Issuu

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

NOVEMBER 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 11 issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

he recent super typhoon has left a massive destruction in its wake in the Bicol Region. Everyone – students and personnel are affected in varying degrees. It has claimed lives; in particular, one of our freshmen student from the Bicol University Polangui Campus. It has forced us to indefinitely suspend synchronous and asynchronous classes, until lifted. It has displaced some of our personnel and students, with some becoming homeless, and dispersed in evacuation centers. Notwithstanding the continuous threat of the pandemic, we are faced with massive structural damage in Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) – where almost every building was destroyed, with the exception of the new Administration Building and Library that received minimal damage. The East and Main Campuses were not spared – sustaining partial damage as compared to that of the BUTC. Even our churches in the Diocese of Legazpi were not spared. The province of Albay, together with Catanduanes, continues to suffer from the after effects of the super typhoon. We commend and thank the efforts of our Provincial and Local Government Units in their timely and preemptive measures as part of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management. We assure our partners, particularly the Diocese of Legazpi, that Bicol University is steadfast in its earnest effort to share its time, talent, and treasures in the process of healing and rehabilitation. We know the work of rebuilding and rehabilitation is far from over. Ocular inspections have been immediately conducted, particularly in the hardest hit area of the Tabaco Campus. The Communication and Public Relations Pres Outbox | P8

News | P3 185 BU JO employees receive relief goods from PNP, CSSP

Restoration Project - (1st row L-R) Engr. Chantelle Dane Bausing, EDC forester Neil Antoni Miras, Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Prof. Carlos V. Cortez, (2nd row L-R) Ms. Pritzie S. Rey, Dr. Rommel Evan J. Paje, Dr. Lany L. Maceda and Dr. Michael Angelo D. Brogada during the pre-implementation meeting of the BINHI Arboretum project between Bicol University (BU) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) conducted at the College of Science Building 1 Function Hall last November 6, 2020.

BU to foster native, endangered seedlings – BINHI Arboretum project

uring the pre-implementation meeting of the BINHI Arboretum project between Bicol University (BU) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) conducted at the College of Science Building 1 Function Hall, EDC has allotted native tree seedlings for BU which were identified as threatened or endangered species last November 6, 2020. Prior the event, project coordinators paid courtesy call to BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas at the Office of the President. The meeting was attended by BUCS faculty coordinators, Mathematics Department faculty members, Physical Development and Maintenance Office (PDMO) staff, and some non- teaching personnel. It can be recalled that BU inked an agreement with EDC during BU’s week-long 51st Founding Anniversary last September 24, 2020 to establish the BINHI Arboretum inside the main campus. BINHI is EDC’s comprehensive forest restoration program which aims to reforest degraded lands, rescue vanishing native trees, develop ecotourism areas, and provide livelihood to local communities. BINHI also protects and sustains the geothermal recharge as the company continues to deliver clean and renewable geothermal energy nationwide. With a shared goal to promote environment protection and biodiversity conservation, BUCS Dean Prof. Jocelyn

Feature | P4-5 BUrugkos, BUrunyog sa Pag-andurog sa Panahon nin Sakuna

E. Serrano emphasized in her opening message the importance of having this partnership with EDC. She mentioned that the establishment of this arboretum will not only beautify the landscape of the university, moreover, it can be used by BUeños (BS Biology and BS Chemistry students) in their research works (i.e. specimen collection) and by faculty members for their instruction, research, and extension mandate. Afterwards, EDC forester Neil Antoni Miras delivered the statement of purpose of the partnership. He stated that EDC has already allotted native tree species seedling for BU which are identified as threatened or endangered. He added that through the BINHI Tree for the Future project, EDC has been able to rescue 88 of the 96 priority endangered species. The participants proceeded with the site visit inside the main campus where the arboretum can be established. Since the university is undergoing various infrastructure development, identification of the sites is crucial. The program concluded with the closing message delivered by BUCS Associate Dean Prof. Lany L. Maceda where she expressed her gratitude to EDC for the partnership as well as to the participants for the active support and participation for the project. In the conduct of this activity, proper and strict health protocols were observed and followed. (Erwin N. Bañares)

News | P7 4 BUCEIL-HS students receive flexible learning essentials from ‘91 alumni

The BUzzette

NEWS

United Packs - Various local and national organizations volunteers pack and distribute relief goods for the victims of super typhoon Rolly at the Bicol University Student Union Centre (BUSUC), November 5, 2020.

