The Bicol Universitarian - Volume XLV Print Issue 1

Universitarian The Bicol

Vol. XLV Issue 1 June-November 2017

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BAGS FULL OF JOY. Elementary pupils of Nagotgot, Manito, Albay in all smiles while wearing their new identical backpacks given as part of the Health, Education, Livelihood, and Environment (HELEN) program to their barangay by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). (Photo by Linlyn Mercader) See story at page 6.

BU petitions land ownership; ERDB bars plea

By Elyssa Kristine Ella and Casandra Balala

Bicol University (BU) continues its appeal to claim the land title for the properties it requires to press forward with the development of infrastructures and facilities.

According to BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas, BU already sent the application for land titling way back in June 15, 2004. However, the Land Management Agroforestry and Upland Farming Technology

Center-Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (LAUFTeRCERDB) also applied for a special patent on the land area they are currently occupying near the university.

Mascariñas claimed that glitches on the Land Use Plan approved by the Board of Regents in 2016 will occur once the LAUFTeRC-ERDB pursues to claim around 10 hectares of land located at the back portion

of BU. “These land properties were designated for educational purposes.

Puturo kang mga youth na malaog sa BU ang [pig-iisipan dyan]. And mga estudyante nagpapara-haragad ning mga facilities, pero sain ta ilalaag ang mga facilities kung wara ang dagang yan?” he added.

On the other hand, LAUFTeRC-ERDB remains at their site at the back of BU maintaining

a mini-forest ecosystem to provide science-based information and technology towards the productivity and sustainability of land resources, agroforestry and upland farms.

LAUFTeRC-ERDB believes that the protection of the environment is for the improvement of the quality of life of people. Hence,

BU petitions land/ p4

Duterte inks free higher education in SUCs Program’s sustainability unsure

By Alyssa Joana Aro, May Altavano, and Allan Val Brutas IV

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act has been approved and implemented in the different State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), which aims to provide free tuition fee for thousands of students including those in Bicol University (BU).

Dubbed as the Republic Act 10931, President Rodrigo Duterte signed on August 3, 2017 the bill that will grant free tuition and other school expenses for the library, computer, laboratory, school ID, athletic, admis-

sion, development, guidance, handbook, entrance, registration, medical and dental, cultural and other similar or related fees in public tertiary levels.

In addition, the law is not only intended for the SUCs but also for the Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and state-run technical-vocational schools.

Subsidies and student loan programs are also provided by the government.

So, if it’s good,

let’s continue it...

Ta nganing su magayon na tiggigibo digdi,

mas mapadakol asin makinabang ang gabos.

Cong. JOEY SALCEDA

Albay 2nd District Representative

Duterte inks Universal/ p3

By Jonnabeth Ortega

In pursuit of the university’s vision of becoming world-class, Bicol University (BU) President Arnulfo Mascariñas reveals his plans to raise the institution to a State University and College (SUC) level V.

“Bako man siya imposibleng abuton kasi yung world-class state university ta na vision pinag-connect ko duman sa SUC level V aspiration ta,” Mascariñas stated.

He said that in order to achieve this ambition, the university should focus on research and publication. There should be at least 40 percent of the faculty members involved in research to boost the number of published outputs and journals.

Meanwhile, Mascariñas affirmed that 105 faculty members on human resource development are currently taking up doctors and master’s degrees at the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas.

“We are sending our faculties for studies, we’re modernizing our facilities, our buildings, we are acquiring equipments for

Mascariñas on SUC/ p4

2 NEWS

5 IN-DEPTH

6 DEVCOMM

CENG campus modernization to finish by 2019

Of results and resolutions

4 prospects; 1 goal HELEN and its drive for a progressive community

BU to host Nat’l SCUAA ‘18

As the premiere state university in the Bicol Region, Bicol University (BU) strives to maintain a high standard of education.

A comprehensive development on every sector in the society that greatly affects the lives of even the poorest of the poor is the strong foundation that continues to drive the Province of Albay.

For the first time, Bicol University (BU) will be the host institution for the sporting events of National State Colleges and Universities Association (SCUAA) Olympics this coming January 2018.

GE Bldg construction started

With the continuing developments in the university in terms of its facilities, Bicol University (BU) launched a campus modernization as one of the institution’s flagship programs towards its vision of becoming a wordclass university.

Status of BU in board exams

11 FEATURE

Mascariñas on SUC V: It’s not impossible

Wander-lost

15 SPORTS

NEWS

2 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

BU holds 1st geology seminar for Albayano teachers

By Julianne Nicolle Moral and Allan Val Brutas IV

Due to the K-12 curriculum, the Bicol University Regional Center for Science and Mathematics Education Development (BU-RCSMED) spearheaded a seminar on geology for teachers of Albay from September 22 to 24, 2017.

RC-SMED Director Magnolia Vida A. Cano said that the event was conducted due to the four areas of science required to be discussed by the teachers.

“Our teachers are not really prepared because their undergraduate preparation doesn’t cover earth science. There are only a few teachers who have at least one earth science subject.

So talaga hirap sila,” Cano stated.

Moreover, Cano said that the teachers are having difficulty in teaching because they lack the necessary foundation — earth science and geology.

“One of the reasons why this is a seminar on ‘Geology for Albay Teachers’ is the fact that we want to contextualize the teaching of earth science,” Cano added.

Cano further explained that the event also seeks to explain the geol-

ogy in the Philippines specifically in Albay.

“Normally what you can see are books that are foreign and so our students who are in high schoolare exposed to our environment. Ang alam lang nila yung nandun sa foreign books but they know nothing about our environment,” Cano explained.

The first two days of the seminar were composed of lectures and workshops while the third day became a field day for the participants where they visit the sites discussed in the lectures.

The sites visited include Goodfound Cement Factory in PalanogCamalig Albay, the Lava sites in Sula, before Misibis, and some rock formations in Legazpi City.

“It’s not only about concepts but we also include teaching strategies on how they can best teach earth science so when they go to the field, what they have learned can be seen in the field,” Cano further stated.

The speakers were composed of both national and international specialists in the field of geology, such as Dr. Christopher Newhall, American

Volcanologistwho used to work with the director punong bayan of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption and the US Geological Survey; Dr. Eddie L. Listanco, a retired director of University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman National Institute of Geological Science; Dr. Miguel A. Cano,who was the Earth and Environmental Science Education Specialist of UP, National Institute for Science and Math Education Development; and Engr. Arlene E. Dayao, the Supervising Geologist of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for Region V. The event was held at the College of Nursing (CN) function halland wasattended by teachers from the K-12 program and science major teachers from BU. Cano added that they are submitting a proposal for them to be able to go from one province to another and explain the geology of the province they will visit.

SILENT MARCH. Bicol University students join the silent march for Kian and other victims of drug killings to ask for justice from Penaranda Park to Legazpi Boulevard last August 21, 2017. (Photo by Linlyn Mercader)

Strict admission in 2018 nets SH grads

By Jonnabeth Ortega and Fatima Rozen Mirabueno

Bicol University (BU) is now ready to admit first year college students after two years since the full implementation of the K-12 curriculum.

“We are more than ready,” BU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Helen Llenaresas, said.

With the new courses offered by the university, the Dean of Admissions, Dr. Hazel Vergara envisions a higher number of students to enroll next academic year.

“Usually before, it runs to 5,650 students but with the new set up where there are new additional courses like BS Meteorology, there are courses to be offered so I think we will have more than that,” she said.

Vergara added that there will be a decrease in the number of students per class depending on the capacity of classrooms and number of faculty in the college.

The BU College Entrance Test (BUCET), which was based on the revised basic education curriculum,is now anchored to the K-12 curriculum which covers core subjects like English language proficiency, Mathematics, Science and reading comprehension.

“We have already revised the BUCET so that it will now be aligned doon sa K-12. For the first time, we will be administering a revised BUCET, the items would already measure the competencies of a senior high school graduate coming into the

university,” Llenaresas added.

Furthermore, BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas said that students must take courses according to their academic track otherwise they need to take a bridging program.

“It should be according to the track. Their non-pursuit of the track is not from pursuing a certain course in BU. What do I mean to say? You need to go to a bridging program,” he stated.

However, there are courses that will only admit students aligned to their track like in BS Accountancy program, in which only graduates from the Accountancy, Business and Management track will be admitted.

Promote world-class educ through research — VPAA

By Julianne Nicolle G. Moral and Krisna Villamor

To support the vision of President Arnulfo Macarinas, Bicol University Research Development Management Division (BURDMD) and BU-Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hosts the 2nd Regional Conference on Promoting World Class Education.

Dr. Rebecca Rosario O. Bercasio, BU-CTE Director, said that when the new administration set division to be a world class university, they were instructed to come up with ideas to support the vision.

Mascarinas gave a lecture on the said event and talked about: “The Educators as Knowledge Generator: Characteristics, Challenges and Opportunities.”

The president expressed in his speech that in ASEAN countries, Philippines has the lowest research management division fund from GNP that is allocated from research papers and development.

“We also have the lowest numbers of scientists. Per million population who are engaged in research and among the ASEAN countries, Singapore has the highest number of scientist totaling to 6,700 scientists. We only have less than 200.

And this explains why the Philippines remains to be a diseller in the entire region.” Mascarinas added.

Moreover, Vice President on Academic Affairs Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas also expressed her opinion about the research industry during her opening remarks.

According to Llenaresas, research is needed to provide definitional clarity for trans-disciplinary knowledge and effective production models to support the development and keep competencies among our future leaders.

“Friends, future leaders, we must be able to think critically, they should be able to integrate multiple perspectives, and communicate effectively across traditional and non-traditional knowledge and matters.” Llenaresas stated.

The conference was conducted mainly to showcase the timely researches submitted to the organizers on or before September 29, 2017.

The authors of the researches will then discuss their paper and will be critiqued by evaluatorscoming from a pool of expert researchers of the different regional officers as well as higher education institution.

The discussion of the researches will be divided into three different sessions.

The first session involves food security, climate change, global competitiveness, and institutional research. The second comprises socially development promotion and education covering curriculum and innovation. While the third session focused on student learning and learner diversity.

The papers were judged based on the creativity, quality and award, findings, manuscript and write up, and paper presentation.

The best paper will be awarded to the one garnering the most points as well as for the first and second runners up. If a paper

scores a total of 85 percent, it will automatically be one of the winners. Conversely, there will be no winner once nobody reaches the 85 percent quota.

The event’s goals as discussed by the director of BU-RDMD, Dr. Luis O. Amano, were namely; featuring plenary props on identified theme; BU’s completed researches and completed categorizing papers; dissemination of research output, the different stake holders; and avenue for gathering papers for possible publications.

The event was comprised of participants from different higher education institutions around the country as well as students from BU itself. There were presenters of the researches, students and stakeholders.

Although the envisioned participants were only 160 or more, the number almost doubled and came to 350 or so.

The organizers admitted that they were a bit overwhelmed of the sudden surge of participants and that they are more than willing to entertain those who wants to learn.

“I would like to say that the idea of convening a big group such as this to discuss the highlights of RDE efforts by higher education institutions by the region is significant and inspiring. The simple fact that you are here is very important

...research is needed to provide definitional clarity for trans-disciplinary knowledge and effective production models to support the development and keep competencies among our future leaders.

Dr. HELEN LLENARESAS Vice President for Academic Affair Bicol University

and I’d like to call you knowledge generators and technology generators.” Vice president on Research Department Extension, Victor Suliman, stated.

The event was held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City from September 20-22, 2017.

NEWS

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The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

AACCUP accredits 13 acad programs in BU

By Sheila Mae Sajuela with a report from Jasmin Salvacion

Thirteen academic programs from five colleges of Bicol University (BU) were once again accredited during the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) Accreditation Survey Visit last July 2 to 7, 2017.

“My dream for BU is for us to have all our programs accredited in their highest level,” BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas said in an interview with The Bicol Universitaran.

The programs that were accredited to level three include Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Journalism, AB Audio Visual Communication and AB Speech and Theater Arts from the College of Arts and Letters and BS Management and AB Economics from the College of Business Economics and Management (CBEM).

Likewise, the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology from the College of Industrial Technology and the Bachelor in Physical Education from the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation were also on the same level.

In thePolangui Campus,five academic programs passed the accreditation. Bachelor of Elementary Education and BS in Information Technology were level two accredited while BS Information System, BS Computer Engineering, and BS Electronics and Communication Engineering as well as CBEM’s BS in Business Administration passed the pre-

liminary survey.

Accreditors from AACCUP, led

by Dr. Ronnie N. Parica, evaluated the academic programs in 10 areas: Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives; Faculty; Curriculum and Instruction; Support to Students; Research; Extension and Community Services; Library; Physical Plant and Facilities; Laboratories; and Administration.

“All the programs passed the accreditation except for three in College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) because they still have to pass mandatory requirements,” Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Helen Llenaresas said.

BS Agricultural Engineering, BS Agriculture and BS Forestry from CAF, which were all currently in level two, did not pass the second phase in the third survey visit.

On the other hand, Dr. Leonida B. Barbacena from Internal Quality Assurance Office stated that the accreditors were asking for the performance of the graduates especially in board exams.

“They require us to have a higher national passing rate. But we are strategizing on how to surpass that rate,” she added.

BENEFITS Llenaresas expressed that the accreditation has a great impact on the students because it improves the quality of education, instruction, and everything

Duterte inks Universal/ p1 This academic year, the Philippine government allotted an amount of P8 billion for the tuition fees of students enrolled in different SUCs in the country. Under the law, universities shall create a mechanism to enable students with the financial capacity to pay for their education in the SUC and LUC and voluntarily opt out of the tuition and other school fees subsidy or make a contribution to the school.

Moreover, the free tuition is only available to first-time college students or those taking their undergraduate degrees, which means that those who are or would want to take second degrees or postgraduate studies will still pay their tuition and other fees.

Another exemption from the free education program are students who fail to complete their bachelor's degree or comparable undergraduate degree within a year after the period prescribed in their program.

ALBAY AS PIONEER In an event held last August 12, 2017 at AVP Function Hall in Legapi City, Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda, representative of the 2nd district of Albay and also the sponsor and author of RA 10931, gave an orientation to the students of the province on how the concept and provision of the law started.

“If you look at it, an act operationalizing an access to tertiary education. That is where the title of the law came from. It came from Albay. It came from here. It came from my experience in Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), and in Education Quality for Albayano (EQUAL),” Salceda said.

