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The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

NOVEMBER 2019 | Vol. XI Issue 11 issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

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PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

Board exam results reveal 38 new agri engineers from BUCAF, Alim second top placer

fter the AACCUP survey visit of our six programs last month, this time, we had to undergo another survey from the same accrediting agency – the Institutional Accreditation of Bicol University. Of all the previous survey visits, this one, I believe will allow Bicol University, as an institution, to fully claim its rightful place among the recognized State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) as institutions that truly excels in its mandate of providing excellent and quality education. I know the hard work, endless efforts, and untiring sacrifices that each of you have contributed to make our Institutional Accreditation possible. I know the burden that members of each area have experienced from the preparation of support documents, to editing and packaging of area profile including the preparation for presentation. I know the reality of the inevitable and temporary conflicts brought about by individual differences and the stress of the entire preparation. But while I know all these, I also know that the team spirit and collective minds of the Bicol University community are far stronger and more resilient than any temporary setbacks. And once again, with the heartwarming commendations from our valued accreditors Pres Outbox | P7

Feature | P4-5 Week-long AACCUP Institutional Accreditation for BU officially begins

ontinuing Bicol University’s victory streak in this year’s professional licensure examinations, 38 graduates of BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) conquers the 2019 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Licensure Examination, including the second top placer, as revealed by the exam’s results last November 15. As per results released by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), 38 out of 105 examinees from BUCAF passed the said exam, earning the school a 36.19 percent passing average. Among BU’s new licensed agricultural engineers, Estanislao Cuachin Alim IV put forth the best performance in the exam, scoring an

82.31 percent grade and earning himself the second top spot among the top ten exam-takers. According to the PRC, 711 out of 1,886 examinees passed the exams, tallying a national passing rate of 37.70 percent. The Board for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, who administered the examination, is composed of Engr. Ariodear C. Rico as Chairman and Engr. Juana T. Tapel as Member. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering conducted the licensure exam on October 30 and 31 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi and Tuguegarao.

68 BU examinees pass 2019 Civil Engineering Board; 48 for Agriculturist Licensure Exam

s presented by the announcement of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) this November, 68 examinees from Bicol University successfully pass the November 2019 Civil Engineering Board Examination and 48 exam takers also pass this year’s Agriculturist Licensure Examination.

According to PRC’s announcement last November 14, 68 out of 123 combined examinees from BU College of Engineering (BUCEng) and BU College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT) succeeded in the 2019 Civil Engineering Board Examination, garnering BU the passing rate of 55.28 percent. This year’s CE Board Exam had a 43.18 national passing percentage, with only 6,510 out of 15,075 examinees making it through.

News| P3 B U u n d e rg o e s I S O E x t e r n a l Q u a l i t y Au d i t w i t h f avo u r a b l e re s u l t s

PRC conducted the Civil Engineering licensure exam in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga on November 9 and 10, 2019. As for the 2019 Agriculturist Licensure Examination, BU had a passing rate of 44.44 percent, with 48 out of 108 examinees from BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) and BU Gubat Campus (BUGC). This year’s Agriculturist Board Exam, which was administered last November 5 to 7 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga; tallied a national passing rate of 41.05 percent, with 5,538 out of 13,492 exam takers successfully passing.

News | P6 Ex-SC Justice Carpio visits BU, speaks on West Philippine Sea sovereignty

The BUzzette

NEWS

Inside the International Research Network - Faculty-researchers from Bicol University Tabaco Campus’ (BUTC) Research Department join the 13th International Kuroshio Science Symposium,held last November 18 to 22 at the Claude Andrews Convention Center of Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus inCaritan Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines.

BUTC Researchers join 13th International Kuroshio Science Symposium Five faculty members and sixresearchers from Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) Research Department joined the 13th International Kuroshio Science Symposium,held last November 18 to 22 at the Claude Andrews Convention Center of Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus inCaritan Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines. With the theme, “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Towards Sustainable Fisheries Resources Along Kuroshio Region”, the said symposium is one of the significantundertakings of the Kuroshio Science Network that works on the common

goal of promoting sustainable resources in the communities along the Kuroshio Region. The Network was composed of cooperating agencies and universities from the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan that are working on research regarding the Kuroshio current. The two-day conference focused on the presentation of 53 scientific studies and 11 scientific posters dealing with various categories, namely: Fishery Biology and Oceanography; Fisheries Resource Management; Fisheries Socio-economics, Seafood Safety, and Processing Technology; and Ecological Habitat and Climate Sciences.

