SEPTEMBER 2020 BUzzette

The

BUzzette AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 | Vol. XII Issue 9

issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity

ISSN 2094-3991

facebook.com/BicolUniversity

PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

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oday, I sense a quiet stillness from an academic institution that thrives on sounds and the pulsating beat of everyday life. I sense a subdued celebratory mood that has replaced the lively and festive air every September as we celebrate the life and times of our beloved Bicol University. As I looked back at the Golden Moments in last year’s 50th founding anniversary – the carnival rides, the food booth, the open-air cultural night, the glitz and glamor of the entire celebration – I can’t help but be nostalgic. But all that nostalgia cannot replace the feeling of pride I have right now for my Bicol University family because in spite of the present situation we have been thrust in unexpectedly – we have managed to ride the waves of change that this COVID19 pandemic has brought.

With each other’s constant help and support, we were able to pool our innate talents and resources to organize in such a short time, a capability enhancement for flexible learning. Our respective colleges, units, and offices all came together to ensure that safety mechanisms were in place to guarantee that the usual process will not be hampered or limited. Adaptive measures were likewise instituted. Most of all, each of us rose to the challenge of this pandemic by responding to the needs of our students, faculty, and frontliners who were caught offguard during the lockdown. Alumni, partner-institutions, along with the skills and talents of our faculty and personnel were able to fabricate face shields, disinfectant mats, and others that were given to our frontliners as immediate assistance. We came through for our students who were stranded in the Pres Outbox | P8

News | P3 35 retirees, 109 loyalty awardees recognized in Gabi ng Parangal 2020

BU sustains internationalization; forges partnership with ICMA

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ustaining its internationalization plan amidst the COVID19 pandemic, Bicol University through its Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (BUJMRIGD), virtually launched the International City/Country Management Association and oath taking ceremony of new officers from the Bicol University JMRIGD Student Chapter through a simulcast via Zoom and BU’s Facebook page last September 25, 2020.

ICMA is the world’s leading association of professional city and country managers and other employees who serve local governments according to its website. Its vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world.

As part of BU’s 51st Founding Anniversary, the virtual event commenced with an opening prayer by BUJMRIGD Associate Director Dr. Rosemarie Ty-Frias followed by an opening statement

by BUJMRIGD Director and Faculty Adviser of ICMA BU Student

Feature | P4-5 BU responds to BUeños; launches ‘Tabang sa Pag-adal’

Chapter Dr. Noemi Lobrigo-Ibo. The induction of officers and oath taking ceremony werre led by BU Business Affairs Office Director Dr. Viola L. Amano and Golden Gate University (GGU) from the United States of America and GGU ICMA Student Chapter Advisor Professor Dr. Jay Gonzales.

To formally acknowledge the induction, Masters in Public Administration student and Interim Chapter President of ICMA BU Student Chapter, Rancel P. Ramos delivered his acceptance talk on behalf of the officers and students.

Afterwards, an advisor’s message by GGU Distinguished Adjunct Professor and BU Mentor in the Profession Dr. Willie Britt followed by another message from BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

The event concluded with the closing remarks by BU Graduate School (GS) Officer-in-Charge Dean and Co-Mentors in the Profession of ICMA BU Student Chapter Dr. Herbert B. Rosana.

The virtual meeting was facilitated by BU JMRIGD faculty Dr. Cynthia O. Mendoza.

News | P7 Rhythmic or arrythmic: Behind the scenes of BU’s 2020 Virtual HATAW

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The BUzzette

NEWS

BU a d mi n , staff pledge 100 k a i d f or Tab an g sa Pag-Adal Pro g r a m T

o aid Bicol University (BU) students who need assistance in the online setup, administration officials, as well as the teaching and non-teaching personnel, of BU pledged cash donations for the Tabang sa Pag-adal program launched September 21.

“Sa BU palang, meron na tayong nearing ₱100,000 na mga pledges. Sa loob palang yan ng Bicol University as of today,” said Atty. Alex Nepomuceno, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) and proponent of the program, in an interview with the Bicol Universitarian on September 23.

He added that his initiative to pledge a specific amount of money for the program last September 22 created a ripple effect throughout the university’s offices that resulted in some deans, directors, and officials to pledge also for the program.

Social Action Program One can contribute to the program by giving cash or in-kind donations and learning materials. Support for the reproduction and delivery of learning modules is also needed.

