SEPTEMBER 2021 | Vol. XIII Issue 9 ISSN 2094-3991 Bicol University, Legazpi City Telefax No. (052) 480-0167 issuu.com/thebuzzette_bicoluniversity www.bicol-u.edu.ph facebook.com/BicolUniversity
PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX
Master Electricians - Asper Encinares and Jealou Clutario both garnered an average rating of 87.50% ranked ninth in the September 2021 Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination (RMELE).
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o my Bicol University family, two years and we’re still in this pandemic. The vaccines had arrived, vaccination continues but lives continue to be lost. Jobs are still scarce, the mental and health resiliency of many are hanging by the thread. The continuing surge in COVID-19 cases continues to prevent us from regaining any semblance of normalcy in education particularly in our mode of learning. This is the present situation we all find ourselves in and if we continue to look at this big situation we might drown from its darkness. After all, there are so many things done wrong in the world today. But what’s right with the world, our essential services have continued and this part of the Bicol University world, learning continues. Education is still the heart and soul of Bicol University’s existence. Flexible learning in the hands of our flexible, resourceful and resilient
Pres Outbox | P7
News | P3 NIEVA wins S!NERGY national tilt
AN EXECUTIVE NEWSLETTER
2 CENG grads clinch 9th spot in master electrician licensure exam Truly a home of topnotchers!
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wo graduates from the BU College of Engineering (CEng) ranked ninth in the September 2021 Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination (RMELE). Asper Encinares, from Bulacao, Gubat, Sorsogon, and Jealou Clutario, from Libtong, Tiwi, Albay, both garnered an average rating of 87.50%. In an interview, Encinares shared her feelings upon knowing the results. “I was ecstatic. It was really unexpected. I headed straight to the list of passers and was satisfied when I saw my name there, but then I scrolled up and saw that I was included in the top 10,” she said. Likewise, Clutario said that he was also overwhelmed to think that they were in the same block for five years at the campus, and both of them aced the examination. Aside from topping the RMELE, Encinares also passed the Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination (REELE), while Clutario is eyeing to take the test in April 2022. “I applaud her intelligence for passing the REE exam and placing [in] the RME exam at the same time this year,” Clutario noted. Bicol University produced 27 newlyregistered master electricians among its 39 takers, obtaining an overall passing rate of 71.79% against the 67.44% national passing
Feature | P4-5 BU@52: Continuing the Tradition of Quality Education amidst the Pandemic
rate. Furthermore, the university hailed 18 new electrical engineers out of its 36 takers, garnering a 50% passing rate. The national passing rate for the REELE is 64.40%. Amidst the challenges set forth by the Covid-19 pandemic, Encinares and Clutario went on to take the licensure examination. “Due to lack of face-to-face review and financial difficulties, I had to review at home. It was a struggle because all kinds of distractions were present. Every time that the board exam was postponed, I was getting more and more frustrated,” Encinares shared. “Mahirap mag review during pandemic days; one of the struggles is that online ang review which requires some extra requirements like Internet and laptop or phone. Grabeng anxiety and disappointment, and yet, laban lang hanggang sa matuloy na ‘yung September 2021,” Clutario stated. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the licensure exams in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga. The REELE was held on September 5 to 6, with 1,668 passers out of 2,590 takers, while the RMELE was administered on September 7, with 1,506 passers out of 2,233 takers. (Source: Danica Marie Reoveros)
BUzzette | P7 BU-DOST TBI opens ‘The Grove’ co-working space
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BU receives distinction award from Natasha Goulbourn Foundation on mental health advocacy
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he Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) awarded a Plaque of Distinction to Bicol University during the webinar series: ITAEWON CLASS: Life Lessons and Moving Forward held on September 11, 2021. The award was received on behalf of the BU President by Vice President for Administration and Finance Atty. Joseph Bartolata. BU has continuously ensured that proper guidance and counselling is provided to the BUeños. As a dedicated non-profit organization advocating mental wellness, the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) invited Bicol University in a partnership to bring awareness about depression relevant to this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day. For the past 14 years, NGF has been
