The Bicol Universitarian - Volume XLII Print Issue 1

VOLUME XLII

ISSUE 1

Official Member: College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines & Bicol Association of Student Campus Writers

June-September 2014

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE website: unibeonline.com

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e-mail: unibe.online@gmail.com

BU 4Ps scholars balloon near thousand

by Joshua Caleb Pacleta

A

imed at combating poverty, the government is now taking a radical step as it is granting to exponentially increasing beneficiaries a generous scholarship in selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) including Bicol University (BU).

For academic year 2014-2015, BU has admitted 847 scholars, mostly Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, under the Expanded Student Grants-in-Aid Program (ESGP-PA). This is a great leap compared to just 121 from last enrolment.

According to the data of BU administration, Gubat Campus (GC) has admitted the highest number of ESGP-PA scholars with 157 student-grantees.

Meanwhile, Polangui Campus came next with 141; College of Business Economics and Management has 136; College of Agriculture and Forestry, 128; Tabaco Campus, 120 and College of Industrial Technology, 113.

On the other hand, 20 grantees were accepted at the College of Education; 16 at College of Arts and Letters; 6 at College of Engineering; 5 at College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and; 2 from both the College of Nursing and Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation

BU 4Ps/page11

Senate nods Iskolar ng Bayan Act BU poised for more slots?

by Joshua Caleb Pacleta

I

n order to increase access to higher education, the Senate has approved on its final reading a bill that would provide scholarships to the top graduates of public high schools all over the country.

LIFE MUST GO ON. The students of Brgy. Quirangay, Camalig continue to attend their classes in the tents standing in Camalig North Central School. Camalig North Central School served as the evacuation center of the residents affected by the volcanic activities of Mayon.

by Don Mari Phil Frayna

'Glenda' wreaks P190 M damages on BU TC hit the greatest

by Janelle Tanguin with reports from Jervy Anne Romero, Bryan Del Castillo, Jessica Bechayda and Alyssa Joana Aro

A

lmost P190 million worth of damages was recorded in eleven colleges of Bicol University (BU) after typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun) hit the region last July 15, 2014.

In an assessment report submitted by the Deans of the different hard lashed colleges to the office of the BU - Vice President for Administration (VPA), Tabaco Campus (TC) was the most damaged with P34 M.

The colleges which also acquired massive loss were: College of Engineering (CEng) with P15.5 M; Polangui Campus with P12.84 M; College of Agriculture and Forestry with P11 M; College of Industrial Technology (CIT) with P8.8 M; College of Education (CE) with P5.5 M; College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) with P3 M; College of Arts and Letters with P2.5 M; College of Science (CS) with P1.5 M; College of Business Economics and Management with P1 M and; College of Nursing with P500 thousand.

Meanwhile, in the main campus the total damages recorded was P93.5 M. REPAIR AND REHABILITATION Among the devastated infrastructures in BUTC, the highest amount of damages were recorded in Administration Building, Student Center, Aquaculture Wet Laboratory, Student Center and Student Dorm with P10 M, P6.150 M, P2.5 M, P1.5 M and P1 M worth of damages respectively.

According to Wilson Biron, BUTC Administrative II Utility Foreman, the first move that the college did was to inspect on the highly damaged buildings and submit the report of damages to the BU Administration.

“Binigyan muna namin ng pansin yung aming mga facilities. Nilipat yung [ibang] opisina sa hindi masyadong apektadong building para makapag-function yung administration. Sunod naming tinignan yung mga may

‘Glenda’ wreaks/page 4

KNOCK DOWN. The students going to College of Science (CS) walk in a different path as the Centree blocked the road connecting gate 2 to CS. Typhoon Glenda hit Bicol last July 15, 2014. Glenda destructed properties and tumbled the centennial old tree also known as Centree.

by Don Mari Phil Frayna

NEWS | 3

NEWS | 3 BU hails 62 College of Medicine studes

NEWS | 5 BU goes Google; biggest in PH

Albay model on zero casualty

Dubbed as the “Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014,” Senate Bill (SB) 2275 mandates all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to award automatic admission and provide scholarship grants to the top 10 public high school students of their graduating class.

Subject to the act’s provision, the students are given the chance to enroll in the SUCs of their choice within his or her province except for the University of the Philippines (UP).

According to its charter, UP has its own institutional autonomy being a national university and not an SUC.

Due to the SUCs varying sizes and diverse course offerings, some of the scholars might not be admitted in the course and school of their choice within their respective provinces. The responsibility then falls on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that the Iskolars ng Bayan are accommodated within their province or nearby provinces.

Senate Bill 2275 also considers the existing demands of employers and so the different government agencies would be required to identify priority disciplines, programs and courses, taking into the labor market realities.

Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture Chairperson, Pia Cayetano alongside with her brother Senator Allan Peter who authored the law, said that the Iskolars ng Bayan Program offers a big incentive for high school students to work hard and excel in their academics in order to rank within the top ten of their graduating class.

“Deserving but underprivileged youth will then be able to complete their college education. It ensures that meager resources will not hinder the crème de la crème of our public high school system from pursuing higher education,” Sen. Pia Cayetano

Senate nods/page 4

FEATURE | 7 ALPHA PHI OMEGA

Service & Brotherhood

NEWS FEATURE | 12

NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP:

A quick peak on Adie’s term

2

NEWS

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

Lara, 1st BU Google stude envoy

by Jervy Anne M. Romero and Arthessa Marie Ladoing with reports from Jessica Bechayda and Jeano Marcayda

A

fter three years of searching for student ambassadors all throughout Southeast Asia, a Bicolana finally met Google’s standards.

Kathleen Castro Lara, a 4th year BS Information Technology (BS IT) student bested almost 2,000 applicants all over Southeast Asia, making her one of the 134 Google Student Ambassadors (GSAs).

GSAs are campus leaders who search for ways on how technology can be improved and be able to make a difference in their universities and communities.

Aside from Southeast Asia, Google also searched for ambassadors in United States, Middle East and South Africa, India and Latin America.

SELECTION COURSE

The first stage of the selection process required the aspiring GSAs to fill up a form which included their credentials and experiences, submit letters of recommendation from their professors and upload a video of themselves explaining why they deserve to be one of Google’s student ambassadors.

“When they [Google] posted the applicants who passed the first screening, my name was not included.

Fortunately, after three days, I received a message saying that I was one of the five applicants who were added to the list of qualifiers for Stage Two,” Lara said.

After the first stage, the aspirants were asked to attend a Google Student Representative Summit last May 29-June 2 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City for confirmation of their willingness to be one of the GSAs.

Out of the 134 ambassadors, 34 were chosen from the Philippines.

by Rojee Peninoy and Jeano Marcayda

A

fter seven years of planning to become an institute, Architect Reynaldo O. Nacional, Architecture Department Head said that the progress involves changes in the final name and courses.

GUESS THAT GOOGLE. Kate Lara, a Google Student Ambassador (GSA), together with Jo Prisse Olfindo conducting an icebreaker letting the participants identify the Google services corresponding to the logos being flashed during the Google Caravan held in Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) on June 27, 2014.

by Jerry Jethro Calag

To become a GSA, an applicant must be thrilled by new technology, enthusiastic about Google and involved in school communities.

Lara’s credentials included her two-year work as the Webmaster of The Bicol Universitarian and her one-year experience as the President of the Circuits, departmental organization of the BS IT students.

GOOGLE APPRENTICES

Ten Google students from Bicol were also chosen by the technological company to help the ambassador in raising awareness and informing other students about Google applications and opportunities.

These ten Bicolanos also submitted their application to become one of the ten G-students in the region, seven of

which came from Bicol University (BU).

Cindy Digo, Ronalyn Ariola, Edjay Abarientos, Alec Buencamino, Dick dela Vega, Jan Robert Lopez and Jo Prisse Olfindo of BU are among the ten G-studes.

There are other three students from STI College, Aquinas University of Legazpi and Our Lady of Fatima.

“This opportunity as a G-student did not only allow me to share my knowledge about Google but also improved my public speaking skills,” Olfindo stated.

PLANS AND ACTIONS

As student ambassadors, they would be able to have a closer jump in being involved in Google-related activities and may be given the benefit to work in the prestigious technological company.

In line with this, Lara together with the ten G-students launched the very

first Google College Caravan for BU College of Science (BUCS) last June 27, 2014 at BU College of Nursing Ampitheater.

The caravan aimed to share awareness about Google applications as educational tools for the students.

Motivated by freebies exclusively offered by Google, BUCS students actively participated during the talks. Different Google Apps like Gmail, Google Drive and Google+ Hangouts were discussed by Lara and the two G-students from the university.

Lara and her team also plan to organize Google Caravans in the different colleges of BU and in other colleges and universities in the region.

“When you get involved in Google, you will never attempt to leave their sphere because lots of opportunities will be opened for you,” Lara said.

CHED scholars ensured to graduate

by Jessica Bechayda with reports from Bryan del Castillo

C

ommission on Higher Education (CHEd) secured its educational support to 19,480 scholars, grantees and borrowers last July 10, 2014 at the Albay Astrodome.

The CHED Orientation on the Implementation and Guidelines set the rules and grounds for termination to be observed by the scholars and grantees in order for them to maintain their scholarship and grants-in-aid benefits.

SCHOLARS AND BENEFITS

For academic year 20142015, there are 117 Full Merit (FM) scholars, 119 Half Merit (HM) scholars and 18,480 Tulong Dunong (TD) grant-in-aid grantees. The latter will receive P 6,000 each semester, P 7,500 for HM and P 15,000 for FM.

Titus E. Cańete, a first year College of Science student and a scholar of Full Merit Program expressed his gratitude towards CHED.

“I’m really thankful that we have CHED because if not for them, I will have a very hard time when it comes to financial matters,” he said.

According to CHED, there were least numbers of qualified FM and HM scholars because the Central Office provided few slots for them.

Nacional: Archi Institute still on progress

SEA OF SCHOLARS Almost 20,000 CHEd (Commission on Higher Education) scholars, grantees and borrowers gathered at the Albay Astrodome last July 10 during the Orientation on the Implementation and Guidelines of its scholarship programs.

CHEd ensured the scholars to graduate in college if they will be able to abide by the rules of the programs set by the Commission.

by Joshua Caleb Pacleta

QUALIFICATIONS AND VALIDITY

The scholars were selected through a thorough assessment. In order for a student to qualify, CHED considers two factors: 1) 40% for annual family income, and 2) 60% for the student’s grades.

The Commission also encouraged the beneficiaries to submit the necessary documents as early as possible

while the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) process the allocated funds.

On the other hand, there is a three-month validity for the financial grant. If the scholar failed to obtain the appropriate amount on the given time, the fund will be brought back to DBM.

“When a student submitted the documents at inabutan siya ng threemonth validity, ipa-process namin sa

accounting at ang accounting ay magrerequest ulit sa DBM para mapondohan,” Cyril V. Badiola, CHED Education Supervisor II and Scholarship Coordinator said. “Kaya lang, maghihintay ulit sila for the release of funds,” she added.

The scholarships will be enjoyed by the scholars until Academic Year 2017-2018 provided that the CHED guidelines would be strictly observed by the beneficiaries.

“The process of establishing the institute is still ongoing,” Nacional affirmed. “But during our last meetings with President Fay Lauraya, it was decided that the proposed institute will encompass natural and built environment courses,” he added.

The department head pointed out that Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies will be its final name. It will be composed of courses that are concerned with the designs and plans of buildings that support climate change adaptation.

Aside from Bachelor and Master of Science in Architecture, the institute will also offer courses like Landscape Architecture, Meteorology and other Environmental Sciences.

“Supposedly, we want to launch it right after the approval of the proposal. However, during the process, we have to comply with the papers and paperworks caused the delay of the implementation,” explained Nacional.

He stated that hopefully next year, the institute can be fully established.

“As how President Lauraya wants it, I think there is really a need to call for the speedy implementation of the Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies,” he further said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Architecture also set a theme about institutionalizing Architecture during their Arkilympics last July 28-August 1, 2014.

SciTech Days held in CS

by Danica O. Navida

I

n line with the celebration of the 2014 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) with the theme “The Philippines: A Science Nation Meeting Global Challenges,” College of Science (CS) celebrated the Science and Technology (S&T) Days last July 30-31.

Despite the hit of Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun) in the province, the annual event was still conducted but not in the whole college.

Most of the College-Based Organizations (CBOs) did not join in the event since majority of their exhibits would utilize electricity.

“During the consultation of CS-College Student Council (CSC) with the CBOs involved, other CBOs that were affected by the loss of electric supply decided not to join because there was no assurance if there will be a power supply during the event,” said Symbiosis President Edric Ian Vargas.

The two-day activity included the launching of Pili Drive, Biology Exhibit, Natural Science Quiz, Bingo sa Bio, Seminar on Biodiversity, Bloodletting and Blood-typing and an extension program at Bigaa Elementary School.

“Marami sanang projects and programs if other CBOs and departments were with us,” Ernie Artiaga, Symbiosis External Vice President said.

In the activity’s ninth year, the Biology Department spearheaded the S&T Days.

“S&T Week was originally celebrated by the Natural Science Department which later on became the Biology Department during the time when College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) still exists,” Prof.

Jocelyn E. Serrano, head of the Biology Department stated.

NEWS

The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

3

BU hails 62 College of Medicine studes

by Danica O. Navida

T

he Bicol University College of Medicine (BUCM) opened before the start of Academic Year 2014-2015 with 62 students pioneering the first Doctor of Medicine in Public Administration, Major in Health and Disaster (MD-MPA) class.

The national government earmarked an initial fund of P50 million to the university through Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Congressman Al Francis Bichara and Albay Governor Joey Salceda also provided financial support for BUCM to materialize.

“The central figure of establishing this project is to help improve the healthcare of the people especially those who have poor access to it,” College of Nursing (CN) Dean Emerlinda Alcala said.

MEDICAL STUDENTS

“I opted to pursue Medicine in Bicol University (BU) because of its reputation in producing top notch, high caliber graduates,” Leo Martin P. Ababa, a first year MD-MPA student said. “I took my Pre-Med degree in BU and I always trust my Alma Mater when it comes to shaping and mapping my future,” he added.

The medical students believe that their curriculum was designed for the success of everybody enrolled in the college. “We are always aware that every effort, every step possible is being done so that we will not be left behind by other students from other institutions,” Ababa further said.

On the other hand, Anna Trisha Olivera, another MD-MPA first year student, said that her batch feels the pressure because their tuition fees are subsidized by the government. “The fund that supplies BUCM and supports the students comes from the taxes paid by the people. Kaya nga that is one of our motivations in our five-year stay in the college, ang suklian ‘yun by studying harder and not giving up,” she uttered.

A one week Freshmen Orientation was conducted last June 2-6 to orient the students about their curriculum.

INAUGURATION “Isa na naman po itong positibong hakbang, kung saan nagtulungan ang ating lokal at pambansang gobyerno, sampu ng ating mga kababayan, na magtayo ng sentro ng karunungan para sa ating kabataan,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III during his speech at the inauguration of the Health and Sciences Building and the launching of the MD-MPA program last May 19, 2014.

BUCM is the first medical school in the whole Bicol region run by the government with MPA program.

“Malinaw po, edukasyon ang isa sa mga haligi ng ating agenda ng pagbabago. At bawat kuwadradopulgada ng gusaling ito ay kongkretong patunay sa panata nating iangat ang antas ng edukasyon sa bansa. Ito ang pangunahin nating paraan upang siguruhin na ang pera ng taumbayan ay bumabalik sa kanila—ipupunla at didiligan ng kaalaman, at magbubunga ng oportunidad at kabuhayan,” Aquino further said.

“So we are determined to provide the same opportunities to all of our countrymen, to the maximum of our ability, and to keep on increasing the ability to do so for all of them,” ended PNoy during his speech.

our toes to meet their expectations,” he added.

NEW CONCEPT

Dr. Caragay was challenged by the transformative medical education for the 21st century, which is a different concept in medicine and the social accountability of medical schools according to a global commission report on medical education.

He was willing to see how to implement these concepts and to produce a five-star doctor who is not only a health care provider but also a researcher, leader manager, educator and community mobilizer.

The Dean hopes that by 2015, BUCM will be fully operational with its complete facilities for the development of the students.

Like the concept of transformative medicine, Dr. Caraga≠y believes that teamwork is needed in the management of a medical school.

STUDY PHASE

The period of study at BUCM is five years inclusive of one year senior internship. The students paid a tuition fee worth P45, 207.00 for the first semester and will be paying P36, 057.00 for second semester, inclusive of the laboratory and other fees.

MPA fees are not included.

“Compared to other medical schools, our tuition fee is three times lesser. It is indeed cost efficient since we will also be earning double degrees [MD and MPA] after five years,” Ababa stated.

The return-service agreement mandates medical graduates to serve in government or nongovernment organizations (NGOs) or other private institutions in the Philippines. As part of the curricular offering, the participation of the students through medical services among barangays, rural health units, even in regional and provincial hospitals will be expected.

“Our course is challenging and exciting.

Bukod kasi sa pagiging doctor, students will also earn another degree [MPA],” Olivera said. “Sa mga kalamidad na nararanasan natin, napapanahon ang ganitong kurso. Students will not only learn about treating diseases but also managing different situations whether in a hospital or a community setting,” she added.

The medical students are proud that BUCM constantly teaches them to study not for their exam but for their profession.

“The community becomes our classroom. We are trained not to become a sosyal na doktor na hindi madaling lapitan. We are trained here to become doctors of the people,” Opeña stressed.

“Our goal: maging mabuting doktor para sa mamamayang Pilipino,” he reiterated.

FACILITIES

The Bicol University Board of Regents (BOR) granted the University President Dr. Fay Lauraya to enter into contract with SciGate Technology Corporation for the procurement of two Plastinated Human Body Specimens (Cadavers).

President Lauraya declared during the BOR meeting that the Plastinated Human Body Specimens which amounted to P 5,600,000.00 are the modern version of human cadavers that will be used by BUCM students.

“The [cadaver] can be used for laboratory studies for five years; it is more hygienic, more economical and efficient in the long term,” she said.

Meanwhile, because of the damage left by Typhoon Glenda, the students asked for an immediate action from the administration. “Nakakahiya sa visitors na hindi pa naaayos ‘yung sirang kisame. It’s taking too long. Gusto namin na sana maaksyunan [ito] agad,” Opeña stated.

Despite the lack of facilities, the pioneering batch is still satisfied.

“Dahil bago pa lang, marami pang kulang sa facilities. Though konti palang ang gamit sa laboratory, nagagamit na namin ang mga ito,” Olivera uttered.

