September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9

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

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

BU Week 2017

P.3

ISSN 2094-3991

The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, the prime mover and one of the founding fathers of Bicol University, passed away at the age of 99. To have lived so long and done so much for his country and the Bicol Region will forever be the hallmark of the life and times of Senator Dominador R. Aytona. His ninety-nine years of life did surely make an impact and imprint on the lives of his fellow Filipinos, particularly the Bicolanos through the establishment of Bicol University.

The Bicol University administration, faculty, staff, and the entire BU community, join the nation in mourning the passing of a great man. Bicol University is forever grateful for his outstanding contribution to the academic climate of the Bicol Region. The landmark Republic Act No. 5521 became the soul that breathe life to Bicol University – giving it the identity as a State University in the Bicol Region to serve the Bicolano students and scholars.

Along with Congressman Carlos Imperial and Senator Jose M. Alberto, Senator Dominador R. Aytona worked towards attaining “progress and development in the Bicol Region.” As a native of Libon in the Province of Albay, Senator Aytona clearly showed great leaning for education and its transforming power, being an educator himself, finishing an education course at the then Albay Normal School (now Bicol University College of Education), before he became a statesman.

His long list of achievements and outstanding accomplishments as statesman has definitely left an indelible mark in the annals of Philippine politics, law, and education. But more than his achievements, more than his brilliant mind, his devotedness as a family man, and beyond his strength as a notable statesman, Senator Dominador R. Aytona, will forever be remembered by an eternally grateful Bicol University community, as he leaves his “footprints on the sands of time.”

Thank you and rest in peace, Senator Aytona; and may the angels guide you towards your eternal home for “You have fought the good fight; you have finished the race; and you have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8New International Version (NIV).”

Pres. Mascariñas, 1st district Cong. Edcel Lagman, Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, Hon. Rodel M. Batocabe and Hon. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., AKO Bicol Representatives, and 3rd District Cong. Hon. Fernando V. Gonzalez lead the ribbon cutting of four new buildings in Bicol University on September 22, 2017 at the Main and East Campus.

Four new Bicol University buildings inaugurated

new Bicol University buildings were inaugurated on September 22, 2017 at BU East Four Campus and Main Cmapus, Legazpi City.

The buildings are the Dormitory 1 in Main Campus, BU College of Engineering Gymnasium, Multi-Tech Building in BUCENG, and BR - Food Innovation Commercialization Center in BUCIT. Engr. Amelia A. Gonzales, BUCENG Dean, Dr. Jonathan Arroco, BUCIT Dean, and Dr. Viola Amano, Business Affairs Office Director gave the statement of purpose. Bicol University Arnulfo

Mascariñas delivered his message.

BU Pres. Mascariñas, assisted by the vicepresidents, deans, and guests led the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker. Rev. Fr. Eric Martillano, Assistant Executive Director Social Action Center of Diocese of Legazpi led the blessing of the facilities. The turn-over of the symbolic key was also held.

Shi Chien University visits BU; inks Cross Strait Engagement The Shih Chien University (USC) in Taipei, Taiwan visited Bicol University and to sign a fiveyear Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Research and Academic Cooperation and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Student Exchange on September 26-27, 2017.

Headed by the USC President, Dr. Michael J.K. Chen together with Prof. Johnny C.J. Wu, Director of International Affairs Office; Ms. Katy Y.X. Chang, Executive Secretary of International Affairs Office; Mr. Jim Lin, Student Volunteer of International Service; and Ms. Zene Fan, Student Ambassador, the MOA and MOU signing took place at Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City.

As expressed in the MOU on Research and Academic Cooperation, both parties will shore up on (1) exchange of academic and administrative staff and students; (2) extension of students’ learning opportunities; (3) cooperation in research and the presentation of its results; (4) exchange of academic materials, publications, and other scientific information; and (5) other educational and academic exchanges to which both universities agree. The agreement of implementation includes the elaboration of the responsibilities of

MOU signing between BU and Shih Chien University at the Oriental Hotel, on Sept.

27, 2017.

each institution for the agreed activities; schedules for specific activities; budgets and financial sources for each activity; and other items deemed necessary for the efficient management of the activities.