The program AHECS is a “study now, pay later” program of the provincial government of Albay in 2007, which aimed to produce at least one college graduate for every Albayano family. In 2007, AHECS had an initial enrollment of 34,000 Albayano students, which grew to 77, 712 in year 2012 and became 88, 444 in 2015.

On the other hand, EQUAL is also a scholarship program of the province which provided financial assistance to poor but deserving students of Albay. Recipients of the said program received not more than Php

4,000 every semester.

Because of its various programs for free education, Albay goes on record as the country’s first and only province that have institutionalized its education program.

“So if it’s good, lets continue it. And since sabi ko iba na ang priorities ngunyan kaya nagfile ako kang batas. Ta nganeng su magayon na tiggigibo digdi, mas mapadakol asin makinabang ang gabos,” Salceda stated.

MED STUDES The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have issued a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-4 dated May 31, 2017 which states that the Medical Students enrolled in SUCs can also avail the free tuition.

“This initiative is a response to the continuing lack of doctors in the country caused by the high cost of medicinal education, overseas migration, and brain drain,” CHED Commissioner Prospero de Vera said in his press statement last June 11.

According to the joint circular, the fund requirements for the program shall be sourced from the built-in appropriations of the identified participating SUCs amounting to P317.1 million. A total of P39 million was granted for the university where it only spent P15.7 million for the whole school year.

Out of 249 enrolees of BU College of Medicine (CM), only five did not avail the free tuition due to existing scholarships.

Meanwhile, since the P39 million budget for BU is not all consumed, Dr. Ruben Caragay, BU CM Dean, said that the remaining fund will be returned to the government.

Nevertheless, he still hopes that the fund could still be used for the next school year although the budget was specifically allotted for this academic year only.

“Sa tingin ko dapat ipagpatuloy pero baka pwede selective. Yung talagang hindi nakakaafford. Eto kasi wala, eh. Kahit mayaman ka o hindi libre ang tuition mo. Baka pwede yung talagang hindi nakaka-afford ang bigyan ng scholarship,” he added.

else in the college.

“Upon graduation, it’s a factor kung makikitang graduate of an accredited course ang applicant,” she said.

She further stated that accrediting academic programs also

assures the students’ welfaresince the programs being offered in the university have an equal competence with other State Universities and Colleges due to the accreditation level.

Nonetheless, Llenaresas ex-

plained that the world-class curriculum of BU is at par with all other curricular offerings not only in the Philippines but at least in Asian countries.

CALL TO ELEVATE. Accreditors from AACCUP having a table discussion about the evaluation of academic programs last July 18, 2017 at BUCAL amphitheatre. (Photo by Lynn Oliquino)

Risk reduction center construction on track Land dispute causes delay

By May Altavano and Tyrone Ombao with a report from James Andrew Co

Described as the “mecca of academic ideas and discoveries,” the very first Convention and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (CDRRMC) in the region will be constructed in Bicol University (BU) come 2018.

Rodel Batocabe, Ako Bicol (AKB) Partylist Representative, said that BU was chosen to be provided with the building because it is considered to be of academic excellence in the Bicol region.

He added that the BUCDRRMC will serve as a convention center that will cater not only the university but also to outsiders especially within the academic community and the whole region.

“Convention of students, faculty, scientists, researchers, professionals, or anything that has something to do with the university. We can also have a convention sa mga disaster risk reduction and climate change,” Batocabe explained.

He also said that the building can be a center for evacuees in times of disaster since there are not enough evacuation centers in the region.

Planning and Preparations The plan for the construction of the building was made by Ako Bicol through Batocabe and BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas.

“We planned it together with Dr. Mascariñas and the planning office of BU because we want to provide a monument, a testament

to BU Center for Excellence of the Bicol region, the center for disaster risk reduction management and climate change,” Batocabe stated.

Meanwhile, Mascariñas said that the idea for the building is to serve as an evacuation area that can accommodate more than 5,000 people.

Moreover, BUCDRRMC will have a budget of P321-M which will come from the General Appropriation Act of 2018, in which the initial fund amounting to P200-M has already been secured.

“As a representative of Ako Bikol, I was the one who initiated that it should be included in the budget. We fought for it long and hard kasi you cannot just put something na ganoon kalaki so we have to justify it sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management), we have to justify it sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), and then finally sa Congress,” Batocabe said.

DPWH will be the lead agency to implement the project according to Batocabe. The BUCDRRMC is also under the DPWH’s National Building Program.

Meanwhile, the preparation for the design and structure of the building is already ongoing.

“As to the planning (of design), they (BU and DPWH) should be the one to do it. But I will ensure that it should be done speedily and with haste so that it will be enjoyed by the students now,”Batocabe stated.

Problems and Solutions When asked of the possible problems with the construction of the building, Batocabe said that planning could be one because BUCDRRMC is a large building and it will take time for this stage.

“What we [already have] is the budget for that, and then yung detailed architectural plans and design will take time also. Building yan, eh, dakulaon na building,” he further stated.

On the other hand, Mascarñas said that the problem now is the land dispute issue of the university with Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR. “They (DPWH) are asking from us yung land ownership ta, nawara pa kita. So we’re under negotiation pa with DPWH. Hopefully, they would consider our suggestion, so we could start with the civil/construction work by next year,” Mascariñas explained.

However, Batocabe said that the only issue about the land dispute now is the informal settlers.

“We have to relocate these informal settlers and give way to this monumental edifice and describe this project as a monumental project of BU. I think BU is negotiating with that, kasi they should prepare the land so that it will be implemented without delay,” he explained.

NEWS

4 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Campus modernization set to finish by 2019 GE Bldg construction started

By Krisna Villamor and Alyssa Joana Aro

With the continuing developments in the university in terms of its facilities, Bicol University (BU) launched a campus modernization as one of the institution’s flagship programs towards its vision of becoming a word-class university.

The campus modernization

will give birth to the renovation and construction of new buildings, modernization of electrical facilities, land development and modernization of its laboratory components.

“Ining satuyang university, icompare mo sa ibang universities medyo late na ang satuyang physical development. That includes classrooms, our lab facilities, our grounds. We are also going to construct new buildings to give more space for our students and faculty members and we will also have laboratory equipment,” BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas said.

Based from the approved land use plan of the university, BU needs around P4.3 billion for the modernization of east campus since most of its facilities are already old. Meanwhile, for the main campus BU requires around two billion pesos.

THE BIG START. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas along with other personnel dig the beginnings of the Geodetic Engineering building during the groundbreaking ceremony held on August 30,2017. (Photo by Lynn Oliquino)

EAST CAMPUS The College of Engineering’s (CENG) campus modernization is set to be completed by 2019 with an allotted budget of P100 million.

From 2017 to 2019, the CENG

modernization includes the construction of the two-storey Geodetic Engineering Building, which is expected to finish by February 2018. With a total budget of Php 14,623,658.13, this building will have four fully air-conditioned

classrooms and two comfort rooms.

“Iyang campus modernization, sunod-sunod yan. Starting 2017 and dapat by 2019 completed na yan. Inuna muna itong geodetic engineering building kasi wala baga tayo ng building (for them) but

the rest meron na pero luma na,” Engr.

Ulysses Bello, director of the Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO) of BU, said.

Bello added that the new BS Meteorology course, which will be offered by

Meanwhile, LAUFTeRC-ERDB requested for the extension of the MOA to cover 10 hectares of land area for another 25 years even though the previous agreement only indicated five hectares.

“Naturally, dai ko siya tigtawan ning favorable attention, and I told him [officer from ERDB] that I could not enter a MOA with you because there is an approved land use plan already. And BU badly needs those land areas at the back,” Mascariñas stated.

Nonetheless, LAUFTeRC-ERDB, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), applied at the DENR main office for a special patent of the lots they occupied under its name.

Mascariñas on SUC/ p1

doesn’t mean that we will be able to do it overnight because it will require work and more work,” she added.

Meanwhile, Atty. Joseph Bartolata, Director of Planning and Development Office,said that SUC leveling is actually an instrument of the government to determine the standing of state universities and colleges in the country.

BU petitions land/ p1 their need for the land that serves as their experimental forest where they have plantedindigenous and exotic species of forest trees and non-timber forest species.

CLAIMS The claim to the land’s ownership is unclear as it is still recognized as public property. Therefore, BU has no authority to remove anyone using it since the university has not yet acquired the land title for it.

On the contrary, Mascariñas defended that the university applied for the land titling before the ERDB. This was done after the memorandum of agreement between BU and DENRERDB expired in February 2003, in which both parties agreed to let ERDB occupy the land in exchange for doing the process of surveying and land titling it in the name of BU. “In other words, more than ten years na nag file [ang BU] for special patent covering six lots. It is a responsibility that was never performed for BU. Ngunyan komplikado ang satuyang sitwasyon, because ang agency responsible for land titling issuance for special patent is DENR, but they are also claiming that property in their name,” he explained.

He said that BU already applied for a special patent for six lots situated in Legazpi City and Daraga, Albay.

These include lot 179928 which comprised the BU Main Campus covering BU administration building and the College of Arts and Letters; lot 17993, covering the College of Education; lot 5077, the BU Daraga Campus; and lot 17169, the BU East Campus.

Also included are the lots 17988 and 17989 which are currently being occupied by the ERDB separately in Albay and Daraga.

DUE PROCESS In light of the process filed by BU, DENR Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez wrote a letter to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources of Albay with regards to the request of the conduct of investigation that should follow the summary rules of procedure for investigation of claims and conflicts.

Pursuant to the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 16-31, PENR Officer Imelda D. Baltazar forwarded a letter to President Mascariñas requesting for the compliance of the required documents and form of filing a protest against the application of LAUFTeRC-ERDB for a special patent.

Section 3 of DAO stated that all land claims and conflicts under unregistered or unpatented lands shall be commenced by filing a verified protest by the claimant. In addition, Section 4 encompasses the formal requirements of a protest including the documentary and other forms of evidence to support the allegations.

our laboratories, we’re sending our students for mobility outside the country, and we’re also accepting foreign students here in BU,” he said.

Dr. Amelia Dorosan, Vice President for Administration and Finance, said that following the vision of BU of becoming a worldclass university is likewise following the SUC leveling guidelines.

“If we will just follow the template of the SUC leveling guidelines it will really lead us towards that direction of becoming a world-class university. But it

We are sending our faculties for studies, we’re modernizing our facilities, our buildings, we are acquiring equipments for our laboratories, we’re sending our students for mobility outside the country, and we’re also accepting foreign students here in BU, Dr. ARNULFO MASCARIÑAS SUC President - Bicol University

SUC LEVELING The criteria set to determine the level of SUCs are instruction, extension, research, and management of resources.

Bartolata stated that every key resolve has its own specific parameters with corresponding points that a certain SUC should overcome in order to achieve a higher level. He added that there are only five SUC levels—level 5 being the highest.

The SUC leveling covers three years of performance along with the four key resolve areas. The most recent SUC leveling in BU was conducted last year which covered the years 2013, 2014, and 2015.

“So by 2019 magkakaroonnaman ng another round of SUC leveling evaluation for the year 2016, 2017, 2018 and madi-determine na dyan kung na achieve mo yung next higher level,” he said.

Moreover, Dorosan stated that there are several factors they have to consider especially the students.

She also stressed that they wanted the BU students and the university as a whole to become competitive.

“When you graduate you will not surely just land in the local, you would want to see the world, and if you are not prepared for that,mahuhuli ka so you, students,

the academic year 2019, will be sharing classrooms and laboratory equipment with the geodetic engineering.

“Later on pag nakadecide na if college of science or engineering ba yan, so para makatipid-tipid muna, magko-compliment muna ng faculty ng engineering at tsaka science, they willl be housed muna duon sa GE Building kasi isang section lang naman sila [Geodetic Engineering],” she explained.

Also, part of this campus modernization is the renovation and construction of electrical, mechanical, civil, mining and chemical engineering buildings and laboratories.

“Ang susunod sa GE Bldg is the electrical and chemical engineering building kasi yung sa chemical idi-demolish yun para ma-modernized pati yung mga laboratory,” Bello stated.

Aside from the modernization of the buildings and laboratories of each department, Engr. Bello also revealed other facilities that will soon rise in the east campus such as a dormitory worth 50 million and a retractable bleacher to be installed in the CENG Gymnasium worth 10 million.

Meanwhile, Mascariňas envisioned that by the end of his first term, more than half of the plan for the east and main campus will be completed.

are the reason for the aim,and of course the development agenda of the country,” she further explained.

GLITCHES Bartolata affirmed that among the four key resolve areas, research is considered as the weakest link that drives the admin to introduce measures to compensate for the weak areas.

“Di pa tayo nakakaalis doon sa perspective na akala natin di natin kaya maging magaling at saka maraming challenges kasi sa instruction, we have the faculty of course so we need to equip the faculty with the qualifications necessary to the research, to the extension, and then to the publication so maraming challenges talaga,” Dorosan explained.

When asked if BU has a chance to reach SUC Level V, Bartolata said that there is a big chance for BU to achieve it because based on the internal assessment, there are only the weak areas that need to be focused on.

“Ang mga measures nainiimplement namin, based naman sa analysis kung alin talaga ang weakest link dun kami nag i-introduce ng mga measures para mahabol yung points so there’s a big chance na maka-SUC level V tayo,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dorosan believes that BU’s aim for SUC level V will be achieved once everyone in the university cooperates.

“Kaya nga ang sinasabi namin it should not just be the President, even down to the lowest level in the hierarchy of the organization kelangan pare-pareho ang tingin namin, tingin ng bawat isa na kaya nating i-level up, even the students should behave as well,” she stated.

IN-DEPTH

5

The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Of results and resolutions

Status of BU in board exams

by Elyssa Kristine Ella and Casandra Balala

As the premiere state university in the Bicol Region, Bicol University (BU) strives to maintain a high standard of education. The board examination results in the various programs and courses are a testimony of the university’s efforts in its continuous pursuit of academic excellence.

The university offers approximately 16 board courses in 10 different colleges and institutions, namely, College of Engineering (BUCENG), Institute of Architecture (BUIA), College of Education (BUCE), College of Business Economics and Management (BUCBEM), College of Nursing (BUCN), College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BUCSSP), and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF).

The other satellite campuses, which are the Polangui Campus (BUPC), Gubat Campus (BUGC) and the Tabacco Campus (BUTC) also offer board courses in some of their departments.

In some cases, like the College of Industrial Technology where the students do not necessarily take board examinations, the graduates may choose to work in the academe which would require them to take the licensure examinations for teachers.