The project also includes subprograms, like the “Adopt a BU Isko.” St. Louise School in Sorsogon already have pledged that it will adopt a student and will consider them as the grantee’s academic benefactor or foster parent.

Also, Learning Mobility Centers

will be established to serve as receiving and forwarding areas for those students who have no internet access and those in the farflung places.

Selection of Beneficiaries Beneficiaries of the program will be determined through using the prioritization outline, following the sequence of poorest of the poor to poor and needs-based principle, to assure that those who need the most assistance will be catered first.

The process would start through the localization at the department level wherein it would be the one to point out the beneficiaries who need to be prioritized. The list will then be forwarded to the college committee headed by the dean of the college who shall make a request to the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) for validation since it was this office who conducted the survey last enrollment. OSAS has the basis to identify who are really deserving of the grant.

After that, the validation is forwarded to the committee of the whole headed by BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas. Results will be deliberated, and the committee shall issue a resolution authorizing the distribution of donations to the students and disbursement of the money.

How to Donate?

The program has already started, which implies that the committee is already open for donations and

pledges that people may offer.

Currently, the program’s Committee of Finance will be opening accounts for the Tabang sa Pag- Aral in a bank, GCash, Smartpadala, and other avenues that can be a means to extend the donations.

Moreover, a section on the official website of BU is being created for netizens to use for transparency, public knowledge, and disclosure of information about the program.

Interested donors may contact any of the different departments of BU through their cellphone numbers and email addresses which can be accessed in this link: https://bit. ly/3j81QfK. Continuous and Sustainable Nepomuceno said that as long as there are poor, less-fortunate, less-privileged students who would like to pursue their goals and to be better citizens of the future, the program has to go on.

“This program shall be founded on love, integrity, kindness, and honesty, which shall be all in observance in transparency and accountability. Kailangan tayong lahat ay maging alisto sa pagbantay kung paano natin maprotect ang integrity ng programang ito,” Nepomuceno said.

Article by: Arianne Kim Colle (The Bicol Universitarian)

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 Bicol Universitarian , Arianne Kim Colle, Denise Flores and Jessaniel Buena 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

Gabi ng Parangal 2020 recognize 35 retirees, 109 loyalty awardee n celebration of its 51st Founding served from 6 to 42 years Lastly, BU Vice President I(BU) Anniversary, Bicol University coming from different colleges, for Research, Development awarded 35 retirees and campuses, offices, and units of the and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. 109 loyalty awardees during the Gabi ng Parangal 2020 via virtual presentation prepared by BU Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) Facebook account last September 26, 2020.

The virtual awarding commenced with an invocation

by BU College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Dean Dr. Leticia M. Lopez followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and a message from BU President Arnulfo M. MascariĂąas.

To formally confer the 35 retirement awardees, BU Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) led the program with his congratulatory message.

The 35 Retirement Awardees

university. A video presentation was dedicated to each awardee along with messages from their colleagues.

Afterwards, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan delivered her congratulatory message to the 48 Bronze Pin Awardees with 10 to 15 years of service - 19 awardees have served for 10 years and 29 awardees having served 15 years.

Meanwhile, BU Vice President for Planning and Development (VPPD) Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia delivered his congratulatory message as well to the 38 Silver Pin Awardees with 20 to 25 years of service - 3 awardees having served for 20 years and 35 awardees having served 25 years.

nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

Luis O. Amano delivered his congratulatory message to the 23 Golden Pin Awardees with 30 to 40 years of service - 11 awardees having served for 30 years, 11 awardees having served for 35 years, and 1 awardee having served for 40 years.

To congratulate all awardees, BU Union of Faculty Associations Inc. (BUUFAI) President Engr.

Fernan D. Dematera and BU Association of Non-Teaching Staff (BUANTS) President Mr. Salvador R. Bilono II both delivered their congratulatory messages.

The presentation ended with a closing remarks by Chief Administration Officer Administrative Services Atty. Norly P. Reyes.

FEAT

The BU

BU responds to BUeños; launches ‘Tabang sa Pag-

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Chang

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Uzzette

-adal’

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esponding to the BUeños’ cry for help on online learning, Bicol University (BU) officially launched the “Tabang sa Pagadal”, a Social Action program for the benefits of BU students, after the virtual opening ceremony aired live at BU’s Facebook page last September 21, 2020.