bringing depression to light and suicide prevention as the country’s official representative to the International Association for Suicide Prevention. This year, the foundation launched the NGF Mindstrong Webinar relative to the World Suicide Prevention Day held on September 8 to 2021 via their Facebook page. The free webinar’s theme was based on ABS-CBN’s film, “Last Night” featuring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. In the film, Piolo Pascual, who plays Mark, a desperate man who has lost everything, is ready to take his own life until he meets Toni Gonzaga, who plays Carmina, an odd woman who is also about to do the same. Together, they strike up a deal to help each other not to commit suicide. In a message delivered by VPAF
Atty. Bartolata, during the awarding of the Plaque of Distinction, he said that, “such initiatives have borne fruit. From 2017 to 2019, Bicol University had zero suicide incidents. But we know that the added pressure of this pandemic leaves us with more burden and an everincreasing responsibility to be even more vigilant so that we can counter the effects of depression and highlight the hope of a better tomorrow as we brave the new normal.” The Dean of the Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Dr. BB Benjamin Nebres III was also present during the awarding. Afterwards, a candle lighting was conducted to mark the end of the occasion. Through a prayer, this activity will give light for those who lost their lives to suicide.
Arb ore t um p ro je c t l a u n ch e d , 32 t re e s p e c i e s p l a n ted
Arboretum Project - The invited guests, participants, personnel, and selected students unveiled the BU-BINHIBACMAN-EDC ARBORETUM Marker on September 24, 2021 in front of the BU Student Union Centre (SUC) Building.
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ith the continuous celebration of the week-long 52nd Bicol University Founding Anniversary, the university, in partnership with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) through their BINHI project, launched the BU-EDC Arboretum Project on September 24, 2021 in front of the BU Student Union Centre (SUC) Building.
Last year, during the 51st BU Founding Anniversary, the BU-EDC Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held virtually. BU is the first partner university of EDC during the pandemic. This year, the project is set to move forward and materialize spearheaded by the BU College of Science in cooperation with the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Development. Broadcasted virtually through the BUCS CSIT Department Facebook page, there was also a limited face-to-face gathering for the program proper at the BUCS Building 1. The event commenced with a welcome message delivered by BUCS Dean Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano. She mentioned that a total of 32 native Philippine fruit-based species, will be planted. She also said that a bigger arboretum is set to establish at the BU College of Agriculture and
Forestry (CAF) campus. CSR Head and BACMAN-EDC Eduardo L. Jimenez delivered a message of commitment on behalf of EDC as partner of the university followed by messages delivered by VP for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Luis Amano and VP for Planning and Development Prof. Jerry Bigornia on behalf of BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas. Present also in the event was VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia Dorosan. Afterwards, the unveiling of the BUBINHI-BACMAN-EDC ARBORETUM Marker took place at the façade of CSB1. The invited guests, participants, personnel, and select student went to the SUC building for the ceremonial tree planting. The EDC-BINHI has four modules: tree for food, tree for leisure, tree for life, and tree for the future.
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 Photographer & Layout Artist Cherry Grace H. Calisin News Writer Arnold C. Noda Graphic Artist Reynalyn C. Cernechez Contributors Danica Marie Reoveros, Carl Ivan Abainza 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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NEWS
Financial Technology - Bicol University engineering student, Clarence Janna Nieva, conquered the competitors and won the title in the vitual S!NERGY national competition last September 21, 2021.
NIEVA wins S!NERGY national tilt Bringing Quarta from Bicol to the rest of the Philippines!