Out of the eleven contenders for the poster presentation, BUTC’s Dr. Victor S. Soliman and his co-authors: Dr. Renan U. Bobiles, also fromBUTC; Dr. Akihiro Takemura of University of the Ryukyus; and Dr. Kosaku Yamaoka of Kochi University managed to bag the first place in Best Poster Presentation entitled, “Why Siganids (Siganuscanaliculatus) Maturing Too Early”. There were 180 scientists, researchers, academicians, and government personnel from the country and Japan participated in the said event. The different delegates were from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) Regional Offices (1,2,3, 4A, 5, 8, 10, BARMM, CAR, and CARAGA); Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute(DANFRDI); DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research; Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA);Batangas State University; Bicol University Tabaco Campus; Cagayan State University; Cavite State University; Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Central Luzon State University; Isabela State University, Kochi University;Partido State University, University of San Carlo; University of the Philippines-Visayas; University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute;University of the PhilippinesMindanao;Visayas State University; LGUSabtang; LGU-Tuguegarao; and PLGUCagayan. “The activity was academically great and it is one of the best opportunities in the research arena. Though it’s nerve-wracking I learned a lot and I was boosted to do more researches regarding the Kuroshio current. I hope I can join the symposium next year in Japan” quipped one of the participants. The event was facilitated by BFAR Regional Office II, Kochi University, and Cagayan State University (John Christopher C. Nolial -BUTC).

BUTC lights up for Christmas 2019 To add color and joyful Christmas atmosphere in the campus, the Bicol University’s Tabaco Campus (BUTC), through its Faculty and Nonteaching Associations spearheaded the “Parolsa 7 Dekada”, an adopta-lantern project which aims to raise funds for the 70th founding anniversary of the Bicol School of Fisheries, 50th year anniversary of the BU College of Fisheries, as well as the 25th year anniversary of BUTC. The lanterns were simultaneously lighted last 15 November 2019, during the opening of the BUTC

Christmas Village, with the theme “PaskongPinoy” where each department put up decorations with their own interpretation of the theme. The occasion was made even more special with the presentations and special numbers prepared by every department. The final judging shall be done during the opening of the anniversary celebration this coming December 10. The Christmas Village is open for public viewing on weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00m in the evening. (MG Bermundo -BUTC)

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista Associate Editor Gladys S. Serafica Circulation Manager Mary Ann M. See Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin Writer Julius Justino B. Embile Photographer Cherry Grace H. Calisin Editorial Consultants Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas & Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant/Publisher Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

The BUzzette

NEWS

Certified with Flying Colours – BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas presents the university’s various achievements during the opening of this ISO Accreditation Survey Visit.

B U u n d e rg o e s I S O E x t e r n a l Q u a l i t y Au d i t w i t h f avo u r a b l e re s u l t s

icol University once again proved to be B at par, quality-wise, with international standards by passing its recently

concluded International Organization for Standardization (ISO) External Quality Audit last November 13 and 14. During the said audit, BU had zero non-compliance and presented various best practices, resulting to the audit team’s recommendation of maintaining the university’s ISO 9001-2015 certified status. The audit team, sent by TUV Rheinland, was composed of Team Leader Ms. Madilyn Plaza, Ms. JoginaMendiola, and Mr. Frederick Tolentino. Accompanied by Bicol University’s Internal Quality Audit Team, the three external

auditors visited various offices and colleges across BU’s main and external campuses. On the first day of the audit, the group inspected the areas and interviewed the officials of BU College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), BU Tabaco Campus (BUTC), BU Polangui Campus (BUPC), and BU Gubat Campus. They also had a look at the said campuses’ documents to make sure everything is in accordance to the ISO’s standards. The team then focused on the offices of the BU Main and East Campuses on the second day of the audit. But, before the audit began, the auditors first paid a courtesy visit to BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas,

Our Favorite Ponente – Students of the BU College of Law pose for a picture with former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, along with BUCL Dean Atty. Hardy Aquende, Atty. Norly Reyes, Atty. Joanne Loranzano-Aquende, and Atty. Dharyl Alfante, after the former SC magistrate’s lecture.