The launching of the Social Action Program is part of the 51st Founding Anniversary celebration with the theme dubbed as “BUrugkos, BUrunyog sa PAGANDUROG sa Panahon nin Pandemya,” which began with a concelebrated thanksgiving mass held in the morning at the St. Jude Thaddeus Filipino-Chinese Personal Parish, Legazpi City presided by Most Rev. Joel Baylon, Bishop of Legazpi graced with the presence of Rev. Fr. Paulo B. Barandon, and Rev. Fr. Ramoncito S. Segubiense, and attended by some BU officials and personnel.

To officially begin the 51st BU Founding Anniversary celebration, a virtual opening ceremony was held in the afternoon where BU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, BU Vice President for Planning and Development Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia, BU Vice President for Administration and Finance Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata, BU Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano, SUC President IV Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, and CHED Commissioner and Chairperson of BU Board of Regents Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag delivered their messages and greetings live via BU’s Facebook page.

Afterwards, the launching of Tabang sa Pag-adal took place with warm greetings from BU VPAA Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan followed by the

ge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

project’s Program Lead Proponent and BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) Dean Atty.

Alex B. Nepomuceno, Ph.D. “Rest assured that the Tabang sa Pag-adal program is welldesigned with its guidelines and mechanisms from financial solicitation and fundraising activities shall be properly accounted for with all transparency and public disclosures through its strategic communication plan and platforms as well as resource collection allocation, distribution, and mobilization,” Atty. Nepomuceno said.

With this program, Atty.

Nepomuceno appeals to the public and other partners and stakeholders to help BU students in need of financial support especially in adopting to the needs of flexible learning.

Afterwards, an inspirational message and call for support were delivered by BU President Mascariñas followed by a series of statements of support from the BU community and partner organizations. Video footage of initial donations and pledges were likewise shown. Tabang sa Pag-adal is an on-going initiative, proposed by CSSP Dean Atty.

Nepomuceno, and participated in by all units and colleges, taking off from the initiatives of the Office of Student Affairs and Services through its respective college student councils, and headed by the University Student Council.

It intends to be an umbrella program for all student assistance initiatives across the university.

The event was facilitated by BU Communication and Public Relations Office Director Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista.

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The BUzzette

NEWS

CAL, CBEM, CS, CSSP celebrate 16th Founding Anniversary online T

his year, as we celebrate the 16th Founding Anniversary of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM), College of Science (CS), and College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), let us take a glimpse of the past on how it was established way back 2004.

Bicol University (BU) first president Atty.

Dr. Ricardo A. Arcilla (1970-1980) managed the organizational transition of the various incorporated units, systematized policymaking, and the development direction of BU. He envisioned BU to be a sanctuary of scholarship, a training camp for professionals, and a social service station - to produce powerful forces toward education and research, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was established in 1972.

Marking the first decade of BU’s existence was the beginning of the term of second BU President Judge Aquilino P. Bonto (19801988). His leadership focused on linkages with several organizations and agencies, rapid growth, and new spectra of activity such as the Center of Cultural Studies, Computer Center, and Audio-Visual Center.

Third BU President Dr. Ma. Patria G. Lorenzo (1988-1992) committed her administration to the cultural and value transformation of BU. One of the historical milestones was the turning over of the AudioVisual Center by the Japanese Government and its facilities in support of the Center for Bicol Studies.

In 1992, fourth BU President Dr. Lylia Corporal-Sena (1992-1999) embarked on the expansion of BU’s academic, research, and extension programs and pursued democratization of tertiary and advanced education without sacrificing quality education. At the same year, the rise of the Institute of Communication and Cultural Studies (ICCS) was established offering the Bachelor of Communication Arts curriculum.

Under the leadership of the fifth President Dr. Emiliano A. Aberin (1999-2003), Bicol University’s vision was: “In the 21st century, BU would have fully emerged as a progressive, outward-looking and dynamic educational institution that works in strong partnership with other agencies uplifting the Bicol area socially, economically, and culturally.”

During his presidency, he decentralized the administrative and fiscal system and the crafting of the BU Comprehensive Development (COMDEV) Plan was initiated.

This plan will enhance the organizational set-up and the academic clustering of colleges/units by relatedness of disciplines/ fields of studies, and creation of service and professional colleges.

Year 2003 was the transition of university leadership to Dr. Susana C. Cabredo. She envisioned BU to be, “A university system of excellence dedicated to the generation, enhancement, and transfer of knowledge and technology, employing state-of-the-art facilities and learning approaches through competent management, and teaching and non-teaching personnel committed to the development of productive scholars imbued with moral and social conscience to sustain regional and national development.”