According to Dr. Helen Llenaresas, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), BU is performing well in board examinations in general.

Some departments and courses in the university have even been credited as one of the best in the country based on board exam results while the rest have also been exceeding the national passing rate.

“Our Accountancy is among the top five in the country today. We are number one in Social Work. We’re also doing well in Accountancy, Nursing, and Midwifery,” Llenaresas said.

In BUCENG, Llenaresas asserted that the courses are also doing satisfactorily in board exams despite falling short of the national passing rate from time to time. The BS Civil Engineering for instance, has not been consistently exceeding the national quota in the past years. “I think you cannot really say that Civil Engineering is not performing well because in some years, they get high results. Basically, they’re just not consistently higher than the national passing rate but the results are not far behind,” Llenaresas confirmed.

She admitted that the areas where the university is not very good at are agriculture and forestry in BUCAF. Furthermore, she also explained that the consistently poor results of the BS Industrial Engineering (BSIE) can be attributed to the fact that the results are from licensure exams in teaching.

“BSIE is not supposed to be a board course. However, some of our graduates would want or has taken the [licensure] examination. They were not prepared to take the board exam for teachers. They did not focus on that because [their course] is more on technology,” she added.

CHED’S STANDARD Other than fulfilling the university’s world-class vision, the perseverance of each college and institute to receive high passing rates and produce top-notchers in board exams is also due to the necessity to demonstrate that the colleges are fully capable and equipped to offer such programs.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accredits SUCs for Center of Excellence (COE) and Development through the performance in board examinations.

“Once na mahina ang performance mo, pwedeng ipa-close yung program. So far maganda naman ang performance ng BU sa board examinations,” Salvador

M. Mediavillo, CHED Chief Administrative Officer, said.

Mediavillo clarified that there is no intervention between the university and CHED on the poor performance of some of its colleges. Instead, they take charge on the regulations of policies and guidelines to ensure that the programs of the institution are compliant to the policies and standards of CHED.

So that the students will be on their toes, if you cannot cope then you should not be able to graduate.

We are not after the number, we are after the quality.

Dr. HELEN LLENARESAS Vice President for Academic Affairs Bicol University

He also cited some causes of poor performance of SUCs in licensure examinations such as insufficient library holdings and materials as well as incompetent and inefficient means of teaching.

“Bawat course, bawat program may sariling Policy Standard Guidelines yan. Yun yung bible, dapat compliance doon. Nandoon yung qualifications ng dean, registrars, yung mga curriculum nandoon lahat. Kung ang isang school they want a CHED program, doon sila magbabase, yun ang bible nila,” Mediavillo stated.

Furthermore, a memorandum from the Office of the President was released four years ago implementing that for all board courses, the requirement for admission is a minimum BU entrance test (BUCET) result of 86 percent.

However, in most cases, that has not been strictly enforced particularly in BUCAF due to the very limited number of BUCET takers.

The university ended up reconsidering those falling below the quota when they switched to other programs that received less traffic during admissions.

Llenaresas asserted that this time they are going to be stricter in implementing the admission requirement that no board course should admit any student whose BUCET rating is below 86 percent to ensure that the students will really excel in the board examinations.

“We already have studies in the university and we found out that in colleges where the admission requirement is really high, like in accountancy, nursing and engineering, they also got good percentage in licensure and board examinations,” Llenaresas added.

INTEGRATED REVIEW COURSES In order to boost the capacity of the students as well as the institution to get better results in board exams, the VPAA prescribed several solutions.

A university-wide curricular review was conducted by the departments to align the courses with the K-12 curriculum and at the same time, capture the competencies of the 21st century. Llenaresas said that she had already given instructions to the deans and department chairs that they should also factor in the competencies of the licensure exams.

Furthermore, she suggested that review classes should be integrated in the curricula of board courses, as she had observed that the same practice was being done in other schools in the Philippines.

This change means that 4th or 5th year students will have integrated review courses in their curriculum and

therefore will automatically be enrolled in reviews before they even graduate.

However, according to former BUCENG Dean Atty. Eduardo Loria, this is already being done in their college and that some of their courses even have reviews for two semesters.

Loria stated that the college has a correlation course during the last semester of the graduating batch. “The correlation course is already a review for the examinations, it is the strategy of the departments to check the readiness of students to take the board exam,” he said.

Furthermore, Loria suggested making the correlation course take up two semesters in BS Civil Engineering where the board examination results have been the lowest among the other engineering courses.

He said that they are planning to make that change simultaneous to the curricular review so that they can implement it as soon as the start of the first batch of senior high school graduates. “It is the recommendation of the faculty teaching the correlation course because one semester is too insufficient since it is supposed to cover all the subjects,” he said.

According to Loria, the correlation course also acts as an evaluation as well as a review. The faculty members of the department are the ones who administer the questions so that they can assess the readiness of the students to take the board board exams.

“So, if the faculty sees they are not yet ready, then we will not recommend them for graduation,” the former Dean said.

VPAA Llenaresas explained that this strict implementation of the policies and guidelines is to maintain the standard of the university. Nonetheless, she stressed that it is also necessary for the professors to teach the students well.

“So that the students will be on their toes, if you cannot cope then you should not be able to graduate. As a Center of Excellence, we cannot be a COE when our percentage of passing is not that good. We are not after the number, we are after the quality,” Llenaresas added.

DEVCOMM

6 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

4 prospects; 1 goal

HELEN and its drive for a progressive community

By Elyssa Kristine Ella and Casandra Balala

A comprehensive development on every sector in the society that greatly affects the lives of even the poorest of the poor is the strong foundation that continues to drivethe Province of Albay. It is the mainspring of the province to attaina genuine and equal progressin the community.

Albay, as one of the provinces that has proved itself as effective in boosting the local and provincial economy, continues to bring change to its constituents not only through government sustainability programs but also through the initiatives of big corporations withgreat goals.

The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the largest vertically integrated geothermal company in the Philippines, operated the BacMan Geothermal Production Field (BGPF) in the boundaries of Manito, Albay and Bacon District, Sorsogon City.

Composed of a 25 000-hectare geothermal reservation, BGPF endeavors to safeguard and nurture the environment while producing energy for the Luzon Grid.

EDC commits to promote community welfare and environmental stewardship at all times by building Community Partnership Programs that aim to empower host communities and lead them to the mainstream of development. One of which is the Barangay Nagotgot of Manito, Albay where the BacMangeothermal plantwas situated.

Considering itself as an integral part of the communities where it operates, EDC takes pride in upholding social responsibility byhelping the community organize and create progress through its flagship program—Health, Education, Livelihood and Environment (HELEN).

“We identified ourselves as partners of the community. Nabuo kami in 2005. Nung una 11 lang kami and now we’re getting bigger. Our partners in barangay, we treated them as our partners in program implementation and program identification,” Eduardo L. Jimenez, EDC Community Partnership Department Head, stated.

TREE FOR THE FUTURE Considered as one of the biggest achievementsunder the environment sectorof HELEN program, the BINHI project with its tagline “Tree for the Future” rescued and secured 96 of the most threatened and premium tree species of the Philippine forest.

The primary goal of the project was togain a holistic approach towards biodiversity conservation and preservation of the Philippine native trees, which have been undocumented for decades.

The team under this project sought and found full-grown mother trees of selected Philippine native trees and collected the seedlings or wildings, which were then planted and reproduced to the partner institutions or organizations of EDC. Following the four key steps, they were able to collect and mark the 96-prioritized threatened species among the 3,600 critical native trees. They have identified the target trees through proper assessment and evaluation of its status, economic value, superior mech strength and aesthetic value.

In a seedling and hardening area, they established future native mother trees to preserve the country’s forests. BINHI project upholds the advocacy through its published book distributed in the selected agencies and institutions.

“Iyan na mga project ninda para sa mga tawo, syempre pag nagpapatanum sinda, ang mga tawo nagkakaroon ng trabaho tapos syempre nakakatabang digdi sa environment mi dahil nakaka-prevent sinda kang landslide dyan sa mga kabundukan,” Elizabeth Arabaca, a resident from Nagotgot, said.

BETTER LIVING Along with the intensive protection for the environment, both livelihood and educational assistance were given to the chosen residents of Barangay Nagotgot under the HELEN program to help support their living and aid the children dream of a brighter future.

In education, there are at least 394 high school students from the barangay covered with a scholarship of P5,000 each. The chosen recipients are those who belong to the poor families but shows excellency

SAMUD. From its plant, tiger grass, a resident of Barangay Nagotgot, Manito, Albay, assembles soft brooms to be sold in the nearby towns. Samud is the town’s primary product .

(Photos by Linlyn Mercader)

in their studies.

Meanwhile, 4490 elementary students are the beneficiaries of HELEN that cover all their expenses in their schooling. In addition, they also receive school supplies every enrollment and areprovided with feeding programs that follow the nutritional requirements they need to stop malnourishment.

“Napaka-helpful talaga lalo na yung may mga parents na nahihirapan magprovide ng supplies for their children, it’s a big help. Nakatabang sa education yung pag school opening meron na silang mga gamit, after brigade eskwela,” Jaype Babapa, Nagotgot Elementary School teacher, stated.

Once the students excel in their elementary and high school, they may receive scholarship in college until they hold a degree. Jimenez affirmed that

they have just formed a career project for the students who want to enter in top universities in the country.

On the other hand, several groups in Manito and Sorsogon City have received livelihood programs and projects including job opportunities at BacMan, and crafts or eateries for the women’s association.

Farming, which is the primary source of livelihood in Nagotgot because of its over 90 hectares land, was aided by HELEN of fertilizers and seedlings.

“Nagtatao ki fertilizer pero utang mi, tigpapautang sa mga para oma tapos bayadan mi sainda pag nag harvest,” Celidonio Dadap, chairman of Inang Maharang Irrigators Association, said.

HELEN focuses on four separate areas in order to achieve the highest level of community development and offer the most benefits to its constituents.

4 IN 1 PROJECT HELEN focuses on four separate areas in order to achieve the highest level of community development and offer the most benefits to its constituents. By supporting the health and education of the people; providing a sustainable livelihood; and preserving the environment, it is able to cover the basic needs for a community like Nagotgot to prosper.

“We align also our programs based with the projects of the LGU so there is no duplication of programs so at least, by doing so, we will maximize the benefit to our communities,” Jimenez further added.

Other than the four key areas, HELEN also empowers the youth by conducting trainings for students on emergency response and disaster risk reduction through teaching basic first-aid and disaster awareness.

“It is recognizing also that we are living in areas that are very vulnerable to calamities and potential harm so they should be equipped to react in case of extreme emergencies,” the department headsaid.

According to EDC, they fronted other community development programs before but they did not turn out as successfully as HELEN. “There were projects and programs that we had to shelf but ultimately, we found our [achievement] through our HELEN program,” Jimenez said.

As the program continues to enhance the lives of the residents of barangay Nagotgot, let it be a model for other big corporations to work together to support and uplift their communities and follow in the prime example of HELEN’s efforts in promoting inclusive growth.

DEVCOMM

7

The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

‘Angat Buhay’ advocates poverty reduction in Bicol Partnership with BU eyed

By Ephraim Joseph Marollano

Aiming to uplift the lives of Filipinos in poverty-stricken communities, the Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Robredo, proposed Angat Buhay partnership with Bicol University (BU) last October 24, 2017 in the College of Arts and Letters amphitheater.

The Office of the Vice President’s flagship program, Angat Buhay, reaches out to the poorest, smallest, and farthest community and provide them assistance through partnerships with non-government units, private organizations, and business entities wanting to help.

Angat Buhay has six advocacy areas which include the universal health care, food security and nutrition, rural development, public education, women empowerment, and housing and resettlement.

The program started last October 2016 with the 50 poorest communities in the country and after a year, grew into 153 communities and has served 83,707 families.

Robredo shared her advocacy of help-

ing Bicol slowly climb up the ranks of poverty since it is still the fourth poorest region in the country.

“Ngunyan fourth poorest kita. Baka pwede man kitang mag-ambisyon na for one year nagraralangkaw lamang,” Robredo said.

In the Bicol region, the program is already being implemented in 27 municipalities. The province of Albay, Tabaco, Tiwi, and Rapu-rapu are among the areas because these were the ones hit the worst during typhoon Nina.

Robredo admitted that the main problem of the office is that they do not have ANGAT BUHAY. Vice President of the Philippines, Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo talks about the progresses of BU Jesse funds for the programs. To provide a soM. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development and shares her term’s advocacy and plans of partnership with Bicol lution, Robredo established partnerships University during a forum last October 24, 2017 at the BUCAL Amphitheater. (Photo by Linlyn Mercader) with non-government units, private corporations, and business owners to fund its tries, hence the products and live- be used to devise the agricultural positive that BU will have a posiprograms. lihood of the local communities business model of the region. tive response to her request. are neglected.

Robredo believes that the re “I know you will accept PARTNERSHIP She requested a different kind gion needs inclusive growth which our invitation, there’s no doubt Robredo noticed that business estab- of partnership with Bicol Univer- will only be achieved through jobs about it,” Robredo said. lishments in the region buy raw materials sity which is to conduct researches and livelihood. from other regions or even in other coun- about existing products that can She added that she is

Albay establishes first youth development office

By Sheila Mae Sajuela and Jasmin Salvacion

With the aim of engaging the youth to partake in the nation building, the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) was established for the first time in Albay in order to verify and monitor the local youth organizations in the local.

LYDO was launched on July 24 this year under the mandate of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum circular 2017 by virtue of Republic Act 10742.

In Bicol region, Albay was the first province to establish a youth development office. Moreover, legal papers will be drafted to build municipal offices in the province in order to recognize the youth development officers. Once approved, these officers will serve as a legal body who will operate the LYDO. Local youth development offices will be formed in 18 municipalities in Albay after the National Youth Commission conducted a mandatory training for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Included in the function of LYDO was to guide the youth since SK was not pursued.

Rhondon C. Ricafort, executive assistant on Youth Affairs, said that one impact of LYDO is a ‘knowledge society’ aiming for big opportunities for the welfare of the youth and the society in general.

“Magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na maging handa at mag participate sila [youth] sa decision-making [sa] congress ng ating gobyerno,” Ricafort added.

He further stated that they aim to have a youth community that will serve not only for Albay but also for the other provinces around Bicol.

