OCTOBER 2020 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

OCTOBER 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 11

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

BUCM 100% passing rate, 2020 PLE

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appy World Teacher’s Day! Thank you for continously doing your part and for the many sacrifices you are doing in keeping the torch of wisdom burning in the hearts of every BUenos, even in the midst of this pandemic! You will always be the greatest treasure of Bicol University.Padagos sana kita sa satuyang misyon!

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icol University (BU) would like to congratulate the BU College of Medicine (CM) with an overall performance of 100% passing rate during the March and September 2020 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).

As revealed in the results, two takers from BUCM successfully passed PLE namely Dr. Manami S. Santiago and Dr. Jannina Faye O. Orbase.

This year’s PLE announced 800 out of 1,424 examinees passed according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The members of the Board of Medicine who gave the licensure examination are Dr. Clarita C. Maaño as Chairman along with Dr. Eleanor B. Almoro, Dr. Zenaida L. Antonio, Dr. Raquel S. Sayo, Dr. Godofreda V. Dalmacion, and Dr. Rafael R. Castillo as members.

The results were released in eight (8) working days from the last day of examination The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced by the PRC at a later date

60 selected IPESR students receive online learning essentials – BU fundraising projects

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t least 60 selected students from the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) received load allowance, cellular phones, pocket, and prepaid Wi-Fi from the Tabang Ko, Bayle Ko, Para Saindo fundraising project organized by the BUIPESR. In support of the Tabang sa Pag-adal, a social action program for the benefit of BUeños in celebration of the 51st BU Founding Anniversary, BUIPESR spearheaded a Dance Fitness program as a fundraising News | P3 BU signs MOU on Incubation Technology Business Program

project intended for their less fortunate students.

According to a list of sponsors submitted by the BUIPESR for their students of Tabang sa Pag-adal beneficiaries, a total amount of P40,200 has been collected as of October 22, 2020, as attested by Faculty-in-Charge Prof. Grace C. Velasco, Gender and Development Coordinator Prof. Sarah Jane Labarda, and College Student Activities Coordinator and BUIPESR College Student Council Adviser Prof. Robert B. Madraso with

Feature | P4-5 BU receives 40 mobile tablets for flexible learning; OSAS to select student beneficiaries

BUIPESR Dean Prof. Carina L. Sales.

On the other hand, Tabang Ko, Bayle Ko, Para Saindo fundraising project collected a total amount of P11,700 from their Dance Fitness program with at least 26 registrants.

Two IPESR students received cellular phones each, two received Globe at Home Prepaid Wi-Fi with load, four received Smart Pocket Wi-Fi with load, and 52 received load allowances worth P100 from their preferred network/brand.

News | P7 Local parish in Bacacay initiates projects, donations for BUeños’ flexible learning

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Expanding Communication - (L-R) : Carol May M. Dato, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Barry B. Guidone, Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, Alex B. Peña and Geeda R. Madrigalejos during the turn-over meeting where Smart granted BU with seventy Smart pocket Wi-Fi and fifty pieces of Smart load cards last October 07, 2020.

BU to expand info dissemination with Smart Infocast B

icol University (BU) is set to adapt to a wider reach of information dissemination with partnership from Smart Infocast as of October 7, 2020.

Smart Infocast is a text message broadcast solution that can send out several short message service (SMS) alerts to a specific group of people.

This web-based service is powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) wireless arm of Smart Communications, Inc. Aside from disseminating information through BU’s social media

account and website, this partnership authorizes BU to deliver immediate text messages to a large number of predetermined recipients. This will also allow registered subscribers to send reports or feedback to the system administrator.

Smart also granted BU with 70 Smart pocket Wi-Fi worth Php 999 each and 50 pieces of Smart load cards worth of Php 250 each during the turn-over meeting presided by Smart Trade Marketing Geeda R. Madrigalejos, Junior Manager Alex B. Peña, and Branch Specialist Carol

May M. Dato along with the presence of BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

In addition, Smart has promised to give 200 pieces of Smart sim cards as well. The distribution of these materials will be announced at a later date.