Ex-SC Justice Carpio visits BU, speaks on West Philippine Sea sovereignty One of the greatest legal luminaries in the Philippines, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio gracedBicol University, and talked on the West Philippine Sea dispute last November 28, at the BR-FICC Amphitheater in Bicol University East Campus in Legazpi City. The lecture revolved on the theme, “Defending Philippine Sovereign Rights in the

West Philippine Sea”. Justice Carpio imparted his knowledge on the Philippines’ legal claims over the disputed maritime territories in the West Philippine Sea that is being contested by the People’s Republic of China. “War is not an option. War has never been an option. Let us fight the battle legally, through the rule of law and public opinion,” Justice Carpio said.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

accompanied by BU-IAS Director Mr. Cyrus A. Barrameda. Afterwards, the team was introduced to the Deans, Directors and Heads of Offices during the opening conference at the BU-GASS Conference Hall in the brief opening program where the BU President also briefly presented the profile of Bicol University. Among those they visitedwere the Internal Audit Services (IAS), Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), Admissions Office (BUAO), University Registrar’s Office (URO), Physical Development and Maintenance Office (PDMO), and the offices under the Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE). The auditors inspected the areas and spoke with the heads of office and staff, as well as checked pertinent documents of each office involved. To assess the efficiency of each college in the BU Main, East and Daraga Campuses, the deans and directors were also gathered to present their achievements and best practices to the auditors. The audit concluded with a brief exit conference, where Team Leader Ms. Madilyn Plaza presented their collated observations gathered during the audit. The auditor commended the university’s best practices and presented some opportunities for improvement. Resulting to much cheer among the BU officials and staff, the auditor also revealed that there were no ‘non-compliance’ observed during the course of the audit. Thus, BU will be recommended for the maintenance of its ISO 9001-2015 certified status. With much joy upon the result of the audit, BU President Dr. Mascariñas expressed his profound gratitude to the auditors and stated that BU will continue to adhere to international quality standards as part of its continuing drive towards becoming a worldclass university. The esteemed justice presented various documentary evidences, including verified and published geographical charts, which prove the Philippines ownership and debunks Chinese claims over the contested territories. Justice Carpio also encouraged the Filipinos to continue resorting to the Rule of Law as embodied in the UNCLOS and stating that, “We are almost there,” in settling the issue with China. The event was attended by students and teachers of various higher educational institutions, particularly the law schools, in the Bicol Region, including the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), University of Santo Tomas (UST) Legazpi City, and Bicol College (BC). Justice Carpio’s presence in BU was through the invitation of BUCL Dean Atty. Hardy B. Aquende. Representing BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, who was in Belgium, the Justice was met by BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty. Joseph Bartolata, Vice President for Planning and Development (VPPD) Prof. Jerry Bigornia, Financial Management Division (FMD) Head Atty. Loyd P. Casasis and Legal Affairs Office Head Atty. Daryl Alfante-Redoblado. The gathering was spearheaded by the BUCL College Student Council, in partnership with the Bicol University’s University Student Council and the BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy’s (CSSP) College Student Council.

FEAT

The BU

Week-long AACCUP Institutional Accreditation for BU officially begins In it drive towards achieving world-class excellence, Bicol University begins its week-long Institutional Accreditation with the visit of the accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). Throughout the accreditation, BU will be assessed in nine key areas to see if, as a higher education institution, it passes the standards for a Level 05 HEI. The accreditation visit officially kicks-off this morning of 25 November 2019, with an opening program held at the BU College of Engineering (BUCEng) Gymnasium of the BU East Campus in Legazpi City. The program was attended by various key officials and personnel across Bicol University, particularly those involved in the accreditationâ€™s working commitees, as it was an avenue for them to officially meet the AACCUP accreditors. The AACCUP Accreditation Team in BU is composed of eleven Lead Accreditors, including Team Lead Dr. Luis M. Sorolla of Western Visayas State University (WVSU) and

Co-Team Lead Dr. Socorro O. Bohol of Northwestern State University (NwSU). Dr.Sorolla and Dr. Bohol will be joined by Dr. Aurora E. Casuga of Dr. Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) as lead accreditors that will be looking into Area 01 (Governance and Management). As for Area 02 (Teaching, Learning and Evaluation), the lead accreditor assigned is Dr. Marcela T. Caluscosin of DMMMSU. Area 03 (Faculty and Staff) will be handled by Lead Accreditor Dr.Divinagracia M. de Guzman of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), while Dr. Marlene B. Atinyao of Benguet State University will be assessing BU under Area 04 (Research). Cavite State Universityâ€™s Dr.Luzviminda A. Rodrin will be staying at BU East Campus as Lead Accreditor for Area 05 (Extension, Consultancy, and Linkages). Lead Accreditor Dr. Evelyn C. Cruzda of Leyte Norman University (LNU) will be the one to look into Area 06 (Support to Students).