“Gaya ng sinasabi natin parati, you cannot help others if you can-

litical Science students from BU and other students from universities like Aquinas University, now University of Sto. Thomas Legazpi.

Rancel Ramos, Political Science student and president of Kalingang Kabataan, stated that they are planning to become a university-based organization. Its main objective was to help the destitute children be reawaken of how important education is.

“We aim to recruit more organizations in Albay, BU in particular because it is the biggest state university in the province,” Ricafort added.

GREAT SHAPER. A man from barangay Putsan, Tiwi, Albay uses electric-driven throwing machine to make small jars and vases which will be used for decorations and products. (Photo by Linlyn Mercader)

not help yourself. So kailangan simulan natin sa ating sarili dito sa atin bago tumulong dun sa kabila,” he explained.

LYDO Albay targets at least 75 percent of youth organizations, provincial communities, and schools to participate in their programs in 2019.

By 2020, the office seeks to achieve the unity of 84 percent youth groups in the province, in partnership with DILG along with the Local Government Units.

On the other hand, Ricafort stated that through proper leadership training, the youth will be empowered to diminish poverty and to boost national competitiveness and

productivity.

“Ang youth empowerment panaginip pa yan ng panahon ni Jose Rizal... 24 percent ng population ay youth, merong youth pero di empowered, may mga empowered pero hindi youth,” he added.

PIONEERING MEMBERS Meanwhile, Kalingang Kabataan of Bicol University (BU) joined LYDO to develop and carry out programs and projects that upholds their advocacy of youth’s integral part in social development.

Kalingang Kabataan is a youth serving organization which started on April 5, 2015, comprising 86 Po-

LYDO Albay targets at least 75 percent of youth organizations, provincial communities, and schools to participate in their programs in 2019.

PLANS AND PROJECTS Ricafort stated that one of the plans they have laid out for the entire year was a seminar and training on disaster preparedness, basic life support, and water safety survival to be conducted every month, which started on August.

Its main objective is to train the youth of Albay to respond in emergencies, and capacitate them with the knowledge of hazards that threaten the lives of people in the community.

Moreover, identification cards are also being planned to be given to the members of LYDO, which gives them the privilege to purchase school supplies with 10% discount in big retail stores in Albay. The target implementation of the ordinance is next year.

Ricafort added that interested teenagers and youth organizations aged 15-20 years are highly encouraged to apply as member of LYDO, and that they will be immediately oriented by the officers of youth affairs.

8

OPIN

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The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June-November 2017

EDITORIAL

Double edged To end impunity is not only a state responsibility but should be given utmost priority as well.

Since the present administration, headed

by President Rodrigo Duterte, launched the war against illegal drugs, many debates surfaced between the government and senate officials and even international agencies who have voiced their concerns over the death toll.

The deaths of several teenagers in the conduct of police operations prompted public outcry demanding investigations into the alleged murder of Kian Delos Santos and Carl Arnais.

While the Philippine National Police claimed that the police faced resistance and shot the victims in self-defense, some citizens pegged it as an injustice.

In the 2017 Global Impunity Index (GII) released by the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), it was revealed that the Philippines had the highest impunity level among the 69 countries that underwent the evaluation.

UDLAP ranked the countries based on the structural capacity of justice systems, the functionality of security, and the protection of human rights. From a scale of 0-100, where zero means inexistent impunity, the country scored a booming 75.6, earning the title of nations with “very high impunity index.”

The administration defended that the numbers must be taken into proper context. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella claimed that ‘previous governments faced these same problems but it is only under this administration that crime and terrorism are being decisively addressed.’

Indeed, the current status of the country’s criminal justice system is full of glitches and inconsistencies including insufficient judges and courtrooms, highly congested prisons and a police-to-population ratio of 1 to 572 when the global average stands at 1 to 315.

With where the justice system is currently at right now, it can be argued that the campaign against illegal drugs may have further aggravated the situation.

The results of the GII reveal two things: one, compared to the rest of the world, the country has a severely flawed criminal justice system and two, this means that should there be any more incidents of innocents being killed in the war against drugs, the delivery of justice will be slow and difficult to attain.

In addition, a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) found out that 41% or nearly half of the respondents believe that the loss of innocent lives in the war against drugs is only normal. The results of the GII plus the growing fear among the public further drill the idea that the country’s criminal justice system is not wellequipped to prosecute perpetrators who would overstep the boundaries of human rights.

The fact that citizens can accept that innocent lives will be lost and that most perpetrators can get away with it because of the inefficiencies of the criminal justice system is like rubbing salt on an open wound. The public must not cease to demand the administration to remain anchored on the virtues of law and order and to uphold due process in the prosecution of drug suspects.

At the end, the duty falls to the local police departments to fine-tune their implementation of this campaign and ensure that their subordinates uphold the highest respect for human rights.

On the other hand, the government deserves praise for the number of drug suspects that have been captured and arrested. The general ambition of the President to eradicate crime and illegal drugs is a commendable approach.

We mustn’t forget that this war is aimed to serve the country well, however, if the road continues to be paved with unjust killings and human rights violations, it might as well be a war against humanity.

Social Responsibility Prosecution, it seems, has reached an apex of evolution— triggered by the steadfast innovations in cyberspace and social media—in which trial by publicity has become the new norm of calling for justice.

Back in the days, prosecution used to be restricted within the four corners of courtrooms in the presence of those authorized to pass the verdict and the persons involved in the crime.

Nowadays, anyone with a smartphone and the appetite for attention can play judge in state affairs.

Bloggers that have amassed a sizable following can share and publish information in full view of a nationwide audience. Some may say this platform creates an environment for a healthy exchange of views but unfortunately, more often than not, the nature of the discourse is no longer within the realms of decency.

On October 4, the senate conducted an investigation on fake news online. The probe brought to light the array of blunders committed by Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson on her Facebook blog which currently stands with five million followers.

Uson, a public figure that has gained influence in the campaign leading up to the 2016 elections, has been explicitly vocal about her support for President Rodrigo Duterte. In her posts, she is often seen sharing posts that put the president in a positive light as well as targeting those who criti-

cize her such as Vice President Leni Robredo.

An infographic published

by Assortedge.com differentiated an editorial, column, blog, and propaganda. The infographic defined propaganda as ‘information that is not objective and not necessarily true. It is created to influence a certain audience to heavily like or dislike a person, event, or group. It is spread widely despite uncertainty of the truthfulness of the claim.’

Several years ago, it can easily be defended that social media is fundamental in raising the pillars for democracy but now, several articles have pointed to the idea that it can be hurting democracy rather than preserving it.

In an article published by the Global Investigative Journalism Network, several accusations against social media were enumerated such as ‘facilitating hate speech, public humiliation and the targeted marginalization of disadvantaged or minority voices.’

There is a distinct line between exposing wrongdoings and outright public humiliation.

The 1988 Philippine Journalist’s Code of Ethics, at one point, states: “I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interest justifies it.”

That being said, invoking the reasoning that the ‘public interest justifies it’ in defense of a gross violation of ethical standard such as in the case of ‘blog-

VERBATIM Elyssa Kristine Ella

gers’ sometimes resorting to personal attacks and ad hominems to defend their stand should be corrected and not condoned.

Social media is undeniably powerful and if used right, can become a key instrument in instigating reforms and defending the country’s democracy. It would have been an ideal platform for constructive debate and bringing together people of a common principle in support of the nation’s development.

Social media has turned into a breeding ground for those who would utilize its services and abuse the right to freedom of expression to feed their own selfish agendas.

But that is simply not the case. In contrast, social media has turned into a breeding ground for those who would utilize its services and abuse the right to freedom of expression to feed their own selfish agendas.

This results in the proliferation

of misinformation and disinformation. The sad reality is, many Filipinos are not media literate enough to effectively scrutinize news found online and distinguish the fake from the factual ones.

Although the stakes are not as high for bloggers and socalled ‘citizen journalists’ when it comes to abiding by the journalism code of ethics and editorial policies governing the world of mainstream media, they should still be mindful of the consequences of their actions when using the widespread reach of social media websites to publish critical information.

Furthermore, it is high time that people stop regarding journalism as a devil-may-care profession in which those with access to the Internet and are in possession of a wide audience can brand themselves as journalists. Those who wish to pursue a career in this industry or simply want to be involved should at least undergo professional training on the ethics and laws on mass media.

The Philippines is still branded as the ‘Social Media Capital of The World’ and with a growing cyber population, the reach of public posts can only increase. This is a challenge to the public to educate themselves to be critical of information and be more politically aware because if we continuously sought the truth then the untruths would not faze us.

NION

For comments, suggestions, and reaction:

email us at thebicoluniversitarian@bicol-u.edu.ph

9

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

SOLUTIO INDEBITI Ephraim Joseph Marollano

Simula Enero 2018, hindi na papayagan ang mga karag-karag na dyipni sa kalye para mamasada alinsunod sa matagal nang plano ng pamahalaang pagsasamodernisa ng mga pampublikong sasakyan.

Hindi naman ako tutol sa panukalang ito pero sana nama’y dinggin din ng gobyerno ang bawat panig ng bawat Pilipinong maapektuhan ng mungkahing ito lalo nang makailang beses na ring pumalya ang mga pangako ng pamahalaan.

Hunyo 19 ng taong ito ay opisyal na inilabas ang programang pagsasamodernisa ng mga pampublikong sasakyan na naglalayong palitan ang mga dyipning 15 taon na. Kasabay sa programang ito ay kinakailangang magkaroon ng 20 Euro 4-compliant na dyipni ang bawat opereytor na aabot sa 1.2 hanggang 1.4 milyon ang bawat yunit.

Ayon sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ay humigit kumulang 180,000 yunit ng dyipni ang kinakailangang palitan. Sa dami ng dyipning ito ay hindi kakayaning suportahan ng gobyerno ang mga opereytor sa paglikom ng malaking halaga na ang mga tren nga sa Metro Manila ay ibang bansa pa ang gumagastos.

Ang iminumungkahing modernisadong dyipni ng Department of Transportation (DOTR) ay may speed limiter, closed-circuit television camera (CCTV), GPS, at dashboard camera para sa kaligtasan ng drayber at ng mga pasahero. Maging ang pagbayad ng pamasahe ay magiging automated na tulad ng kasalukuyang sistema sa mga tren sa Maynila. Hindi kaya isang mataas na pagaambisyon ang ganitong tulad na pampublikong sasakyan?

Tugon naman ng DOTr, handa naman tumulong ang gobyerno sa mga opereytor na makabili ng mga bagong yunit. Ang gobyerno ang magbubukas ng oportunidad sa pagpapautang ng pera na babayaran sa loob ng pitong taon na may anim na porsyentong interes at sasagutin ng

Land Bank of the Philippines ang limang porsyento nito ngunit hindi lalagpas sa P80,000 na babayaran na ng drayber.

Hindi naman maiaalis sa mga drayber at opereytor ang pagdududa sa gobyerno dahil sa makailang beses na ring hindi pagtupad sa mga usapan. Isa pa ay marami ang takot humiram ng pera sa banko dahil sa bawat pag palya sa pagbayad ay may karapampatang multa o interes.

Nagpahayag si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong Oktubre 17, 2017 sa Federalism Summit

...sana nama’y dinggin din ng gobyerno ang bawat panig ng bawat Pilipinong maapektuhan ng mungkahing ito lalo nang makailang beses na ring pumalya ang mga pangako ng pamahalaan. na ginanap sa Pili, Camarines Sur na ipaaaresto niya ang mga opereytor ng mga bulok na dyipni na hindi susunod sa panukalang ito. Hindi naman malabong isakatuparan niya ang babalang ito.

Ang paghayag ni Duterte ng babala ay itinaon sa ika-lawang araw ng tigil pasada na isinagawa ng Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON). Sa dalawang araw ng tigil pasada ay isinuspinde ang pasok sa mga paaralan sa lahat ng antas at maging ang trabaho sa mga opisina ng gobyerno. Kung patuloy na hindi magkakasundo at magkakaunawaan

PRIVATE EYE Casandra Balala

In a sad reality where Filipino mentality affects its endeavor to progress, let us hope that the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Law can really correlate the meaning of “free” to “quality” in order to build a globally competitive country that will justify its purpose.

Known as the Republic Act 10931, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law on August 3, 2017 to provide free education for over a million students in public tertiary and vocational schools in the country through subsidies and student loan programs.

However, despite the present administration’s goal to achieve social development, the passage of the law remains skeptical regarding its feasibility and implementation due to a blurry vision of providing access to all over its cost.

In addition, it cannot be denied that several factors such as the justification of its scope and targeted beneficiaries, as well as the existing phenomenon that undermines its productivity, marks a big question if it can really serve its goal.

Economic advisers of President Rodrigo Duterte disagree on the ratification of the law due to the fund scarcity that the country is experiencing. Moreover, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that subsidizing fees in public tertiary schools would be too costly requiring around P100 billion.

It is bothersome that economic managers would strongly oppose to allot a big amount of fund for the attainment of this law on education considering that it is even cheaper compared to the 8 to 9 trillion pesos budget allocated for the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program in the country.

In fact, it is stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution that the state shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that the teaching sector will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other

means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Gladly, the president realized that education is a big investment that deserves to be prioritized for the welfare of its citizens. Let’s just cross our fingers that the fund will be accurately allotted for education and not in the pockets of somebody else.

On the other hand, it is indeed a great opportunity for all to pursue a college education and choose the course they want regardless of the amount of its tuition fee. However, it is also a

... the justification of its scope and targeted beneficiaries, as well as the existing phenomenon that undermines its productivity, marks a big question if it can really serve its goal.

depressing reality that not all high school graduates can enter in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

As stated in section one of article 14 in the constitution, there should be quality education accessible to all. But the truth is, students in private schools are not all rich and some lack the capacity to continue their studies. They are the students who are also in need of financial help but were not equipped enough to pass the entrance exams in SUCs.

Sakay ang gobyerno at ang mga drayber at opereytor ay maaring maging regular ang mga tigil pasadang ito.

Naging magulo rin ang layon ng programang ito. Binibigyan ng diin ng DOTr na hindi “phase out” ang tawag rito kundi ito ay pagsasamodernisa. Ngunit parehas lang naman ito dahil kapag naituloy ang pagsasamodernisa ng mga dyipni ay hindi na papayagang ipamasada ang mga karag-karag na dyipni. Wala nang silbi ang mga lumang dyipni sa mga drayber at opereytor dahil hindi na nila ito mapagkakakitaan; sadyang inuutakan lang ng gobyerno ang mga ito.