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junior civil engineering BUeño from the College of Engineering once again brought pride and honor after clinching the championship title in the virtual S!NERGY national competition held last September 21, 2021. Clarence Janna Nieva, who hails from Guinobatan town in Albay, conquered nine competitors from different parts of the country, qualifying her to the Asia-Pacific S!NERGY competition. Nieva is known for her project called “Quarta,” a mobile banking app and a student-led, financial and startup leveraging technology that aims to bring banking and financial literacy to the rural communities in the Philippines. Along with her team, Nieva said that they are thrilled that the project that they built from scratch is growing day by day and continuously gaining traction. “I think that fuels us, really, seeing the growth and the simple support that
we are getting from the public,” she said. “That’s so important for us because we really can’t do this alone without the public and their acceptance. Why would we continue Quarta if it’s not really for the people?” she added. Now, aside from bringing Quarta from the Philippines to the world stage, Nieva is optimistic to making it one of the leading financial technology services in the future, joining the likes of GCash and PayMaya. On the other hand, in a virtual interview, she recalled the struggles that she encountered while preparing for the said competition. “My main struggle is in balancing academics and the competition itself. Good thing, I have my team who would happily help me even though they are also struggling with [their] academic requirements—I have Ivan, Ian, JV, Rena, Team Sexy, Team Quarta, and also Al,” Nieva said. Furthermore, she encouraged her fellow students who also aspire to have a startup business to start making small but progressive efforts as soon as possible.
nge Agents for Social Transformation and Development.
“Good thing here in our Philippine ecosystem, it’s very supportive and conducive to startups [because] there are many businesses and corporations, and they are really looking forward to partnering with us,” she said. With her success, Nieva thanked her team’s mentors who included people working in various banks for their valuable support to Quarta. She also extended her appreciation and gratitude to Albay Vice Governor Edcel Grex Lagman, Hon. Ann Y. Ongjoco of Guinobatan, SK Federation Chair Matthew Orpiada, SK Chair Bryan Palabrica, as well as to the BU College of Engineering (CEng) College Student Council (CSC) and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers BU Student Chapter (PICE-BUSC). The national competition was hosted by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace – Philippines, with the theme “Youth Action for Peace and Sustainable Development” that centers on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations. (Article by Danica Marie Reoveros | Layout by Carl Ivan Abainza, The Gearcast)
BU@52: Cont Quality Ed B
U WEEK DAY 1 September 20. 2021 | The week-long celebration began with the opening of the Agri-Techno Fair headed by the BU Extension and Management Division (EMD). At the same time, the University Student Council (USC) launched the BU E-Sports Olympics and Dunong BUeño: Debate Competition virtually through their Facebook page. On the other hand, a ceremonial virtual signing of the General Bilateral Agreement on the International Cooperation and Inception Meeting was held between Bicol University and the University of Tanjungpura, Indonesia participated by the International Relations Office, College of Arts and Letters (CAL), College of Business Economics a n d
tinuing the Tradition of ducation amidst the Pandemic Management (CBEM), and Language Center. Afterwards, a Virtual International Lecture Series on Value Innovation 2021 hosted by the University of Tanjungpura, Indonesia and BU, took place. The highlight of the first day was the GAWAD BUEÑO: University Virtual Recognition Program prepared by the Office of the Student Affairs and Services broadcasted on the BU Facebook page. BU WEEK DAY 2 September 21, 2021 | To formally begin the celebration, a Thanksgiving Mass was held presided by Rev. Msgr Noe B. Thomas at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Albay. Some BU officials, headed by Pres. Arnulfo Mascariñas, deans, directors, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel attended with strict observance of COVID-19 protocols. Afterwards, the Virtual Commemoration of the 52nd Founding Anniversary was shown online with video greetings and messages from the BU officials, deans, and select directors of the university. The second day is also dedicated for the people behind the university dubbed, BU Personnel Day. In line with the annual occasion, the BU Association of NonTeaching Staff (BUANTS) held a program broadcasted live in the BU Facebook page. The virtual program launched the Livelihood Augmentation through Skills Training and Development. The partnership was a joint project of BUANTS in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (OVPRDE) through EMD. BUANTS also held a soft launching of their website and office as well as the Health Support Project in partnership with the BU Auxiliary Services. Afterwards, another project was introduced titled, Civil Service Professional Examination Review project of BUANTS with cooperation for the College of Science (CS) and the OVPRDE through EMD. In the afternoon, the Online BINGO was held. This was participated by the BUANTS and BU Union of Faculty Association Inc. (BUUFAI) members. The winners for the Tiktok Challenge, I Heart BU K-Dub Challenge, Trivia Quiz, and Raffle Draws were also announced. For the I Heart BU K-Dub Challenge, t h e