The BUCM was approved by the Board of Regents last September 3, 2010.

The community becomes our classroom. We are trained to become doctors of the people.

APPOINTMENT

BU already appointed the Dean for BUCM before 2013 ended, in preparation for its opening last June 2014.

BUCM Dean Ruben N. Caragay, M.D., MPH, Ph.D. started his work at the office last July 29, 2013. He was one of the consulting team before his appointment as the college’s dean.

Though there was no formal process of application on his appointment, he did not have any hesitation in accepting the position.

“Pero pagkatapos kasi nun [his retirement], na-attract ako sa complimentary alternative medicine.

Nakita kong magandang isama ‘yun sa medical school curriculum, ‘yung opportunity na isama ang integrative health or integrative medicine,” Dr. Caragay said.

The Civil Service Commission gave an approval for his appointment which is an extension coterminous with the President of the university since he had his early retirement last 2009.

“He is the most humbled man considering na napakataas na ng naabot niya,” Medical Student Council Interim President Gregory Ian N. Opeña affirmed. “The administration leads us by example; we are constantly on

PEPPED UP PIONEERS. Bicol University College of Medicine (BUCM) pioneer batch performs their chant with fervor as Dr. Ruben N. Caragay, Dean of BUCM, presents them to BU President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya in front of the grandstand during the opening ceremony of BU 45th Founding Anniversary.

by Jerry Jethro Calag

BU goes Google; biggest in PH

by Randall Matthew Lorayes

A

s part of the 45th anniversary celebration of Bicol University (BU), the Information Management Office (IMO) formally announced the adoption on the deployment of Google Apps for Education, the largest in the Philippines, through its 'Gone Google Day' event held September 18, at the College of Arts and Letters (CAL)Amphitheater.

“The good news is BU is going global through Google," Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Helen Llenaresas said in her opening remarks.

PARTNER OFFER

The said adoption of Google apps and services are made possible in cooperation with Pixsell Asia, a technology consultancy company offering deployment and training of Google Apps for Education in schools. "We are the biggest Google partner when it comes to training," said Joseph Tanpoco, Chairman and CEO of the company.

Tanpoco added that the company initiated the offer to BU around late April this year. "Ang offer ko is not only e-mails but also a platform together with Google," he explained.

The IMO considered Pixsell's proposal. "Nag-offer sila na they will be training us about sa Google Apps for Education and if the university is willing and maraming benefits so pinag-aralan namin," IMO Director Laarnie Pancho said.

The university accepted the offer last May and immediately took action to the surprise of the Pixsell CEO. "Hindi lahat ng school tatanggapin nila ‘yung gusto naming ibigay sa kanila. Pero nagulat ako ang Bicol University, hindi mo pa dini-discuss, ginagawa na."

BU MAIL AND GOOGLE APPS OPEN TO STUDENTS

In order to facilitate better communication in the university, IMO began rolling out e-mail accounts for students as part of its educational e-mail system dubbed as 'Bicol University Mail'.

"We've created more than 25, 000 user accounts, the biggest deployment in the Philippines," Tanpoco revealed.

The said accounts will be available to Grades 5 and 6 elementary pupils, all high school and college students, faculty and non-teaching personnel of the university. In order to access the accounts, the user may login via GMail, Google's e-mail service or by clicking the 'BU Mail' link on the university's website.

The new e-mail system will save the IMO of bandwidth and maintenance costs as it will now be serviced by Google. "Dati, yung unang ginamit dito na [BU] Mail which is hosted dito sa amin [IMO] is good for faculty and non-teaching personnel. Di pa kasama yung student," Adrian Rodriguez, a Computer Programmer in IMO said.

In addition to e-mail, the accounts allow users to access other Google apps such as Google Drive, which offers 30 GB of storage for BU Mail accounts in contrast to 15 GB for standard Google accounts; Google+, a social network similar to Facebook; and Hangouts, a chat service which can hold group video calls up to 15 participants.

Tanpoco said that Google Apps for Education has connected all the campuses of the university through its email and collaboration suites namely Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. In addition, with the aid of GMail and Google Drive, the university is moving towards becoming paperless.

The Pixsell CEO added that the company will con-

tinue to provide 'Google Apps Best Practices and Support and assistance with application integration within the university's system also without charge.

GOOGLE’S VOW

More are expected for the university for going Google. Pixsell announced and confirmed by the IMO that Google will be providing additional bandwidth support to the university's Internet service, bumping up the speed to 40 Mbps from the previous 18 Mbps. University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya already approved the said proposal.

In addition, the infrastructure will also be improved with the possibility that wireless Internet access will become widely available. An ocular visit will be scheduled before the year ends.

There will also be plans of providing the said accounts to alumni of the university and the use of Chromebooks, an affordable portable computer running Google's Chrome OS, in classrooms and offices.

CHALLENGES

"The next challenge is how to make use of this technology in order for us to reach our full potential," Vice President for Administration (VPA) Amelia Dorosan said in her closing remarks.

Meanwhile, Pancho said that among the challenges the university face is the initial acceptance of the new system both from students and faculty, improving the school's internet infrastructure and the support of the next University President. The IMO director however, stated that the transition to Google will not be much of a problem. "It will not be difficult kasi nag-train na kami, nag re-echo na kami sa mga faculty and non-teaching,” he concluded.

4

NEWS

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

Two buildings set to rise Research Center, Intenational House

by Rojee Peninoy and Jerald Talavera

T

o provide more facilities, two new infrastructures are expected to rise in Bicol University (BU) this year.

BU Regional and Development Center (BU-RRDC) and BU International House are both under construction at East and Daraga Campus respectively.

These establishments are under the Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO), Planning and Designing Section headed by Engr. Amelia A. Dorosan, Ph.D, Vice President for Administration (VPA).

RESEARCH CENTER

BU-RRDC is currently under con-

struction at East Campus, EM’s Barrio, Legazpi City.

It will serve as a laboratory for the conduct of research tests and investigatory projects in BS Chemistry, Food Technology and other related courses.

According to Engr. Christopher Pacardo, Intellectual Property Rights Units Head, the project has an estimated worth of P12 million and P17 million for Phase One and Two respectively. “An estimated amount of P17 million will also be allotted for laboratory apparatuses. Almost P10 million will be used for the equipments and P7 million for research funds, hiring officials and employees,” he said.

Meanwhile, the fund utilized for the construction of BU-RRDC came from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

“There is a need of observation from the Commission on Audit (COA) so that we will know the accurate and standard design for the research center,” Pacardo stated.

He pointed out that once the center starts its operation, it will be open to all clients who would like to conduct tests for their research.

“At present, we are hiring food technologists and chemists who can operate the machines and apparatus like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC),” he added.

On the other hand, Phase 1 and Phase 2 were supposed to be finished last November 2013 and May 2014 respectively.

However, some problems in the funds came out which led to the construction’s delay but it is expected that it will be finished before the end of the year.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

A two storey building dubbed as International House is also under construction at Daraga Campus.

Architect Leo del Rosario, University Architect said that from the name itself, it will serve as an onsite housing dormitory where foreign students can stay. It will also support service for trainings and seminars that may be conducted when the K to 12 Education Program is implemented.

“The ground floor of the building is a convention center that will be ben-

‘Glenda’ wreaks/page 1

BUILDING OF HOSPITALITY. The construction of BU International House continues in BU Daraga Campus.

BU International House will serve as a home for the guests who are involved in the activities of the university

by Don Mari Phil Frayna

Senate nods/page 1 said during her sponsorship speech on S.B. No. 2275 last June 4.

ARMED AND READY?

It is stipulated in SB 2275 that SUCs which are recognized as Centers of Excellence in their region should allocate more slots for the program.

The bill has caused concern on how BU can allocate more slots for the Iskolar ng Bayan knowing that it also provides scholarships to thousands of students in Bicol. BU as one of the prime institutions in the region, currently admits 25, 669 students as of the 1st semester of school year 2014-2015.

“Wala tayong problema dyan. We can always accommodate people in the university especially the deserving ones,” said Dr. Helen Llenaresas, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

“Meron tayong mga admission requirements and these are not violative of any of the sections [in the bill]. We do accept top 10 from high school students but they have to pass the BUCET (Bicol University College Entrance Test). I cannot remember anyone who did not make it to the BUCET but was admitted [in the university]. After all, there’s nothing to be afraid of, Top 10, bakit hindi papasa sa BUCET?” she added.

As mandated by the Act, SUCs like BU should provide information to the faculty, administrative officials and staff, and parents about the program.

“We can always meet with the faculties. Faculty members of the different colleges are met by deans at least once every month so that’s more than enough avenue for us to be able to disseminate whatever things need to be disseminated through administrative and office orders. Wala tayong problema sa information dissemination. All we have to do is to download [the information given to us by CHEd] then we disseminate it to the people concerned,” she stated.

The bill also mandates the university to offer a summer bridge program if the scholar fail to meet the academic requirements in his chosen course, to enable him to comply with the minimum academic requirements and/or allow the student to enroll in another course.

“Walang problema [dyan] because the moment it [SB 2275] is signed [by the

President], the university will have to do something for this one. We will comply with the law,” she said.

When asked if she is in favor with the bill, Llenaresas said, “Automatic admission? No, because the admission requirements of every university should be respected. At saka bakit sila matatakot mag-take ng entrance examination? Kung talagang matalino, papasa yan.”

Moreover, BU should ensure that full assistance is granted to the scholars to allow them avail the program.

SOON TO BE ISKOLAR NG BAYAN

Once the measure is enacted as a law, the scholars would be provided with free tuition and other school fees, textbook and a monthly living allowance.

The graduating batch in different high schools has different sentiments in the said issue.

“It would be great if implemented. It would give us a chance and an opportunity to choose the best institution for us,” said Angelu Bermas, the current top two in the ESEP (Engineering Science Education Program) class of Tabaco National High School (TNHS).

Kimberly Matedios, top one in the ESEP class of Daraga National High School (DNHS) shared the same comment on the bill.

“Kung mai-implement ito, great opportunity siya sa akin kasi hindi naman talaga napo-provide [ng pamilya ko] yung lahat ng needs ko sa school. Kung mapapasa man ang bill na ito, may relief na akong mararamdaman kasi at least makakapili na ako ng university na gusto ko,” said Matedios.

Marvic Clutario, top seven in TNHS, said that academics is not only the basis of determining the top students of their graduating class. “Kung tutuusin marami ang benefits [of S.B. 2275]. How-

ever, iba-iba naman ang standards [of the public high schools], sa pag-select ng top 10 nila. Malaking factor din ang extracurricular activities.”

On the other hand, a top student from Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (MORMS) opposed the bill.

“I strongly disagree to the pending bill. First of all it requires a really big budget for education. For me, they should first settle the current issue about corruption, for I know that the proposed bill will have the same fate as this [PDAF Scam],” said Mark Anthony Nobleza of MORMS.

“Not all top ten students are deserving in their school. There are more deserving [students] but they just didn’t make it for some valid reasons. If they really want to pass this bill, they should have provincial or regional screening to students who are really capable and needy to enjoy the scholarship like what other same grants are doing. We should be fair considering all the factors of coming up such decision for scholarship grant,” he added.

OTHER APPROVED BILLS Aside from the Iskolar ng Bayan Act, the Senate also passed the S.B. 2272 which aims to institutionalizing the ladderized education program and extend open learning and distance education.

Ladderized education is a system that allows students to progress between technical-vocational (tech-voc) education and training (TVET) and college, and vice versa, while at the same time opening opportunities for career and educational advancement for working and non-working students.

Under SB 2274 or the Open Learning and Distance Education Act of 2014, students would be able to get their education in non-traditional settings or outside of the classroom.

If they really want to pass this bill, they should screen students who are capable and needy to enjoy the scholarship.

sirang classrooms. Nag-request din kami ng additional labor force para sa pag-repair ng mga damages,” Biron further said.

As of now, the rehabilitation is still ongoing in BUTC. However, Biron said that the campus is in great need of budget to continue the recovery of the campus.

“Siguro nasa stage two pa lang kami [in terms of recovery]. Budget kasi ang problema,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in the East Campus, repair and rehabilitation are also continuing.

“Yung restoration of course, kailangang maibalik natin sa normal plus yung operations ng mga offices natin kailangan maging conducive,” said Engr. Edmundo Estor, BUCEng Dean.

Estor said that CEng is one of the colleges in BU that easily recovered after the typhoon because it underwent the AACCUP (Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines) Inc. accreditation.

“We have to really come up with buildings and structures which would really make us of equal footing with other schools and universities, hindi lang sa salita,” Estor added.

In BUCIT, Jerwin Macasinag, College Student Council (CSC) President said, “Siyempre, nag-clean-up drive kami tapos yung activity namin, Kapit Bisig Para Sa Berdeng BUCIT, para makatulong kami sa administration. At nakipag-usap na kami sa dean, hinihingian namin sila ng immediate solution because of the damages sa nagawa ni ‘Glenda’ kasi yung building namin totally unfit [for learning].”

SEEKING FOR FINANCIAL AID

To have a speedy rehabilitation and repair, President Fay Lauraya sent a solicitation letter dated July 19, 2014, to Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and Dr. George Colorado, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Region V Director.

“It is with pervent hope and prayer that this [letter] will gain financial support needed in order for us to be able to immediately restore the vital services to our beloved students in the Bicol University,” said Lauraya.

On the other hand, Engr.

Amelia Dorosan, Vice President for Administration (VPA) said, “Hopefully, the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) claim would be able to help us in doing more restorations especially in the buildings.

Dorosan added that BU is still looking for supports and other available resources for the rehabilitation, restoration and repair for the damaged infrastructures.

“We had the money which was supposed to be allocated for the repair of the GASS building amounting to P2 M plus [but because of the power shortage], we used that money to restore the electricity,” she stated.

POWER SQUEEZE

The university has also been

eficial to Daraga Campus since it lacks convention halls,” he uttered.

BU allotted a P32 million fund for the construction of the infrastructure but the University Architect said that it is not enough to complete both Phase One and Two of the project.

“International House was first proposed to be built at East Campus but many objected because the campus is isolated and near to the squatters’ area. An International House is not supposed to be built in that kind of location,” Del Rosario said. “For me, the location of the building now is the best, accessible to commercial buildings, church and market of Daraga,” he stated.

The University Architect further said that the building is expected to be fully furnished before BU Foundation Week.

“However, because of the rampage of the typhoon Glenda in Albay, delays and extension of the construction are expected,” he explained. greatly affected by the long spell of power interruption, like all other offices and establishments in Bicol.

“It took us a while for Daraga [campus] to be energized because there were four transformers which were damaged. It has to be rehabilitated and the rehabilitation took a while because malaki yung damage. After it was transformed, it went through the process of testing at APEC (Albay Power and Energy Corporation),” said Dorosan.

The Daraga Campus was only energized last September 12.

However, due to the energy loss in the campus for almost two months, students from the said campus experienced changes on their class schedules, especially those who have night classes.

“Yung mga night classes na-move sa hapon and everytime na may activity kami [CSC], we provide the gasoline for the generator,” said Korina Mae Espejo, CSSP CSC 2nd year Representative.

She added that there was a protocol in the college that by 6 p.m., there shall be no students inside the classrooms.

“We were able to energize the main campus several days after [the typhoon]. Sa main campus, we have two transformers that were damaged, one in CE and another in CS but we made temporary connections for that,” Dorosan added. “[The] IPESR took a long while to be restored with electricity because it was dependent on the assistance of the APEC kasi mayroon silang main line doon kung saan naka-connect yung IPESR.”

Dorosan said that CEng was able to be energized two weeks after the typhoon.

“In Tabaco Campus there is still a problem but we already approved the budget. Yung budget, we were able to prepare it at once and we were able to [make] plan,” she stated.

“There were concerns dahil nung natapos namin yung detailed estimate plans, nagawa na rin ng APEC yung ibang aspect ng gawain.

We need to revise it again because we have to suit to the condition.”

The VPA added that the BUTC took the initiative to the work regarding the power shortage in the campus.

“The BUTC took the initiative to do the work [on the power loss] so we downloaded the money to them [BUTC Administration] so that they can already do the bidding.

We also downloaded the money to BUGC for them to do the bidding process and implementation,” Dorosan said.

Meanwhile the VPA stressed that BU was not yet fully recovered.

“We can say that we are fully restored when we will be able to recover the BUTC because it was the campus that was highly damaged,” Dorosan concluded.

COMMUNITY

The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

Albay model on zero casualty

APEC pledges power return in Albay

by Jessica Bechayda

A

lbay recorded zero casualty after being hit by Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun) last July 15, 2014.

The typhoon rampaged the Bicol region with a maximum sustained wind of 150-185 kilometer per hour (kph).

Despite being called as “pathway of typhoons,” Albay is known as calamity resilient which mobilized concerted efforts for adaptation measures and was tagged as Climate Change Adaptation Champion of the Philippines.

Based on the official report of the Office of the Civil Defense, a total of 424,190 Bicolanos or 87,956 families had been affected by the typhoon; 378,277 of which had been transferred to evacuation centers.

In the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III last July 28, PNoy extended his gratitude to the Provincial Governor which states, “Sa Albay na hinagupit kamakailan ng bagyong Glenda, walang naitalang pumanaw dahil sa bagyo, salamat sa mabuting pamamahala ni Gov. Joey Salceda. At kung kaya itong gawin ng isang probinsya na natawag na nga pong highway ng mga bagyo, bakit naman tayo magdududa na kakayanin ng iba pang hindi highway ng bagyo.”

Albay was the second most damaged with P831 million.

STRATEGIC PREPARATION

Albay’s Climate Change Academy

(CCA) is the sole institution in the Philippines that pursues comprehensive and strategic approach and programs on climate change adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Prior to the wrath of Typhoon Glenda, the government of Albay had organized and institutionalized programs and trainings on disaster preparedness.

In connection with this, the executives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) visited CCA last February 13. CCA in-house lecturer Eugene Escobar provided them in-depth briefing on the programs and strategies of CCA and DRR replication in their respective localities.

Escobar stressed Albay’s best practices and strategies in risk mapping (comprehensive land use plan), relocation sites, geostrategic and engineering interventions, early warning systems, social preparation or community-based warning and evacuation planning, preemptive evacuation as well as communication planning with the media and the public.

These series of extensive disaster preparedness combats the susceptibility of the province towards calamities.

Albay is known as calamity resilient and tagged as Climate Change Adaptation Champion of the Philippines.