B USUC sw a mp by 1 5 0 vo l u n t e e rs t o h e l p p a c k , distri but e rel i ef g o o d s f o r ‘ R o l l y ’ v i c t i m s

t least 150 volunteers from various local and national organizations has united to pack and distribute relief goods for the victims of super typhoon Rolly at the Bicol University Student Union Centre (BUSUC), November 5, 2020. The donation project was made possible through the ARISE ALBAY headed by the Office of

Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda and The Pitmaster Foundation. As of writing, at least 10,000 relief packs containing essential commodities and 195 sacks of rice were collected according to Head Organizer Justin Bolaños. Donations are still arriving from local, national, public, and private institutions. The distribution of relief

goods is on its way to four municipalities in the province: Rapu-Rapu, some isolated barangays in Daraga, Camalig, and Guinobatan, Albay. Those who are interested to make their donations or would like to volunteer may directly visit the BUSUC near the BU Albay Provincial Sports Complex.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See & Julie M. Isaac Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin News Writer Arnold C. Noda Photographer Cherry Grace H. Calisin Contributor Erwin N. Bañares Editorial Consultants Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

The BUzzette

NEWS

185 BU JO employees receive relief goods from PNP, CSSP

Relief Drive - Bicol University job order employees attend the ‘Pulis-Kasurog Food Bank’ of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Relief Operations Team at the BUCSSP Arcilla Hall last November 18, 2020.

t least 185 Job Order (JO) employees in Bicol University (BU) were selected and given relief packages in a relief drive led by College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Dean Atty. Alex Nepomuceno through the ‘Pulis-Kasurog Food Bank’ of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Relief Operations Team at the BUCSSP Arcilla Hall last November 18, 2020. After the onslaught of typhoon Quinta and super typhoon Rolly, CSSP Dean Atty. Nepomuceno in partnership

with PNP Regional Office V led by Regional Director and Police Brigadier General Bartolome R. Bustamante initiated a relief operation program intended for the JOs of BU. Also present in the distribution were BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Director Carina Sales, College of Science (CS) Dean Prof. Jocelyn Serrano, and Polangui Campus (PC) Dean Dr. Mary Joy Catangui. The package consists of

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

a five kilo sack of rice with canned goods and noodles. The JO employees were from the various colleges, campuses, and offices of BU. According to BU Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), there are a total of 282 JO employees in the university. Atty. Nepomuceno said that he will look for benevolent sponsors for the remaining Jos who were not served in the initial drive. Strict health protocols were observed during the distribution of relief goods.

FEAT

The BU

he COVID19 pandemic along with a host of calamities we have experienced, have brought drastic changes to the way we live our lives. In times of such a widespread global crisis and in moments of disasters, we need to step up and Be United in the spirit of sharing and reaching out to those who have been greatly affected and marginalized as we sustain our community resilience, that the Bicolanos, particularly the BUeños are known for. Thus, as the commemoration of BU’s 51st year ends, we look back at how Bicol University showed solidarity with the entire community in expression of its gratitude and pride at the way each one is continuously helping out in our fight against this pandemic and the other calamities that have struck our region. Bicolanos have faced more than a pandemic. We faced strong typhoons and natural disasters yet we are still recognized as Oragons – resilient by nature, who, no matter what the circumstances are, always bounce back with an indomitable spirit and strong will to survive and fight back against any adversity. As one Big and United family, we shall overcome, rebuild better, and heal as one! Before this trying 2020 ends, let us look back at Bicol University’s milestones, thus far, and how it faced the various challenges along the way.