College of Nursing received the first prize followed by the College of Science and College of Arts and Letters. 21 BU personnel received P500 to P5,000 on the Raffle Draws category. On the other hand, 12 winners were awarded with P250 for the Trivia Quiz Games. For the Tiktok Challenge, the College of Medicine was declared the winner followed by the Daraca Campus and East Campus. The Agri-Techno Fair of the BUEMD and the E-Sports Olympics, Dunong BUeño, and Dance Competitions of the USC continued virtually. This day also marked the inaugural ceremony of the BU and DOST PCIEERD supported, new facility – co-working space at the Student Union Building. It was also virtually broadcasted via BU’s Facebook page. Day two’s highlight was the BU Gabi ng Parangal, organized by BUHRMDO, honoring the retirees and personnel in their years of quality service to the university. 41 retirees were awarded. Under the Loyalty Awardees, 47 was awarded Bronze Pin for their 10 years of service; 32 Bronze Pin awardees as well for their 15 years of service; 26 Silver Pin awardees for their 20 years of service; 24 Silver Pin awardees for their 25 years of service; 11 Gold Pin awardees for their 30 years of service; 10 Gold Pin awardees for their 35 years of service; and one Gold Pin awardee for his 40 years of service. BU WEEK DAY 3 September 22, 2021 | The Agri-Techno Fair still continues along with USC’s on-going debate competition, E-Sports Olympics, and Online Quiz Bowl. An online selling of Agri-products also took place led by the BUEMD, TREMS, College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), and CTCED. The BUEMD also launched the BU Community Pantry online. The BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) held two webinars titled, Tabang sa Panahon nin Pandemya: A Community Pantry – Modern Bayanihan for BU-ANTS and the BUCSSP CREC for Institutional Research on Flexible Learning dubbed, One College, One for all Faculty Research Engagement. The third day of the celebration continued with the virtual competitions on E-Sports Olympics, Dunong BUEño, Palarong BU: The Amazing Games 2021, and Online Quiz Bowl. This day also served as the BU Student’s Day. BU WEEK DAY 4 September 23, 2021 | College activities held virtually by the college units and campuses of the university. The College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM), in partnership with the Extension Management Division (EMD) launched the virtual Best Theses Presentation.
The Institute of Design and Architecture (IDeA) and the Gender and Development (GAD) held a Workshop on GAD Concepts and Mainstreaming: Gearing Towards Becoming a College. On the other hand, CSSP held the BUCSSP CREC for Institutional Research on Flexible Learning dubbed as “One College, One for All Faculty Research Engagement.” In addition, a radio program was held featuring guest Dr. Ramesis M. Lorino, Director of BU Open University who discussed the topic on Bridging the University of the Future. USC led the dance competitions on two categories: Philippine Folk Dance and Interpretative Dance. The Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) spearheaded the Virtual Fitness broadcasted through the BUEMD Facebook page. BU WEEK DAY 5 September 24, 2021 | The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCAA), in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, CAL, EMD, and College of Education (CE) launched the NCCA 4TH Research Colloquium: Salikultura Research Methodologies. On the other hand, IDeA and RDMD held the Mentoring Mentors on Thesis/ Research Writing. The College of Science (CS) officially launched the BU-BINHI EDC Arboretum Project. It can be recalled that during the 51st Founding Celebration, a virtual MOA signing between BU and EDC took place. The Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, along with the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (JMRIGD), CSSP, EMD, and CEMS also held the Mandanas Ruling: Webinar on the Implementation of Mandanas Ruling and its Implication to SUCs. BUOU also launched their Online Kapihan attended by Graduate School (GS) and OU students. The Mr. and Ms. Bicol University (MMBU) was crowned. Both candidates were representatives from CAL. They were Angelica Marie Camu, and Nelson Villaflor II. BU WEEK DAY 6 September 25, 2021 | The celebration continued until weekends. The BU Graduate School Day was held virtually as well as the BU Alumni Day and BU NSTP Day. As an annual tradition, the BU Virtual Hataw was also launched. On the other hand, the IDeA held Balik Arkitekto Lecture Year 4. USC also released the over-all results. CENG was hailed Champion followed by IPESR, CE, and CS. On the other hand, the over-all highest pointer is IPESR followed by CENG, CE, and CS.
