establish a social enterprise to bridge them to the wider market and eliminate middlemen.

Moreover, it aims to link them to funding agencies for a more sustainable economic and social growth.

Imagining his harsh realities back then will make one wonder, how on earth did he manage to, not only finish college and earn his master’s degree, but achieve those with flying colors?

He shares his story hoping that the young generation will be inspired to keep believing in the achievability of their dreams for what they need is the determination to keep growing amidst the odds. Bitancor proved this possible.

In the end, he did not only help himself but has extended it the bigger community that benefits from his hard work.

Yes, he is a grass, a persistent grassstepped on, deprived, denied, burned by life, yet tenacious and persistent as he blooms wherever he is planted – a true testament to the legacy of Bicol University! (Rosana L. Madrona/ARO; with Renelyn E. Bautista/CPRO)

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The BUzzette

NEWS RISEDL | P3

Making World-class Entrepreneurs - Guests from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines visits Bicol University last November 14 for the launching of the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) program at the BUCENG Gymnasium in Legazpi City.

UNESCO selects BU as pioneer implementer of STEP program

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einforcing the students’ readiness for the job market, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched their Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) program in Bicol University this November 14, as the university was chosen as the pioneering implementing institution for the said program.

The launching of the STEP program was done through a brief ceremony held at the gymnasium of BU’s East Campus in Legazpi City. The gathering was attended by visitors from CHED Regional Office V, UNESCO, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along

with BU’s key officials, faculty members, and students.

As described by UNESCO, the STEP program is an action oriented entrepreneurship training which typically addresses university students and graduates of all faculties. It is a program that has been implemented in universities of nine countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, in most cases coordinated by their UNESCO National Commissions. More than three thousand students have been trained so far.

With the success of the STEP program overseas, the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO has reached out to interested parties for the implementation of STEP in the Philippines, and it was a call that was answered

by Bicol University.

Bicolano students earn national recognition in PASUC Culture and Arts competition

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his achievement is very significant as it opens up a great opportunity when it comes to the field of culture and arts, not just for Bicol University but for Bicol region itself,” proudly stated BU’s Culture and Arts Coordinator Prof. Dennis R. Mirabueno, after having the Bicol region delegation earn the fifth top rank in the recently concluded Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) National Culture and Arts Festival 2018 competition.

During the said competitions, which was held from November 27 to 30 at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, the Bicolano student-participants competed in fifteen events in visual arts, musical performance, theatre, and pageant.

The victory that gave the region a major boost in the rankings were the impressive first place win by Nelson Villaflor (coached

by Prof. Dennis Mirabueno) in the Photo Contest, second place finish of Andrea Nocete (coached by Prof. Apple Rubio) in the Instrumental Solo –Banduria contest, second

Bicol Cultural Delegation - BU officials, professors/ coaches, and student-competitors travel t Davao City on November 27 to 30 for the PASUC National Culture and Arts Festival.

place victory of Mark Julian Sevilla (coached

by Prof. Inocencio Bermundo) in the Vocal Solo –Kundiman event, third place win by John Michael Grageda (coached by Prof. Apple Rubio) in the Instrumental Solo –Classical Guitar competition, and the third place win of Zaira Corbe (coached by Dr. Benjain Nebres III and Prof. Dennis Mirabueno) for the PASUC 2018 pageant (where she also won the Best in Regional Attire award).

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The last day of the seminar started with the management of learning given

by Prof. Miguela Requiero of the ELC Department. This was followed by the talk on the ‘Challenges of Inclusion and DepEd’s Policies, Initiatives and Thrusts’ with Dr. Marilette Almayda from the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office. This was originally scheduled as the first topic during the firat day, but due to the speaker’s flight adjustments affected by the bad weather, it was moved to the last day.

The next discussion was on the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) with Ms. Teresita Almayda from Pag-asa National High School. Then, after the lunch break, volunteers from the Albay Deaf Society gave a free one-hour lesson on sign language in celebration of the Deaf Awareness Week.

The last topic was especially intended for the teachers and the parents, entitled “Caring for the Carers”, where Prof. Maria Elena Ahorro, the head of BUCE’s Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Department, served as the speaker.

The participants were actively engaged in all the activities, particularly during the open forum, where they were also given the chance to state their impressions. Even the learners with special needs, under the care of Ms. Ebio in her Sheltered Workshop, participated by rendering a special number. Zoe Altavano, a child with autism and the daughter of BUCE-ILS High School faculty member Prof. Carina Altavano, gave a song number.

Two more persons with autism, Arvie Arcenal and licensed librarian from GENECOM Mr. John Eduard Osirin, also shared special moments with the other participants. Before the three-day seminar officially closed, the participants gave their commitment to the Regional Network of Advocates for Inclusive Education in their proposal to establish and provide continuity and support to the on-going campaign for inclusion among schools. The participants agreed to name the organization, Bicol Advocates for Inclusive Education.