Calamity Capital of the Philippines

fter the onslaught of typhoon Quinta and super typhoon Rolly, we suffered such a devastating loss. Some had lost homes, livelihoods, and even the lives of their loved ones. It reminded us, Bicolanos, of typhoons Milenyo and Reming and the trauma it caused as it wreaked havoc in the Bicol region consecutively, 14 years ago. Not to mention the active yet beautiful Mount Mayon Volcano in Albay that added more fear as it went on Alert Level 1. According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mayon Volcano took its turn going into an abnormal state emitting moderate release of white steamladen plumes and creating its faint crater glow from the summit. For a couple of years now, Bicolanos have been co-celebrating the holiday season with long pitch-black nights, surging floods, and much worse, the demise of loved ones as typhoons frequently hit the Bicol Region around this time of the year. But regardless of how harsh or cruel life and nature can be in a time where everyone should be festive and joyful, Bicolanos remain strong and firm, steadfast in their faith and determined that this too, shall pass; and thus, once again, they will rise from the hardships life has thrown upon, better and stronger. From one day to another, there will be another reason to smile again. Bicol University (BU) was also affected by these adversaries. These challenges led the university to adapt, evolve, and learn from its experiences. But aside from being a ‘Calamity Capital of the Philippines,’ the pandemic was the least we were all prepared for. BU wasn’t anticipating the sudden shift to the ‘new normal’. Many university events

were postponed and activities canceled. Even this year’s usual graduation ceremonial rites were halted and virtual activities and events were instead adopted. BUrugkos. BUrunyog

n spite of the onslaught of calamities and pandemic, the Bicol University community echoes the spirit of Being United, and Moving Together as one family. The first quarter of the year began where BU was involved in an international research conference for future engineers of the country, Local Government Units (LGU) continued their livelihood training under some BU personnel, as well as an opportunity to host national conventions of state universities and colleges. Efforts of the dynamic BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas was recognized as he was elected by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Albay as one of its Board of Directors. After the University Management Review and Financial Planning Workshop 2020, a national, independent media organization hosted a fact-checking workshop in BU involving BUeños and local media organizations. Professional workshops were also held for the teachers and professors of the university. 2020 is a year of development as two new buildings in the College of Engineering (CEng) were inaugurated. BU President Mascariñas also declared the East Campus as the Science and Technology Center of the university. BU has also made history by starting to build the premier state university College of Law building in the region. As the rising number of CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) cases continues, the College of Nursing (CN) informed the BU community of the virus’ nature as well as its prevention. Regardless of this threat, BU was

flourishing this year as it emerged champion of the 2020 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) among eight other state universities and colleges across the Bicol region. In addition, BU was also set to host this year’s National SCUAA 2020; a much-anticipated event which was eventually cancelled because of the pandemic. In recognition of researchers, the annual Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) 2019 awards were held. Outstanding BUeños were also recognized for their efforts in various fields nationally. BU witnessed events held by different colleges/campus organizations and university offices with their goal to inform, educate, and raise awareness with their respective advocacies. When the month of March began, everything started to change - cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the Bicol region; BU adopted an alternative mode of learning and a flexi-time schedule for the employees but not long after, it suspended office works and alternative classes caused by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Temporarily, BU closed its premises to the public, and events such as the National SCUAA were postponed. As the province of Albay implemented a lockdown, some BUeños were stranded due to its restrictions. Some employees were also affected due to office work suspension. COVID-19 was then declared as a pandemic. Pag-andurog sa Panahon nin Sakuna.

esponsive and caring in times of need, particularly during calamities, Bicol University is always ready and willing to use the time, talent, and treasure nurtured by its transformative education in various initiatives for helping service providers,