ANOTHER HAZARD FORMING

Last August 15, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon Volcano alert level 1 to alert level 2 due to the growth of a new lava dome preceded by swelling of the

middle slopes and significant increase in sulfur dioxide emission.

From this, Governor Salceda convened the Regional and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMCPDRRMC) for a joint meeting last August 18, to discuss the measures needed to ensure the safety of Albayanos.

PHIVOLCS Bicol Director Ed Laguerta mentioned in the meeting that the volcano may have been experiencing increased volcanic gas emission and slight persistent swelling due to the intrusion of magma beneath.

“Mayon has a lot more to show should it erupt like what happened in 1814, but as of now it [Mayon] is not showing any signs towards such kind of eruption,” he added.

Other DRRMC member agencies also ensured their readiness in executing their contingency plans and in providing support.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local executives had geared up to give their public assistance.

Salceda has immediately issued an advisory right after PHIVOLCS elevated Mayon Volcano status from abnormal alert level 1 to alarming level 2 ordering measures to prevent casualty in line with the zero casualty goal of the province in time of disasters.

“No ATV beyond lava fronts. Definitely, no green lava valley. No orchid picking, no vegetable harvesting in the delineated 6-km radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano,” Salceda ordered.

South Luzon calls for Climate Change awareness

by Bryan Del Castillo and Renz Nikkol Mortega

A

dhering to the call for a wider scope of climate change awareness through better information dissemination, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) spearheaded the Southern Luzon Climate Change Information Summit last July 2-4 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City.

Themed “Pabago-bago ang Panahon, Panahon na ng Pagbabago,” the summit tackled the different ways of involving people in the issues concerning climate change.

“Beyond the science of climate change, our objective is about determining the ways to disseminate the information about this issue. Hopefully, the information will inspire people, and the inspiration will move them to action for them to be involved,” said Jose Mari Oquińena, PIA Director General.

He further said that with the expertise of the right people who were present in the summit, they can hold more people involved.

“We did not pretend that we have the solution. What we are hoping is that based on the knowledge of the people in the summit, we can somehow touch as many people to contribute to the solution,” he told The Bicol Universitarian.

PARTICIPANTS

The summit was attended by 112 delegates from DENR and PIA offices in Regions IV-A (CALABARZON), IV-B (MIMAROPA) and V (Bicol). Representatives from Climate Change Academy (CCA), Southern Luzon Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Mines and Geosciences Region V, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and other Local Government officials including Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda were invited as speakers.

Meanwhile, Christopher Sanji, Laguna Provincial Information Officer stressed that the information to be disseminated must be updated so that the

THE EMMISARY. Mr. Jose Mari Oquiñena PIA (Philippine Information Agency) Director General talks in front of the delegates from several regions of the country about climate issues during the Southern Luzon Climate Change Information Summit held at Hotel St. Ellis, Legaypi City.

by Shan Gabriel Apuli

people will have right warnings.

“We are also hoping that there will be an increased level of awareness among our fellow citizens,” Sanji stated.

PINDOT

The Provincial Government of Albay in cooperation with Smart Communications and Tudlo Innovation Solutions, Inc. developed the Provincial Information Network on Disaster Occurrences and Threats (PINDOT) last October 16, 2013.

PINDOT is a mobile application developed as a mechanism for the preparation and response to various disasters in Albay. It aims to lessen the destructive effects of natural and manmade

calamities in the province.

The summit aimed to develop the Network since it is still limited and requires an upgrade. It aimed to create a Southern Luzon Communication Network (SolComNet) that would encourage more people to get involved.

ALBAY MODEL

According to Oquińena, the summit was conducted in Albay because of its best practices in terms of climate change mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

The three-day event included a visit to Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and Climate Change Academy in Bicol Uni-

5

versity Main Campus which impressed and inspired the participants.

“Hopefully, it will give birth to an academy somewhere because of the work that Albay pioneered,” he said.

CALL FOR COOPERATION

“As students or as young people of today, of all sectors and age groups, you should be the most involved,” Oquińena advised.

The PIA Director General said that the students must partake in the campaign for climate change awareness because they will be the most affected in case it succeeds or not.

“We need more people to talk about this issue,” Oquińena disclosed.

by John Eulou Bas with reports from Bryan del Castillo

S

erving as the operator of the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC) addressed the concerns of consumers of Albay after Typhoon Glenda hit the province.

In an interview with The Bicol Universitarian, APEC expressed that they are doing their best to restore the major lines of electricity throughout Albay.

Though the amount of damage in the distribution system caused by the typhoon has not yet been determined, APEC said that Tabaco City incurred the most damage among other municipalities and cities in the province.

“We are communicating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to tap task forces from other cooperatives to augment the manpower requirement to facilitate the restoration of power lines,” APEC Spokesperson Jean Rugando stated.

APEC admitted that there are certain issues that they are trying to solve to date.

“We are coming up with solutions to address the concerns of our customers especially regarding power interruptions and billings. We are still in the adjustment period but rest assured that we are doing everything we can to give the best service to Albayanos,” Rugando emphasized.

APEC stressed that they have assigned linemen in every substation to conduct troubleshooting.

As to the billing, they said that they have complaints and collection analysts to answer the customer queries and make billing adjustments after verification of the grievances.

Meanwhile, APEC has also procured restoration equipment and materials such as transformers, poles and cross arms which could cause a slight increase in electric bills. Additional equipments were also purchased in case of busted transformers.

“If there would be an increase in power rate which corresponds to distribution, supply and metering charges, APEC will call for a general assembly thru ALECO to inform the public. Prior to this, we also have to seek approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC),” Rugando explained. “All purchases which correspond to distribution equipment or system will fall in Capital Expenditures. This will be passed on to the consumers but APEC still have to go through a long process in which the consumers will be informed thru public hearing,” she added.

APEC will operate ALECO for a period of 25 years through the Concession Agreement. It will shoulder the debts of the distribution utility and pay monthly concession fees.

We are still in the adjustment period but we are doing everything we can to give the best service to Albayanos.

6

FEATURE

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

D

umating ako sa buhay niyo nang ‘di sinasadya. Sa arawaraw na ginawa ng Maykapal, ‘di ko sukat akalaing magiging parte ako ng buhay-kolehiyo niyo. Di ko rin akalaing lilisan na pala ako. Biglaan kasi ang lahat, akala ko may palugit pa. Wala man lang ngang abiso. Saka ko lang nalaman na kailangan ko na pala talagang umalis.

Mahirap. Ganito pala yung pakiramdam na kailangan mo ng bitiwan ang salitang, “paalam”.

Naaalala ko pa ang gabing iyon.

Nakakatakot. Tila hagip ng walis tingting ang malakas na buhos ng ulan sa aking likod at balikat. Malakas din ang ihip ng hangin. Masyadong malamig. Nanunuot sa aking buto at kalamnan kaya naman nangatog ang aking mga tuhod. Mahirap talaga kapag tumatanda. Wala na ang dating lakas ng aking kabataan. Malaki m a n ang aking mga bisig ay wala na ring silbi. Tuluyan na nga akong nanghina sa pagdaan ng mahabang panahon.

Ilang segundo bago ako tuluyang bumigay, maraming senaryo ang sumagi sa aking isip. Iyong iba nga di ko na matandaan kung kailan ‘yun eksaktong nangyari.

Medyo sumakit nga ang ulo ko sa dami. Pero

ayos lang, malayo yun sa bituka.

Maraming mukha rin ang nakita ko at kalakip ‘nun ang mga sari-saring kwento. Mga kwentong magkakaiba na magkakahawig.

Isa akong piping saksi sa buhay kolehiyo ng nakararami. Maraming taon din ang nilagi ko sa pamantasang ito, kulang ang daliri sa kamay kung bibilangin.

Marami-rami na rin ang nakakakilala sa akin. Di ko man gustuhin, madalas nila akong pag-usapan. Iyong ibang estudyante kinikilatis ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

Pansinin raw ako dahil sa laki ko. Ewan ko ba kung bakit lumaki ako ng ganito. Di ko naman matanong ang mga magulang ko. Sa hinaba-haba ng panahon, hindi ko na sila matandaan. Ang tanging alam ko ay dito na ako nagkaisip at lumaki sa Bicol University.

Marami na akong nalaman at nasaksihan. Maraming alaala ang aking babaunin sa aking paglisan. Nagagalak ako dahil pakiramdam ko narinig ko na ang pinaka-corny na joke at pinaka-cheesy na banat sa buong Beyubs. Wala e, hahagikgik sana ako o makikitawa kunwari kasama nila pero baka sabihin nila na feeling close ako kaya ngumisi na lang ako ng tahimik.

Sana nga lang walang nakatingin sa akin ng mga oras na iyon. Mapagkakamalan pa akong baliw. Mahirap na.

Eto pa. Maraming propesor akong nakilala sa pamamagitan ng mga estudyante. Lalo na yung mga di naman nagtuturo dito sa main campus. Hindi naman kasi ako nakadestino roon kaya nakakalungkot at di man lamang ako nakatapak sa kanilang mga kolehiyo. Balik tayo sa mga propesor sa pamantasan.

Malimit kasi akong puntahan ng mga estudyante. Naiistress daw sila sa mga tambak na mga gawain. Naaawa nga ako dun sa iba. Yung mga subsob sa pag-aaral, na palaging hawak ang libro at notebook.

Tapos yung kalong nilang aparato na pinipindot na mala-telebisyon na nadadala lang? Ano nga ulit yun?

Basta iyon na iyon. Bumabalik sila, malungkot at di maipinta ang mukha.

Walang magawa kundi isumpa ang propesor na nagbigay sa kanila ng tres o singko.

Batid ko ang kanilang pagpapagal sa pagbuo ng mga presentasyon at pageensayo para s a

mg a dulaan, pagtatanghal at pagsasayaw.

Ma d a l a s s i l a n g magpakupkop sa akin, makikiupo tuwing water break at kakain ng snak. Tapos naririnig ko na lamang ang mga asaran kung sino daw yung parang tuod kung sumayaw o kung sino man yung parehong kaliwa ang paa at madalas na magkamali. Ngunit makikita naman ang mga magandang resulta ng kanilang mga pagpapagal. Mga BUeño nga naman. Di lamang matatalino, magagaling at talented pa!

Saksi rin ako sa mga nabuong pag-ibig sa lilim ng aking mga dahon. Kung papano sila unang nagkita, nagkakilala, naging magkaibigan hanggang nagkaibigan. Di diyan nawawala ang sari-saring pakulo ni lalaki, mapa-oo lamang si babae.

Nakita ko rin ang kinaharap na dagok ng ilang mga relasyon. Si lalaki at babae na di mo akalaing magkasintahan sa layo ng pagitan sa isa’t isa. Naalala ko minsan nang dumungaw ako sa ibaba, nakita ko ang magkagalit na magsing-irog. Matagal ko silang pinagmasdan. Nangawit nga ako nun eh. Akala ko di na sila mag-uusap at magkakaayos. Napangiti na lang ako nang umuwi silang magkahawak kamay. Ang ganda nga nilang tingnan e. Pero di sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay happy ending. Nakita ko rin ang maraming pag-ibig na nauwi sa hiwalayan. Nalulungkot ako para sa kanila, lalo na dun sa naiwan.

Yung iba naman, mga sawi sa buhay pag-ibig, o di kaya mga nagmamahal sa malayo o kaya naman yung mga naghinintay. Di ko malilimutan yung matikas na lalaki. Ang alam ko, tagakuha siya ng larawan. Pero nagulat ako nang makita ko siyang nagsusulat ng love letter para ata sa crush niya. Kinilig ako. Meron pa palang nagsusulat ng love letter sa panahon ngayon. Sana lang ay binigay niya yun sa babae. Iba pa rin kasi yung ganoong ligawan, di ba?

Malapit din sakin yung mga magkakaibigang nakasama ko, lalo na ang mga barkadahang nabuo sa pamamagitan k o . Nakikiliti ang mga tenga ko sa mga halakhakan n i l a .

Nakakabusog sa kaluluwa, ‘yung

mga

ganoong tipo. Masarap d i n pakinggan ‘yung m g a asaran nila. Di rin nawawala ‘yung mga seryosong usapan tulad ng problema sa pamilya, sa boypren o girlpren, sa mga crush o kaya sa kung anong mga bagay sa ilalim ng araw. Nariyan din yung mga nagseselfie kasama ako. Minsan ako yung photobomber, nasa background lang kasi ako, ‘yung tipong naextra lang.

Hahanap-hanapin ko ang ingay ng mga estudyante lalo na kapag BU Week at Freshmen Welcome Party. Nagtutugtugan.

Nagkakasiya. Ngunit sa mga seryosong usapan, wala na atang tatalo sa Harapan kung saan nakikita ang galing ng mga nagaasam sa posisyon sa University Student Council.

Isang bagay pa na mamimiss ko ay tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng Marso. Malinaw pa sa aking isip kung papaano napupuno ang grounds ng mga estudyanteng nagsisipagtapos, kasama ang kanilang naluluhang mga magulang. Isaisa silang umaakyat sa entablado, sabay kuha ng inaasam asam na diploma. Ang kanilang mga ngiti, marahil ang isa sa mga pinakamatamis na nakita ko sa buong buhay ko.

Muli kong pinagmasdan ang minahal kong pamantasan at patuloy na mamahalin. Di na tulad ng dati.

Marami na ang nagbago at kailangan ng panahon upang tuluyang makabangon dulot ng bagyong Glenda. Alas singko na ng hapon. Maraming mag-aaral ang nandito sa grounds at nagliliwaliw. ‘Yung iba naman nag-eensayo at nagsasasayaw.

Intrams na naman nila. Sayang di ko na iyon masisilayan. Napalingon ako sa may Kolehiyo ng Arte at Letra, sa student’s lounge o mas kilala sa tawag na pyramid.

May programa ata ang USC ngayong dapithapon.

Nagulat ako nang tila narinig ko ang aking pangalan. Sa di malamang dahilan, natigilan ako at saka ko lang napagtanto ang likidong umaagos sa aking mukha. Isang panuntunang alay para sa akin, “Remembering sturdy of life, memories and excellence.” Nakita ko na lamang ang karamihan na tinititigan ako ngunit nanatili akong tahimik at nakinig. Napapikit ako at dinama ang paghalik ng hangin sa aking mga pisngi.

Isa-isa na nilang sinambit ang mga alaala ko sa kanila. Ilan lamang ang nagsalita ngunit pakiramdam ko ay maraming tinig ang aking naririnig. Ang sarap pakinggan. Nakakataba ng puso. May nakapagkwento tungkol itsura ko noong araw. Siguro nung mga 1960’s pa iyon, panahon ng pagdiriwang ng Karangahan.

Nakakainis nga e, unti unting nabubuko ang edad ko. Pero okay lang, ‘yun naman yung totoo.

Lubos akong natuwa sa

mg a piling estudyante na naglaan ng effort at ginawan ako ng tula. Nakakatuwa yung isang tigsik na ginawa noong isang taga-CAL at dalawang taga-CS. Syempre, pati na rin itong mga nag-abot sa akin ng mga tula, sa lingwaheng Ingles at Filipino. Talagang maganda ang pagkakagawa at binalot pa ng plastic para di mabasa. Ang gaganda ng mensahe. Di ko sila kilala pero salamat sa kanila sa kanilang pagkilala at pagtanggap.

Nakita ko si Earl Ricamunda, dating mag-aaral ng CAL at nagtatrabaho na rin sa BU ngayon. Humawak siya ng mikropono at nagsabing, “Kahit di ko siya isama sa picture, nasasama at nasasama siya sa sobrang laki niya. That way, he truly wants to say that he wants to be part of our lives.”

Tama siya. Gustong gusto ko talaga. Ngunit ngayon ay iba na, ni wala akong abilidad na itayo ang sarili ko. Saan na nga ba ako tutungo? Di ko rin alam.

Ang sabi-sabi, gagawan daw ako ng museo ng gobernador ng ating probinsya. Ang sabi naman ng ilan ay ipagbibili ako sa highest bidder dahil sa antique value ko.

Sabi naman ng ilan, ipapagbili rin ako sa mga alumni ng BU. Ang isa pang narinig ko ay paghahati hatiin ang aking katawan at ilalagay sa mga kampus at kolehiyo.

Ayaw ko sanang ako’y ipagbili.

Pero kung yun at yun lang ang paraan para sa huling pagkakataon ako’y makapagsilbi sa unibersidad at mga estudyante, kaya ko itong tanggapin. Marahil ito talaga ang nakatadhana. Basta, ang tanging nais ko lamang ay makatulong at maka-ambag sa ika-gaganda at ika-uunlad ng BU.

Isa akong buhay na alamat at saksi sa pagkalaya ng mga Bikolano sa mapagmalupit na Espanya.

Napagtagumpayan ko ang mga pagyanig ng lupa dulot ng sigalot sa pagitan ng mga Kano at Hapon. Hindi rin nawala ang kisig ko ng malalakas na dilag na bagyo ng kasaysayan; sina Trix, Olive at Sisang, maging sa himutok at pagtuga ni Mayon.

Ngunit ngayon, natapos na ang mahigit isangdaa’t labing-tatlong taon kong pamamalagi. Mapalad na naabot ko ang ganitong edad dito sa mundong ibabaw.

Bukas o samakalawa, malalagas din ang aking mga dahon at matutuyo na ako ng tuluyan. Mawawala…magiging alaala at parte na lamang ng kasaysayan.

Sa aking paglisan, mangungulila ako sa inyong lahat. Mahirap lisanin ang nakasanayan, ngunit kailangang umusad.

Kaya muli, nais kong magpasalamat sa pagmamahal, sa pagkalinga at sa lahat ng mga alaala.

Eto na. Bibitawan ko na ang mga salita. Paalam, mga kaibigan. Ngunit

malay niyo? Muli tayong magkitakita. Kaya magtanim kayo ha? Dahil kung papayagan man ng langit, pipiliin kong maging puno ulit. Dito sa BU, sa aking tahanan, sa aking pamilya...

Nagmamahal,

Centree

SaAking

Paglisan... ni Arthessa Marie Ladoing at Renz Nikkol Mortega debuho ni Edward Lustan

FEATURE

The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

ALPHA PHI OMEGA SERVICE & BROTHERHOOD

by Alyssa Joselle Bañares, Danica Navida, and Jervy Anne Romero illustration by Deano Christian Echague

A

rmored with beliefs and values, deception failed to enter the minds of fraternity members.

Though they have been bombarded with countless judgments, they found themselves sheltered in a haven of peace.

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is an international fraternity and sorority which has continually provided refuge to its members. Its vision is to be recognized as the premier service-based leadership development organization.