To orient BU and utilize the use of the new services, Solutions Specialists, Community Solutions, and Business Development Officer Barry B. Guidone led a Smart Infocast Training participated

by BU Communication and Public Relations Office (CPRO) Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista along with her staff.

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 Contributors Ana Marie Balleta & St. Rose de Lima Parish 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

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The BUzzette

NEWS

BU signs MOU on Incubation Technology Business Program

Supporting Resources - (L-R) : Dr. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Mr. Ismael Jerusalem, Dr. Luis O. Amano, Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Mr. Rico Roberto Zuñiga, Mr. Romer Carbellido and Ms. Catherine Baleda during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BU and the first batch of the Outwall Incubatees last October 6, 2020.

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icol University (BU) through the Center for Technology Commercialization and Enterprise Development (CTCED), the Startup Incubation and Limitless Integration of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Leaders of Innovation (SILI DELI) hosted the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BU and the first batch of the Outwall Incubatees last October 6, 2020 at the BU East Campus, Legazpi City.

BU recognizes the role of Higher Education Institution in responding to the needs of the Region in developing emerging enterprises as startups as provided in RA 11337 (Innovative Startup Act) and RA 10055 (Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009).

With this, BU through CTCED created the SILI DELI, the first technology business incubator in the region. SILI DELI is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOSTPCIEERD) under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) program under the project titled,

“HEIRIT: Establishment of the DOSTBU Technology Business Incubation (BU TBI) Center for Bicol Region”.

SILI DELI mandates to provide an array of business support resources and services to early stages of new, technology-based, and advance business projects. One of its flagship programs is the Technology Business Incubation.

SILI DELI offers high growth potential for startups who have qualified as incubatees. The incubation program will promote access to a wide range of services that will facilitate the startup process leading to market entry through in-house trainings in technical and management areas of entrepreneurial venture.

Outwall incubatees refers to the researcher, technology developer or owner, or startup founder/s who are not students, faculty or staff of Bicol University who have qualified for the incubation program. The outwall incubatees are Sparkpoint Innovations Inc., Studio Down South, and 10X Philippines.

Sparkpoint Innovations Inc., is a startup that focuses on developing practical blockchain technology solutions

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

and specializes in cryptocurrency technologies. Sparkpoint was well represented by its Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Rico Roberto Zuñiga.

Studio Down South on the other hand was represented by its operations and project manager, Mr. Ismael Jerusalem.

Studio Down South is a startup multidisciplinary firm with an emphasis in hosting creative events, identity design and branding in the Bicol Region.

Another startup present in the event was 10x Philippines. It is a startup that utilizes a penless, paperless, and contactless app to automatically log people in when they enter any establishment. Representatives from 10x Philippines were Ms. Catherine Baleda, the co-founder and operations head and Mr. Romer Carbellido, Marketing, Sales and Business Strategist.

Present during the event were BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascarinas, BU Vice President for Research Development and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. Luis O. Amano, BU CTCED Director Dr. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Technical Project Leader of DOST-BU TBI Project Prof. Ma. Crestia C. Bañares, and the staffs of CTCED and SILI DELI. (Ana Marie Balleta/SILI DELI)

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The BU

B U re c e i ve s 4 0 m o b i l e t a b l e t s for flexible learning; OSAS to select student beneficiaries B

icol University Alumni Endowment Management Council on Foundations Incorporated (BUAEMCFI) has donated 40 Cherry Mobile Flare tablets for the BU students’ flexible learning through BU Office of the President last September 29, 2020.

Led by former BU President and BUAEMCFI Vice Chair Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya and as part of the 51st BU Foundation Anniversary, the gadgets will be distributed to selected colleges: 20 tablets to the College of Education

(CE) and 5 tablets each for the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), College of Engineering (CEng), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), and College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM).

During a Zoom meeting of the BUAEMCFI Board of Directors last July 19 and 24 2020, they have decided to spend its Php 200,000 pledge for cost of tuition per year for the tablets of the BU students’ flexible learning that costs Php 5,500 each.