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Anniversary Celebration - Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan guested in the weekly radio program titled, Programang PangEdukasyon at Pangkabuhayan in partnership Radyo Veritas where she presented the upcoming activities in celebration of BU’s 52nd Founding Anniversary.
VPAA Dorosan announces events for BU’s weeklong 52nd Founding Anniversary celebration D uring the weekly radio program titled, Programang Pang-Edukasyon at Pangkabuhayan in partnership Radyo Veritas, featured guest Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan presented the upcoming activities in celebration of BU’s 52nd Founding Anniversary to be held on September 21 to 25, 2021. The Thursday radio program was hosted by Prof. Edgar Barrameda, faculty of the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM). With the theme, BU at 52: Continuing the Tradition of Quality Education amidst the Pandemic, Dorosan said that this year’s theme is to maintain the traditions of BU even before the pandemic. For the university’s impending anniversary, Dorosan was emotional as she announced the College of Nursing’s plan to pay tribute to the frontliners. Touched by the initiative, Dorosan said that the tribute will recognize the commitment and service of the frontliners, especially the college’s alumni nurses. Afterwards, the VPAA recalled some activities held prior to the celebration. On September 15, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the establishment of the Center for Human Rights Education between BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) and the Commission on Human Rights V was held. On the same day, the Online International Training in Advanced Conversational English on Culture and Arts in partnership with three universities in Taiwan spearheaded by the International Relations Office (IRO), Language Center, and the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) select faculty.
On September 16, the College of Science (CS), in celebration of its 17th Founding Anniversary, held a tree planting and caring activity dubbed, DENTRO. This project aspires an establishment of a ‘Forest in the City,’ according to the VPAA. On September 17, some faculty, students, and colleges will conduct their events. Dorosan announced the activities by the University Student Council (USC) for the students. These were the Literary Competitions and the virtual Mr. and Ms. BU 2021. Dorosan reminded the public that all events and activities will be conducted virtually. September 19 is scheduled for the E-Sports Olympics, Visual Arts Competition, and Musical Competition headed by the USC. To mark the beginning of the week-long anniversary celebration on September 20, the following events are: the Agri-Techno Fair and the virtual signing with an international partner school in India, and On the other hand, the USC will also conduct a debate competition dubbed DUNONG BUEÑO and Dance Sports Competitions, The highlight of the first day will be the university virtual recognition program, GAWAD BUEÑO. p On September 21, the day will begin with a Thanksgiving Mass in celebration of the founding anniversary. The same day also marks the Personnel Day dedicated for the teaching and non-teaching personnel of the university. USC will also continue their events in the Instrumental Music Competitions, Dance Sports Competitions.