Moreover, APO upholds Leadership, Friendship and Service (LFS).

However, it is also one of the many fraternities subjected to the wrong judgments and criticisms of the society.

And more often than not, anyone who is a fraternity member would always be linked to violence and riot.

But for Justine Ria Almojuela, the current Grand Lady Chancellor (GLC) of Gamma Omicron (APO-BU Chapter) and the thousands of its members whose lives have been changed, APO is so much more than what it seemed to be.

THE BEGINNING

All thanks to one man and his

ner than war,” Horton thought.

With that and Horton’s experiences as a scout, a “standard of manhood” was eventually found - scouting - the core of the principles and beliefs of the fraternity.

Scouting was known to be a standard of manhood that lasts, with code of ideals created and accepted by some of the greatest leaders the world has ever known.

With these ideals, what had once begun as a dream finally came to life on the 16th of December, 1925 at the Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, United States of America. APO was born.

Horton’s purpose was to make APO an organization for college men who cooperated with all youth movements, specially scouting. He also aimed for service programs that would expand to help those in need and to do service to each campus of each chapter.

And so with these aims, APO eventually became a worldwide organization, with chapters at over 350 campuses around the world. In the Philippines, there are about 250 chapters which have sought to uphold the very ideals of scouting.

And so with this growth, another development sprung as the females were brought inside the circle of the service of manhood. Eventually, APO became not just a fraternity but also a sorority. The circle that was once inscribed by the males expanded into a sphere now open to females.

Still, just like any other solid figure, this sphere also has its fragile part and, when hit, may lead to the body’s destruction.

OF ACTS AND DEATH

heart f o r o t h ers that thousands of these lives have been changed.

F r a n k Reed Horton, an American who worked as an ensign in the United States Navy during the First World War, was the founder of APO. During the war, many court martial cases resulted.

Young boys desperately went into trouble. Due to those experiences, two things unraveled in Horton’s mind.

“First, I’ll do my best to help young people get the right start in life by holding up before them a ‘standard of manhood’ that would withstand the test of time. Second and just as important, I’ll try to help the nations of the world settle their disputes in a more sensible and legal man-

No thanks to some men who lost their hearts for others, causing lives to be taken away.

In August 2010, EJ Karl Intia, a student from University of Makati got killed in initiation rites. According to an article in ABS-CBN News online, Intia bore bruises, wounds and fractured skull.

The Makati police confirmed that APO was behind the hazing.

Forty days after Intia’s death, Makati City Judge Honorio Guanlao Jr. dismissed the hazing charges against the four APO members linked to the crime due to insufficient ground on the accused.

This left Oscar Intia, the victim’s father, to seek for truth, in the hope that his dead son would get the justice he rightfully deserves.

Last June 28, Guillo Servando, an 18-year-old De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde student, died from alleged hazing of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity and arouse the drive to further implement a firmer measure against violence in fraternities.

The Anti-Hazing Law or Republic Act No. 8049 regulates hazing and other forms of initiation rites in fraternities and other organizations. Unfortunately, this 19-year old law never even had a single conviction, leaving families like the Intias and Servandos detached from the grip of truth and justice.

Recently, an attempt to address this issue on fraternities has been lobbied into the Congress through a bill known as the Servando Act, named after the late Guillo Servando.

First District Congressman

7

Be not deceived by the negative voices that sprung onto your head.

Be not deceived by the judgmental looks of people who knew nothing but the name. Because behind the negative notion society tries to attach to these people lies a far greater purpose - one that fosters service and brotherhood.

Sherwin T. Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, author of the bill, said that the Servando Act would totally prohibit hazing and impose graver penalties on fraternities, sororities, student organizations and school administrators who will be involved in violent hazing in the future.

If passed, the act would spare lives who only thirst for friendship and brotherhood, save parents from the sorrow of losing a child and create a better image for fraternities.

Engr. Ulysses D. Bello, a professor in the College of Engineering and the adviser of Gamma Omicron Chapter, admitted that there is physical contact during their initiation but they are becoming strict now specifically when it comes to the contact.

“During my time, may physical contact talaga. Pero ngayon sumusunod na kami sa bagong batas ng pag-initiate,“ Bello said.

John Bolima, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering student and the Prime Chancellor of APO also claimed that they are implementing rules and guidelines when it comes to the pledgees.

“Namo-monitor naman kung may nanyayaring physical contact. Kung may nangyayaring ganun, siguro may pagkukulang sa monitoring. Pero samin dito sa BU naghihipit na talaga kami,” Bolima explained.

However, according to Justine Ria Almojuela, the GLC of Gamma Omicron, they have no hazing and no physical contact.

During the process of pledge ship, aspiring APO members were asked to pass through the 3 stages – Alpha, the leadership training, Phi on friendsip and Omega for services. These are three stages that would test an aspirant’s character and willingness to be part of APO.

After these stages, individuals who can finally call other APO members ‘brod and sis’, unfortunately, will be prone to criticisms and hatred by the society.

Countless times they will be criticized as war freaks and the fraternity itself will be seen as an organization that causes death and violence.

In those times, the fragile part of the sphere would decay, with constant stabbing from people outside the solid figure.

THE BAD IMAGE

No thanks to some men, whose eyes see only the negative, slowly killing the souls of the living.

Since 2000, about 21 people have been killed due to hazing in fraternities. This has generated contempt to fraternity members due to the general idea that all fraternities are the same.

“Syempre, fraternity po yun, ‘di maiiwasan na ihambing kasi we are also a fraternity,” says BS Architecture student Kyzle Basquinas.

Basquinas, who was a neophyte member of APO, mentioned that the “bad image” being associated with fraternities did not affect her or make doubts in joining the organization.

Gamma Omicron M.I. Bolima also stated that APO is different from other fraternities since they are now strict in the implementation of Republic Act 8049.

Those “traditional way of initiation rites” is not being used anymore by the organi-

zation.

“Pinapakita namin sa mga services namin na iba kami,” Bolima added.

According to Bolima, APP was established to ensure that the pledgees will be protected from violent initiation rites. He even affirmed that they do not have any intention to harm the aspiring members of their organization.

“Sumunod na sila [other frats].

Nagiging masama ang image ng ibang fraternities. Yung tingin ng mga magulang masama in general which is di naman ganun. Sana maiwasan na ang mga ganung bagay. Magka-isa para malinis na yung image ng mga frat,” Bolima further said.

Still, no matter how hard the sphere was stabbed, it will remain firm with its beliefs and principles, and continue to mold its members into a stronger, firmer individual.

BROTHERHOOD BENEFITS

All thanks to one organization and its aim to uphold brotherhood that thousands of lives have been saved.

GLC Almojuela revealed that she once had problems when it comes to leadership but when she became a member of APO, things changed.

“Nabigyan ako ng confidence na mag-run sa CSC. Lumakas yung confidence ko and definitely, I became a better person because of the organization,” she stressed.

The GLC also said that service is the bloodline of the organization.

Tree planting, feeding program, library assistance, and blood-letting activities were one of the service projects organized and rendered by APO to the community.

“Through these activities, naipapakita namin na hindi kami masamang organization,” she said.

Aside from these services, APO also offers scholarship to its members whose funds are aided by its alumni association.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa APO kasi dahil dun, na-pursue ko yung studies ko,” said Bolima, a scholar of the organization.

Like any organization, the brotherhood they have acquired as members would be an edge for them. The connection between APO members will help them even after college.

“Accessible sa amin ang paghahanap ng trabaho. Kung maka-graduate na kami, may connections sa labas,” Bolima mentioned.

Indeed, Bolima and the thousands of lives changed by the group know that there is more to APO than just an organization.

It is not merely an association, not merely a training ground for leaders, not merely a group that causes death. It is a sanctuary - a haven that allows voices to be heard and a shelter against judgments and criticisms.

Because behind those misconceptions is a sphere of brotherhood - a solid figure that continues to be firm, goes on expanding, and keeps on molding individuals with its surfaces filled with leadership, friendship and service.

8

PINION

The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

Volume XLII Issue 1 JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

9

EDITORIAL

Right Turn

Just before the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) reach its final year, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 09, series of 2012 created a scholarship program that targets to alleviate poverty. Nonetheless, the program aims to aid poor families to produce college graduates who will stop the poverty cycle and play a vital role in nation-building. It also opens the door for poor but deserving students to have an access to quality education.

In the first semester of academic year 20142015, Bicol University (BU) admitted 968 scholars of the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA). Apparently, the scholarship program is beneficial to all its grantees since each of them would receive P60, 000 a year to cover their educational expenses and support services. However, it also raised an issue about the quality of graduates that the university will produce since some scholars failed to pass the BU College Entrance Test (BUCET). Even USC Chairperson and Student Regent Adelaine Bautista expressed her disappointment on this matter by saying that the academic freedom that BU has been working hard to maintain standards was curtailed. Consequently, in the memorandum released by CHED, it was stated in the sixth requirement that a scholar must pass the entrance exam.

Nevertheless, the existence of ESGP-PA scholars in the institution entails three things.

First, a single examination will never justify the worth and capabilities of a student. Yes, BUCET is an exam used to identify the individuals who will have the privilege to study in the university. But, just like what Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Helen Llenaresas said, not all the students of BU are actually BUCET passers. It’s unfortunate that some enjoy the chance of being called as BUeńos just because they are children or friends or relatives of the people who are inside the sphere where “excellence is a way of living.” Some of the ESGP-PA scholars may have failed to get a bragging score in BUCET but this doesn’t mean that they are lesser than any BUCET passer. Isn’t it better to give poor students some consideration than those who just use their connections just to be part of the sphere?

Second, it is BU’s responsibility to give quality education to its clientele. The effect of ESGPPA scholars to the quality of graduates that BU will be producing should never be an issue. Yes, BU is an ISO certified university that maintains standards.

Yes, BU is prominent in making well-honed graduates. Yes, BU is an excellent university. But it is not excellent because its students are BUCET passers.

It is excellent because it offers quality education to poor but deserving students. The scholars and every student of this institution serve as a challenge for BU to constantly prove that it is indeed a university of excellence.

Third, it will never be about how the scholars will affect BU, its quality and its standards. It will always be about how BU will be able to help the scholars succeed in their chosen field. It will always be about how BU will produce college graduates among poor families who are able to contribute in the national welfare. And most importantly, it will always be about how BU will make ESGP-PA scholars realize how fortunate they are to be given the chance to study in a premiere state university.

At the end of the day, the challenge lies not just to the ESGP-PA scholars but to BU as well. And if BU will be able to direct the scholars towards the right turn, then, it will also take credit on the success of ESGP-PA and its beneficiaries.

For comments, suggestions and reaction: e-mail us at:

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visit our website:

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FATESCRIPT Hermalyn Zantua

W

hen something goes wrong in our political arena, the modern world gives us a script to follow.

Policemen barricade and yellow tapes seals off everything to keep the full truth at distance. An investigation starts next. Rallies and protest would start. Then the government would call numerous press conferences. There are an orderly number of the high individuals involved in the said anomaly.

And eventually, there will be an explanation for all of these.

T h e outraged, the apathetic and the rest of us, takes consolation in whatever we see on the television, read in the papers and hear on the radio.

Whether they say it involves logical reasoning, an indepth analysis or even scientific explanation.

It’s a course of action and misfortune that our mind has to process and the heart to lament.

All of these are connected.

Whether it was because of a greedy politician, a whistle blower or the media that we all have to go through with it, we are assured that after this chaos what was seen on the television, read in the paper and heard on the radio will all be forgotten and will die a natural death.

Politicians in our country may vary in many ways but they all share one thing in common - the ability to use words that immediately attracts the attention of the public. It is not only because of their wide array of vocabulary that makes our politician worth talking about but also their “epal” ability to

be involved in so many outrageous controversies and irregularities.

Every day we are bombarded with issues that shakes us.

Social cancer that we hear and see.

Heinous crimes, like the Maguindanao massacre (still unsolved after five years). Natural calamities like earthquakes, floods and typhoons that worsen our living condition.

But last year when the ‘Pork’ barrel scam erupted, fate has broken up the script. Some crooked government officials had used tax payer’s money for their own caprice amounting to 10 billion.

Leaving the nation in a knee jerk reaction as the news became sensationalized.

They say history repeats itself. The bad old days live again.

Corruption had happened, is happening and will be happening.

Corruption started in the Philippines since the time of the colonial era and up to now corruption is still visibly seen and felt.

The only things that we hold onto are their words. We never stopped listening to what they are saying. After hearing what they say, we somewhat believe them but we also look for and believe in patterns of action. It is what they do and not what they say that makes their word credible.

It is a battle between reputation and character.

Reputation is what people think you are. It is their exclusive perception of you. It is what you do when people are looking and what you say when there are people listening. This is the outside image you maintain and how others see it.

Character is different.

It’s a course of action and misfortune that our mind has to process and the heart to lament.

TROUBLESHOOT

All-day Efficiency

I

n a society where social status is a big issue, holistic progression is elusive.

It is definitely laudable when President Benigno Aquino III led a radical transformation by anchoring his governance on the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity. I give him two-thumbs up for his efforts in eradicating corruption to alleviate poverty. And I want to salute his administration for putting Juan Ponce Enrile (a pain in Miriam’s butt) to jail.

But his hard works are not enough to lift millions of Filipinos out of poverty line. The statistics and upgrades that he mentioned in his fifth State of the Nation Address failed to stop the clamors for better governance. After all, people can never eat the numbers in statistics to feed their hungry stomachs. It is a disappointment that the translation from a rising economy to boosting the confidence of the people to the government still does not exist. The present economic status quo seemed to fail in reaching Filipinos who belong in the lower strata.

The President’s strong political will, prominent family name and well-rehearsed speeches must not blind us about the real score of his leadership. Long-time dilemmas are still overlooked and calls for reforms are still neglected. True enough that all his efforts are not sufficient to address the issues concerning the citizenry. The transformation from being a “developing country” to a “developed country” is still out of our reach. Yet, we must not forget that he needs us to back him up. A collective effort from every sector of the society is required in order for our goals to materialize. And different aspects must be put into consideration before taking a big leap.

Alyssa Joselle Bañares

Character and public accountability are just some facets that must be mulled over. These two must serve as driving forces of our transformation to guide us towards the right course. They are supposedly two of the most important aspects but are usually the least to be regarded. They must be possessed by everyone, from the President to the barangay captains to the constituents. Officials and employees of government agencies are not excluded.

However, this is not the case. In Bicol University alone, the principle of public accountability is not fully manifested and maintained by some staffs. Rude and disresp e c t f u l employees had always been the center of students’ complaints.

Some say that it is the price of studying in a public school - poor facilities, poor quality of service from various offices. I will concede in this argument and will just keep my loquacious mouth shut if these staffs treat everyone in the same way. I will even adore them if they managed to arch their brows and give an assessing look from head to toes, to the Student Regent in front of President Fay Lauraya.

However, again, this is not the case. Even the University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Adelaine B. Bautista herself admitted that the treatment to a Student Regent is different from the treatment to an ordinary student who holds no post.

Seriously, do we really need to be in the student council just to be accommodated by the people who are properly paid by the state through the citizens’ taxes? Do we really need to always bear the unjust feeling whenever we seek for these people’s assistance? Do we really need to know someone in these people’s circle for them to be nice to us? It saddens me that in this modern time, social stratum still exists. And worse, it’s happening in academes, public hospitals and other government agencies run by intellectuals.

I am no longer in the mood to tolerate supremacy of public officials and employees over civilian authority.

If they ask for legal basis, well, we certainly can slap on their faces the Republic Act No. 6713 or otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. It is already on its 25th year but it seems that not everyone is aware about the RA’s provisions. It was approved on February 20, 1989 and it took effect on March 25 of the same year. It is definitely the responsibility of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service as mentioned in the Declaration of Policy found in Section 2 of the Code. With this, Section 4, Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees, mandates them to extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.

I am no longer in the mood to tolerate supremacy of public officials and employees over civilian authority.

However, for the third time, this is not the case. It’s a shame that PNoy calls us his Boss when some, if not most of the employees in government agencies treat us like beggars begging for their service.

Certainly it is not their bragging right to serve us, it is their responsibility. They should do it right because that’s what they are paid for. It is a frustration that the highest standard of ethics that the Code is talking about is still outside the four corners of public offices.

It must also be noted that the average can never define the whole populace. Not all officials and employees lost their character and accountability to the public. And I’m glad that Bicol University still employs staffs who put the students’ interest on top. There are just some people who think that they are supreme beings because of their positions. Their degree will never justify their ill-manners. At the same time, our status will never justify our worth as a person.

I don’t deprive them their right to be irritated or lose their temper. They are just normal human beings after all. I just hope that they will be more discreet in showing what they feel. It will never be a sin if they refrain themselves from doing acts that are not in accordance to good morals. They are in a professional world, they are professionals and professionalism must always be the primary word in their vocabulary.

After a day’s hard work, it will not be a question of how skilled and how competent they are as employees. It will always be a matter of dedication and commitment to their profession.

PEN POINT John Eulou Bas

J

ust when we thought the Subic Rape Case involving Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of the United States Marines and Filipina Suzette Nicholas was a story bound to be buried behind the minds of the Filipino people, another tale of the same genre just recently unfolds.

Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a Filipino transgender, was found lifeless in the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City. The cause of death apparently was asphyxiation through drowning in the toilet bowl of the said motel.

Upon investigation, it was found out through CCTV footages that she entered the establishment with a foreigner by the name of Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is, coincidentally, a US Marine. Investigators speculated that the murder may have been driven by Pemberton’s discovery of Jennifer’s sexuality.

So, obviously, the tales of these

STAEDTLERTM Never gets old Character has nothing to do with other people or outside opinion.

It is what you are. It is who you are when no one is looking. The hallmark of a man of character is sticking to doing what is right even when he knows that no one is there to applaud him.

Corruption is the biggest problem in our country yet this is also the problem that is impossible to solve. Why? Because corruption is very rampant not only in the government but also in the society. It is not only done by political people but also practiced by ordinary people thus corruption exists everywhere.

Sa ‘Pinas lang meron niyan.

Some people have the tendency to look for and remember the worst in life. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t wear rose-colored glasses. Yes, there’s plenty of filth, evil and corruption in the world to make everyone depressed. However, if you focus only on the negative, nothing will ever change.

But Filipinos are not. We always find salvation after every storm. In fact, for every corrupt politician there is one who is a honest and dedicated public servant; for every doctor who is in for the money, there is one who truly cares for his patient and for every stock market cheat, there is a business executive who works hard and earns money honestly.