The MOA on the other hand, focused on Student Exchange enhances both parties’ teaching, learning, and internationalization objectives as it provides exchange opportunities for full-time

Shi Chien/p.3

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

ISSN 2094-3991

Ode to the Life and Times of Senator Dominador R. Aytona

There are people who go through life wondering what happened to the life they are meant to have lived. There are those who lived life the way they are meant to live it. But there are those who, upon coming into the world, and living the life they are meant to live, leaves an indelible imprint on a significant corner of their world – making it a bit better than when they first came in. The ninety-nine years gifted to Senator Dominador R. Aytona was indeed replete with significant meaning, milestones, and moments that resonated in the lives and institutions that he helped developed and nurtured. With his passing, Bicol University offers this simple tribute to the life and times of one of its founding fathers – Dominador R. Aytona.

Modest Beginnings Aytona, were revoked. Being outspoken and highly Brief Brush with Martial Law Senator Dominador Rosauro Aytona, a well- principled, Aytona, did not take the revocation as easily It is worth knowing that Senator Aytona, after loved son of Bicol, hails from the agriculturally-rich as it was meted out. He challenged Administrative his stint at the Senate, was among those charged municipality of Libon, in the Province of Albay. Born to Order No. 2 of Diosdado Macapagal. This gave birth on November 14, 1983 by then President Ferdinand parents Jose Ataviado Aytona and Vivencia Cerdon to the landmark case of Aytona vs. Castillo [G.R. No. E. Marcos, with smuggling and other offenses, along Rosauro on May 23, 1918, Dominador R. Aytona L-19313]. However, in the end, the Supreme Court with 33 executives and employees of eight leading began his early education showing the promise of upheld President Diosdado Macapagal’s actions. As textile and garment companies. Aytona by then, intellectual prominence. His primary and intermediate this case played out, in the end, this case became was head of Alliance Textile Mills. Marcos accused school education was replete with academic the landmark doctrine on the prohibition of midnight these executives and employees as “having cost the distinction, finishing with high honors at the Albay appointees. country’s ailing economy tens of millions of dollars in Training Department. He began his relevant affinity lost revenue.” At the time of the charges, the country to the academic world when he took up a teaching was still reeling from the effects of Martial Law under course at the Albay Normal School (now the Bicol the term of Ferdinand E. Marcos. Previously, the University College of Education). He practiced his Filipino Business Conference had brought to Mr. teaching profession in 1935 at Vinzons in Camarines Marcos’ attention “detailed recommendations for Norte. Love came at an opportune time, when he political change adopted at the group’s convention.” married his fellow teacher, Magdalena Raro, three The former President ignored the call for countless years later. The newly-wedded couple, shortly after, “liberalizing changes” in government policy and decided to look for their advancement in Manila. It charged the group, instead. Indeed, even as a was during these times that Aytona worked as a private citizen, Aytona never wavered in his clerk in the General Auditing Office. championing the cause for the welfare of fellow Filipinos.

Outstanding Scholar and Student With his perseverance and Bicol University: Senator Aytona’s Legacy determination, Aytona studied at night to the Bicolanos at the University of Manila. This, while In a brilliant act of visionary foresight, simultaneously holding a regular daytime Senator Dominador Aytona legislated RA job as clerk at the General Auditing Office.

5521 – establishing Bicol University and His innate intellectual prowess as a scholar converting into its composite units the existing and a student came to the fore when he academic institutions in the Bicol Region. completed three degrees with outstanding With this significant move, the Bicol Region academic performance. He obtained all gained a veritable state-subsidized center three degrees at the University of Manila of academic learning that has continuously being a constant scholar, outstanding student, served the Bicolano scholars throughout its 48 and gold medalist. In 1947, he completed his years of existence. This single act of legislative Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, brilliancy has created ripples of change in the graduating as summa cum laude. Two years later once parochial academic landscape of the Bicol (1949), he obtained his Bachelor of Laws as magna Region. It paved the way for the establishment and cum laude. Not resting on these degrees alone, he expansion of more academic institutions to serve the (May 23, 1918 – proceeded with his Master of Laws in 1951; again, Bicolano youth.

September 26, 2017) capping it with cum laude honors. A year before that, Bicol University is indeed Senator Aytona’s he garnered a general rating of 94.55% in the 1950 legacy to the Bicolanos, educators, and students.