Ipinagdiinan ni Duterte na ang programang ito ay para protektahan and pampublikong kalusugan at pampublikong interes. Maganda naman ang ambisyong ito ng pangulo dahil ang mga pagbuga ng makakapal at maiitim na usok ng mga karag-karag na dyipni ang isa sa mga sanhi ng pagkakasakit ng mga Pilipino.

Hindi ako tutol ngunit para sa mga estudyanteng may sapat na baon lamang bawat araw na kinakailangan ang mga pampublikong sasakyan para makapasok sa eskwela, posibleng maging kabahagi din ang mga ito sa problema ng mga drayber at opereytor dahil hindi malabong tumaas ang pasahe dahil sa makabagong programa. Ngunit kung dahil sa usok na ibinibuga ng mga bulok na dyipni ay maisakripsiyo ang kalusugan o di kaya’y maaksidente dahil sa sira-sirang makina nito ay marapat lamang na maituloy ang programang ito.

Siguro ay hindi naman kailangan sa Enero ng darating na taon ay maipatupad ng lubusan ang patakarang ito. Gawin itong paunti-unti upang makita ang magiging epekto nito sa bawat mamamayan. At kung sa mga probinsya ay malaking problema pa din ang mga baku-bakong kalsada, unahin na muna ang pag-sasaayos nito bago pa man magkaroon ng mga modernisadong dyipni at nang hindi masira agad.

Symmetry In addition, Diokno further stated that “only middle-class and upper-class students would benefit from the scheme of the new law.

Only 12 percent of the poor get to the state universities, and when you say free tuition, you are actually subsidizing the rich.”

It was just one, and there are other hitches that should be carefully measured by the government to fully uphold its aim. First, it is a logical inquiry why poor students who cannot afford going to a private school cannot enter in SUCs. If we come to think of it, quality tertiary education can only materialize if there is already quality education in lower levels—elementary and high school.

Second, quality education in all levels should be observed in all institutions or schools in the country in order to have a strong and unified product of knowledge. This will result to a cohesive development among us.

Third, let’s say that the free tertiary education in SUCs and other state-run schools will result to a larger number of college graduates.

Will job opportunities in the country suffice the graduates? Or in the end, they will just join the ranks of those unemployed Filipino citizens.

Besides, according to the January Labor Force Survey, the unemployment rate in the country has once again increased to 6.6 percent this year.

In the 2004 article “Higher Education Funding” in Oxford Review of Economic Policy

by Nicholas Barr, it is agreeable that “the greatest failure in graduate unemployment rates are among the poor. Furthermore, many of the poor work in the informal sector where it is very difficult to collect taxes and debt.”

In the end, implementing RA 10931 with strict observance of “equal and quality education in all levels accessed by students in all schools,” plus high employment rate and more job opportunities for graduates, can be a good formula to show proof that the country is really developing.

POINT & SHOOT Roma Joy Padre

The Other Side of Metropolis In the present time, Legazpi City is described as one of the fast-rising cities when it comes to business growth, infrastructure development, and notable peace and order. Legazpi City is also considered as one of the country’s top three livable cities together with Iloilo City and Cebu City.

There is no doubt that it is the “City of Fun and Adventure.” From the majestic Mayon Volcano to the other beautiful picturesque tourist spots, Legazpi City, the capital of the Albay province will remain a top tourist destination in the country.

On the other hand, every coin has two sides. The City is not all cupcakes and rainbows; there is always a thing or two to counteract all the positive things listed above. We all know that Legazpi is known to be the ‘Queen City of Bicol’ and every queen has its people.

The queen’s people are a big part of shaping and building the city particularly one that has risen to a high standard.

They say that to make something to keep on operating or something to be successful, balance is needed. The philosophy of man that everybody should not be rich or that there should be at least a number of people that will remain poor to keep the balance is an example of that.

I’ll go straight to the point. There is a village in Legazpi that is the complete polar opposite of the fancy life of the city – the Victory Village. This village is locat-

The people play a big part in making a city successful; without them, there is no queen. ed just beside the famous Embarcadero de Legazpi.

Compared to the city which is very much spacious, this village has houses that are compressed to each other and aside from that, there is a huge tall wall that separates them from the me-

tropolis with a narrow passage that serves as their gate just enough to fit an average car.

Last February 9, 2017, there was a fire that emerged in the village that caused 400 residents to lose their homes. The fire turned 80 houses into ashes because it wasn’t easily put out due to the fact that the village has narrow passages and not enough space for the fire truck to fit. Just by looking at the village in bird’s eye view, you cannot really deny that the place is very dangerous when it comes to fire hazards.

It is understandable that the city needs developments for future purposes, but the safety of the Queen’s people should be high on the list of priorities.

The people play a big part in making a city successful; without them, there is no queen. The people should not be the prisoners of their own city.

The case of the Victory Village is just one of many others regarding the safety of the people in Legazpi City. There are also cases of snatching and pickpocketing close to the malls wherein the most common victims are students. The worst part is the CCTVs in the area where the snatching takes place is coincidentally broken or there are no CCTVs at all.

Also, the traffic jam because of the road widening makes it very risky for commuters and students because unexpected accidents might happen because there are really undisciplined drivers everywhere and sometimes the “No helmet, no travel” policy isn’t observed.

Furthermore, the safety is not the only problem here. We know that as the infrastructure in the city increases, the land space also decreases and the bad thing is overcrowding might occur. With too much population comes too much pollution which will lead to worse traffic and eventually, a slower pace of travel time for motorists and commuters.

The bright side of these ongoing changes in Legazpi City is that more business establishments are rising and the city that was once a small city is now one of the famous business hubs and sometimes hosts of some national conventions because of the good facilities that the city has.

OPINION

10 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

INDESIGN

Pinagkanulong Musika

Vince Añonuevo

Sa kasalukuyang panahon, mas nananaig na ang mga banyagang musika kaysa sa orihinal na musikang Pilipino. Wala namang masama rito at may karapatan din naman tayong pumili datapwa’t sana’y kasabay ng ating pagtangkilik sa banyagang musika ay patuloy pa rin nating ipagmalaki ang sariling atin.

Gusto ko lang linawin na bilang mga Pilipino, dapat unahin ang sariling musika. Hindi lang dahil sa madali itong maunawaan at kabisaduhin, kundi mas dapat nating suportahan ang orihinal na musikang Filipino sapagkat wala namang ibang susuporta dito kundi tayo. Wag nating ipagsawalang bahala sapagkat isa ito sa mga pinagmamalaking kayamanan ng Pilipinas.

Mas kinahiligan na ng mga kabataan ngayon ang pakikinig sa mga “K-pop” na tugtugin na hindi naman natin lubos na maiintindihan. Madalas din nila itong pagkaguluhan at subaybayan. Hindi naman natin alam kung ano ang kahulugan ng mga lirikong nakasulat sa kanilang tugtugin pero kinababaliwan pa rin ito.

Maimpluwensya ang mga awitin. Pwede nitong maapektuhan ang ating pagkatao at ibahin tayo mula sa ating kinagisnan, maging sa estilo o kasuotan. Kasabay narin ng ating mga pananaw at pamantayan ang mga musikang dapat pakinggan.

May pagkakaiba pa din naman tayong lahat pero mas piliin natin na umangkop nalang sa nakagawi-

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

an. Nawawalan na din kasi ng pagkakakilanlan ang isang tunay na Pilipino. Pilit nating niyayakap ang mga gawang banyaga kaysa sa ating sariling gawa.

Kung susuriin natin ang ibang kantang banyaga, naglalaman ito ng mga di kanais-nais na konteksto. May mga katangian itong hindi dapat tinatangkilik tulad ng mga kantang masyadong liberado ang nilalaman, mga kantang layong maliitin ang isang pangkat ng tao at ang mga kantang may “racism.”

Kung mapapansin nyo naman sa mga tsart, palaging nananaig ang mga kantang ito sa mga tagapakinig dito sa Pilipinas. Halos wala sa kalingkingan ng mga ito ang pwesto ng isang tunay na obra maestrang gawa ng mga kilalang mang-aawit dito sa Pinas. Kung ipagkukumpara naman ang dalawa, di hamak na mas lamang at may laman ang mga ito kaysa sa ibang mga banyagang awitin.

Ayon sa artikulong isinulat ni Xianne Arcangel: “Despite the wealth of musical talent in the Philippines, foreign artists and composers still took the lion’s share of royalties from the use of their songs by radio stations and other businesses in 2014.” Ito ay nagpapatunay lang na mas niyayakap ng Pilipinas ang mga gawang banyaga pagdating sa industriya ng Musika.

Base din sa pahayag ni Ginoong Ogie Alcasid sa parehong artikulo, “There is preferential treatment for foreign music. You can only just turn on the radio to recognize that...” na nagsasabing

biased daw ang pagpapatugtog ng mga banyagang awitin dito sa Pinas.

Maihahalintulad din natin na regalo ang Original Pilipino Music sapagkat nagiging tulay ito sa ibang komunidad na mailahad ang mga kanilang kultura at paniniwala.

Nagsilbi itong instrumento upang

Nawawalan na din kasi ng pagkakakilanlan ang isang tunay na Pilipino. Pilit nating niyayakap ang mga gawang banyaga kaysa sa ating sariling gawa.

maipahayag nila ang kanilang sining at likha. Halimbawa na ang pagbuo ni Ginoong Nonoy Lanzanas ng kanyang Sining ng Katutubo o mas kilala sa tawag na Sinika na may adbokasiyang makapagbahagi ng mga musikang gawa ng ating mga katutubo.

Sa kabilang dako, maging sa iba't ibang larangan ng musika, nananaig padin naman ang OPM

sapagkat umaani pa rin ito ng mga premyo sa iba’t-ibang musikang patimpalak. Kilala ito sa isa sa mga impluwensyal na musika sa mundo.

Marami ring “indie music” na lumalabas sa kasalukuyang panahon dito sa Pinas. Ito yung mga tugtugin na masasabi mong "under-rated" sapagkat bilang lang ang mga taong nagpapahalaga dito.

Mga musikang may mas malalim na kahulugan at dapat tuunan ng pansin. Maging mangangawit na hindi pa gaanong sikat ay sinisimulan na ang pagukit ng kanilang pangalan sa industriya ng musika.

Hindi naman sa pag di sangayon pero may katangian kasi tayong Pilipino na laging sunod sa uso. Kung ano ang sikat, dun tayo sumusuporta. Sana lamang ay maging pantay ang pagpapasya.

Subukan din naman nating pakinggan itong "indies" at suportahan ang mga bandang lokal.

Kung mas uunahin ang mga banyagang kanta kaysa sa ating sariling gawa, para na ring hindi natin pinahalagahan ang musika ng mga nauna. Dadating ang araw na wala na tayong masusulat at maipapakinig sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Kumbaga, sino ang gagawa ng kantang aawitin nila kung patuloy tayong magpapasakop sa impluwensya ng banyagang kultura? Hanggang kailan tayo tatangkilik ng gawa ng iba kung mismong gawa natin ay hindi natin kayang suportahan?

The Bicol Universitarian

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BICOL UNIVERSITY

EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF AY. 2017-2018

Editor-in-Chief Elyssa Kristine Ella Associate Editor Ephraim Joseph Marollano Managing Editor Casandra Balala Senior Editor Roma Joy Padre Arts & Graphics Editor Vince Añonuevo Senior Consultant Nichole Baloloy Writers Jonnabeth Ortega, May Altavano, Julianne Nicolle Moral, Alyssa Joana Aro, Sheila Mae Sajuela, Allan Val Brutas IV Layout Artist Jerald Talavera Cartoonists John James Doctolero, Tyrone Ombao, Evonrey Latagan Photojournalists Linlyn Mercader, Lynn Oliquino, Vynce Opeña Public Relations Staff Cyrelle Nuñez, Jasmin Salvacion, Aimee Clarice Tobongbanua, Myca Revilla, Fatima Rozen Mirabueno, Krisna Villamor Webmasters James Andrew Co, Abegail Firme, Emelyn Soria Technical Adviser Felipe Jose Peralta

THE BICOL UNIVERSITARIAN

is located at the 2/F Bicol University College of Arts & Letters, Legazpi City

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2nd Semester , A.Y. 2016-2017

CASH INFLOW 2nd Sem Collection (AY 2016-2017)

Remaining Cash

Total Cash Inflow

FROM THE DESK

THIS SPACE is open for complaints, concerns, and grievances.

Submit your articles at facebook.com/ thebicoluniversitarian or e-mail us at thebicoluniversitarian @bicol-u. edu.ph Please don’t forget to identify your name.

In order to sustain and accomplish all its activities, the editors have to carefully budget and drastically cut expenses by reducing the ratio of print issues to the number of students.

The publication is also unable to publish magazines and literary folios because of the significantly higher cost of these types of print issues. In addition, the transition period caused by the full implementation of the K-12 curriculum has also taken its toll on the publication’s funding due to the lack of freshmen and sophomore students.

In spite of all of this, the publication still manages to cope and accomplish all its activities: publishing a tabloid, newsletter and wall news posts, organizing seminars, spearheading university-wide and regional press conventions and consistently bagging numerous awards in competitions each academic year.

With all the projects, plans and improvements that the publication wishes to attain, Unibê is currently proposing to raise its publication fee from its current amount to forty pesos

P309,162. 96

(1st sem AY 2015-2016)

Bank Interest

Since its inception in 1970, The Bicol Universitarian or Unibê – as it is commonly known – has been dedicated and consistent in performing its responsibilities as the official student publication of Bicol University. Serving the student body and continuously promoting an emboldened and stronger campus journalism has been the unfailing battle-cry of this 47-year old publication.

Through the years, Unibê has unceasingly provided its clientele the quality service they deserve by fulfilling its role as purveyors of information and watchdogs both within and beyond the university. It has served as a reliable source of information and the mouthpiece of the student body. However, the insufficient fund has gradually increased the difficulty to consistently operate and perform to the high standard embedded in the publication’s history.

The twelve pesos (P12.00) publication fee that is paid by every student each semester for Unibê has decreased in value due to inflation rates and a changing economic landscape.

P95,970.00

P452.28 P405,585.24

CASH OUTFLOW RTSPC

(P40.00) starting next academic year. This increase will enable the publication to expand the readership of the print issues and produce a greater variety of releases.

The Bicol Universitarian’s publication fee has not been increased for decades, making it the cheapest fee for a university-level publication here in Bicol and possibly even all throughout the Philippines.