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

B rugkos,B runyog sa Pag-andurog sa Panahon nin Sakuna by: Arnold Noda

frontliners, and clientele. BU College of Industrial Technology (CIT), along with some private, non-profit organizations initiated an improvised face shield as equipment for the growing needs of the COVID19 frontliners. BU along with the Commission on Audit (COA) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a ‘No work, no pay, no more’ joint circular for affected employees caused by the pandemic. Projects, operations, and donation drives began intended for BUeños affected by the lockdown such as the ‘Be with U’ student assistance program and ‘Oplan Hatid and Sundo’ where it successfully helped at least one hundred BUeños in cooperation with respective LGUs and some regional offices. Aside from helping its students, BU went beyond its community aiding help and assistance to COVID19 frontliners in Albay. It also opened its facilities for the use of COVID19-related emergencies. Unfortunately, lives were also taken during the lockdown as one of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) faculty Prof. Ariel Guban passed away due to health complications. As some BU offices, colleges, and organizations adopted its events online, it paved the way for seminars and workshops to continue educating as well as raising awareness to the public in the midst of the pandemic. BU continues to pursue international ties virtually. The release of the BU College Entrance Test (CET) results also continued despite the technical difficulties faced by the Admissions Office.

As BU adopted the ‘new normal’, seminars and workshops for BU personnel were held for the opening and conduct of classes for the second semester of A.Y. 20202021. BU then announced that there will be no face-to-face classes and faculty members, as well as students, are required to conduct synchronous or asynchronous classes. With the community quarantine restriction on mass gathering due to the pandemic, BU held the conferment of degrees and delivered the commencement message via Facebook for the 50th Commencement Exercises with the theme, “BU@50: Building a Legacy, Transforming Lives”. After releasing the first part of the virtual graduation, BU held the virtual university recognition awards or ‘Gawad BUeño’. Despite the situation brought by the pandemic, BU continued to celebrate its 51st Founding Anniversary via virtual activities bannering the theme, “BUrugkos, BUrunyog sa Panahon nin Pandemiya.” As one of BU’s initiatives to help students in their flexible learning and to respond to their call for help, BU signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Diocese of Legazpi and launched the Tabang sa Pagadal program. BU has also expanded its information dissemination in partnership with private institutions as well as receiving flexible learning essentials for the Tabang sa Pag-adal program. Some alumni groups also initiated and sponsored gadgets and load allowances for flexible learning. Initiatives to help BUeños did not stop

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

even after the onslaught of typhoon Quinta and super typhoon Rolly. Donation drives in partnership with LGUs, NGOs, and other government agencies began to help those severely affected by the typhoons. Some BU employees were given relief packs as well. BU has continued these programs for the welfare of its students and employees. But this requires more than commitment - an action forward to meet each other halfway as one BU community. Our battles are still on-going. There is still COVID-19 lurking out there; but there is hope that this pandemic will soon end after an American pharmaceutical company’s efforts resulted in a 95% success rate for a vaccine, as of writing. This slender silver lining has given hopes to eventually end the pandemic and, hopefully, bring everything back to the “new and better normal”.

After the pandemic and natural calamities, hopefully, we will reassess the value of life, further strengthen and give due importance to our physical and mental health, and finally realize the value of choosing the right leaders.

The BUzzette

NEWS

CAL student Sabalboro joins top 12 finalist on national songwriting tilt B

icol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) student Erica Sabalboro has made it to the Top 12 Finalist of the 11th Himig Handog Songwriting Competition 2020 with her entry, “Out”. Established on 2000, Himig Handog is the country’s premiere multimedia songwriting competition on original Filipino music and talent where Filipino songwriters and composers are annually submitting entries interpreted by famous local singers. Along with 11 other talented songwriters, Erica, 21, is one of the youngest and a newbie to the industry who made it to the finals. Erica is currently a third year student taking Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During the first stages of the community quarantine, she discovered her flair on songwriting out of boredom and made her YouTube channel sharing her original compositions with her stage name, “ES”. Interpreted by Fatima “Fana” Louise from Idol Philippines, Out is written in the English, Filipino, and Bicolano languages with an upbeat, groovy vibe. Erica shared that aside from the lyrics, the melody was also her brainchild. Because of the language used, Erica said that it may be one of the factors why she made it to the finals at the same time, an opportunity to flex her local dialect. “At first, I just made it for an experiment. I was also thinking to include Korean language. I’m challenging myself if I can make it,” she said.