Through a letter of response, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas assured BUAEMCFI that through the Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), they will select worthy BU students who belong to families with economic difficulty and cannot afford gadgets for flexible learning.

As of writing, OSAS is still finalizing the list of student beneficiaries of the ta blet from the list of colleges provided by BUAEMCFI.

Bicol University Alumni Endowment Management Council on Foundations Incorporated (BUAEMCFI) donated forty tablets through the office of the president for the BU students’ flexible learning last September 29, 2020.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

Flexible Learning - (L) Dr. Arnulfo M. MascariĂąas and (R) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan receives the forty mobile tablets donated by Bicol University Alumni Endowment Management Council on Foundations Incorporated (BUAEMCFI) last September 29, 2020.

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Going Green - (L) : Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas together with (R) Prof. Jocelyn Serrano during the partnership commitment signing ceremony for the BINHI arboretum establishment between BU and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) via zoom conference last September 24, 2020.

BU goes ‘green’ – to grow 96 indigenous trees species with EDC BINHI arboretum project I

n line with the celebration of the 51st Bicol University (BU) Founding Anniversary, a fruitful partnership-commitment signing ceremony for the BINHI arboretum establishment between BU and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) was held via Zoom conference last September 24, 2020. The project will conserve, protect, and propagate the 96 premium indigenous species that were identified by EDC’s BINHI team of foresters since 2008.

EDC is a Filipino company by the Lopez Group’s global and diversified renewable energy. EDC has been responsible for putting the Philippines on the map as the third largest

geothermal energy producer in the world for over three decades and the acknowledged leader in wet steam field technology.

It can be recalled that BU and EDC have been collaborating on projects related to biodiversity since 2014. This year, the BINHI project was launched in BU as part of EDC, as well as BU’s environmental advocacy.

The program commenced with opening remarks by the EDC Assistant Vice-President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations (CSR-PR) Atty. Allan V. Barcena followed by BU College of Science Dean Prof. Jocelyn Serrano who discussed a background between BU and EDC

partnership over the years.

Meanwhile, BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and EDC Assistant Vice President and Head of Corporate Support Functions Group Regina Victoria J. Pascual delivered their messages followed by the virtual ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.

Afterwards, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan delivered the closing remarks. The program was facilitated by BU Communications and Public Relations Office (CPRO) Director, Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista.

NEAP certifies BUCE as non-DepEd learning service provider

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fter undergoing the National Education Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) - Bicol orientation and training standards, Department of Education (DepEd) has awarded the Bicol University College of Education (BUCE as a nonDepEd Learning Service Provider last September 25, 2020.

Through an activity proposal submitted by BUCE Extension Program Coordinator Prof. Rafael Buemia, BUCE underwent the authorization and recognition guidelines for non-DepEd learning service provider. The orientation was conducted by DepEd Regional Office V Chief Education Supervisor of

the Human Resource Development Division and concurrent Head of NEAP - Bicol Dr. Sancha M. Nacion.

Present in the turnover of the certificate were BUCE Dean Dr. Lorna M. Miña along with Associate Dean Dr. Maria Teresa Moralde Abainza, and College Extension Coordinator Rafael Buemia.

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS BU-Diocese of Legazpi MOA UPDATES

Local parish in Bacacay initiates projects, donations for BUeños’ flexible learning

Extending Hands - Bicol University students volunteer to facilitate donations, pledges, and information dissemination, and other queries regarding the Adopt-a-BU-student program.

he St. Rose of Lima Parish in T Bacacay, Albay has initiated projects and donations for BUeños in their municipality struggling with their online classes.

Headed by Parish Priest and Vicar Forayne for the First Vicariate Fr. Edwin Bragais and the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), the projects initiated for BUeños in Bacacay, Albay, include provision for internet connectivity, load allowance, Wi-Fi sponsorship through the Adopt a BUeño for Wi-Fi access.

It can be recalled that Bicol University (BU) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Diocese of Legazpi for flexible learning delivery. This partnership seeks the assistance of local parishes in the Diocese of Legazpi for students struggling with their synchronous online classes.