Unibê believes that it is the right time to make a move for a fee increase in order to operate more effectively and secure the student publication for future generations.

Rest assured that should this proposal be approved, the Bicol Universitarian will continue to uphold fairness and transparency, adhere to its mantra and strive to create a well-informed student community.

P60,500.00

Digital Printing

P4,275.00

RAYTERISTA 9

P155,674.24

LHEPC

P70,384.00

HARAPAN 2017

P4,860.00

LIYAB Registration Fee

P1,800.00

Editorial Board Screening

P3,490.00

Office Equipment and

P5,639.75

Supplies Press Work Expenses

P5,306.42

Transportation Expenses

P4,081.00

Operational Expenses

P12,233.08

Total Cash Outflow

P328,243.49

CASH INFLOW

P405,585.24

CASH OUTFLOW

P328,243.49

Remaining Cash

P77,341.75

(as of 3/17/2017)

Prepared by: (SGD.) RANDALL MATHEW LORAYES

Managing Editor

ELYSSA KRISTINE ELLA

Editor-in-Chief

Noted:

A.Y. 2017-2018

(SGD.) PROF. FELIPE JOSE PERALTA Technical Adviser

FEATURE

11

The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Wander-lost

By Julianne Nicolle Moral with reports from Aimee Clarice Tobongbanua and Emelyn Soria

A light breeze passes by.

It sweeps up my hair and tousles it around gently. I smile and savor the feeling of how nice that is.

I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. I breathe out and smile again.

I love this place. I thought giddily.

But wait, this is odd. What is this sound I am hearing? I squeeze my eyes close even lightlier and try to listen harder; trying to find the words to describe the sound I am listening to.

Finally, like dawn creeping up in the dusk, I find the word. But the joy of finding it was eaten by disbelief.

No. this is not it. I am not supposed to be hearing this. Not in this time of day and definitely not in this time of year.

This wasn’t here a few years back. What happened?

I open my eyes and wake myself from my reverie. I stand and is punched with nausea with the sudden movement.

I steady myself. With unsure feet, I walk.

My shoes carry me to the East Campus, where our future engineers and architects, top-notchers and aspiring industrialists reside. My smile returns as I enter the campus, trying to forget about the sound I heard earlier.

I walked towards where the classrooms were, expecting to see students in lectures. One by one, I pass empty rooms with just one or two students inside loitering. Where is everybody?

Maybe everybody was just on a break and was just walking around the campus. I walked around again, with my mood lifting as I greet students I see along the hallways and the facilities inside the campus. But the happy mood was shattered when I saw the gate standing in a distance. Did I really make my way around the campus already? Was that all the students inside the campus today?

I grabbed my phone out of my pocket to check if today’s date was correct.

Unfortunately, it was.

I slowly walked towards the gate.

The guard was standing in his usual spot. He smiled at me and I forced a smile back. I got out of campus but spun around after a few steps. The guard was startled by my sudden action but still asked me what was the matter.

I asked where all the students were, after all, it was the first day of school.

He burst out laughing and I was taken aback, thinking about what was so funny about my question. He told be between giggles that school doesn’t start there for another two weeks. I asked why.

“Wala na kasi ma’am mga first year, wala nang mga excited pumasok.” The guard said and started giggling again.

I thanked him for answering my question, although the answer might’ve been exaggerated a little…

I hope.

I started walking towards the main road and couldn’t help but think about what the guard had said. Yes, it was true that due to the K-12 curriculum implemented by the government, colleges from all around the country did not have new students for almost two years now.

All that was left of the colleges and universities were students who already knew their way around.

I thought about the no-first-years thing the guard had said and couldn’t help but agree with him. I guess it was fun when there were new faces around.

I remembered when I was in first year, I never wanted to be late and never wanted to miss a lecture. I remember those eager faces of my classmates re-

flecting from one another, the lost moments going from one classroom to another, with no friend to call because it was the first day of school.

I remember the first time I experienced the Foundation day of the university or what most students like to call BU Week. I remember dancing in “HATAW” because it was mandated. I remember complaining along with the other students dancing because it was too hot and the sun burned my skin, but secretly liking dancing around with everyone else.

The thought of BU Week filled me with nostalgia.

The university practiced the clustering system this year where-in different colleges were grouped together because of the lack of students as a result of the K-12 implementation. Different colleges were combined together with others to form a bigger set of students and funds.

Even students from satellite campuses can feel the effect of the lack of students during the BU Week.

“Aside from the fact na kumonte ang students, hindi na masyadong ramdam ang events and activities unlike dati.”

Shane Mariz Rozlin, a student from Polangui Campus (PC) had stated when asked by a friend of mine.

She even added something like, “Kung hindi ka athlete o officer at simpleng studyante ka lang ng BU, hindi mo masyadong mararamdaman ang BU Week. Mas masaya yung BU Week nung panahong may ‘Hataw’ kapag opening program, puno ang BU Grounds at maraming mga booth.”

I chuckled at her sentiments but was crying inside because I couldn’t have agreed more.

I reach the Daraga Campus and enter the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) gate. Entering also made me think of Maxine Lee, a student from this college, and her sentiments about BU Week as well. I also couldn’t help but laugh at her description of the event as a “Disappointing” one.

She said, “Disappointing kasi parang di ko feel ang BU Week dahil konti lang ang nag participate.”

Touché, Maxine. Touché.

I leave the campus with that bitter thought and walked towards the College of Business, Economic and Management buildings.

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed that much because of the K-12 implementation, I would have to say it would be this college. Professors are milling around the campus, along with students rushing to their designated classrooms today. Even during the BU Week, this college, clustered along with CSSP, won as the overall champion in all of the events conducted during the festivity.

The thought of one thing not changing that much lifted my spirits as I jogged back to the main campus, wondering why I skipped that destination. Maybe because it was where I heard that sound.

Again, I pushed the thought of that word away.

I reach the Main Campus of the university and went straight to the College of arts and letters for the restroom to calm my bursting bladder.

While I was doing my business, two voices entered the comfort room. The voices were loudly complaining about the lack of professors the college now have because most were on study leave.

I guess the college saw this as an opportunity to send their staff away while the population of the college was still little

because of, again, the K-12 implementation.

A statement by Lyxen Pilar, a friend, came back to me because of the two blabbermouths.

She had said, “Halos pare-pareho na lang ang prof kasi konti na lang ang natira dahil naka study leave ang karamihan sa kanila.”

Come to think of it, I really miss one of the professors I had during my first year in college. She was the first person in the university to make me grow.

The thought of my favorite professor returned my sulking feeling.

I got out of the cubicle and walked towards the exit. I saw the bench I was sitting on a while ago before I had my little adventure around the university. I walked towards it but decided to walk away again.

I looked around and the sound crept up to me again.

No! I shouted inside my head.

I stopped walking and sat in the middle of the field near the commencement grounds, not caring about the damp grass soaking my silver gray uniform.

I check my watch and it said it was half past five in the afternoon.

A few years ago, if I would sit here, a ball would have hit me by now. And maybe even a person trying to catch a frisbee. But only the wind hits you here nowadays.

I inhale deeply and try to calm myself from all the things I have just internalized today.

With my heart pounding drastically, I close my eyes; hoping to find calmness in the dark.

For a moment, it worked. But wait, there’s that sound again.

Why is it here? Why now? Why is it so hard to accept this sound?

Why, why, why?

Questions swarm in my head, questions answerable with unsatisfying and even depressing words.

I can’t believe I am listening to this.

This sound is not produced by my second home.

I can’t listen to this, no, I refuse to listen to this.

So I just sat there.

With eyes closed and not caring about the passing time.

Hours, days, months would have passed and I wouldn’t have cared.

I was still filled with disbelief.

Something lightly taps on my shoulder.

I slowly open my damp eyes to find a concerned face looking at me. “what are you doing?” the person asked.

“Listening.” I answered.

“What are you listening to?” it asked again.

With quivering lips, I said, “Silence. I am listening to silence.”

I remember the first time I experienced the Foundation day of the university or what most students like to call BU Week.

I remember dancing in “HATAW” because it was mandated.

I remember complaining along with the other students dancing because it was too hot and the sun burned my skin, but secretly liking dancing around with everyone else.

12 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Unos Ni Ishmael Pamintuan

Dibuho nina John James Doctolero at Evonrey Latagan

Sakatunayan, ang mahiwagang bolpen na ito ang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon na dapat ipagpatuloy pa rin ang buhay kahit na anong problema man ang dumating.

KOMIKS Forevermore ni Evonrey Latagan

ENTERTAINMENT

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Kabanata IV: Sa pagharap ng pagsubok Kriiiiing! Kriiiiing! *Click snooze*Pambubulabog ng alarm clock kong parang sirang plaka.

Tae na, alas otso na nang umaga, late nako. Late hindi sa first subject kundi sa enrollment. Nasanay kase ako nung bakasyon na tuwing tanghaling-tapat na kung gumigising. At natuto na rin kaseako,sino ba naman ang di maiinis na pupunta ka naman nga ng maaga sa Beyubs tapos offline naman, super haggard na tipong nilalangis na yung buong pagmumukha ko. Nasisira na ang flawless na mukha ko baka kumupas tuloy at mawala ang kacutan ko. Haays.

Sa totoo lang eh first day of school ngayon pero dahil sa bulok na Sistema ng enrollment, delay ang pagpaenrol ko. As usual, walan gbago. Palaging ganito naman tuwing araw ng pagpapaenrol. Sanay na ako. Di ko namalayan na sa pagninilaynilayko eh nasa cashier na palaako, block buster pa rin tulad ng dati kahit na bawasan na ng estudyante dahil sa K-12. Pagpunta ko naman sa validation ay nagulat nalang din ako dahil sa dami ng upuan napagdadaan ng puwet ko. Ibatalaga basta world class!

Tadaaan! Sa wakas, enrolled na ako! Tatlong araw ang ginugol ko para sa Certificate of Registration ko ngayong semestre.

Mga isa’t kalahating araw akong pababalik balik at pumipila sa BIR para lang sa tax exemption na may bayad pa pala. “Huhu.

Wala na kong pera.”Buti nalang at sa Unibersidad ako ng Bikol nagaaral dahil libre na ang tuition fee kasunod ng pagpasa ng Senate Bill 1304 or Free Higher Education for All Act noong Marso 13, 2017. Kasabay kasi ang unibersidad sa 112 State Univerisities and Colleges (SUCs) nasakop nito.

“Ishmael, pumasok ka ba kanina?” tanong ng strange classmate ko, kaklase ko siya last sem at di ko inaakalang magiging magkaklase ulit kami ngayon. Strange pa rin siya sakin hanggang ngayon kahit na naging magkaklase kami dati, eh di ko naman siya pinapansin noon. Kahit sabihing kahawig ko si John Lloyd Cruz pero di naman siya si Ella Adarna para pansinin. Duh. “Nakita mo nanggaling ako sa registrar’s office so it means kakaenrol ko lang, di ba? Alangan naming pumasok ako na di enrolled, loko ata to.” Supalpal kong sagot sa kanya. Sabay taray at pagtirik ng dalawang mala spongebob niyang mga mata, hairflip at boom, walk out. Wow Ha? Ang taray, akala niya naman eh mekagandahan siya. Kasalanan ko bang suplado ako, kahit ganito ako, marami pa rin namang nagkakandarapa

saken na mga babae, yun ngalang nahaluan na rin ng mga nagfefeeling babae. Lakas talaga ng appeal ko. Pang artista. Pero ako na mismo yung lumalayo sa ganyan, me pagaari na kasi.

Nakakabagot naman. As usual, wala pang masyadong ayos yung klase, first week pa lang naman kase kaya naisipan ko na munang maglibot libot at magmuni muni sa campus. May lahi kase ako ng pagiging manlalakbay.

Lol. Ang laki na talaga ng pinagbago ng pinakamamahal kong unibersidad. Untiunti na itong nadadagdagan ng imprastraktura at mga facilities. Akalain niyo, may bagong library ang napatayo.

Asteeg! Kasabay sa pagtanda ng unibersidad ay syempre, patuloy ang pag unlad nito. Ngunit kaugnay naman nito ang pagbawas ng mga kolehiyong nag-aaral dito.

Sa ilang minutong paglakad lakad ko ay napansin kong sobrang tahimik na dito.

Hindi na ito tulad ng datina halos sa b aw at dako nito ay may masusumpungan kang kapwa mo BUeño. Ganun pa rin, wala pa akong nakikitang bagong mukha. Maliban nalang sa mga Senior high students na produkto ng K-12. Ang lakas talaga ng epekto ng K-12. Well, may nabalitaan pa pala akong issue na kumalat sa social media. Na nagkaroon ng pagkukumpara between college level at senior high level. Umano'y nag self- proclaim 'daw' yung senior high na mas mahirap daw yung posisyon nila kesa sa college. Tipong nagtreat din daw na humanda na daw yung college students kase nga, mas magaling daw sila, mas may potential daw sila.

Like, wow ha. walang level ang difficulty pagdating sa studies. Hay naku, millenials nga naman. Gayunpaman, di pa rin nawawala yung mga dating mukha. Kahit nakakasawa at nakakaumay na silang tignan eh syempre, dito sila nag aaral kaya magkikita at magkikita pa rin kami.

Tatakpan ko nalang yung mukha nila ng mukha ng ani m e character p a r a bawat tingin ko sa kanila ay mapapangiti ako at para naman

nakakatuwa sila sa paningin ko.

Tae, corny ko.

Natulala at nakuha ang atensyon ko sa aking nakasalubong.

What the fudge. (Pasintabilang ho sa mga kumakain). Mga estudyanteng kakaiba ang pagkakahulma ng buhok na tila pinatong na coconut shell at nilapatan pa ng kulay na parang di kasabay sa color wheel. Di koalam kung anung planeta sila galing.

Di ko mapagtanto kung alien basila o mythical creature ba o kung ano kase iba ibang lenggwahe ang naririning ko na ginagamit nila.

Laganap na to sa mga kabataan. Eto ba talaga trending ngayon? Mas gugustuhin ko nalang na mamatay nang magisa kesa sa makiuso at sumunod sa tribu nila.

Move on na. Uy, eto na naman pala ako sa may Albay sports complex. Ganun pa rin, sarado at ipinagbabawal pa rin ang pagpasok maliban nalang kung may event na gaganapin o di kaya’y isa kang atleta na magtetraining dito. "What if lagyan nalang kaya to ng formaline para sure na mapepreserve. Para di naman mabulok."Pabulong ko sa sarili.