But at the end of the day, after all of this, all of us hope that it will soon come to an end and everything will be restored in order.

We still hope.

No matter how many times we see and hear these things, we can never get enough. In our country these are considered to be standard fare and yet they still cause an outrage among us. It never gets old.

Because here in the Philippines, whether you dig politics or not, our politicians will surely dig you.

Joshua Caleb Pacleta

eDUKHAsyon

M

asaklap na katotohanan: karamihan sa mga kabataang Pilipino ay hindi nakatatamasa ng dekalidad na edukasyon.

Sa bansang pinuputakti ng kabi-kabilang anomalya at korapsyon, nagiging mailap at mistulang suntok sa buwan na lamang para sa mga kapwa ko kabataan ang makatungtong sa paaralan.

Noong nasa elementarya pa lang ako, tinanong ako ng aming guro kung ano ang gusto kong maging sa hinaharap. Sagot ko doktor, para magamot ang mga may sakit. Simple pero buo ang diwa ng aking sagot na tila ba alam ko na ang lahat. Na tila ba isang tae ko lang ay magiging doktor na ako. Na tila ba isang higop lang ng Zest O ay makakamit ko na ang pangarap ko.

Subalit nang lumaki ako at namulat sa tunay na kalagayan ng kapaligirang aking kinagagalawan, napagtanto ko na ang dating pinangarap kong propesyon ay mahirap palang maabot. Kailangan kong mag-aral ng higit sa dalawampung taon upang maisakatuparaan ang aking mithiin sa buhay. Nalaman ko na hindi sapat ang pinagsama-samang barya ng aming pamilya upang maitaguyod ang aking pag-aaral kung sakaling desidido akong maging doktor.

Ang pangarap ko ay hindi rin naiiba sa maraming kabataan dito sa ating bansa. Swerte pa nga kung maituturing dahil nakapag-kolehiyo pa ako. Ngunit paano silang naghihikahos at lubhang naghihirap? Pinanganak silang mahirap at mamamatay rin ba silang mahirap?

Second year high school ako nang magkaroon ng panibagong presidente ang ating bansa. Pangako niya “tuwid na daan.” Pangako niya, “Kayo ang Boss ko.” Katulad ng ibang mga pangako ng mga TraPo, napako na naman ito. Magtatapos na naman lang ang kanyang rehimen, hindi ko pa rin batid ang pangakong kanyang sinabi sa ating mga Pilipino. Ang malala pa, sa kanyang termino ay mas lumubha pa ang krisis sa edukasyon.

Sa pagbubukas ng panibagong taon para sa mga estudyante, muling bumungad kay Juan ang krisis na kinasasadlakan ng edukasyon. Ang pagbabago ng sistema nito, ang academic calendar shift bilang tugon sa ASEAN Integration o kopyahin ang academic calendar ng ibang bansa, ang patuloy na pagkaltas ng subsidiyo ng gobyerno sa State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) na nagreresulta sa pagtaas sa matrikula at mga bayarin, ang paggamit ng lupain ng SUCs sa mga negosyo upang punan ang kakulangan ng pondo at ang pagtanggal ng Wikang Filipino sa ibang kurikulum upang mas bigyang daan ang mga sabdyek na kakailanganin para maging ‘globally competitive’ ang mga Pilipino ay ilan lamang sa panibagong pasanin ni Juan.

Ang tanong ko: kailangan ba natin ang mga ito?

Oo nga’t –isa ang edukasyon sa mga kasangkapan upang maging matagumpay tayo sa hinaharap. Subalit maituturing nga bang solusyon ang pagdagdag ng dalawang taon sa sekundarya at pagtanggal ng sabdyek na

The Sacrificial Lambs and the Soldiers of Lust

two Pinays are linked by the nationality of the suspects as well as their nature of work.

Both Smith and Pemberton render their service to the United States Marines, performing military operations in the country under the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Assistance (EDCA) by which US troops are allowed to conduct military exercises known as Balikatan but are prohibited to establish permanent US military bases. They are allowed however to operate on Agreed Locations to store defense materials, equipment and supplies.

Basically, EDCA’s primary objective is to promote peace and security to the region. The Philippines is more than glad to cooperate and train with US Troops, with their facility and expertise. And since China has been silently waging war against the Phil-

ippines over disputed territories, the presence of US Troops is nonetheless beneficial to us, given how small our country is compared to China. But how will our country feel safe under the patrol of these sentinels if they themselves commit atrocious crimes to the people they are tasked to guard?

These American marines clearly were not given freedom to do as they please whenever they are in the islands of our country. When they set foot on our territory, they are already under the jurisdiction of the law of our land. Any crime they commit must be taken to trial, abiding the Justice System of the Philippines and they must remain in Philippine custody, regardless of whatever protection they have from the United States. That is why leftist groups are taking their clamor to streets because of the inability of the government to enforce their authority to foreign sus-

Filipino sa ibang kurikulum sa kolehiyo upang masabing ‘globally competitive’ ang Pilipinas? Solusyon bang maituturing kung susundin natin ang kalendaryong pang-akademiko ng ibang bansa upang makiangkop tayo sa ASEAN Integration?

Hindi para sa atin subalit oo para sa gobyerno.

Bulag at bingi ang ating presidente sa tunay na sitwasyon at hinaing nating mga Pilipino. Ang mungkahing budget ng United Nations para sa edukasyon ay P714 bilyon o 6% ng National Gross Domestic Product subalit ang naaprubahang budget noong 2013 ay P249.2 bilyon lamang. Anong nangyari?

Kung tutuusin, ang mga bansang pinagyayaman ang kanilang sariling kultura’t wika ay sila pang patuloy na umuusbong ang ekonomiya. Ang ating mga kapitbahay na China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia at ibang pang karatig bansa ay sila ngayong dumudungaw na lang sa atin. Bakit?

Dahil semi-kolonyalismo tayong bansa. Hindi ganap ang kalayaan, hindi nalalasap ang kaginhawaan. Nasa ilalim pa rin tayo ng Estados Unidos. Ang ating presidente ay palaging dumidepende sa dikta ni Uncle Sam at ng iba pang bansa. Hindi ito maituturing na ‘strong partnership’ bagkus ito’y pagpapabansot at pagmamanipula sa kaisipan ng mga mamamayan.

Ang rehimeng Aquino ay walang nagawa kundi dagdagan pa ang ipinasang problema ng nakaraang administrasyon patungkol sa usapin ng edukasyon. Ang konseptong “Quality Education?” Hindi ako naniniwala dyan sapagkat tanging ang mga burgis lamang sa ating bansa ang nakakatamasa niyan. Sapat na ang salitang “edukasyon” para sa akin. Makatapos lamang ako ng pag-aaral at magamit ang aking mga natutunan sa paaralan sa loob ng 16 na taon, sisiguruhin kong kahit kaunti ay mayroon akong maiiaambag sa aking lupang sinilangan.

Gayunpaman, kahit paunti-unti ay nakakamit ko na ang aking pangarap na maging doktor kahit Journalismo ang aking kurso. Sa papaanong paraan? Ang pagtulong sa mga kapwa ko mamamahayag sa paggamot sa kanser ng lipunan.

Ang paggamot sa mga lumulubhang sakit ng bayan. Ang pagsulat ng mga artikulong naglalayong imulat ang mga mata ni Juan sa tunay na nangyayari sa ating bansa.

Alalahanin lamang natin mga kapwa ko kabataan, ang pagtungtong sa kolehiyo ay isa nang gantimpala at pribilehiyo na maituturing. Ang edukasyon ay mailap sa karamihan subalit para sa atin na nabigyan ng pagkakataon, sana’y gamitin natin sa tama ang ating mga dunong. Sapagkat sa huli tayo rin ang makikinabang. Tayo ang magtataguyod ng tamang landas para sa bayan. Tayo ang magtatama ng mga pagkakamali ng mga nauna. Sa atin magsisimula ang solusyon na hindi kayang ibigay ng mga nasa katungkulan ngayon. Tayo ang pag-asa ng bayan. Tayo ang kasagutan.

...ang pagtungtong sa kolehiyo ay isa nang gantimpala at pribilehiyo na maituturing.

pects.

One cause of government’s inaction, probably, is their fear of sullying the relationship of RP and US. As one of the biggest benefactors of the country, US proved to be a reliable shoulder when RP needs help.

That perhaps is what US soldiers have in mind; that whatever they may have done while performing their duties for their country, US will still back them up and the Philippines will be too afraid to impose their will. An idiocy indeed, but the US Government has a strong resolve to defend their people even in the midst of adversity.

Worse thing is, US troops often get away with what they did and get to go home, safe and sound. Don’t get it wrong, Filipinos don’t hate Americans. It’s just that, several sheeps have lost their flock and turned awry.

What the government should do is to amend the EDCA to authorize the Philippine government to indict US servicemen who committed crimes against Filipinos. Furthermore, the Philippine government must also be given the power to take custody over

US soldiers, who have committed a crime, during preliminary investigation and trial and put them behind Philippine prisons’ bars if found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Suzette’s rape case and Jennifer’s horrible death are just few of the misconducts of US Troops in the country. Not all of the victims have the courage to speak up.

Maybe some have just died helplessly and were forgotten in a blink of an eye. We’ll never know for certain. Unless the government acts on this, the US will continue to keep their soldiers intact and protected while the dignity of our nation as a whole is trampled upon and our judicial system is being mocked and spat on.

As the cliché goes, what’s done is done. We will not be able to bring back lost lives or alter the past. We just need to learn, take action and move on. These victims may serve as sacrificial lambs, guiding the government on what path to traverse upon. Thus, we should not let their lives be put to waste after what they’ve gone through under the cruelty of these soldiers of lust.

Unless the government acts on this, the US will continue to keep their soldiers intact and protected while the dignity of our nation as a whole is trampled upon and our judicial system is being mocked and spat on.

10 OPINION

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

THE BICOL UNIVERSITARIAN The Official Student Publication of Bicol University

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

THE AGENDA

B

Unintended Upload?

if there were several failed attempts to enter the correct password. If the victims had a weak password then it is possible hackers broke into the accounts in that manner. Meanwhile, the original post on 4chan was also taken down and several other online communities discourage the posting of such images. Twitter reportedly suspended accounts posting the leaked photos. Reddit took about a week before the infamous 'sub-reddit' relating to the leak was taken down. Some of the victims are also seeking legal action since this is considered an invasion of privacy and the fact those photos are stolen property.

The first thing that came into my mind as I heard of the story was why would anyone put up those private photos online in the first place? Then again, they may not know these photos are automatically uploaded for storage. In fact, many may not know this feature is turned on and while the user may turn it off, they have to go through several, often complicated, menus in the settings of the device.

Therefore, it may be a case where some things were not supposed to be uploaded and synchronized across other devices. There are also other several services like this. Facebook, most notably does this as well however, it asks for the user's permission first before doing so. Same goes with Dropbox, Flickr and

Google+ Photos. My questions therefore turn to Apple. Why didn't they clearly inform their users that their photos are automatically uploaded? Why is iCloud so complicated? iCloud for many users is still a confusing online service ever since it was introduced in 2011. It takes a pundit to clearly understand what it is but to an average consumer, it may still be a big mystery to them. Again, they may not know they had the feature turned on when they agreed to use iCloud.

I actually remember turning off the automatic photo uploads in iCloud because I find it hard to manage. I currently use Facebook and Google+ Photos for that so that I can easily share the photos on social media. Of course, I am fully aware that anything that goes online, even though private, may still be accessed by someone else one way or another. Even those that were deleted are actually still stored somewhere. I am always told that whatever goes online is there forever no matter what. The Internet is often referred to as the 'cloud' since our data is supposedly sent 'up into the cloud'. Technically speaking, it's being sent to another computer or even a network of computers somewhere, which means there's a chance

Of course, I am fully aware that anything that goes online even through private, may still be accessed by someone else one way or another.

those could gain unauthorized access by hackers and the rest is a not so good story.

Therefore, going back to the photos leak, I can say it wasn't entirely Apple's fault but they need to take some measures so that this doesn't happen again. We are now living at a time where everyone has a camera nowadays and photos are very easy to take and share with smartphones and social media respectively. As we get more connected through the World Wide Web. We should be more responsible on what we share online since anyone could see it. We should step up in securing accounts especially in my opinion, our e-mails since that's where password requests are sent. Likewise, tech companies like Apple, Facebook and Google should have the social responsibility to safeguard our information since we've trusted them with that.

They also have the responsibility to make it easy for us to secure our accounts and should continue to find ways to make it more secure without sacrificing convenience. With the photos leak, it was suggested that there should be a 'private mode' in camera apps where photos taken in that setting would not be automatically uploaded online much like in the same way the incognito mode in our browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox doesn't save the websites we visit in the browser history.

In the end, these incidents may happen once in a while but it gives us a chance to make our online accounts more secure and avoid the accidental syncing of photos or even other kinds of data that weren't meant to be uploaded.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Academic Freedom vs. International Standards

W

e all seem to agree that Bicol University is a premiere institution in Bicol Region in which, if you are a BUeño, you are expected to be molded in the values of leadership, scholarship, character and service because it has established itself in the past 45 years as a university of excellence. We characterize ourselves as individuals who are scholarly engaged for the community bound towards sustainable development committed to meet the highest level of clientele satisfaction by way of adhering to quality standards. The problem is that we set too much high a bar on how we are going to satisfy the students because the admin thinks that if we could, we would. We are willing to challenge the limitations because that’s what we collectively want to happen. But the fundamental question we must ask is on what platform should we really base the direction of our goals in terms of forwarding the best to our clients? What is really happening on the ground and do the means justify the end?

What direction should we move in and how can we contribute to development?

On the first level, why are we in this institution? We are the primary client of Bicol University and we are here either because we made a choice or somebody else’s choice. But whosever choice it is, it certainly comes with hope that somehow we’ll be able to pursue knowledge for that someone whom we want to be someday. Then what happened when we enter and stay in the university? Our hopes and dreams are challenged. This is because we are put in numerous ‘fight or flight situations’ where we have to “go with the flow” or “go against the flow” and choose between doing things for yourself or for people around you. We should realize that we have different roles to play in the university. Excellence as our main goal is not contingent on what is in the handbook. Neither is it on how harsh or strict the implementation of school policies but on our entitlement to equal recognition despite structural authority. Meaning, excellence

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

Magenta founder attends world youth meeting

by Jervy Anne Romero

AY 2014-2015

Randall Matthew Lorayes y the end of August this year, news broke out that several private photos of around a hundred female celebrities were leaked by an anonymous 'hacker' on 4chan, a website where users can anonymously post in an online bulletin board. These photos were allegedly obtained by comprising Apple's online service iCloud where among its features include photos taken with Apple devices are automatically uploaded and stored online so that these can be accessed by other devices authorized by the user. This keeps everything let's say your smartphone, tablet and laptop synchronized. Ever since these photos were leaked, it spread like wildfire across the Internet.

In response, Apple was quick to investigate if in fact they were compromised and even the FBI became involved.

It was found out according to the technology company that there was no direct attack on their end rather it is believed hackers targeted the individual accounts of the victims through so-called 'social engineering' methods such as guessing of e-mail addresses and answers to the security questions which are asked when a user forgets the password. In this case where the victims are celebrities, one could simply find an answer to a security question like what is the name of their pet by a simple search online. It was also believed hackers made use of a vulnerability in the 'Find My iPhone' app wherein there was no limit into how many times users can attempt to enter their passwords.

Normally, as a security measure, the login times out for a certain number of minutes

NEWS

The Bicol Universitarian

has never been about imposing the correct idealism in which we should abide by. Excellence has always been about respecting individuals’ idealism in which the foundation of our goals are nurtured.

Now, what is really the fundamental issue? And is it perfectly correct to say that it’s simply part of the journey towards excellence so we should just let it be?

Well, what we should care about is the principle of academic freedom. Academic freedom is the very life of a university. Without it a university is not a university. Without it, probably the school is like any other capitalistic business or a puppet of the government. It is the freedom to pursue knowledge and to search for truth. Although freedom is not absolute, it doesn’t mean we should back down and just accept that academic freedom is not absolute too! What we should do is to understand what it is and give importance to it. When you look at the concept it encompasses a broad perspective, but the issue here is why there is an inherent problem against it and why we’re intrinsically struggling from achieving it.

Imagine we are in an unstoppable ride unless we reach our destination.

Basically, our destination is excellence. But how do we get there? What road do we take to reach it? Partly, we consider the scale of leadership of the one who’s going to drive for us. Partly, we consider the scale of capacity of the car by which the driver will mechanically command. The point is do we seriously know the correct path? Sure we have a driver, we have a car but how do we get both to the destination? We should take the road. And our university takes the ISO road because we think it’s the way to go. We had the university accredited by the ISO because we believe we are better off if we conform to the norms of the international standards.

Because of this, if we stay off the road, we’ll definitely lose direction. ISO standards became leverage for us to tell what direction we should be moving which is why we have accreditation every year. So how does this

affect all of us? Why is it diametrically opposed to academic freedom?

(a) Conforming to ISO standards means putting us in a dictatorship of idealism. If you think wearing a complete uniform (i.e. on the issue of identification) is unnecessary and plain shirt and pants and ID is enough just so you can go to school and learn in class, ISO is going to tell you that you ought to abide by the international standard or trend. ISO wants you to wear uniform and those at the top will reinforce the idea of wearing uniform because you’re accredited. This is why it’s a backlash to the principle of academic freedom because we are restricted by those standards. Your pursuit of knowledge is hampered once you’re barred from going to school just because you’re not in uniform or in black shoes because the “quality standard” implicitly says ID alone doesn’t identify you enough as a BU student. This is exactly the reason why there is a strong emphasis on seniority happening on the ground. Reason why even the student council is having difficulty convincing the administration of the merits of such policies that forward the students’ interest.

Like matters concerning about increasing the admin’s action in seeking justice for all BUeño victims of extrajudicial killings in the past decade which they set aside, or even implementing a university calendar that isn’t just strictly followed and changes are problematic in terms of effective release of information.

(b) ISO monopolizes our perception of an international school. Bicol University, an ISO accredited institution is branded as an international school. Particularly because we are nationally competitive and we have opened our doors to international opportunities since the initial accreditation.

Because of this, a BUeño’s expectations are either met or not. If met, it’s good for him or her. If not, that’s when the branches of clamors grow. Clamors like hiring professors who appear twice or thrice in a blue moon, having untidy comfort rooms (of course,

“except during accreditation”), lacking technical facilities, highly expensive class projects, etc. These branches of clamors emerged because the root of the problem lies not in the professor nor the president but on the basis of contrast of reality and perception as to what we are supposed to be, do or have.