When asked about what her song was about, Erica said that Out is about our struggles and silent battles without the volumes to speak nor hear. “I was thinking that even in music, I hope to be a voice to those people who doesn’t have the courage to actually speak out for themselves,” she explains. As an advocate of mental health awareness, Erica aims to break the stigma against people suffering from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. “There’s a line in Out like ‘get

me out’ and ‘help me out’… it means that they (people suffering from mental health issues) need help and recognition. They don’t have to be ashamed,” she said. As a student, Erica prioritizes her study but she is also considering the music industry in the future. Aside from winning, Erica said that she and Fana wanted to also introduce their music genre in the country. As of writing, Out and the other 11 entries will be producing their music video. There are also no dates yet on the next stage of the competition.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

The BUzzette

NEWS

Learning Drive - Prof. Merriam Maldo delivers her message during the turnover ceremony of learning essentials to four selected students of Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory High School (BUCEILS-HS) donated by BUCEILS Batch 1991 alumni at the BUCEILS Library last November 16, 2020.

4 BUCEIL-HS s t u d ent s receive f l e xi bl e learning e ssent ials from â€˜ 91 alu mni F

our selected students of Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory High School (BUCEILS-HS) receiving online essentials for flexible learning donated by BUCEILS Batch 1991 alumni at the BUCEILS Library last November 16, 2020.

The online essentials consist of Samsung Galaxy Tab A, 32 GB Micro SD Card, Flip-top Tablet Cover, Globe/Smart Home Wifi, and 10,000 MAH Powerbank. Present in the turnover ceremony were unit head of the High School department Prof. Merriam Maldo,

members of the BUCEILS Batch 1991, the selected students, and their parents. It can be recalled that 10 selected students from BUCEILS also received smartphones and load allowances donated by BUCEILS Batch 1989 alumni last November 6, 2020.

Batch 1989 alumni donate s s ma r tp h o n e to 10 BUCEILS stu d en t s

en selected students of Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory High School (BUCEILS) receiving smartphones and load allowances donated by

BUCEILS Batch 1989 alumni at the BUCEILS Library, November 6, 2020. In its intention to help struggling students of BUCEILS in their flexible learning,

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BUCEILS Batch 1989 has donated 10 Samsung smartphones worth P4000 each. In addition, they also pledged to provide each student with a load allowance worth P300 monthly.

Typhoon Rolly AFTERMATH Bicol University Main Campus

BU IPESR

BU CS

BU CAL

BU IPESR

BU CAL

BU CS

BU CAL

BU CM

BU CAL

Library

Library Library

Bicol University Tabaco Campus

Library

Processing Plant

AV Hall

Wet Lab

Pres Outbox | P1 Office are putting together a documentation of all the damages caused by the typhoon based on consolidated data from each college. Bicol University is an active participant in responding to the needs of those affected by the recent spate of typhoons. Our Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) continues to reach out to our personnel. The Bicol University administration has tasked the respective academic units and colleges to find out the condition of our students through the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) and

to act in response to their needs accordingly. In partnership with the rest of the colleges and academic units, and the respective student councils headed by the University Student Council and other organizations, relief operations have been continuously conducted. Believing that all are graces from a benevolent God, in behalf of the entire Bicol University family, and in the midst of all limitations brought about by these recent challenges, we reiterate our commitment to serve, assist, and continue our efforts

in contributing to the rebuilding of our communities. We will rise from this predicament, as we have risen, time and time again with every calamity. We will build better and heal as one!