Haha. Paglapgpas ko dito ay bigla nalang akong kinalibutan. Nanindig ang aking mga balahibo mula paa, sa may part ng legs, pataas sa may ano ko tapos hanggang sa kamay at ulo. Ang panget din ng amoy, nakakasuka. Grrrr.

Shet. Ano to. Nakakagulantang ang itsura ng "bagong" pool.

Ang creepy. Yung tipong parang may lalabas na malaking maneatingoctopus o di

kaya'y may naganap na historical oil spill sa sobrang dumi. Sad af." Yaks! Kakadiri feeling ko ganun din kadumi ang budhi nila."

Tanging bulong ko sa aking isipan habang kumakaripas sa pagtakbo papalayo.

Sa sobrang layo ng tinakbo ko ay biglang nag-iba ang pakiramdam ko. Tugdug! Tugdug!

Lumakas din ang tibok ng puso ko. Tilaba'y may kakaiba akong nararamdaman.

Kaya naisipan ko na munang pumunta sa banyo at dito ipakawala ang ano I mean yung kaba.

Ibinababa ko na ang aking Jansport na bag at walang ka ano ano’y may biglang sumulpot na mahiwagang bolpen na hugis talong. Lumiwanag ito, napakasilaw. Kinuha ko ito at hinimas himas with feelings. “Wag mong sayangin ang oras mo, Ish. May responsibilidad ka pang dapat gampanan. Wag kang magpabaya. Kaya mo yan, ishhhhhhh.”

Isang pangkaraniwang bulong na naman ang aking narinig matapos kong hawakan ang hugis talong na bolpen.

Isa itong paalala at babala na may mga responsibildad pa akong dapat gawin na di dapat pabayaan at bitawan. Ilang taon na rin ako dito sa unibersidad, ilang taon na rin ang nakalipas matapos ibinigay ni Justine Jane Kutitob ang mahiwagang bolpen na hugis talong. Kasabay nito, marami na rin akong na pagdadaanan na problema sa pagiging estudyante at sa pagiging parte ng The Bicol Universitarian. Sakatunayan, ang mahiwagang bolpen na ito ang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon na dapat ipagpatuloy pa rin ang buhay kahit na anong problema man ang dumating.

Ang drama ko na masyado, tse.

Pero infairness, lumambot ang puso ko sa mga nasabi ko di naman pala ako pusong- bato, may pagka pusong mamon naman pala. Sa sobrang sarap ko eh, pati puso masarap na rin. Heheh Napatingin ako sa torch ng Unibersidad ng Bikol hawak hawak ang nakausling bolpen na hugis talong sa aking bag, oras na para gawin ang mga gampanin bilang isang tapat na staffer at magiting na mag-aaral! “Papasok na ako at di na mag aabsent pa!” pasigaw kong sinabi. Ay teka, absent na nga pala ako kanina sa first subject. Sige na nga bukas nalang.

LITERARY

13

The The Bicol Bicol Universitarian Universitarian || Vol. Vol. XLV XLV Issue Issue 1 1 June June -- November November 2017 2017

Fairness Fairness ·· Accuracy Accuracy ·· Genuine Genuine Student Student Service Service

A Pen for Freedom Roma Joy Padre

When tanks and ammo’s all they hail And abuse of power has found its way, The smell of violence and disorder Is what you will encounter everyday Rocks versus metallic shields and Bullets versus human bodies; It is like trying to put out a fire Without water or sand in handy.

How many days has it been?

Bangs and booms ring in their ears Maybe a week or a month, It has felt like years While these things were happening And plenty were suffering and even dying There was someone sitting and watching From a golden rocking chair while laughing Alas! Poor fellow flowers that cannot bloom from a hidden place And denied freedom and power Because someone started a greedy race Tell our people the truth Where the pain and suffering came from And how the desaparecidos disappeared Drop the truth like a nuclear bomb Alas! Poor country of mine The tyrant is cruel and now nobody’s fine But there is a way to keep him in line For you have your pen and you have your mind

Alaala

John James Doctolero

Kakalimutan.

Kakalimutan ang mapait na nakaraan habang hinuhubaran ang isipan sa sakit na naramdaman. Naranasan ang hagupit na malupit na alaala na di malimot kahit saglit. Pumitik ang pintig ng pusong pinipilit makipagbuno sa malabong sabong ng pakikipagsapalaran.

Nakipagsapalaran.

Nakipagsapalaran sa kamay ng mga mapangahas na ahas na walang piniling panahon na makaahon sa hapdi ng sugat ng kahapon.

Namanhid na ang katawan, wala nang mawawala sapagkat lahat ng balat ay natikman na ang kirot na nanuot sa lamat ng dumugong peklat.

Kinitil na ang kilig ngunit hindi ang nginig Dinig na dinig ang dumadagundong ingay ng pag-asang urong-sulong. Tulong!

Habang bumabaon sa aking laman ang matalim na patak ng ulan at lamig ng hanging sumisibol kung saan. Mga alaalang mabilis na sumilip sa kamalayan ng masaklap kong nakaraan na nililok at kailanman ay di na mawawala.

Mawawala.

Mawawala at malulunod na sana sa mababaw na kaligayahan ang isipan nang ako ay masilaw sa pinong kadiliman ng kalangitan at biglang dinalaw ng aking katinuan. Hahanapin ulit ang ugat sa salitang sugat, bibitawan ang ibig sa pag-ibig at mawawalan ng asa sa pag-asa.

Madadagdagan ang alaala sa pagyakap ng dilim kung muling mauulit at babalik.

Unsung Heroes Evonrey Latagan

Once I had an innocent dream That superheroes were real Fighting all odds and evil With strength so strong as steel.

As the years pass by And my dreams reside In my heart, they are the superheroes In this world, they are modern Katipuneros.

Camaraderie is what makes them a team Not even trembling will make them a wimp.

Like a bridge so resilient, so strong Just to bring peace from dusk to dawn.

Securing the land is their crusade Let no terror come to invade All they can do is to forefend and mar For war is chaos, chaos is war.

To live life is to find true happiness But they prefer to live in the darkness Against the riptides, they shall encounter For the millions of people that matter.

Of courage they stand, Of bullet they plump The land mourns their blood That streams in our hearts.

We must never forget to sing The heroes who fought for our dreams Who fought for our liberty Who fought for our democracy

Illustration by John James Doctolero

They are nothing less than legendary; Those who greatly love their own country For serving the nation with greatness Is how they have found true happiness.

NEWS

14 The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

BU to offer BS Meteorology in 2018

By Cyrelle A. Nuñez, Jasmin Salvacion and Allan Val Brutas IV

In order to fill the need for an immense atmospheric science education in the country, Bicol University (BU) will offer a degree program of Bachelor of Science (BS) in Meteorology in 2018 to strengthen the capability building of weather forecasting and research.

“There is a need of expertise [in] atmospheric science and [a need for] meteorologists since our country is almost considered as the typhoon capital of the world,” Prof. Jason Punay from BU College of Science (CS) Physics Department stated.

The program was initiated in 2011 by establishing a group dubbed as “Consortium for Meteorology Education and Training” (COMET) who will pioneer the implementation of BS Meteorology course in the country. BU joined the association along with three other state universities: Mariano Marcos State University, Central Luzon State University, and Visayas State University.

It was initiated and funded by the AGHAM Partylist, in coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as its training institution.

Nonetheless, since AGHAM Partylist failed in the previous election, the consortium is now composed and led by the Department of Science and Technol-

ogy (DOST)-PAGASA, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, and the four state universities that includes BU. Moreover, under the CHED Strategic Plan for 2011-2016, one of its major targets is to have an increased enrollment in “critical high-level professional disciplines and hard-to-fill jobs” such as Geology and Meteorology. The plan also considers giving attention on the promotion of environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction and management.

TRACT OF CURRICULUM Along with the K to 12 program, the revised BS Meteorology curriculum which will be offered under the College of Science (CS) Physics Department, will be anchored to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand of senior high school.

The program is supposedly for students who are under the STEM strand.

However, those who are willing to take BS Meteorology who came from a different strand needs to take the bridging courses.

The curriculum includes general elective subjects incorporated with minimum requirements.

“We envisioned the program to somehow would be something that will produce graduates na magiging scientists talaga in

the future,” Prof. Punay asserted.

The curriculum of BS Meteorology was first approved in 2011 and was applied in 2012 in the four universities with its first batch of students. The first two years were spent in their respective universities and the other two years were allocated for their training at the national office of PAGASA. However, due to the small number of interested student applicants, the implementation of the course became unsuccessful.

In the recent approved revision, it was proposed that the whole four years will be spent in the respective granting universities since it will become a regular course offering in 2018.

Though the university academic council already approved the curriculum, the Department of Physics still needs to revise again the curriculum in accordance with the CHED Memorandum Order on policies, standards, and guidelines that will be released this December.

IMPLEMENTATION Last June 2017, the CS Physics Department conducted a feasibility study on seven schools in the Bicol Region to measure the liability of the program. The results gained 21 percent votes for yes without conditions and 36 percent with scholarships.

At least 35 students are expected to pioneer the program in the university, in

CE hosts 1st reg’l pre-service teachers confab

By Sheila Mae Sajuela & Jasmine Salvacion

PROF. JASON PUNAY BU College of Science Physics Department

Gubat inaugurates campus extension in Buenavista

By Aimee Clarice Tobongbanua

With the theme “Responding to the Challenges of 21st Century Cross-Border and Cross-Cultural Education,” the two-day Pre-Service Teachers Conference was held at Bicol University College of Education (BUCE) last September 25-26, 2017.

For the first time, BUCE opened the registration across the region in order to help develop camaraderie between and among pre-service teachers in Bicol.

More or less 140 participants comprising of Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education pre-service teachers and professional education professors from across the Bicol region joined the event.

Among the participating universities and colleges include BUCE, BU Polangui Campus, BU Gubat Campus, BU Tabaco Campus, and BU College of Agriculture and Forestry; Ateneo de Naga; Camarines Norte State College; Partidos State University; Central Bicol State University of Agriculture; and Don Emilio B. Espinosa College.

The event’s theme circled on how to provide the participants with the opportunities to be updated on the trends and developments on cross-border, crosscultural education, and internalization of education.

“Bilang magiging isang guro sa hinaharap natutunan kong napakahalaga ng role ng isang teacher in celebrating the diversity of learners, as a teacher we must provide learners with cultural knowledge to achieve participation in societies kailangan ngayun palang naghahanda na kami sa mga challenges na haharapin in teaching 21st century learners tulad nga ng nasabi ng isa sa mga speaker during the conference, we must explore possibilities breaking boundaries and building milestones,” Emilyn Espedido, 4th year Bachelor in Elementary Education, said.

Marcia Corazon Rico, BUCE asso-

There is a need of expertise [in] atmospheric science and [a need for] meteorologists since our country is almost considered as the typhoon capital of the world.

line with the policy of CHED that there will only be 35 students in every block come 2018. Meanwhile, there are 14 to 20 slots allocated for the selected faculty members of the program who will be sent for training.

Furthermore, President Arnulfo Mascariñas affirmed during the University Academic Council meeting that in 2016, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released 7 million pesos to each of the four universities to recruit students who could pursue BS Meteorology.

“So for now the 7 million that was released to us by the DOST, by DBM, we still have around 5.2 million pesos.

So we have only up to December 2017 to consume this money, and we can use this money to acquire books and journals, to send our faculty members to trainings for the attendance in research conferences and other related conferences,” he added.

Prof. Punay also disclosed that the consortium allotted a separate budget for the capital outlay and capacity building of the faculty members.

The college coordinated with the UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology in conducting the training that will eventually take place in UP, Diliman. The training will involve lectures and laboratory practices on synoptic meteorology, climatic meteorology, physical meteorology, computation methods for meteorology, and dynamic meteorology.

Bicol University Gubat Campus (BUGC) will now have its independent buildings through the construction of the Buenavista Gubat Extension Campus in Gubat, Sorsogon where at least 8 hectares of land can be utilized for educational purposes.

KNOWLEDGE CENTER. A three-storey building is being constructed at the right side of the clinic of Bicol University Main Campus. The building will be the University Library.

(Photo by Lynn Oliquino)

ciate dean, said that the pre-service teachers need to learn the trends in the 21st teaching and learning to possess the skills needed in the real world and be competent when they go out of the portals of the university.

The convention also provided lectures about classroom management to widen the students’ perspective particularly on matters relating to disciplining children.

“Based on our initial survey, usually our student teachers are good in teaching but when it comes to disciplining children and managing the classroom, doon sila medyo mahina,” Rico stated.

The speakers who graced the event were: Former president Dr. Fay Patria M. Lauraya, Lead of Institutional Development and Innovations Grants - Commission on Higher Education; Dr. Rebecca Rosario Bercasio, director of BU Center for Teaching Excellence; Dr. Dim-

sum Rivero, director of BU Global Linkage Office; Prof. Rafael Buemia, Education Program Specialist II - Department of Education and; Mr. Marcial Bellen, principal of DepEd Tabaco City Division.

Meanwhile, different activities were also conducted like Quiz Bowl, Indigenus Instructional Materials Development and Exhibition, Poster Making Contest, Essay Writing Contest, Microteaching Festival (Simultaneous Teaching Sessions) in Math, science, English, Filipino, and Araling Panlipunan both in elementary and secondary levels.

Rico said that hopefully pre-service teachers’ conferences would be held yearly.

“Actually, the president likes the activity and the challenge given to our dean is to make it next year not only within the region but invite [participants] to make it national,” Rico stated.

BU President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas stated that there are already plans for the Buenavista Gubat Extension Campus such as the construction of school buildings, library, admin building, as well as dormitories.

“Yung old di naman sya ililipat, so ang tig-isip ko duman sa old campus, dai ngani ito 1 hectare, ibalik ko na ito sa Local Government Unit (LGU).

Kasi it’s hard to maintain facilities, and it’s quite some distance from Buenavista Campus,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Engineer Ulysses R. Bello, director of BU Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO), said that the Buenavista is a new lot donated to BU and was subsidized by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sorsogon City Congressman Ding Ramos.

He added that it was the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who has the supervision on the BUGC Extension Campus in coordination with the BU PDMO. Requirements have been submitted by BU while

the planning was assigned to DPWH. On the other hand, Mascariñas affirmed that some funds were already allocated for the extension campus where at least P50 million was allotted for this year. Furthermore, he stated that they are hoping to receive P100 million budget next year for the campus.