On the other hand, if we uphold the value of academic freedom, we won’t bother see our prof ’s absence as a harm to our pursuit of knowledge. Reverse it, our professors won’t just see us as a recipient of the information they have, but they’ll be more open to accept discourse between them and their students instead of just shutting their students up and stay close-minded because they think they know better.

All this means is that our pursuit of knowledge and truth should be the premium priority when it comes to university policies and administrative action and not to be in line with the international standard.

Why? It ties back to what I told you earlier.

It is because we didn’t go to Bicol University for the sake of experiencing those standards but because we want to learn and we have a right to be free from learning barriers. So the bottom line here is on which platform are we able to access that fundamental student’s right? Should we abide by the standard where our perception is manipulated dictating us ‘how’ and ‘what’ we should learn and just accept we’re in the point of no return?

Or is it the principle where we make sure we have a purpose ‘why’ we are learning and restrictions in learning aren’t there in the first place? Remember that BUeños ain’t cars and we will determine where we are going not the driver!

Keep Right BUeños!

by:

Albert Jorge Emmanuel D. Bersabe III-AB Audio Visual Communication

Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Joselle Bañares Associate Editor Hermalyn Zantua Managing Editor Joshua Caleb Pacleta Senior Editor John Eulou Bas Online Content Editor Randall Matthew Lorayes Art and Graphics Editor Nichole Baloloy Writers Rojee Peninoy, Jervy Anne Romero, Jerald Talavera, Jessica Bechayda, Arthessa Marie Ladoing, Danica Navida, Alyssa Joana Aro, Janelle Tanguin, Renz Nikkol Mortega, Bryan Del Castillo Cartoonists Deano Christian Echague, John Paul Revilla, Edward Lustan, Rommel Noda Photojournalists John Emerson Bado, Don Mari Phil Frayna, Jerry Jethro Calag, Shan Gabriel Apuli Layout Artists Yves Lawrence Oarde, Exequiel Tugano, Xyrel Tuson Public Relations Staff Danica Villagarcia, Jeano Marcayda, Jansen Baculi, Mary Christelle De Vera Technical Adviser Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta

THE BICOL UNIVERSITARIAN

is located at the 2/F MP Bldg., Bicol University Main Campus, Legazpi City

MEMBER: College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Bicol Association of Student Campus Writers (BASCAW)

website: unibeonline.com e-mail: unibe.online@gmail.com facebook: facebook.com/UnibeWallnews

FINANCIAL REPORT A.Y. 2013-2014 1st Semester

CASH INFLOW P137, 177.89 Remaining Balance (2nd Semester, AY 2012-2013) P230, 054.00 Publication Fee Collection (1st Semester) P5, 000.00 Rayte 5 income P372, 231.89 TOTAL

CASH OUTFLOW Office Equipment, Supplies and Maintenance P9,387.50 P1, 860.00 Communication Expenses P2, 000.00 Freshmen Welcome Party P4, 849.73 Operational Expenses P2, 317.00 Staff Exam and Team Building P6, 648.00 Miscellaneous Expenses P3, 835.00 Transportation Expenses P16, 500.00 Rayterista 4.5 P1, 000.00 Student Governance Training P1, 609.00 Overnight Press Works P736.00 Anti-smoking Human Logo Coverage P4, 893.25 BU Week Coverage P16, 000.00 Lunduyan P90, 000.00 RTSPC P115, 500.00 1st Semester Print Issue P 227, 135.48 TOTAL TOTAL CASH INFLOW TOTAL CASH OUTFLOW REMAINING BALANCE

P372, 231.89 P 277, 135.48 P 95, 096.41

F

ighting for the pursuit of education for all, a Bicol University student represented the Philippines in the 14th Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD) last June 23-25 at Melaka, Malaysia.

Jerwin Macasinag, a fourth year BS Electrical Technology student of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) was one of the seven delegates of the country in the MIYD. Together with him was Professor Jonathan Jaime Guererro of the College of Science.

MIYD is a program of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) which aims to gather youth leaders and stakeholders from around the world to inform, educate and increase awareness on the challenges and entitlements of youth in the different levels of society.

Anchored on the theme “Youth and Education: Taking Action,

BU 4Ps/page 1 and 1 from College of Science.

BU is targeted to be alloted P75 million for the implementation of ESGPPA.

“PINAKAMAGANDANG SCHOLARSHIP”

Under the said program, student grantees would receive a maximum of P60 000 annually or P30 000 per semester.

This is intended to cover the cost of tuition and other shool fees, academic and extra-curricular expenses, purchase of textbooks, board and lodging, transportation, clothing and entrance fees. Health and other valid educational expenses, including support services to complete the student-grantees degree programs are covered too by the grant.

Noah Lobitaña, BU Polangui Campus (PC) CSC (College Student Council) president lauded the program saying that “sila na ang may pinakamagandang scholarship sa university – from stipend to boarding house, to clothing – everything.”

On an article posted at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) website entitled “From Ripples to Waves” dated April 7 2014, Christian Taglucop, 21 and second year Bachelor of Science in Fisheries student in BU Tabaco Campus (TC) expressed his happiness being a scholar of ESGP-PA. “Masayang masaya po ako

Getting Results”, the 250 participants of the dialogue crafted a declaration addressed to all the stakeholders to ensure that the rights of various categories of youth and education are acknowledged and protected.

This declaration would serve as a guideline for the youth towards the attainment of the Post 2015 Development Agenda on education.

Macasinag, founder of Magenta, a University-Based Organization of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBT) said that the LGBT community must be included in the marginalized sector when it comes to curriculum development.

“Education must be genderbalanced. It should not only focus on males and females but must also look forward to other sectors like the LGBT community,” he stated.

As the current CIT College

ngayon sa kurso ko. Pinag-iigihan ko pong mag-aral ng mabuti dahil gusto ko pong makatulong sa mga kapatid ko na [makatapos] sila hanggang kolehiyo.”

PURPOSE

The scholarship program was formed through Commission Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 09, series of 2012.

The scholars are to take up the CHED priority courses and the government’s other course offerings.

ESGP-PA aims to reduce the poverty incidence in the country by increasing the number of college graduates among poor families that will enable them to have gainful employments as well as to contribute to national development.

In terms of its implementation, the responsibility then falls on the CHED, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The government has allotted some P2.5 billion for the implementation of the ESGP-PA this year. CHED stated that DBM would release the funds directly to the participating SUCs.

“The scholars are fortunate that they were given the chance to stop the poverty cycle through having an access to quality education,” Kevin John

Student Council President, Macasinag explained that his participation in the dialogue did not only allow him to work with different groups of people but it also helped him in creating linkages outside the country.

“I am not after the experience of going outside the country but I am after the network, the return of investment that I can give back to the university,” he further said.

To qualify for MIYD, Macasinag submitted an application form online containing his leadership experiences and seminars attended. He also wrote an essay regarding his view about education and how education for all can be attained.

The 14th MIYD was organized by WAY, the Melaka State Government, Asian Youth Council, Malaysian Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia.

Rogacion, a fifth year BS Mechanical Engineering student said.

BU’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Dr. Helen Llenaresas, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) stated how BU prepared for the implementation of ESGP-PA program knowing that it also admits scholars all over the region.

“We have met with the deans and directors and then there was an instruction from the Office of the President (OP) that classes should be specifically opened for the grantees. Most of the classes were in the evening and to accommodate these people, we hired parttimers to handle the classes. The honoraria of the part-timers were charged against the ESGP-PA fund,” Llenaresas said.

As one of the program implementers, SUCs like BU is responsible to create a Project Management Office (PMO) who would oversee the operation and implementation of the scholarship grant for the school.

The PMO should be composed of the VPAA as the chair, Guidance Counselor, ESGP-PA Coordinator and a Project Technical Staff as the members.

“CHEd downloaded to us specific number of scholars or grantees for several SUCs, I’m not very sure if all these SUCs were given, but I’m sure that those SUCs which are leveled three and

Prepared by Jemuel D. Gutierrez Managing Editor

Noted by Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta Technical Adviser

four in the region were given grantees. Because we are the only level four in the region, we are given the most [grantees],” said Llenaresas.

She added that the PMO along with the Office of Student Services (OSS) already organized an Orientation for Parents and ESGP-PA grantees at the BUCEng Gymnasium last June 6.

“We oriented the students together with their parents on their and our [BU] responsibilities. We have also invited the DSWD people to be with us during the orientation.

We explained to them the importance of this undertaking. We said that the money that they are going to get [in the program] is intended for their education.”

As the chairman, Llenaresas assures that they have put in so much effort to take care of the needs of the grantees.

She also makes sure that all the [ESGP-PA grantees] who entered the university took the entrance examination. “We have close monitoring together with the deans and directors so that we will be able to ensure that there will be a percentage of success.”

“Kasi we really can’t deny that these people need close monitoring. Alam naman natin that they come from the disadvantaged families so to ensure success, we really make sure they will be well attended in their colleges,” she said. “We explained to them that they already gained a very big opportunity. Can you imagine that the regular students, they are already given P5 K per semester and yet they can finish their studies, so how much more with P60 K a year?”

“Dapat may counterpart pa rin yung pamilya [nila] dito. Hindi pwedeng aasa na lang sa gobyerno, kasi ito’y tulong, ito’y grant. So the purpose of this [program] is at least one of the family members should be able to graduate in college. Then, this one should be able to send another brother or sister to school. You know this will improve the economic status of the family,” she addded.

However, Llenaresas mentioned that one of the problems that they faced on the implementation of the program is on the disbursement aspect.

“Kasi there are instances in the government na hindi naman pwedeng agad-agad ibibigay yung pera kung andyan na. It must first undergo a process. Kaya I will meet them again dahil kailangan nilang malaman na yung pera hindi naman ‘yun kinukuha sa kanila.”

Another responsibility of BU is to institute a summer bridge program to provide remedial or mentoring plan to cater to the special needs of the student-grantees.

“That’s why we want to meet with them because we would like to find out the difficulties that they have encountered regarding their academics because we also allotted certain amount of money for enrichment and remedial purposes,” BU VPAA said.

Furthermore, the institution is also responsible in providing accommodation for the scholars such as dormitories or accredited boarding houses.

“Actually we helped them, we have enough dormitories and they know that. We offered it to them if they like but some of them declined. So ang napag-kasunduan ngayon ay ibigay na lang natin sa kanila yung allowance nila and sila na ang mag-manage. We make sure that the dormitories, ipinapakita at pinapa-follow up natin. We make sure na they are sheltered in the dormitories na maganda naman kahit mura lang,” she stressed.

ON COUNSELING

Like any other students, the 4Ps scholars are also given with guidance counseling to further help them in their years of stay in the institution.

Dr. Bebian Alparce, University Guidance Office Director said that in order to provide counsel to the student-grantees, lecture series, orientation and consultation would be conducted in BU.

“By this, we can determine who really need help, open naman ang mga offices around the university not only for the grantees but also to the students who really need help.”

Alparce said.

FINANCIAL REPORT A.Y. 2013-2014 2nd Semester

(As of March 5, 2014)

SUMMARY Liyab Rayterista 6 Pre-election News 13th LHEPC Harapan Post-election News GRAND TOTAL

P13, 500 P225, 917.27 P1, 578.50 P45, 000.00 P13, 153.46 P956.50 300, 105.73 P 95, 096.41

REMAINING CASH from 1st Semester PUB FEE COLLECTION 2nd Semester

P 318, 272.80

CASH REMAINING

LESS SECOND SEMESTER EXPENSES GRAND TOTAL OF CASH REMAINING

SLASH ON BU’S QUALITY TO LOOM?

P 447, 992.97 P 300, 105.73 P 147, 887.24

Prepared by Jemuel D. Gutierrez Managing Editor

Noted by Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta Technical Adviser

ANOTHER HOPE. Bicol University (BU) President Fay Lauraya welcomes the new ESGP-PA (Expanded Student Grants-in-Aid Program) grantees during the Orientation for Parents and Grantees held last June 6, 2014 at the BUCEng Gymnasium. The BU Office of Student Services organized the event.

by Earl Ricamunda

As ESGP-PA beneficiaries, scholars are accountable and expected to maintain a satisfactory academic performance, carry the prescribed full load per semester and return service of two years after graduation in the Philippines.

However, among the 847 grantees admitted, some failed to pass the BU College

11

Entrance Test (BUCET) which did not meet the sixth requirement of the program which is to pass the entrance exam.

“Well we know for a fact that not all of our students qualified [in BUCET], so we also considered them [ESGP-PA grantees]. Kung may slots pa naman na pwede tayong makatulong [we’ll give it to them]. We are a government institution, for as long as they complied with our minimum requirements, then we can [accept them]. Hindi naman lahat qualified, may mga QBQ (Qualified but Below Quota) at BQ (Below Quota) din tayong tinatanggap, so we also gave consideration. But I can assure that they have complied with the entrance requirements,” Llenaresas stated.

The consideration given by BU to the student-grantees, who did not pass the entrance exam yet were admitted, also caused a problem as to whether the said scholars would affect the university’s record in terms of academic excellence.

“I don’t think so, because we are doing our best to be able to help them. Kunyari, they are [enrolled] in a ladderized course like Microfinance, makatapos lang sila ng isang ladder, okay na ‘yun, graduate na ang tawag natin [sa kanila]. They will not affect the percentage of students who were not able to graduate,” she affirmed.

On the other hand, Adelaine Bautista, University Student Council Chairperson, shared a different statement.

“My disappointment is that some of them got 78 in BUCET why would let them in? Kung yung ibang estudyante nga naka 84 [hindi nakapasa], itong 78 naka-pasok pa. Parang na-curtail ang academic freedom that we have been working hard to maintain standards,” she said.

Meanwhile, Llenaresas said that the university is doing its best to give opportunities to the student-grantees.

“Walang stigma dapat. We should accept them in our fold, just like any of our regular students. They should not be branded as ESGP-PA scholars. We give to them the same equal opportunity that we give to our regular students,” she stressed. “So lahat naman, all the facilities, everything that we give to our regular students, we give it [to them also]. In fact may add-on pa nga, kasi may kaunting pera [na ibinibigay] for tutorial and for remediation.”

“They can also join all other activities ng mga estudyante. Hindi natin sila inaapi. We give them all the opportunities so we expect that they will also shine,” she added.

THE TEST

When asked about her challenge to the 4Ps scholars, Llenaresas said, “They are lucky because they were given this opportunity which is not given in fact to our regular students in terms of financial help.

So they should make the most of it. They are given the opportunity to be in the premiere state university. So challenge yun dapat sa kanila to be able to prove their worth.”

Bautista also challenged the scholars to study hard.

“You [ESGP-PA grantees] are very fortunate to be here, accommodation mo binibigay ng gobyerno and the entire student fees mo up to one thousand pesos babayaran ng gobyerno.”

“Sana gumawa sila ng isang organization kung saan magiging productive sila as 4Ps members. Mag-usap-usap sila as a group para umisip ng projects na maitutulong sa university to give back something. Kasi kung magka-kanya-kanya sila, paano ba makakukuha ang university ng return of investment sa chance na binigay sa kanila?” she advised.

Llenaresas, on the other hand, said that if the student-grantees have graduated and become productive, that is more than the return of investment.

“Take note that this [BU] is a government institution, we are highly subsidized by the government. We are not here for profit. Ang profit natin, ‘pag nakita nating successful ang mga graduates natin. BU will not most probably profit except that if they do their best, then we’ll become proud of them,” she said.

“But at the end of the day, the community is the one who will benefit not the university,” Llenaresas concluded.

With reports from: Jansen Baculi

12

ENTERTAINMENT

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

S

arap at hirap ang aking naranasan sa nakalipas na apat na taon. Iba’t ibang galaw ang aking ginawa upang umakma sa ritmo ng aking mga kasama.

Iba’t ibang posisyon ang aking sinubukan upang malaman kung saan ako nababagay. Gabi-gabi akong nakiulayaw sa samu’t saring bagay upang matamo ang aking tropeyo ng tagumpay. Wala akong pinagsisisihan sa mga bagay na aking nagawa dahil ang isang dyosang katulad ko na may natatanging kagandahan, kadalisayan at kapurisawan ay malapit ng gumradweyt. Akalain mo?

Yung iba lang ha, hindi ko nilalahat. Dahil naniniwala pa rin ako na sa mundo ng mga gahaman at sakim ay mayroon pa ring kabutihan na mananaig.

At kung kabutihan lang naman ang ating pag-uusapan, aba’y hindi magpapatalo diyan ang kabutihang naidulot ng ESGP-PA sa mga iskolar nito. Ayon sa datos mula sa Office of Student Services, mayroong 968 na iskolar ang ESGP-PA sa ating unibersidad. Nagkakaiba-iba ang opinyon ng mga tao dito sa Beyubs sa usaping ito.

Ang ating USC Chairperson ay naniniwala na ito ay makakaapekto sa kalidad ng edukasyon ng institusyon dahil ang ibang iskolars ay hindi nakapasa sa BUCET. Sa kabila nito, ipinahayag niya at ng ibang student councils ang patuloy na suporta sa programa. Para sa akin, kung hindi man nila naipasa ang BUCET, hindi ito isang kabiguan. Bagkus isa itong pagsubok para sa kanila na patunayan na kahit hindi sila pumasa sa naturang eksaminasyon ay may “K” pa rin sila na tawaging BUeńo. Hindi rin ito tungkol sa kung makakaapekto ba sila sa kalidad ng edukasyon dito sa ating pamantasan. Bagkus, ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay ng Bicol University ng quality education sa mga mag-aaral na ito na tunay na makakatulong upang matigil na ang gulong ng kahirapan ng kani-kanilang pamilya.

Hindi man maunawaan ng iba pero masarap talaga sa pakiramdam na tawagin kang BUeńo. Naalala ko noong lumahok ako sa isang kompetisyon. May nakasakay ako sa elevator at tinanong ko siya kung saang unibersidad siya nanggaling. Noong sinagot niya ako, sabi ko “Wow.” Binalik niya sa akin yung tanong, sabi ko “BU.” At ang tugon niya? “Mas WOW!” Kung ang mga taga-ibang unibersidad ay mataas ang pagtingin sa BU, bakit may mga ibang estudyante rito na hindi man lang malaman kung gaano sila kaswerte na mag-aral dito? Isa man tayong state university, kinukulang man tayo ng rooms, may mga propesor man tayo na hindi pumapasok, namomroblema man tayo sa kakulangan ng pasilidad, pero isa pa ring karangalan na dito

Hello, hello Kutitobers! Muli na namang mag-iingay ang dyosa ng mga antik na kakagatin ang sinumang manlapastangan sa mimahamahal kong BUeńos.