As of writing, there are at least eleven sponsors who have pledged support for load/ data allowance for selected BUeños and four parishioners with strong Wi-Fi connection who have agreed to lend four

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BUeños access to their internet as part of the Adopt-a-BUstudent program. To facilitate donations, pledges, and information dissemination, and other queries regarding the program, a booth was set up at the parish manned by BU students and other volunteers.

Currently, a total amount of Php 2, 170 in donations have been raised. The parish support for load allowance amounting to Php 4000 will be given this Sunday during the Parish Pastoral Council meeting on October 25.

BU-Diocese of Legazpi MOA UPDATES St. John the Baptist Parish commits to free WIFI use, drop-off point for BU Tabaco students

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n an orientation-coordination meeting, yesterday, September 30, 2020, at St. John the Baptist Parish, in Tabaco City, Rev. Fr. Diogenes Barja, parish priest, committed to the free WI-FI use of Bicol University students in Tabaco, on a first-come, firstserved basis, beginning, Monday, October 5, Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am-11:30am, and 1:00pm-4pm.

Speaking to Communication and Public Relations Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, he mentioned that apart from installing the PisoNet connection, he is also offering the Parish Hall that could cater to the initial 40 or so students who would be accessing the parish Wi-Fi connection at a specified schedule; observing proper health protocols and social distancing.

He said, “This pandemic is only temporary so we decided we will go all-out in providing assistance to the less privileged Bicol University students in Tabaco; we are also open to be utilized as drop-off points for learning materials.” He calls on Bicol University students who are in dire need to access the parish WI-FI connection services by visiting the Parish Office to signup for this service by presenting their school ID. An Identification Card (ID) will likewise be issued by the parish.

Bicol University students from Tabaco are advised to contact Youth Coordinator Jasmine Joy Brizuela, a 1st year Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in

Science (BSED-Science) student or look for Ms. Letty De Villa at the Parish Office.

Interested students from farflung barangays are also welcome to avail these services by coming to the parish. Tabaco parish has also committed finding ways to provide or augment the transportation of students in going back to their respective homes. As of the latest count, there are 417 students from Tabaco but preferential treatment for these services are directed to students in dire need of assistance.

Malilipot, Malinao parishes eyed as drop-off points for learning materials In continuously responding to the needs of students on flexible learning, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Malilipot and Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish in Malinao, Albay are opening their doors as drop-off points for those Bicol University students from Malilipot and Malinao who may need to access these.

Rev. Fr. JC Omar Socrates Vita III, parish priest in Malilipot has expressed his support to the BU-Diocese of Legazpi MOA on Flexible Learning Delivery saying that, “dakula na bagay an magkamiridbidan and makahuron nin diit na minuto an mga estudyante na makadigdi sa parokya lalo na su mga dae man nakakadigdi pa.” (It is already a good opportunity to meet and talk to these students even for

just a few minutes particularly those who have never been to the parish.)

With limited connectivity in his parish, he is offering his hall for those students who may want to avail of learning materials subject to the delivery process of Bicol University. He has likewise assigned Alliah Clarisse Bio, a BU BS information Technology student, as point-person for the parish. The Malilipot parish has opted for Wednesdays for the delivery of learning materials, should the need arises.

Rev. Fr. Sotero Ubalde, parish priest of Sts. Joachim and Ann in Malinao, Albay has likewise opted for the same arrangement as dropoff point.

Reian Rowee M. Latiff, BS in Social Work student at the BU Main Campus has been assigned as one of the two coordinators along with Rowena B. Calla, parish Youth Coordinator that interested students may contact.

The parish secretaries Emz Berzosa and Maria Alcala were likewise present in the meeting.

There are 344 BU students in Malinao and 317 in Malilipot, Albay.

Orientation and coordination meeting with the remaining First Vicariate parishes in Sto. Domingo (Oct. 1), including Joroan, and Tiwi (Centro), and Panal, in Tabaco City have been all been scheduled on October 2, 2020. (R.E.B./CPRO)