Area 07 (Library) will be looked into by Lead Accreditor Dr. Alicia C. Esguerra of Bulacan State University, while Lead Accreditor Dr.Conrado L. Abraham of Southern Luzon State University (SLuSU) will assess BU inder Area 08 (Infrastructure and Other Learning Resources). Lastly, Lead Accreditor Dr. Maria Glenda O. de Lara of Philippine Normal University (PNU) will handle the assessment for Area 09 (Quality Assurance Culture). During the visiting AACCUP accreditors were introduced to the BU family by Team Lead Dr.Sorolla. Likewise, the BU officials were also introduced by BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas. The program also featured cultural performing arts presentation, in order to give the accreditors a warm welcome with a taste of Bicolano culture. The AACCUP Institutional Accreditation visit started this November 25 and will continue until November 29.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

TURE

Uzzette

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

The BUzzette

NEWS Digital fabrication showcased in BU and DTI’s FABFEST 3

The Industry of the Future - The Bicol University College of Industrial Technology(BUCIT), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bicol Regional Office, spearhead this year’s “FABFEST 3: 3rd Philippine FabLab (Fabrication Laboratory) Conference and Exhibit”, which began this November 06 at Casablanca Convention Center in Legazpi City.

he Bicol University College of Industrial Technology(BUCIT), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bicol Regional Office, spearhead this year’s “FABFEST 3: 3rd Philippine FabLab (Fabrication Laboratory) Conference and Exhibit”, which began this November 06 at Casablanca Convention Center in Legazpi City. Focused on the theme “FabLabs for Green Philippines”, this event, which will run from November 06 to 07, comprisespresentations, plenary sessions, design challenge, workshops and a tour. The gathering is an annual event and, as implied by the activity’s theme, this year’s FABFEST looks to introduce more efficient and environmental-friendly industries through digital fabrication. This two-day event was participated by representatives and exhibitors from fabrication laboratories across the

Philippines, including the FabLab in BU which is the only one in the Albay province and one of two in the entire Bicol region. It was also attended by people from various public and private sectors, including educators, students, and business persons, who are interested in learning the benefits of digital fabrication. Representing the conference’s sponsor institutions, Bicol University’s Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata and DTI-RO5’s Assistant Regional Director Mr. Rodrigo M. Aguilar both delivered their welcome messages during the opening program, in behalf of BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and DTI-RO5 Regional Director Ms. Jocelyn LB. Blanco. The opening program was soon followed by plenary sessions. The conference also featured products and production

demonstrations of items created through digital fabrication, which was done by the participating FabLab managers and representatives. “Its (FabFest) tagline is ‘Make Anything’, which means things you can imagine and put into the computer can be produced. But, unlike commonly known printers which only produce paper print-outs, we can now produce the actual product “stated BUCIT Dean Dr. Jonathan C. Arroco, as he explains the concept of digital fabrication. However, the FabLab managers also recognize the fact that digital fabrication is a fairly new concept in the Philippines and very few are aware of what it is. Thus, as explained by Dr. Arroco, it is also the aim of the conference reinforce the introduction of digital fabrication in the mainstream Filipino mindset in order to innovate industries within the country.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

The BUzzette

NEWS

Servants for Public Information - Information officers and designated representatives of various government agencies, including Bicol University through the BU Communications and Public Relations Office (CPRO), and local government units (LGUs) in the province gathered last November 27 for the organization and activation of the Albay Communicators Network (ComNet).

BU-CPRO joins Albay Communicators’ Network ith the goal of providing the public W timely and accurate information by establishing efficient cooperation among

government offices, information officers and designated representatives of various government agencies, including Bicol University through the BU Communications and Public Relations Office (CPRO), and local government units (LGUs) in the province gathered last November 27 for the organization and activation of the Albay Communicators Network (ComNet). “AlbayComNet is a collaboration or convergence of information officers and designated representatives of LGUs and government provincial offices in Albay organized to unify and strengthen government information networks in the province,” said Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Albay information center manager Sally Altea, who hosted the said meeting at their office in Legazpi City. The newly organized communicator’s