The facilitators, Prof. Creslita Gulosino for ELC and Prof. Ma. Cienna Jaucian, presented the possible activities of the organization and encouraged everyone to join the social media group which will be the main medium for interaction after the seminar. (Prof. Ma. Cienna Jaucian- BUCE) ISO transition| P1

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS BU to adopt new academic calendar for AY 2019-2020 post BOR approval

BU officials train on competency-based recruitment in Behavioural Event Interview workshop

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fter having been approved in the recent Special Meeting of the Bicol University Board of Regents (BOR) last November 29 in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City, Bicol University officially announces its shift to the new academic calendar which will begin in academic year 2019-2020.

As per the proposal brought forward during the said BOR meeting, the change in the academic calendar would affect the graduate and undergraduate levels of the university. The change in the academic calendar would involve a shift by two months; from June-October to AugustDecember for the first semester of the school year, from November-March to January-May for the second semester, and from April-May to June-July for the mid-year term.

Aside from the graduate and undergraduate levels, the change in the academic calendar will also take effect on BUCEILS Elementary and Junior High School, while Senior High School is excluded as it is a program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Bicol University, in its quest for quality education, makes sure that it delivers the best service to its clientele. It was heavily considered that the delivery of service may be hampered by budgetary constraints because the present academic calendar is not in accord with the Fiscal Year, which is the basis of the budgeting calendar. Thus, the shift in the academic calendar would align it with the country’s budget calendar, making the budgeting process and fund management much better.

The shift in the academic calendar is likewise aligned with BU’s desire to engage with the global academic community. The shift will synchronize the academic calendar with most Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), European, and American academic program partners; resulting to less problems with semestral gaps relative to partner universities and increased participation in student and academic staff exchanges.

Continuity of classes will also be upheld as the new academic calendar will be combining the Christmas and Semestral Breaks, as well as lessen class disruption caused by weather disturbances which usually occur in the months of June and July (based on current and predicted weather patterns).

Bicol University would be the first institution in the Bicol region BOR | P8

Read more news @

www.bicol-u.edu.ph @BicolUofficial

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nsuring the technical knowledge of Bicol University’s Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) in terms of competency-based recruitment, BU’s Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) conducted their two-day Behavioural Event Interview workshop at the CTE Hall of BU College of Education (BUCE) this November 26 and 27.

Attended by 31 key officials, including deans, directors and heads of offices, the workshop is a two-day course where the BU-HRMPSB could demonstrate their readiness to conduct ‘behavioural event interview’ (BEI) in accordance with competencybased recruitment. The objective is to provide the participants the ability to transition from traditional methods to competency-based methods of interviewing applicants, and identify different kinds of competencies.

Through the BEI workshop, participants are to learn the BEI

Transforming Human Resource - 31 Bicol University key officials attended the two-day Behavioral Event Interview workshop at the CTE Hall of BU College of Education (BUCE) this November 26 and 27.

process and its conduct, as well as learning how to create competency-based interview questions. CSCRO5 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Daisy P. Bragais and Chief HR Specialist Ms.Emylin O. Severo were tapped to discuss the topics.

On the first day of the workshop, among those discussed were the concepts of the BEI, definition of competencies, and shift from traditional to competency- based recruitment. According to the resource person, competency-based recruitment must be adopted as it measures the applicants abilities based on the knowledge and experience he/she garnered in the past, unlike traditional recruitment that focuses on the applicant’s future.

Application of the knowledge BEI | P8

22 PFM professionals finish BU, BTR and DBM’s Public Financial Management Competency Program

Acknowledging the Program Graduates - 22 public financial management (PFM) practitioners graduated from the Internal Audit track of the PFM Competency Program (PFMCP) training seminar -under the ‘twinning arrangement’ between BU, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr)- this 16 November 2018 at the DBM Regional Office V Building in Legazpi City.

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nsuring the development and proficiency of public financial management (PFM) professionals, 22 PFM practitioners, including 14 from Bicol University, graduated from the Internal Audit track of the PFM Competency Program (PFMCP) training seminar under the ‘twinning arrangement’ between BU, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) on 16 November 2018 at the DBM Regional Office V Building in Rawis, Legazpi City.

After a series of training seminars for the

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

transition run, covering all five PFM tracks, a total of 22 program participants (composed of 14 PFM professionals from BU, 14 from DBM, and two from BTr) out of the 30 initial participants last July graduated in the PFMCP. Upon completion of their last transition run, which was the Internal Audit Track, the participants were given the opportunity to share their impressions on their PFMCP training. They were also shown an audio-visual presentation which features photos of their trainings.

The activity is a ‘training of trainers’ (TOT) and the resource speakers, during the roll-out next year, will come from this participating group, under the supervision of the BU’s Business Affairs Office (BAO).

In DBM and the Bureau of Treasury’s (BTr) partnership with BU, as implementer of the PFMCP, the program will have five tracks under their ‘twinning arrangement’: the foundation track, budgeting and performance track, preparation and analytics track, internal audit track, and the cash management track.

The BUzzette

NEWS

IT Is For Ladies Too - Dr. Rachel Edita O. Roxas, National University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and chairperson for the 5th ACM WiC Philippines, who delivers the opening remarks during the 5th Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Women in Computing (WiC) – Philippines Celebration 2018, held this November 24 in Legazpi City.