In addition, an opening program for the BU Week celebration will be held in the afternoon. The highlight of this day will be the Gabi ng Parangal honoring the outstanding personnel, alumni, and retirees of the university. One of the highlights on September 22 will be the Bicol University Pantry. This day is also dedicated for the students dubbed, STUDENTS’ DAY. On September 23, some colleges will be having their own activities. To announce a few, CBEM will be conducting a radio program and the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Virtual Fitness. USC will also continue their respective events and activities. On September 24, a 4th National Research Colloquial at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, a webinar on Mandala’s Ruling and its Implication on Education, a Mentoring and Mentors on Thesis Writing, launching of the BU BIHNI called Arboretum, Online Kapihan sa BU Open University, BU Retiree’s Day, MMBU Pageant Night. On September 25, the BU Graduate School will be having their events. The mostawaited BU HATAW and the video tribute to BUCN frontliners will also launch on the same day. The BU Institute of Design and Architecture plans to conduct an activity called Balik Arkitekto. A virtual Alumni Day will also take place in different alumni units of the university. Dorosan invites the public to virtually attend all these events and join the university in celebrating its 52nd Anniversary.
A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change
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NEWS
SILI-DELI ‘The Grove’ co-working space opens
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fter two years, Startup Incubation and Limitless Integration of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Leaders of Innovation (SILI-DELI), the first business incubator in the Bicol Region, launched The Grove, a coworking space at the Bicol University (BU) Student Union Building on September 21, 2021. In celebration of the 52nd BU Founding Anniversary, the first-ofits-kind project was inaugurated through the efforts and support of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council of Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technologies Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) headed by Dir. Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of the Innovation Council and it’s RITTD Team. In his message, Dir. Paringit praised BU for its dedication to build a facility that will allow emerging companies to uncover their potential, develop their interests, and accelerate their evolution into a powerful firm in the future. He exhorted and encouraged the startup community to take advantage of SILI DELI’s facilities and services, and use this opportunity to build a startup
ecosystem in the Bicol Region and foster a critical mass of innovators who would challenge the status quo and affect significant change in our society. Present in the inauguration ceremony were BU President Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas together with Dr. Arnulfo P. Malinis (CTCED Director), BU Vice President for Research Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano, and Engr. Sandro B. Noguerra who represented Dir. Rommel Serrano of DOST V. The Grove will provide office space as well as access to its shared facilities. It will also function as revenue-generating shared study workspace for BUeños, faculty and personnel, digital nomads, and professionals. Faculty, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and members of the working population can interact, share, and learn new ideas in this type of co-working environment, which promotes a sense of belonging to a community, work flexibility, serendipitous encounters with like-minded people, idea generation and sharing, and business networking. SILI DELI will help and support enthusiastic technology entrepreneurs turn their ideas into powerful, scalable, and profitable businesses, as part of its goal of linking minds to the market.
Pres Outbox | P7 faculty members has resulted, sustained and quality learning amidst the constraints of this pandemic. We continue to produce passers and topnotchers in licensure examinations. We continue to offer online trainings and forge local, national international partnerships for collaborative undertaking and productive partnerships. Our faculty members are continuously breaking barriers and advancing knowledge through the research and development undertakings unfazed by this pandemic. We have
continuously supported our students with the necessary equipment for learning in this new normal even if it started on slow and tentative footing. Now, we have slowly evolved into our own as we maintain the tradition of quality education Bicol University is known for. Our world in this part of Bicol University is somehow still right. Today as we look back at the 52 years that we have been a family in Bicol University community, I urge everyone to look back at the years we had with pride, happiness and unending gratitude
for every struggle won and every accomplishment done. I ask you to stick and standby each other as one Bicol University family undeterred by calamities and unbowed by the continuing challenges of the world brought by this pandemic with faith, hope and love of who we are and what we have become as one Bicol University family. We will continue to stay strong and resilient as we hold on to our vision and make the dream of every Bicolano scholar a reality. Happy 52nd founding anniversary to our dear Bicol University.