The building's perspective is similar to the Twin Building of Daraga Campus where different offices as well as the comfort rooms will be placed at the ground floor, and the classrooms will be located on the second floor.

Last November 3, 2017, a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted at the Buenavista Gubat Extension Campus that was joined by President Mascariñas, BU Vice President Rosemarie R. Jadie, Congressman Ramos, Prieto Diaz and Mayor of Barcelona. At least 40 BUGC students were also present at the event.

“Ang history niyan ay noon parang nagsi-share ang LGU at BU ng mga facilities and expenses. Walang mga buildings na malalaki kaya noon nagkaklase sila sa DepEd, nanghihiram ng classroom. Lately itong administration ni Pres. Mascariñas with the initiative of Cong.

Ramos na gumawa ng extension area para magkaroon ng buildings na magagamit ng BUGC,” Engineer Bello stated.

SPORTS

15

The Bicol Universitarian | Vol. XLV Issue 1 June - November 2017

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

BU to host Nat’l SCUAA '18

By Sheila Mae Sajuela

For the first time, Bicol University (BU) will be the host institution for the sporting events of National State Colleges and Universities Association (SCUAA) Olympics this coming January 2018.

SCUAA is an annual inter-collegiate sports association event which gathers the best tertiary student athletes from different state colleges and universities in the Philippines.

About 5,000 participants are expected to arrive in the province in the mid-weeks of January, comprising 360 delegates each from 16 regions across the country.

Dr. Celerino Palacio, BU sports coordinator, said that hosting an event like the national SCUAA is a great avenue for BU to realize its vision to become a world class university and it can lead to the promotion of tourism boost in Albay.

"Para maipakita natin na meron tayong kakayahang maghost ng malalaking event at para makilala ng buong bansa [ang BU] not only on education but in sports as well, " Palacio added.

BU has also forged partnerships with multiple sectors including health, sports, education, media, and the local, national financial and economic policy makers to promote physical activity.

PREPARATIONS When it comes to facilities and ac-

commodation, Palacio said that BU is well prepared.

BU, where the Albay Provincial Sports and Tourism Complex and other sports facilities are located, will be the main venue for the events.

The sports complex has a 10-lane 400-meter rubberized track, 2 football fields, 2 grandstands that could accommodate 3,000 spectators, 10-lane Olympic standard swimming pool and a 6-lane 25 meters warm pool, and a rubberized area for jumps and throwing events to be rehabilitated.

Meanwhile, the construction of an archery range and Legazpi Badminton Center is expected to be completed before the event takes place.

Other playing venues are a 5 to 10-minute ride from the sports complex and from the billeting areas.

The ball games and other events will be played in the newly constructed BU gymnasium, newly renovated Albay Astrodome, the Ibalong Center for Recreation, and the municipal and barangay sports centers.

Moreover, the athletic delegations will be billeted in the different schools in coordination with DepEd Albay and Legazpi City Divisions.

Palacio stated that there will be parking attendants, gate security personnel, concessions, field staff and security force to ensure the safety and security of the delegates.

Highly trained paramedics will be

on duty in the different game venues and designated emergency transport vehicles and personnel will be on standby and on call 24/7.

As of now, Palacio stated that they are still in the selection process of 300 or more athletes who will represent BU at the regional SCUAA and hopefully win to represent Bicol in the national event.

Amidst the low standing of the Bicol region this 2017, the athletes have high hopes they will be able to perform better in the national SCUAA next year.

"As an athlete, advantage to saming mga Bikolano dahil kasama namin sa laban ang buong Bikolnon, may home court advantage kami kumbaga. Ayaw naman namin i-let down ang mga Bikolano na susuporta samin kaya sobrang pressure talaga," Dominic John C. Oliquino, a BU table tennis athlete said.

Moreover, BU Sports Complex will also serve as the venue for upcoming events like 8th PFI-Zubiri Cup Championships, Department of Justice Sports Fest, Mayon Albay Football Association (MAFA) 2nd Legazpi Trends and Gears Cup, and the Philippine Rugby Federation International Games.

In the past, BU, Albay Provincial and Legazpi City Government already hosted international and national sporting events like Palarong Pambansa, accomodating 12,000 delegates from the 18 regions.

Infographics by Vince Añonuevo

Daraga Campus tops Sept Fest ‘17

By Cyrelle Nuñez and Jonnabeth Ortega

Reaping the championship for this year’s Bicol University (BU) September Fest celebration, Cluster 4 comprising the Daraga Campus brought home the crown with a total of 564.45 points in the overall rating.

THE PIONEERS. September 19, 2017, Cluster 2 ( CAL, CN, and CS) versus Cluster 3 (IA, CENG, and CIT) during the beach volleyball elimination round at Legazpi Boulevard. Bicol University added tha sport to improve and expose the athletes in preparation for the upcoming SCUAA. (Photo

by Linlyn Mercader)

Beach volleyball kicks-off in BU Olympics

By Sheila Mae Sajuela

For the first time in Bicol University (BU) Olympics, beach volleyball was included as one of the sports events in celebration of the university's 48th founding anniversary.

BU together with the university sports coordinator and tournament managers decided to add beach volleyball in the BU Olympics to expose the athletes to these sports event in preparation for the upcoming meets this academic year.

Beach volleyball is a team sport played by two teams of two players each on a sand court divided by a net which showcases differences in offense and defense. The players are free to move to all areas of the court and players need to

adept in all the basic skills.

Differentiated from the traditional volleyball, there is no “calling subs” if the player is having a bad day on the game. The players decide for themselves the tactics during time-outs because there are no court-side coaches in playing beach volleyball.

In Beach Volleyball, matches are a best of three sets using the rally point system - first two sets are played to 21 points, with the final tie breaker set being played to 15 points. A team must win a set by two points.

Despite not having beach volleyball last year in the Olympics, BU still managed to send athletes in Batangas for the national State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA).

“The players were selected from our regular volleyball team na kinuha by virtue of selection ng mga coach and tournament managers,” Dr. Celerino Palacio, University Sports Coordinator, said.

According to Palacio, the inclusion of beach volleyball to the BU Olympics when SCUAA announced this year the establishment of this sport as a regular event.

Palacio said that President Arnulfo Mascariñas wanted BU to host the national SCUAA this 2018.

However, it is not clear yet whether BU will be the venue of the upcoming event since the admin are still working things out.

Cluster 4 is the merged colleges of College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and College of Business Economics and Management.

Meanwhile, in second place is Cluster 1 which is composed of the Institute of Physical Sports and Recreation and College of Education with 464.65 points. In third place is Cluster 3 or the East campus which garnered a total rating of 381.6.

University Student Council Chairperson and Student Regent Earl Vincent Vista described the September Fest as a success with the cooperation of the College Student Councils. He added that part of their achievement is challenging the status quo.

“Halimbawa yung PEP squad lagi nating ginagawa ng dito lang sa loob and that’s really a challenge for us, the council officers na i-prove sa admin

na kaya nating lumabas like, it would be better if dun tayo sa labas. Mas secure yung place then yung capacity nung venue mismo madami,” he explained.

Vista further stated that they encountered a lot of challenges especially on the approval of conducting the events outside the university due to the requirements that needed to be complied in accordance with the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 63.

Moreover, the clusters that made it to the top nine were Cluster 2 with a score of 378.85 points as the fourth runner up, Cluster 7 garnering 182.4 points as the fifth runner up, Cluster 6 on 6th place with a score of 121.7, Cluster 5 on 7th place with 74.95 points, Cluster 9 on 8th place with 51.2 points, and Cluster 8 on 9th place with a score of 41.85 points.

The events and competitions during the BU Week celebration include the Search for Mr. and Ms. BU; PEP Squad and Group Stunt Competition; Literary, Visual, Musical and Dance Competition; E-Sports; Palarong BU, Debate, Quiz Bowl and Amazing Race.

Paradigm Shift:

Philippines’ venture to progress

By Casandra Balala with a report from Aimee Clarice Tobongbanua, Vynce Opeña and Krisna Villamor

With his promise and assurance of building a clean government, President Rodrigo Duterte in his almost two years stay in the office unceasingly bids to prove that the Philippines is finally advancing.

We should keep in mind that government is an institution that was established to promote the common good and in order to maintain the trust and confidence of our constituents, we must remain faithful to our oaths of office to serve the people as best we could,

Illustration by John James Doctolero

On the 10-point Socio-economic Agenda, Duterte affirmed to accomplish his goal of reducing the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 down to 13 or 15 percent in 2022. Poverty has been the number one problem of the country for many years.

"Talo na tayo ng Cambodia.

Nagpatayan sila nung 1970s to 1980s pero tingnan mo, ang poverty line sa Malaysia, point six (0.6), ang Pilipinas, twenty-two. Mahiya-hiya naman tayo. Akala ko ang gagaling natin," Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda said during the forum on free higher education in Albay.

Moreover, the president also vowed to have a sustained economic growth and ensure that its impact is equitable to all Filipinos. A draft of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act was already submitted to the congress, aiming to exempt most citizens from paying taxes while collecting revenue from affluent taxpayers and corporations.

In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information Communications Technology and the Department of Interior and Local Government signed a joint memorandum circular to shorten the processing of business permits to a maximum of three days.

These are some of the economic developments that the present administration deems as evidences to show that positive changes are taking place in the country.

Along with this,

Duterte plans to decelerate the fastgrowing population in the Philippines through more distributions of free condoms and birth control pills, especially to the poor, from different government agencies.

On the other hand, Congressman Salceda stressed that based on the family income expenditure survey, Albay has experienced to have the least revenues.

"Sa bilog na Pilipinas, ang Albay, naging pinaka-ibaba sa bilog na Bicol. Seventeen point six (17.6).

Sixteen point five (16.5) ang Pilipinas. Ang problema sa infrastructure, I don’t know why people are so easy to accept building roads for the rich but not capacity for the poor,” he added.

BIGGER INVESTMENTS Signing the Republic Act 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Law, President Duterte included education as one of his administration’s priorities to help gain social development.

“Very clear sa section one ng article 14. The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and to make such education accessible to all,” Congressman Salceda stated.

Meanwhile, with the “Build, Build, Build” program that the government has proposed, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno described the upcoming years as the “golden age of infrastructure” in the country.

The costs for this infrastructure program is expected to represent 5.4 percent of the Philippine Gross Domestic Product. These projects include road constructions, bridges, subway systems in urban areas for traffic decongestion.

Nonetheless, Mather Lopera, Accountancy student from Divine World College of Legazpi, said that due to all infrastructures and improvements laid out by the government, there will be more chances that tax rates will increase.

“The government needs revenue. When the tax goes up,

SMEs (Small and Medium Size Enterprises) ang super affected,” he added.

SECURITY MEASURES It remains a promise by the current administration that the “war against drugs” will not come to an end until the country manages to become a drug-free nation.

At the end of 2016, at least 2,166 drug personalities were killed in police operations; 42, 978 pushers and users were arrested; 1,007,153 surrendered to the government; and 73 government officials were arrested for getting involved in drugs.

There was also a plan to restore the death penalty in the country and security forces now have implemented the shoot-to-kill order, which has caused abhorrence in the public due to abusive authorities.

“The sitting president has casually admitted to not only lying to defame a critic but has proudly declared that he himself has killed drug suspects and routinely encourages policemen to plant evidence against suspects,” Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman stated.

President Duterte’s war on crime and drugs became more disturbing when the teenager, Kian delos Santos, was killed during a police operation.

“Life is now so cheap that our children have become collateral damage to a bloody and senseless war on drugs even as it is now the norm for public officials themselves to peddle fake news and lambast and belittle the once highly prized and respected concept of human rights,” Lagman asserted.

INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES Contrary to the previous administration’s manner of dealing with the territorial dispute, President Duterte wants to have oneon-one talks with China and build friendly ties to foster good collaboration between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the present administration no longer requires the Overseas Employment Certificate for vacationing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). A plan of exempting them from travel tax and terminal fees are also being considered.

In addition, a one-stop service center for the OFWs was opened at the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency in Mandaluyong City, which already assisted 219,697 clients.

GOOD GOVERNANCE President Duterte stated during his State of the Nation Address 2017 that change was to be meaningful if it started with those occupying the highest positions in the government.

He added that change that comes from below is more transitory than permanent. He further said that there should be change in the people’s attitude, disposition and work ethic.

The current administration also promised to remove corruption in different government agencies, even in the police and military.

The Presidential Communications Operation Office launched the Freedom of Information, now an executive order, an online portal where several government-owned and controlled operations create their own FOI manuals.

“We should keep in mind that government is an institution that was established to promote the common good and in order to maintain the trust and confidence of our constituents, we must remain faithful to our oaths of office to serve the people as best we could,” Lagman stated.

ARGUMENTATIONS With the goals and visions for the progress of the country, Filipinos foresee some advantages and disadvantages on the plans and promises of President Duterte at the span of his term.

Jonathan Juare, high school teacher in Pioduran, Albay, said that the present administration has good leadership skills and a clean type of government. Through this, he believed that the trust will be given to the government especially by the investors.

“Pero sabi nga nila everything has its pros and cons. Since mahigpit ang pamamalakad ni duterte, there are certain rights violated and laws bypassed. The upcoming projects are world class. In the end wala namang perpektong tao, instead of focusing on the wrongs, siguro magfocus nalang tayo sa mga magagandang nagawa, and instead of complaining, let’s try to help instead in our own ways,” he stated.

Meanwhile, an OFW from Dubai, Engineer Gladys NapallaCabantog asserted that the government still failed to solve the problems on drugs and corruption.

“No more no less than what all previous administration has attained. Even worst because he has promised a lot but can only accomplish a few. For me he is just another show-off politician. I wish I was wrong,” she stressed.

Likewise, some citizens believed that the Duterte administration led the country into brutality and wrong judgements.

“The leadership was not enough to lead the people to change.

We never knew that he is going to declare a war between mercy and justice. We never knew that he was going to change the nation through blood and uncertain decisions,” Kate Letada, SSG President if Liceo de San Jacinto Foundation Incorporated, said.

She added that the president needs to fix his missing attributes first in order to become a qualified leader who can lead the Filipinos for a better change and progress.

On the contrary, an OFW from Saudi Arabia, Edgar G. Delos Santos expressed that the real development in the country depends on the people who believe and work for it.