Under her first two-year of stewardship, Dr. Cabredo fully implemented the COMDEV Plan. Academic units were restructured into service and professional colleges and academic programs were reviewed that paved the way for restructuring of the University’s academic courses and gave birth to four new colleges: the College of Arts and Letters

(CAL), College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM), College of Science (CS), and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) from the CAS and ICCS. Now in its 16th year, the pandemic will not hinder us from celebrating this milestone virtually.

CAL commenced its week-long celebration with the theme, “CAL Sweet 16: Overcoming Obstacles, Sustaining Excellence.” The CAL - College Student Council (CSC) conducted a Literary, Visual, Music, and Dance (LitViMusDa) Competition online.

While CBEM - CSC plans to set up a 16-day-long virtual activity bannering the theme, “BUCBEM at 16: Ceaselessly Attaining Numerous Sweet Success.”

On the other hand, CS - CSC posted a video walkthrough of 16th Founding | P8

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change

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The BUzzette

NEWS

Rhythmic or arrythmic: Behind the scenes of BU’s 2020 Virtual HATAW

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his year’s countless catastrophes that seem to lurk frequently had been made more profound by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, forcing multiple minor and major occasions to a standstill.

These events were either moved, rescheduled, or even worse…cancelled.

Moreover, most of us could really conclude that 2020 is indeed cancelled, as these anticipations were all blown up by the virus bomb and shoved to our faces.

We are witnessing these series of unfolding nightmarish events as we are stuck at home and in front of a screen is our only way of connection to the world.

Among one of the most impacted major events was Bicol University’s BU Week, a week of festivities celebrating the university’s founding anniversary.

Founded on June 21, 1969, this year was supposedly the 51st Founding Anniversary had it not been for the pandemic, which added to the university’s long list of missed

events for the academic year 2020-2021.

It is undeniably the most awaited week for the whole university, where the celebration is always iconic, merry, and record-breaking. Headlines across some news sites had always highlighted BU’s signature tradition—the BU HATAW. However, this year is entirely a different case.

Following the mandated safety protocols in containing the virus, face-toface classes were not allowed, and mass gatherings were strictly prohibited. In resolution, Bicol University had used the “go online” card once again.

As a result, instead of the usual festivities and celebration of the founding anniversary, the university had modified the annual occasion to be done in online platforms, still ensuring student participation amidst the health crisis.

From ‘viral’ to ‘virtual’ Institute of Physical Education Sports

e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

and Recreation (IPESR) Director Carina Lanuza Sales stated that the decision to still continue the virtual HATAW was from her suggestion during a meeting with the university president, Dr. Arnulfo Mascarinas.

According to Sales, it was more challenging to do the HATAW virtually since traditionally, introduction of HATAW routines are usually done face-to-face.

“It was quite sad na hindi sya actual makikita, that’s why ginawa naming virtual para hindi na ulit maputol yung hataw tradition for the second time,” said Sales referring to the two-year hiatus of the HATAW tradition during the academic year 2016-2018.

Moreover, in preparation for the virtual HATAW, Sales said that the budget was not a problem because even before, they do not use much budget for the HATAW.

Virtual HATAW | P8

Virtual HATAW | P7

Online classes clash with online HATAW The guidelines for participating in the “virtual HATAW” was to record self-videos of involved students and submit them after five days, as told by their instructors, which generated diverse sentiments, mostly opposing the short allotted time.

The students, mostly freshmen, had ranted about the short heads-up while some questioned the necessity of HATAW. “Time management is kailangan talaga pero nakakadrain na rin kasi ang online classes so we still have to make time to rest,” shared freshman Civil Engineering student Jan Carlo Bagasbas, pressing that with the numerous school tasks given to them, the virtual HATAW poses a lot of hassle.

In response, BU-IPESR Director Sales explained that the decision itself to continue the festivity was late and that they were prepared for the reactions especially of the freshmen who will participate for the first time.

“Short yung span to submit because the decision and the preparation actually happened during the first week of September. We doubled our time to prepare and come up with the routine and video,” Sales stated.

“It’s great that there’s an attempt

to keep the tradition going amidst the situation we’re in and it’s also a great way for students to be able to focus on something recreational besides the stress on the academic work,” said Stephanie Barrameda, a second-year nursing student.

“But we already have so much on our plate with the increased workload brought about by the online classes,” she added.

“Imagine having to receive news of virtual HATAW being given just a few days before the expected date of presentation when last year we were given a few weeks to prepare. Instead of being even just a little bit excited, I got even more stressed,” said Francesca Marie Flores, a second-year food technology student.