Working Space - Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and Dr. Luis O. Amano were present during the launching of a co-working space at the Bicol University (BU) Student Union Building called ‘The Grove’ by Startup Incubation and Limitless Integration of Dynamic Entrepreneurial Leaders of Innovation (SILI-DELI) on September 21, 2021.
e Agents for Social Transformation and Development.
BU holds Mid-Year Performance Management Review, 2022 WFP
Continuous Commitment - On September 6 to 23, 2021, different colleges and offices attended the Mid-year Performance Management Review and 2022 Work and Financial Planning Workshop at the BU GASS conference room where their plans and accomplishments were assessed and evaluated.
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n the light of the drastic changes brought by the pandemic and in its continuing commitment to achieve the vision and goals of becoming a world class university, Bicol University (BU) evaluated, developed, and planned the 2021 Mid-Year Performance Management Review (MPMR) and 2022 Work and Financial Planning Workshop (WFP) held on September 6 to 23, 2021. This mid-year event examined the plans of each academic and support units of the institution in line with the thrusts and priorities of the present administration. According to the Office Memorandum No. 191, series of 2021 released by the Office of the President, this workshop specifically intends to achieve the following: Increase level of understanding of the current administration’s strategic directions and institutional targets; Present the mid-year accomplishments in FY2021 vis-à-vis SUC levelling and PREXC targets; Develop programs, projects, and activities in accordance with the thrusts and priorities for the 2022; and Review and approve work and financial plan of each academic and support unit based on the thrusts and priorities and compliance with IATF and COVID-19 safety protocols. The eight-day workshop was held in four venues: BU GASS Conference Room, BU Amphitheatre, BU Old Main Library, and the BU ICTO Training Room. The first day commenced with an orientation held on Zoom that discussed the guidelines and instructions of the workshop. It was participated by all
BU officials, academic-related Deans, Associate Deans, Directors, Chief Administrative Officer for Administrative Services, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance, Legal Officer, Cluster/Unit Administrative Officers, Clusters/Unit Budget Officers. On the second day, the PMR and 2022 WFP of the following colleges were presented: College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM), College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), College of Science (CS), and College of Nursing (CN). The third day consists of the presentations of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), Gubat Campus (GC), Tabaco Campus (TC), and Polangui Campus (PC). On the fourth day of the workshop, College of Medicine (CM), Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation, College of Education, and College of Arts and Letters (CAL) PMR and WFP were presented. The fifth day gave way for the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (JMRIGD), Graduate School (GS), Open University (OU), and College of Law (CL). The sixth day was scheduled for the presentations of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), College of Engineering (CENG), Institute of Design and Architecture (IDeA), Communication and Public Relations Office (CPRO), Information and Communications
Technology (ICTO), Presidential Management Staff Office (PMSO), Internal Quality Assurance Office (IQSA), Legal Affairs Office (LAO), International Relations Office (IRO), Alumni Relations Office (ARO), Office of the Board Secretary, Administrative Office, and Motorpool. The panel members consisted of the BU President, Vice-Presidents, Budget Officer, ISO Internal Auditor, and Gender and Development (GAD) Director, GS Dean. On September 22 to 23, a simultaneous presentation of 2021 WFP and one-on-one presentation of OPCR targets held on the four venues aforementioned. On the other hand, the following were the panel members for the Simultaneous Activity: Site 1 (BU GASS Conference) VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, BU ISO Lead Auditor Dr. Roscefe B. Dy, and VPAA Technical Staff Peejay N. Gealone; Site 2 (Old Main Library) VP for Administration and Finance Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata, Board Secretary Atty. Norly P. Reyes, FMO Chief Atty. Loyd P. Casasis, University Budget Officer Crisanta A. Botin; Site 3 (ICTO Training Room) VP for Planning and Development Prof. Jerry S. Bigornia and Planning and Development Office Director Alwin Joseph M. Maceres; and Site 4 (BU Amphitheatre) SUC President IV Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and VP for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano. Strict health and safety protocols were observed in the conduct of the activity.