Bar Examination – a feat that earned him the second The life of one man who became a change agent in spot and permanently established his mark as a firsthis quest for making the world a bit better through rate lawyer. an education for social transformation has definitely The Bicolano Becomes Senator made good, each of those who benefitted from his The humble beginnings of Dominador R. Aytona well-lived and purpose-driven life. The Bicol University Rise to Prominence With the spirit of constant perseverance, did not prevent him from reaching the heights of glory community will always remember Senator Dominador coupled with his tremendous skills, Aytona’s career in his career. He ran for Senate, won, and served the Aytona in eternal gratitude and keep his memory a began to rise. He rose from the ranks of clerk to Filipinos during the 6th and 7th Congresses from 1965 constant inspiration to make a lasting legacy through budget examiner, field auditor, fiscal statistician, chief to 1971. It was during these times that he showed his enlightened minds and transformed lives. (Renelyn E. of section and on to bureau auditor. The unassuming brilliance as a statesman by enacting laws that “aimed Bautista/CPRO) Aytona became acquainted with then Rep. Ramon at improving the quality of life of the Filipino people.”

Magsaysay of Zambales, who would later be known Being a Bicolano and an educator, he dreamed of REFERENCES: Olive (2017), Senate passes resolution as the “Man of the Masses,” and 7th President of seeing his native Region becoming progressive as Caunan, expressing condolences for former Senator Dominador the Philippines. This was in 1950 when Aytoina was he saw education as a transformative tool for change. Aytona, Public Relations and Information Bureau, Senate drafted by the Senate as financial adviser at the time Thus, he definitely thought of enacting relevant laws of the Philippines, Press Release, Sept. 28, 2017 geared towards this end. when Magsaysay was still in Congress.

Elemia, Camille (2017), Senate pays tribute to late As a good senator of the Republic, Dominador senator Dominador Aytona, published: 4:00 PM, When Ramon Magsaysay became President, he appointed Aytona, who was then at a youthful R. Aytona was greatly responsible for breakthrough October 02, 2017, Updated 4:00 PM, October 02, 2017, on September 29, 2017 at https://www.rappler. age of 36, as Budget Commissioner on January 1, legislations that gave timely and innovative measures. accessed com/nation/184056-senate-tribute-necrological-rites1954. Under the leadership of President Garcia in Such legislative measures have become a true dominador-aytona 1960, Aytona became the Secretary of Finance which testament to the grand legacy of the life and times Trumbull, Robert (1983), Charges filed on 33 Filipinos, concurrently assumes the position of Chairman of the of Senator Aytona. Among these were Republic Act published: November 15, 1983, The New York Times, 5521 or an Act Establishing the Bicol University, RA accessed on September 29, 2017 at http://www.nytimes.

Monetary Board of the Central Bank.

6014 or an Act Creating the Students Loan Fund com/1983/11/15/world/charges-filed-on-33-filipinos.html Authority, and RA 6124 or an Act Providing for the (n.a.), Dominador Aytona, accessed on September 29, Landmark Case: Aytona vs. Castillo When Pres. Diosdado Macapagal assumed the Fixing of the Maximum Selling Prices of Essential 2017 at https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_ Presidency in 1961, all the midnight appointments of Articles or Commodities, Creating the Price Control senators/dominador_aytona.htm (n.a.), Dominador Aytona, accessed on September 29, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, including that of Dominador Council.

2017 at http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Dominador_ Aytona

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chan

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

Bicol University hosts British Council, CHED’s 8th Monthly Learning Session

LEARNING SESSIONS | Dr. Victor Soliman, VPRDE, presents the status of BU with regards to its partnership with the University of Liverpool, at the Oriental Hotel, on Sept. 28, 2017.

s part of the regular rotation in sponsoring A the Monthly Learning Session (MLS) and in order to strengthen linkages of the Philippine universities that are partners of the British Council, Bicol University (BU) hosted the 8th Monthly Learning Session on September 27-29, 2017 at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City.

The session is a monthly activity under the Transnational Education Joint Development of Niche Programmes (TNE-JDNP) through Philippine UK linkages which aims to provide support for Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines.

The 10 model Philippine State Universities and Colleges including BU, were chosen by the Commission on Higher Education in sponsoring the said MLS. The event was participated in by the British Council officers, international collaborators, CHED Officials, and officials and professors from the ten HEIs namely Ateneo de Manila University, Central Luzon State University, De La Salle University, Miriam College, Saint Louis University, Siliman University, University of San Carlos, University of the Philippines Diliman and Los Baños, University of Sto. Tomas, and BU. The meeting was devoted in discussing and learning from experience as the 10 universities develop their niche academic programs. The event also gave an opportunity for project leads to thresh out issues on project implementation.