Not only students are affected by the change, Jarmi Diane Mandane, BU-IPESR instructor, shared the struggles instructors are also facing in the light of teaching the HATAW routines.

“In my point of view the greatest challenge would be the difficulty with internet connection or worse no access to an internet connection. This greatly affects the conduct of any online learning,” Mandane said.

Mandane also emphasized the importance of HATAW even in the midst of the health crisis as the said activity can be

viewed beneficial to students.

“This activity is an opportunity to held students to keep themselves active and moving because they are held seated attending their online class and is alarming to their health status. Being sedentary can increase the risk for diseases,” she added.

BUIPESR Instructor Rocelle Alvarado explained why all freshman and sophomores are required to participate in the virtual HATAW. “Hindi lang katawan natin igagalaw natin kundi puso’t isipan.

Yung pagmamahal mo bilang isang oragon na Bueño, dapat humahataw,” Alvarado said.

They say that you are not a pureblooded Bueño unless you experienced the mass presentation and danced among the crowds of excited students, facing the grandstand and sprawled across the sports complex. The essence and the spirit of camaraderie is strong during that “proud Bueño moment.” There is a subtle belief that the HATAW is the ritual that anoints a student to becoming a complete BUeño.

But there are limitations to some things no matter how persistent and willing one could be. There is no solution that paves way to strings of difficulties.

16th Founding | P6 their journey from its

establishment since 2004 along with messages from BUCS Dean Prof. Jocelyn Serrano and BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

Lastly, CSSP has related their celebration to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and raise awareness on health protocols with their theme, “CSSP in the midst of Crisis: Learnings and Challenges.”

“Your College would not have risen to

its present status of academic prominence had we not dared to traverse uncharted directions and set new goals grounded on innovation and creativity. The vision of a world-class Bicol University, has required each of us to go into difficult roads and many challenging miles, more so amidst today’s global crisis; but it is not a quixotic dream,” BU President Mascariñas said on his message for the college’s founding anniversary.

“We have to remember that when there

is a fusion of innovations and creativities, all work becomes a perfect integration of novel ideas and union of creative minds. If we are to achieve our vision of a world-class Bicol University producing leaders and change agents for social transformation in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, we need to continuously develop and sustain our role as knowledge generators responsive to the 21st Century challenges of borderless, multicultural, and flexible education,” he added.

Pres Outbox | P1 midst of the province wide lockdown. We did not leave any student behind and ensured their safe return from their families. Food, donations, and other forms of assistance followed through the initiatives of various units, colleges and alumni. This resulted in an enhanced and widespread COVID19 assistance. We opened our doors to our medical frontliners and offered our grounds and dormitories even in our external campuses. The Bayanihan spirit was so much more felt and is infinitely alive in the hearts of every BUeño.

Now, on our 51st founding anniversary, we call on this same communal spirit of sharing and service as we take on the celebratory cry of “Pag-andurog” to our students and frontliners. BUrugkos, BUrunyog sa Pagandurog sa Panahon nin Pandemyan – reflecting the spirit of unity and oneness,

we call on the entire Bicol University family to extend your help – to share and serve – as change agents for social transformation and development. As we give due honor to our frontliners, we are likewise keeping in mind the travails and despair, the joys and hopes, the cry and anguish of our students in keeping with the sudden change in learning and living. Your Bicol University Cares – and this is not just mere lip service. We walk our talk as we are launching later on the Social Service Program for Tabang sa Pag-adal.

We are not indifferent to your plight, dear students; because we care more than you would ever realize.

We may be in the midst of this pandemic storm. But we don’t just sit and lick our wounds. We are after all, a resilient people.

We think of ways and means to help ourselves and to help others more. That is the Bicol

University spirit infused in every BU scholar and in every faculty and personnel. And this is what we bring out best as we celebrate and look back at our moments and continue to look ahead and live our dreams for Bicol University.

BUrugkos, BUrunyog sa Pagandurog sa Panahon nin Pandemya is the celebratory cry of the Bicol University family. Should we not celebrate? Perhaps not in the usual way we often look up to in terms of celebration.

But the spirit of service and helping where we are most needed is always worthy of being celebrated.

As one Bicol University family, let us continue living our dreams and helping others to live theirs and build more dreams together.

Congratulations to all of us and Happy 51st Founding Anniversary, dear Bicol University!

Article by Denise Flores and Jessaniel Buena