BUCS and NU head 5th ACM Women in Computing Celebration 2018

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erving as a platform for knowledge sharing from academia and industry to freely share their ideas and opinions in the emerging technologies and issues in computer science (CS), information technology (IT), and information science (IS) among students, academe members and experts in the field of computer studies, Bicol University’s College of Science (BUCS) and the National University (NU) spearheaded the 5th Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Women in Computing (WiC) – Philippines Celebration 2018, held this November 24 at the AVP Grand Crystal Hall in Legazpi City.

Attended by more than three hundred participants from twenty-two (22) schools across the Philippines, the said gathering features lectures and discussions given by leaders in the country’s computer technology spectrum, presentations and forums on relevant researches, including poster presentations showcasing the studies in technological advancement. The celebration is an annual event with this year’s theme for the activity on “Technology Innovation for Disaster.” Among the schools who participated in the celebration are prominent universities like De La Salle University

BEI | P7

in BEI and competency-based recruitment became the focus of the workshop on its second day. The workshop exercises included crafting an interview guide using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) approach, preparing for and conducting the interview.

With the knowledge gained in the workshop, the development in quality service in line with BU’s vision to become a world-class university takes another step forward, as most would consider that quality service begins with choosing the right person for the job.

(DLSU), Mindanao State University, University of Cebu, University of the Cordellera, University of Santo Tomas –Manila, and University of the Philippines –Los Baños.

As head of the host university, BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas was the first to address the participants in his welcome remarks as the program for the celebration began. He was then followed by Dr. Rachel Edita O. Roxas, NU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and chairperson for the 5th ACM WiC Philippines, who delivered the opening remarks.

The first keynote speaker in the program was Ms. Frei Sangil, the young Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Layer Tech Software Labs Inc. She discussed the “Power of Data in the Dynamics of the Computing Age” by explaining the value of data, how it can be used against a person, and how it can be used for social good.

After the lecture of Ms. Sangil, the program proceeded to the first set of paper presentations. Those presented were: “Exploring Technology-Enabled Empowerment of Women in Social Commerce: A Preliminary Study” authored by Mia Amor Catindig

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that would adopt this new academic calendar, though several Philippine universities had already formally adopted the new academic calendar. Among them are prominent schools, including Del La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Visayas State University, and Mindanao State University.

It is also worth noting that the initiative of shifting the academic calendar was meticulously studied and went through a series of consultation.

Led by BU’s Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the proposal of shifting the academic calendar has been

and Rabby Lavilles; “Parish Management System for St. Raphael Parish of Legazpi City” by Victor Francis Vicera, Hamlet delos Reyes, Jules Ballaran, Joseph Azores, Rodel Naz, and Mary Joy Canon; “Determining Resource Capacity and Allocation in Disaster Relief Through a Model-Driven Decision Support System” created by Lea Austero, Michael Angelo Brogada, and Rommel Evan Paje; and the “Trigram-Based Language System for 13 Philippine Languages” by Angelica dela Cruz, Nathaniel Oco, and Rachel Edita Roxas.

As the lunch break ended, the program continued with a lecture about the “Future of Work in the Age of AI (Artificial Intellegence)” by Ms. Dianne Gonzales, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Augmented Intelligence Pros. Despite not being present in the gathering due to urgent matters, Ms. Gonzales was still able to continue her discussion through a video lecture.

Succeeding Ms. Gonzales’ lecture was the second set of paper presentations. The papers featured in afternoon session were: “GenderBased Comparative Analysis of Disaster Related Responses Through Topic Discovery” by Mary Joy Canon, Arlene Satuito, and Christian Sy; “Faculty Performance Evaluation System (FPES): A Cloudbased Application” by Brenda Benosa and Lany Maceda; and the “Enhanced Initial Parameter Selection for Expectation Maximization (EM) Algorithem” authored by Maria Lolita Masangcap, Ariel Sison and Ruji Medina.

Later that afternoon, these three researches were announced as winners for the Computing Society of the Philippines’ (CSP) Special Research Award and a cash prize to further assist them in funding their research. The award was given by the program committee chair Mr. Nathaniel Oco of NU. Next in the program was the last keynote speaker for the day, Ms. Julie Ann Salido of Aklan State University, who talked about “Melanoma Detection of Dermoscopic Images Using Deep Learning”. Her talked was immediately followed by an orientation about the Philippine Information and Computing Accreditation Board (PICAB), which was done by Dr. Roxas.

The program concluded with a message of heart-felt gratitude from BUCS Dean Prof. Jocelyn Serrano in her closing remarks. She thanked everyone in attendance for making the activity a complete success.

consulted with the student body (October 12), the graduate school students and BUGS faculty (October 13), and key offices including the University and College Registrars, University Librarian, Health Services, Admissions Office, the NSTP (October 15), and the members of the faculty (November 21).

With each consultation, the proposal was improved and developed to ensure that the welfare of all that would be affected by the change would be ensured. The proposal was also reviewed thoroughly before being endorsed to the BOR’s approval.