Haaaay. Sinong mag-aakala na ang isang katulad kong hindi katalinuhan at hindi kasipagan pero saksakan ng kadyosahan ay makakaabot sa ikahuling taon dito sa Beyubs? Nakakatuwa dahil napatunayan ko na hindi mo kailangan ng napakataas na intelligence quotient upang malagpasan ang mga pagsubok ng pagiging isang estudyante. Hindi mo kailangang ikulong ang iyong sarili sa apat na sulok ng iyong classroom upang matutunan ang mga dapat mong matutunan. Hindi mo kailangang gugulin ang lahat ng iyong oras sa pag-aaral dahil sabi nga all works with no play makes JJK a dull girl. At hindi mo kailangang buruhin ang sarili sa geek outs kung pwede ka lang namang makipagplastikan sa mga kaibigan at makipag-loving loving kay lalabs. Dahil para sa akin, sumasarap ang buhay estudyante kapag hinaluan mo ito ng isang toneladang sipag, isang litro ng kalokohan at isang kutsara ng kalandian.

At nasabi ko na rin lang ang kalandian, sana naaalala niyo pa si One Piece na nagsilbing Boots, este Diego sa pag-aala-Dora ko. Wala kaming relasyon, may magulo lang kaming usapan.

Katulad ng gulong pinasok ng tropa nina Bong, Jinggoy at Enrile. Nakakalungkot isipin na kasangkot ang nanguna sa sumasarap 2010 Senatorial Election na si Revilla sa mga nasasakdal. Siya ang may ang buhay pinakamataas na botong nakuha mula sa taumbayan ngunit ang estudyante kapag isinukli niya sa pagtitiwala natin ay isang akusasyon sa panhinaluan mo t i o ng isang gangamkam ng pera mula sa kaban ng bayan. Pagdating kay toneladang sipag, isang Jinggoy, hindi na rin naman ako nagulat. Nakulong ang ama litro ng kalokohan at niya sa kasong graft and corruption, hindi malabong manalaytay isang kutsara ng sa dugo niya ang pagiging TraPo. Ang gurang na si Enrile ang tunay na kalandian nagpapakulo ng dugo ko. Isang walangutang na loob na traydor sa sambayanan. tayo Hindi pa man siya nabubulag sa sakit niya p u masok at sa mata pero matagal na siyang bulag sa ito ang ating magiging Alma Mater pagdailang taong pagtitiwala sakanya ng mga Pilipino. Masama na husgahan ko sila ting ng araw. Dahil ang Bicol University at pero alam kong marami sainyo na ganito ang mga mag-aaral nito ay lalong tumirin ang sentimyento. Para sa akin, walang tibay dahil sa mga pagsubok na kinakahausok kung walang apoy at walang corrupt rap nito.

Katulad ng tibay ni Centree sa kung lahat may pakialam. loob ng 113 na taon. Maraming bagyo ang

Haynaku, kasalanan nila kapag kanyang nilabanan, maraming pagsubok nag-altapresyon ako. Wala pa namang ang kanyang hinarap.

Maraming pag-iibiPDAF si Congressman, di ako maipagan ang nabuo, maraming magkasintahan pagamot. Sabagay kahit naman may ang naghiwalay.

Maraming estudyante ang PDAF si Congressman ay hindi pa rin ako mabibigyan ng tulong dahil hindi niya ako doon nag-aral, marami ang doon umiyak kaalyado noong eleksyon. Nakakalungkot dahil sa bagsak na grado. Maraming alaala no? Palaging may personal na interes na ang kaniyang iniwan. Naging parte siya ng nakasukbit sa balikat ng ibang pulitiko. buhay ng bawat BUeńo. Nakakalungkot na

COMICS

READ MORE:

www.unibeonline.com

THESISSH*T

by Deano Christian Echague

hindi na natin makikita ang matayog na puno na pinapalibutan ng napakaraming mag-aaral, ngunit ang kanyang simbolismo ay patuloy na mabubuhay. At ang kanyang mga alaala ay patuloy na mananalaytay sa ating memorya.

Malungkot man tayo sa pagkawala ni Centree, naibsan naman ito ng pagkakaroon ng Zero Casualty sa Albay. Nakakatuwa dahil ito ay nagpapakita na tunay ngang natuto na tayo sa mga nagdaang taon.

At sana, matuto rin ang bawat e m p leyado ng BU na magbigay ng serbisyo na walang halong paninindak at pagtataray sa mga estudyante.

Hindi po kami estudyante LANG. Isa rin po kami sa mga rason kung bakit kayo nandiyan sa posisyon niyo.

Alam namin na tao lang din kayo, nagagalit, napapagod at naiinis. Pero mga propesyonal po kayo hindi ba? Sana ang pagiging propesyonal niyo ay hindi lang manatili na isang titulo, sana isabuhay din po ito dahil aminin man natin o hindi, maraming estudyante ang nag-aalangan ng pumasok sa iba’t ibang tanggapan dito sa BU dahil sainyo. ISO Accredited po tayo, dapat ang ugali at pakikisama sa amin ay pang-ISO rin.

Ang sakit talaga kasi sa bangs na pagpasok mo palang ng pinto ay titingnan ka na ng masama. At kadalasan ay estudyante pa ang kailangang makisama sa kanila, na para bang tayo pa ang may responsibilidad na makisama at intindihin ang hindi magandang asal mula sa mga taong ito. Sa pagkakaalam ko, ang clientele satisfaction ay hindi lang tungkol sa magandang kalidad ng edukasyon na ibinibigay ng institusyon. Ito ay tungkol din sa magandang pakikisama ng bawat empleyado sa mga mag-aaral upang mabigyan ang huli ng magandang serbisyo. At huwag din sanang kalimutan na kasama sa Four Pillars ng ating unibersidad ang CHARACTER. Character po, hindi lang ng mga estudyante, kundi lahat ng taong nandito sa apat na sulok ng Beyubs. Dahil kahit sabihin ng iba na parte na ng pag-aaral sa isang public school ang mga ganyang bagay, hindi pa rin makatarungan na hindi itrato ng maayos ang mga estudyante dahil sumusweldo naman po kayo ng maayos. Hindi naman po siguro kabawasan sa inyong pagkatao kung itatrato ninyo kami ng mabuti, hindi po ba?

Ngunit, hindi angkop sa lahat ang isyung ito. Hindi ko nilalahat dahil may mga empleyado talaga na ikaw na ang mahihiyang mang-istorbo dahil sa sobrang bait. Mga empleyado na handang mag-overtime at malipasan ng gutom maserbisyuhan lamang ng maayos ang mga mag-aaral. Mga empleyado na nakakagaan ng pakiramdam dahil palaging may nakahandang ngiti para sa bawat mag-aaral na

lalapit sa kanila. At mga empleyado na itinuring ng tahanan ang unibersidad at anak ang mga BUeńo. Nais ko silang purihin at bigyan ng isang matunog na SALAMAT. Hindi man

kayo mapangalanan, alam kong alam niyo kung sino kayo.

Ano ba ‘yan, naglitanya na naman ako. Pero alam kong naiintindihan niyo Kutitobers ang pinaghuhugutan ko.

Malamang sa hindi, relate much kayo sa mga pinagsasasabi ko. At sana’y matugunan ito ng karampatang aksyon ng mga taong dapat kakampi natin sa pakikipaglaban para sa pantay na pagtingin sa bawat BUeńo.

At kung “pagtingin” ang paguusapan, wala akong pagtingin kay One Piece. Meron lang akong pag-amoy sakanya. Joke ‘yan, tawa kayo. Haaaay, ang lovelife ko kasi katulad ng casualty sa Albay, ZERO. Ganyan siguro kapag graduating, mas pagtutuunan mo ng pansin ang pag-aaral kasi sayang naman kung hindi ka maka-graduate dahil lang kay lalabs. At tumatanda na rin ako, dapat na ring magmature sa mga bagay-bagay. Kontento na rin ako kina Dad at Rogi na hindi ako iniwan sa loob ng mahabang panahon. Dahil kung may natutunan man ako sa nakalipas na apat na taon, ‘yun ay ang pagkakaroon ng oras para sa lahat ng bagay. Oras para sa pag-aaral, oras para sa kaibigan, oras para sa kaunlaran ng iyong pagkatao, oras para sa iyong paniniwala, oras para sa iyong pamilya at oras para sa iyong sarili.

At dapat, kahit hindi tayo isang miyembro ng Alpha Phi Omega, maging panuntunan din sana natin ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa ating kapwa dahil hindi tayo nabubuhay para sa pansariling kapakanan lamang.

Maraming nangyari sa loob at labas ng ating mahal na Bicol University.

Kung gusto mong malaman ang mga iyon, basahin mo lang ang laman ng aming print issue. Hindi man ito perpekto pero sana malaman mo na ito ay para sa iyo. Marami na akong nasulat na tungkol sa estudyante, tungkol sa administrasyon, tungkol sa student councils. Nais ko sanang kumuha ng kaunting espasyo sa column na ito para sa

publikasyon.

Kadalasan, nalulungkot kami kapag nakikita namin na itinatapon ng ibang estudyante ang mga dyaryo na katulad nito. Nalulungkot kami kasi ilang buwan ang ginugugol namin upang mailimbag ang pahayagan. Lumiliban kami sa klase upang makapag-interview, nalilipasan ng gutom upang matapos lamang ang artikulo, palaging kulang sa tulog dahil sa pressworks, pero hindi namin ito iniinda kasi kaakibat ito ng inako naming responsibilidad bilang isang mamamahayag.

At ang palaging nakakapawi ng lahat ng aming pagod ay ang print issue, ang amoy nito at ang paghagod namin dito. At mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag may nakikita kaming mga mag-aaral na hawak-hawak ang dyaryo at binabasa ito.

Bago ako umalis ng ating pamantasan, nais kong makita ang mga mag-aaral na may pagmalasakit sa publikasyon dahil isa ito sa mga indikasyon ng isang progresibong institusyon.

Dose pesos ang ibinayad ninyo rito, maliit na halaga para sa iilan pero sana bigyan ninyo ito ng pagpapahalaga.

Dahil ang dose pesos niyo ay aming pinahahalagahan at sana’y pahalagahan niyo rin ito. Ang The Bicol Universitarian ay publikasyon ng bawat BUeńo. At sana, ikaw, ako, sila ay mangingialam para sa patuloy na ikauunlad ng ating unibersidad. Magtulungan tayo dahil hindi namin makakayang ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa malinis at maayos na sistema kung wala kayo.

Ang buhay kolehiyo raw ay isang groupwork. Kapag may pagsusulit, groupwork. Kapag may boardwork, groupwork. Kapag may takdang-aralin o proyekto, groupwork. Dahil sa mundo ng mga kolehiyala’t kolehiyolo, walang Top 10. Pero para sa akin?

Ang buhay kolehiyo ay isang kwento. Kwentong babaunin mo hanggang sa iyong pagtanda.

Kwentong magiging isang gabay kung anong landas ang iyong tatahakin. At isang kwentong isa ka sa mga magpapasya kung anong ending. May mga kontrabida na susubukang hadlangan ang iyong tagumpay, may mga supporting actor/actress na magiging kaagapay mo sa iyong paglalakbay, may love team na magiging kasangga mo sa lahat ng bagay. Siyempre, ikaw ang kukuha ng trono ng bida. Ang scriptwriter at director? Hindi natin Siya nakikita pero alam natin na dahil sakanya, gaganda pa ang takbo ng ating kwento. Tiwala lang Kaibigan!

NEWS FEATURE

The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

Q

NEW ERA

OF LEADERSHIP:

A quick peak on Adie’s term

by Jervy Anne Romero and Bryan del Castillo illustration by Exequiel Tugano

uality and not quantity is expected for BUeños this academic year.

University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Adelaine D. Bautista eyes for quality projects which will not compromise the quantity of funds, focusing more on the beneficiality of programs over aesthetics.

Bautista stressed that resources should be maximized and that funds must be properly allocated for tangible projects.

“Ginagawa namin ang lahat para alagaan ang pondo ng estudyante. Inaalagaan in the sense na pinag-aaralan kung alin ang pwedeng pag-gastusan ng pera,” she said.

The USC Chairperson and Student Regent also appealed to the students to actively participate in activities which would foster their skills and not focus on those geared only for entertainment.

“Mas madaming pumupunta sa parties kaysa kung magpaseminar ka. Sana mag-change ang mindset ng mga estudyante pagdating sa mga ganito,” Bautista stated.

Moreover, Bautista remained firm on the realization of her platforms during the past USC and College Student Council (CSC) elections which included proper use of funds and regulation of fees, safeguarding rights for students’ welfare and effective USC and CSC partnership.

FUNDS AND TRAVELS

I’ll be very truthful, I’ll be very honest in carrying out my duty as the Student Regent.

As part of her initial plan, Bautista proposes on decreasing the USC share they are receiving from the CSCs. This share, which came from the USC and CSC Fee the students are paying every semester, would be part of the council’s internal fund.

According to her, they plan to reduce the P7.50 share to P5.00 provided that the lessened P2.50 would be utilized by the CSCs for tangible projects.

“After every semester, we’ll check on them [projects].

We’ll supervise the expenses, dapat nakalagay sa financial and accomplishment reports,” she affirmed.

With regards to the proper use of funds, the Chairperson said that a policy regarding the travel of officers was already drafted but is not yet applied.

for

“Di pa namin sya [policy] nata-try kasi most conventions ay nasa 2nd sem pa,” Bautista stated.

According to the proposed policy, the 10 USC officers would select the participants for a certain event through voting system. There would be three slots for every travel - one adviser, one USC officer, and one Junior Councilor (JC) or University-based Organization (UBO) officer.

If the selected USC officer, JC or UBO officer is not available, their slots would be opened for other UBO officers and interested students via screening process.

The selected student, however, should submit a narrative report, sign a paper which would guarantee the university that they will re-echo their learning and submit an initial plan about how they could apply this. If they failed to do so, they will repay the money spent for them.

She added that every USC officer is entitled for only two travels. The Chairperson and Student Regent, however is exempted from this rule since there are almost three to four board meetings per year.

USC will only shoulder up to P7 000.00 travel fund per participant. If the expenses exceed the allotted fund, personal money from the participant will be used.

PERKS OF BEING INDEPENDENT

Bautista, bearing no political party in the last USC election claims that she is enjoying the advantages of being an independent candidate.

“I’m enjoying the perks of being an independent. No elders and all. You need to decide depending on what the students [want],” she asserted.

Moreover, as the selection of the new BU President is about to happen, she said that her decision as a member of the Board of Regents will be based on the choice of the students.

“It’s the term wherein the students will be part of the decision-making,” she assured.

MIXING VARIED COLORS

On the other hand, Bautista admitted that being an independent candidate has been a factor

when it comes to leadership in the USC since her officers came from political parties.

“I cannot deny naman that it’s really hard na ipagkasya yung pieces kasi iba-iba naman yung hulma namin,” Bautista said. However, she remarked that they have learned to adjust eventually as they worked together.

“You need not be friends, you just need to do your job pero parang you will make your job extra happy and meaningful if you’re friends. Kaya we’re making the most out of our stay,” Bautista added.

Katrina Paula Francia, USC Finance Officer, also agreed with Bautista that the issues in parties cannot be avoided and that they have already addressed this problem.

Meanwhile, USC Business Manager Francis Palma admitted that they still lack teambuilding and that their relationship as USC Officers is still not intact.

“Iba ang mga paniniwala namin pero so far, di pa naman nagkakaroon ng mga clash kasi naiintindihan naman namin ang bawat isa and naha-handle naman namin ‘to ng maayos,” Palma said.

As to decision making, Bautista emphasized that their meetings are done in parliamentary procedures so as to hear the sides of all the USC officers.

“In making decisions that are necessary, I don’t just decide.

We put it into a vote. Kung ano ang decision ng majority, that will be my decision,” she further said.

The USC Chairperson plans to conduct a mid-year enhancement for the USC Officers this semestral break to strengthen their bond in the council.

INTERNAL CONFLICT

In The Bicol Universitarian's first wallnews during the celebration of 45th BU Founding Anniversary last September 17-22, the USC Chairperson admitted that an internal conflict exists in the USC.

According to her, this was caused by an officer who has been sending text messages to the CSCs containing information different from the one sent by their Public Information Officer, Angela Jesalva. In effect, problems arise in the CSCs due to the information irregularity.

13

Meanwhile, USC Internal Vice Chairperson (IVC) Francis de Chavez admitted that other CSCs has blamed him about the data inconsistency in the college councils.

"Hindi lahat ng CSCs aware sa situation ko kaya yung ibang CSCs tinuturo nila ako. Sabi ko okay lang kasi IVC naman ako," de Chavez said.

Aware of the growing tension inside the USC, the IVC has openly admitted that Bautista might be referring to him as the one who has caused the "internal conflict" in the council.

"I think yes, ako yung rine-refer niya na internal conflict kasi hindi niya kayang tanggapin yung weaknesses and strengths ng kada officer," de Chavez lamented.

FACING CHALLENGES

Distinct as the lone independent candidate who won the post for USC Chair, Bautista faces high expectations and challenges from BUeños.

The USC Finance Officer challenges Bautista to do something different that will leave a legacy to her leadership.

Menlyn Bautista, CSC President of the College of Arts and Letters wants the USC Chairperson to focus on the transparency of financial inflow and outflow in CSCs and UBOs.

In addition, Lorren Rebutica, a 3rd year BS Chemistry student wants to see lasting and relevant projects which would be essential in upholding the mission and vision of the university.

“Panindigan niya yung mga platforms niya and wag niyang i-disappoint yung mga nagtitiwala sa kanya,” Reina Leigh Crucillo, CSC Secretary of the College of Engineering stated.

Leny Longasa, Associate Editor of The Appraiser, official student publication of the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) said that Bautista must maintain her attachment to the students as the USC Chair.

Bautista remained firm on her stand in addressing student issues and making sure that she will not be sued before her term ends.

“I’ll be very truthful, I’ll be very honest in carrying out my duty as the Student Regent,” the USC Chairperson concluded.

OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT AGAINST INJUSTICE OF THE BICOL UNIVERSITARIAN

CallJUSTICE

An inverse proportion exists between crimes and justice in a country like ours. Human rights violations are rampant and injustice prevails. For the perpetrators, killing is just a game where they always win.

Because it’s more “bloodshed” in the Philippines.