Part of the activity included sharing of experiences by BU and UoL, updates from the 10 HEIs on the development of their TNE academic programs, updates from British Council and CHED, and a workshop themed “Next Steps for the Monthly Learning Session.”

Shi Chien/p.1

undergraduate and graduate students considering the duration of stay; numbers of exchange students; status of exchange students; acceptance procedures; study program; academic record and accreditation; tuition fees and matriculation; insurance; government requirements; and commencement and duration of the agreement.

The event was a joint venture between the International Relations Office (IRO) of Bicol University a nd the International Affairs Office (IAO) of Shih Chien University to foster strategic alliance on academics, research development, and student exchange. Dimson Rivero/IRO

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

ISSN 2094-3991

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

ISSN 2094-3991

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

THE FOUR NEW BU BUILDINGS

BU-RFICC conducts seminar on its services, stakeholders’ meeting

celebration of Regional IofnScience and Technology Week the Department of Science

BUCENG GYMNASIUM

Food Innovation Commercialization Center

STUDENT DORMITORY 1

MULTI-TECH BUILDING

Bicol University serves as host institution for Phil-HECS EDP’s Univ Dynamics Laboratory

hosen by the Commission C on Higher Education (CHED) as one of the model

Higher Education Institutions, Bicol University served as one of the host universities for the conduct of University Dynamics Laboratory (UDL) under the Philippine Higher Education Career System (PhilHECS) Executive Development Program (EDP).

Nine EDP candidates underwent the UDL, an experiential learning activity designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to learn directly through model Higher Education Institutions and their communities.

The nine candidates are Prof. Jaime Jalon of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences; Prof. Ma. Agnes Ladia of Tarlac State University; Prof. Daylinda Laput of Jose Memorial State University – Dipolog Campus; Prof. Dinah Licyayo of Ifagao State University; Prof. Marie Jane Matero of University of the

Phil-HECS candidates share their findings and observations to the officials of Bicol University after their 5 day shadowing program on September 25-29, 2017.

Philippines – Cebu; Prof. Manuel Muhi of Polytechnic University of the Philippines; Prof. Lilian Parreño of Guimaras State College; and Prof. Adrian Semorlan of Western Mindanao State University.

The said activity took place on September 25 - 29, 2017 pursuant to the pertinent provisions of RA No. 7722, or the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” and CHED Special Order No. 26, declaring BU as the host for the nine candidates of the Phil-HECS EDP for the UDL. For five days, the EDP candidates observed strategies and best practices in higher education governance through exposure to the actual leadership and management styles employed

in BU. The UDL allowed the candidates to draw upon these experiences to develop their own approach to HEI leadership, aligned specifically with the context of their respective institutions.

The EDP, as part of the Phil-HECS, is the professional advancement and career management system for senior executives in State Universities and Colleges. It recruits qualified individuals from both the public and private sector, develops them into highly competent higher education executives, and facilitates and tracks the progress of their careers towards appointment to leadership positions in SUCs.

and Technology Region V, the Bicol University - Regional Food Innovation and Commercialization Center (RFICC) organized a Seminar on the Services of BURFICC Cum Stakeholders Meeting on September 26, 2017 at the BU East Campus.

The seminar intended to orient the participants on the functions and services of BU-RFICC and showcase the features of the center. The activity employed lecture-discussion, sharing updates, facility tour and orientation, and engaging with the stakeholders to strengthen linkages through possible collaboration.

DOST Secretary Fortunto De La Peña graced the event as the guest speaker.

The BU-RFICC was established to enhance the innovative capacities of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) in the region. The Center will help entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their existing products and/or develop new ones. It will serve as an incubation area to create and test new products, from concept to market testing.

The Center can also link MSMEs and BMBEs with the array of services and resources for them to be more efficient, more competitive, and consequently more profitable. Through the center’s integrated R&D program, it will attempt to enhance the value of these food products by innovating on their present form, improving the packaging using industrial designs and value-adding activities.

AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL BOARD Renelyn E. Bautista, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief Mary Ann M. See Circulation Manager Earl Epson L. Recamunda Photojournalist/ Layout Artist Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta News Writer Dr. Dimson Rivero/IRO Mark Francis Banay Contributors Reina O. Habalo, Ed.D. Helen M. Llenaresas, Ed.D. Editorial Consultants Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Ph.D. Overall Consultant/Publisher