Human rights violations have been prevalent over the years.

And it seems that the Philippine government is paying lack of attention in addressing this alarming issue.

The present administration failed to crack down the abuses committed by people in power. Extra-judicial killings, impunity for torture and deadly attacks on journalists are some of the critical human rights problems in the country.

Five years after the horrifying mass execution of journalists in Maguindanao, families of the 57 victims are still contemplating if justice will still be served. Five years after the

bloody incident, the Aquino administration still shows no willingness to deal with its human rights commitments. Five years after the heinous crime, it is already proven that our justice system is slow and rotten.

Maguindanao Massacre was not only about merciless killing. It was not just about the shedding of blood of people who write and speak for truth. It was not just about the power tripping of heartless individuals who thought that they were God who can take people’s lives in just a snap. The massacre was also about the long time presence of the wheel of torture that seemed to be invisible, dictating the means of punishment that will be inflicted to the victims.

Maguindanao Massacre and countless crimes proved over and over how the existence of this wheel cripples the faith of people in our government.

The Bicol Universitarian

condemns any form of injustice. We condemn the perpetrators who think that they can forever escape the castigation for the crime they committed.

We condemn every court that had been politically motivated in denying a case’s justice. We condemn individuals who keep their mouth shut because they were bribed. We condemn every person who tried, who tries and who will try to violate human rights.

The Maguindanao Massacre was a death of 32 journalists but it was not the death of journalism in the Philippines. The death of Chris Hugo was a death of a student leader but it was not a death of student leadership in the Philippines. The death of Laesibyl Almonacid was a death of a rape victim, but it was not a death of hope for justice of all victims in the Philippines. Because their blood only nourished the people’s activism and their lives sent forth a new fight.

JUSTICE FOR CHRIS! JUSTICE FOR LAESYBIL!

by Alyssa Joselle Bańares, Editorial Head

14 NEWS

The Bicol Universitarian FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

Youth alliance advocates for justice, peace

by Danica Villagarcia

T

aking a big leap on advocating a genuine and lasting peace, the alliance of youth of different students’ organizations and individuals from various schools and communities launched the Youth for Justice and Peace (YJP) on a Regional Forum last July 31 at Redemptorist Church, Legazpi City.

The rampant social issues faced by the people especially the youth, the continuous worsening of unjust socio-economic situations, insufficient state subsidies, sky rocketing commodities, profit-oriented social services, corruption, poverty, repressions that result to anti-social deeds, crimes and worst political contradictions that cause armed conflicts between the government and its people pushed the youth to form this alliance.

The YJP will serve as the vanguard of the Filipino people. They believe that the youth have a potential force in advancing the struggles not just for our sector but of the nation. Vince Casilihan of Karapatan Bicol was one of the guest speakers in the forum. He believes that the youth has the power to make a social change.

“Malaki ang inaasahan namin sa kanila, sapagkat sila ‘yung pinakapalaban sa mga usapin, sapagkat sila ang malakas ang loob. Tinitingnan namin sila na may matibay na tindig at ideya sa mga bagay-bagay.

Sila ang daan para sa pagpapaabot sa pinakamalawak na mamamayan hindi lang sa kabataan ng mga katulad nitong adhikain at pakikipa-

ENDLESS MEMORIES. Vince Casilihan, an active activist of Karapatan Bicol leads the candle-lighting ritual in memory of the victims of the extra-judicial killings in the Philippines from 2006 up to present, last July 2014.

by John Emerson Bado

glaban, kundi na rin sa pagtatanggol sa ating basic human rights,” Casilihan said.

He believed that the event uplifted the morale of the human rights workers as the youth itself initiate on having and conducting the activity. “This is not only for the students but for the much greater number of youth. It serves as an eye opener to the youth on the happenings in our society,” Casilihan added.

The forum was attended by representatives from The Bicol Universitarian, the official publication of Bicol University, BOUNJour, official organization of BU Journalism students, Bicolana Gabriela Youth-Albay, Karatula Sorsogon, Anakbayan-Sorsogon and Legazpi Chapter, BU University Student Council, Magenta, a University-based organization of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) community, League of Filipino Students-Sorsogon, Pi Sigma, professors from Bicol University, Aquinas University and the family of Ambo Guran.

“I expect the conveners of this forum to be active in participating in the upcoming activities of the alliance. And that they may share creative ideas and convince more youth to be part of the campaign,” Aibie Llamero, YJP Head Secretariat said

“Kumilos tayo para sa ikabubuti ng bayan, mas mabigat, mas pansin, mas para sa nakararami, mas maganda tapos mas may tamis, mas may patutunguhan,” Angelo delos Reyes of Kabataan Partylist-Albay stated.

The forum also served as a commemoration of a Bicolano youth martyr Rei Mon “Ambo” Guran, a Political Science student of Aquinas University who fought for democratic rights and interests of the masses especially of the youth. He was killed by suspected elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while riding on a bus going to Legazpi City.

“Ikinararangal namin ang magkaroon ng anak na katulad ni Ambo. Na mayroong paninindigan at prinsipyo,” stressed Arnel O. Guran, Ambo’s father.

Ambo’s parents also used the forum to seize the opportunity to seek for justice which had been elusive for eight years.

“Kung maari sana, sa ganitong paglulunsad ay katulong namin kayo sa paghapuhap ng hustisya. Hustisya na patuloy naming gustong makamtan,” Marideza M. Guran, Ambo’s mother said.

BU Registrar drives for Online E-Reg

by Danica Navida & Janelle Tanguin with reports from Randall Matthew Lorayes

A

s part of Bicol University’s goal in achieving clientele satisfaction, the Office of the University Registrar advocates the implementation of Online Electronic Registration.

“The proposed E-Registration is envisioned to become a more efficient recording and reporting system that would allow a smooth flow of enrolment for the students, professors and registrars,” Sophia A. Romero said. The University Registrar added that it will be a one-time process which will minimize errors in the registration and will simplify the procedure of enrolment, especially for new students.

With this innovation, professors and instructors will be able to upload their students’ Certificates of Grades (COG) in the website. The students will also have an access on their grades online; thus acquiring a better and faster service.

“Though we still have no definite date for its full implementation but we are trying to finish the whole process before the start of this academ-

ic year’s 2nd semester,” Romero stated.

She further said that the implementation of the proposal is still under due process because of the high financial requirement in paying the wages of the manpower and other related expenses. The standards for the customized format that the university wants from the service providers are also being considered.

Despite the long process and financial constraints, the university is still aiming to achieve online payment and online registration in the following years.

ROAD TO IMPLEMENTATION

In a follow-up phone interview by The Bicol Universitarian conducted two months since the initial report on its first wallnews for academic year 2014-2015, Romero stated preparations were hampered due to the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda in Bicol University, which crippled power supply and damages to certain facilities, and equipment of the university.

She further said that a dry run is in the works among the college

registrars. The University Registrar plans to invite students to test the online system.

Despite the setback, Romero says she is determined and is "working it out" to make the system online by this coming second semester however, she cannot disclose further details as of press time.

Aside from the Office of the University Registrar and other offices involved in the traditional registration process such as the University Cashier and Accounting Office, the university's Information Management Office (IMO) will be involved and will be facilitating the online process.

"As of now, hindi pa siya [Online E-Reg] ma-turnover sa university kaya hindi pa natin makikita yung capability pero magagamit na natin” Laarnie Pancho, IMO Directot said.

She further disclosed that the software needed for the proposed system is expected to be turned over by October or November this year however, an inspection is needed before the implementation to ensure the needs of the proposal are met.

BU to offer two Masters Degree

by Jervy Anne M. Romero

T

wo Masters Degree Programs are expected to be offered by Bicol University (BU) next academic year, making BU the only university in the entire region to offer such programs.

Master of Science in Biology (MS Bio) and Master in Information Systems (MIS) were created in response to the directive of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to upgrade the quality of education in institutions, programs and systems in the country.

The University Academic Council and University Administrative Council already endorsed for approval the proposed MS Bio and MIS and the proposed fees in the 107th Regular Meeting of Bicol University Board of Regents (BOR) last August 29, 2014.

It was stated in the proposal that MS Bio will prepare graduate students for admission to doctoral programs and for employment in laboratory and field programs and research institutions in private industry or government agencies.

MIS, on the other hand, aims to develop among its students the effective use of information technology, to help solve problems, and improve or reengineer processes of organizations.

“MS Bio would answer the needs of tertiary education teachers for updating and researching in Biology and other related fields,” said Dr. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Head of the Department of Biology.

Meanwhile, according to

FAIRNESS • ACCURACY • GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE

by Rojee Peninoy & Jerald Talavera

Executive Director Dr. Manuel T. Corpuz headed the accreditors from AACCUP Inc. to evaluate four programs from the College of Engineering (CENG) and six programs from the Polangui Campus (PC).

Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering were the academic programs from CENG that went through the second stage of AACCUP survey. The college passed the first survey of the same accrediting agency last 2011.

Meanwhile, the programs reviewed in BUPC for the first stage were

Bachelor in Elementary Education, Bachelors of Science in Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Entrepreneurship, Nursing and Information Technology.

BUCENG Dean Engr. Edmundo O. Estor stated that preparations were made by the colleges to comply with the requirements of the accreditors.

“Positive comments and very good impressions were given by the accreditors on the exit conference,” he added. “I believe that BU will pass the AACCUP survey once again,” he further said.

The results of the evaluation are expected to be received two to three months after the survey visit.

AACCUP is the most recognized accreditation agency in the Philippines that aims to develop a mechanism of, and conduct the evaluation of program and institutions.

STEPPING STONE. The Accreditors simultaneously ask questions to clear things out during the Accreditation of BU College of Engineering last August 2014.

by John Emerson Bado

15

by Alyssa Joana Aro & Danica Navida, Infographics by Yves Lawrence Oarde

Professor Aris J. Ordonez of the Department of Information Technology, MIS is a degree program that would enhance knowledge and skills in system development.

The two programs are aligned with the existing scheme of curricular offering of BU Graduate School but the enrolled students would use the rooms and facilities of the College of Science (CS).

MS Bio is open to any Biology-related BS degree holders like BS Biology, BS Agriculture and BS Microbiology. Graduates of BS Computer Science (BS CS), BS Information Systems (BS IS) and BS Information Technology (BS IT) would be able to enroll in MIS.

The budget for the two programs would come from the tuition fee of the enrollees. In the description of the proposal submitted to the BOR, some fees in the two programs are higher than the existing standard fees that the university is collecting. This is “to secure the sustainability of the programs and to enhance the financial viability.”

“A budget proposal for the enhancement of the laboratory facilities in the College of Science was also presented,” Prof. Ordonez stated.

The Department of Biology and Information Technology of CS crafted the proposal for these programs to be implemented.

To open the classes for the proposed programs, a minimum of twenty students will be required.

CENG, PC undergo accreditation

T

JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2014

IPESR still prevails as BU Olympics champ T

hey might not be at par with other colleges during the Bicol University (BU) September Festival, but still they never fail to lord over on the events in BU Sports Olympics.

Garnering a total of 849 points, the Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation (IPESR) is still the victor in this year’s BU Olympics besting among the 14 colleges last September 1619, 2014.

The Polangui Campus with 434 points; College of Business, Economics and Management with 269 points; College of Engineering with 249 points; and Tabaco Campus with 154 points were the Top 5 performing colleges during the event.

The IPESR College Student Council (CSC) Vice President Francis Batallan said that their student athletes who represented the college in the BU Olympics were exposed to different kinds of sport activities giving them an edge in defending their title every year.

“Kasi yung mga subjects na mga itinuturo sa amin are related sa sports.

Hindi kami yung nakaupo lang maghapon, na puro reporting. Nasa field kami most of the time kaya na-develop na yung skills ng players namin,” Batallan stated.

According to Batallan they (IPESR CSC) were able to give all the things needed by their athletes and have fulfilled their role as student council in being hands on with the event.

ONLY IN SPORTS

en Bicol University (BU) academic programs underwent the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) Inc. evaluation during the Survey Visit last August 25-29, 2014.

SPORTS

The Bicol Universitarian

He also admitted that they wanted not only to do well in sports but also in the other fields that are included in the BU Week Celebration since it affects the standing of the college.

“Yung interest kasi ng mga IPESR students ay sa sports,” he said.

Since the focus of their representatives is only on the sports events, they failed to send students to other competitions in the BU Festival of Talents such as the LitViMusDa (Literary, Visual, Music and Dance) competition.

WAY TO SCUAA

Meanwhile, according to University Sports Coordinator Alan M. Diaz, they are confident that BU would still be the champion for this year’s Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) to be held on December 1-5, 2014 in Central Bicol State University

of Agriculture (CBSUA), Camarines Sur.

“We will have preparations for SCUAA. We would plan out with the board to decide on how many days would be spent for the training,” said Diaz.

Most of the students who will defend the title of the university for the Regional SCUAA came from the IPESR. Batallan, who is also a SCUAA player mentioned some problems among athletes in line with the preparation for the upcoming competition on December.

“Majority ng SCUAA players this year are seniors or graduating students. [Ang] problema is hindi pa sila tapos sa requirements. Pag na-incomplete sila hindi sila makakasama sa SCUAA,” Batallan affirmed.

Diaz also stressed that the student athletes should not sacrifice their academics while preparing for the competition. “They should not sacrifice their academics, secondary na lang yung sports,” he said.

Batallan also asserted that some coaches do not give enough attention to the training. During the scheduled trainings, they fail to show up. The weather, facilities, and equipment are also considered.

“I think okay naman yung facilities. But we could not expect yung iba like 50 meter swimming pool cause its very expensive,” Diaz said.

The Sports Coordinator added that despite the lack of facilities, he is still confident that the students would still do good in the competition. “I am confident.

I know the coaches and they really work hard for the training,” he stated.

Last year, there was no SCUAA due to the devastation of typhoon Yolanda so the fund collected from the last academic year will be added to this year’s fund to be utilized for the student athletes.

“They [student athletes] have allowance during the training. They will be provided with their uniform, food and other things they need. Kompleto yun,” Diaz stated.

Aside from these benefits, if the athletes qualify for the national level, they could get full scholarship and 75% scholarship grant would be received by those who qualified for the regional.

“Kahit may mga problema, yung eagerness namin na sumali [sa SCUAA] hindi nawawala. Namo-motivate pa rin kami na i-represent ang Bicol University,” Batallan said.

PC taob laban sa IPESR ni Jerald Talavera

N

anibasib ang mga nagbabagang tirang pinasiklab ng Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) kontra sa katunggali nitong Polangui Campus (PC), 5-15, 15-12, 15-12, 15-9, sa kanilang pagbubuno upang makopo ang kampeonato sa Sepak Takraw na ginanap sa BU Main kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-45 na anibersaryo ng unibersidad.

Humarurot kaagad ang PC sa unang set ng girian matapos pumakawala si Heinz Wilbert Bino ng hook kicks na kumamada ng anim na puntos, 8-2, dahilan upang gumewang ang depensa ng kabilang kampo.

Upang tapatan ang gilas na ipinapakita ng PC, gumamit si Elejhon Bulalaque ng IPESR ng tirang mapanlinlang ngunit di sapat upang makaungos.

Sa huling yugto, back to back overhead ang pinakawalan ni John Carlo Revilla ng PC dahilan upang iposte sa iskor na 15-5.

Sa ikalawang set, nagmistu-

lang uhaw na leon ang IPESR na nais burahin ang ngiting taglay ng kabilang kampo matapos itong bumalikwas at magpaulan ng magkakasunod na header sa pangunguna ni Jefray Llaneta at sinuportahan pa ni Clyde Crucillo ng hairpin shots na bumulsa ng 10 puntos, 10-7.

Sa kabila nito, hindi nagpatinag ng ganoon na lamang ang PC matapos kayod marino itong humabol ngunit hindi pa rin sapat upang malampasan ang pagdomina ng kalabang koponan,15-12.

Kasabay ng matinding init ng panahon, mainit din ang naging tunggalian ng magkabilang kampo sa ikatlong set nang ipamalas ni Jefray Llaneta ang kanyang pamatay na bicycle shots samantalang sinagot naman ni Chris Ian Salomon ng kanyang block defense gamit ang likod dahilan upang sumandal ang iskor ng sa dead locks ng limang beses, 3-3, 4-4, 6-6, 8-8, 9-9. Sa huling yugto, upang umungos, dalawang headers ang isinambulat ni

Bino at ipinoste ang sa iskor na 15-12.

Hindi magakamayaw ang mga manunood sa huling rego ng salpukan matapos kiskisang siko itong makipagtunggali sa bawat isa na hindi nagnanais na maungosan.

Matutulis na bicycle ang ibinala ni Bino samantalang slice kick naman ang binomba ni Llaneta dahilan upang magbago-bago ang ang takbo ng puntos, 7-8, 8-9.

Sa huling momentum ng ratsadahan, nagmistulang hilong lorong walang masusulingan ang PC matapos itong paulanan ng mga pwersadong bicycle kick ng IPESR dahilan upang tuluyan itong lumubog at naghatid sa IPESR sa tugatog ng tagumpay, 15-9.

“Natutuwa ako dahil hindi ko inaasahan na kami ang magwawagi sa labang iyon dahil halos lahat sa amin ay baguhan pa at hindi sapat ang karanasan sa pakikipaglaban sa ibang kolehiyo,” pahayag ni Llaneta ng IPESR.

BU hosts Special Olympics

by Danica Navida

T

o bring awareness to children with disabilities, Bicol University (BU) hosted the Special Olympics last July 14, 2014.

Being the first Special Olympics in the Albay province, the event was an avenue for the children with disabilities to showcase their athletic abilities and give them a chance to meet other children.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was present during the opening ceremonies, together with Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Peace Corps Philippines Director Denny Robertson and Special Olympics Philippines Director Kaye Samson, Peace Corps volunteers and representatives from the Special Olympics International.

A total of 135 participants and 155 coaches were present during the event. These participants came from Pioduran, Daraga, Sto. Domingo, Polangui, Libon, Tiwi, Oas, Bacacay, and Camalig.

Special Olympics which was founded in 1968, is a non-profit organization which aims to help people with intellectual disabilities with their athletic potentials through programs of athletic competition and training.

The continuation of the supposedly two-day event was postponed due to Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun).

...the event was an avenue for the children with disabilities to showcase their athletic abilities and give them a chance to meet other children.

FLYING WARRIORS. A face off between an IPESR and BUPC Takraw players in mid-air as their respective campuses met at the final round of Takraw last BU Week. IPESR wins the final round.

by Shan Gabriel Apuli