ISSN 2094-3991 Volume 4, Issue 11 November 2012 BU hosts...

BU HOSTS...-p 3

BU STILL...-p 2

BU continues to soar. Month after

month, we have new success stories to tell. We will never stop. In the midst of moving as one and bringing the University closer to the community, we have attracted foreign and local partners to become part of our stories. Our alumni are coming home to be with us. Strangers are wanting to get acquainted. Old partners keep coming back. Doubtless, we are gaining recognition around the globe. We are not far from achieving our goals. With continued commitment and loyalty to Bicol University, we will surely get there!

The President’sO U T B O X

ISSN 2094-3991 Volume 4, Issue 11 November 2012

The BU delegation waving their flags, eager for the games, confident of gaining victory.

The success of the symposium and congress undeniably etched on the delighted faces of the participants, both foreign and local.

BU hosts ISSAAS Int’l Symposium & CongressBICOL UNIVERSITY, through its Research and Develop-ment Center (BURDC), in collaboration with the Inter-national Society for South-east Asian Agricultural Sci-ences (ISSAAS) and the So-ciety of Agricultural Educa-tion-Research Development Abroad (SAEDA), hosted on November 13 to 16, the 2012 ISSAAS International Sym-posium and Congress, with the theme, “Pushing Agricul-ture to Achieve the Millen-nium Development Goals.” Over 300 participants

BU still undefeated in SCUAA V historyONCE AGAIN, Bicol University came home victorious after the 2012 Regional SCUAA held this time at Partido State University (PSU) in Goa, Camarines Sur from November 24 to 30. A total of 101 gold, 47 silver, and 52 bronze medals secured the cup for Bicol University, who has held the champion’s title for as long as its coaches can remember, in the history of SCUAA athletic meets in the Bicol Region. All in all, 182 athletes, trainers, and coaches from different academic units contributed to the university’s winnings. Adding to the university’s harvest are the Miss PASUC and Mr. SCUAA titles, won by Miki S. Santiago (BUCN) and Daniel Joshua Dado

the BUzzette2 NOVEMBER 2012

BU hosts International Conference on Climate-Smart Knowledge Management for the Uplands

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Santiago (front center) and Dado (back right) will represent the Bicol Region for the National Miss PASUC and Mr. SCUAA pageants, respectively.

The conference was designed to confront issues that affect the upland poor, who, in order to survive, exploit the natural resources around them, but in the process, deplete said resources and instead further impoverish themselves and make survival more difficult. Likewise tackled were climate change aspects that affect the uplands in terms of food, health, security, and other risks. The conference specifically aimed to afford a venue for sharing experiences, information and knowledge on climate-smart innovations and initiatives for the uplands; developing concepts and ideas on climate-smart innovations and initiatives for the uplands leading

to change; and identifying possible knowledge gaps and platform of actions where improvements could be made. The participants were a mixture of people from the academe, government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, private volunteer organizations, companies/business sector, and peoples’ organizations. The conference was one of the highlights of the year-round celebration of BUCAF’s 100 years of existence, and is considered highly significant in terms of the college’s mission of providing information and developments in the realms of agriculture and forestry. ###

BICOL UNIVERSITY, through its College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), hosted the International Conference on Climate-Smart Knowledge Management for the Uplands on November 7 to 9 at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City. The conference, which had the theme, “Restoring the uplands’ integrity, securing lives and environment,” featured research and development and innovations along the following thematic areas: Upland Environmental Governance; Food Security; Biodiversity, Watershed and Waterways Management; and Sustainable Tourism and Rural Development.

BUCAF Dean Marissa Estrella, herself an advocate of upland farming, presenting her paper on Science and Technology Interventions in the Rehabilitation of Typhoon-Stricken Cocobased farms in Albay.

BUCENG places 7th in Chem Eng board;conquers Middle East Arki Exams

MICHAEL P. PREÑA, an alumnus of BU College of Engineering, placed 7th in the November 2012 Chemical Engineers Licensure Examination. He garnered a rating of 80.80%. Bicol University garnered a passing rate of 65% having 26 passers out of 40 takers. The national passing rate is 54.83%. Meanwhile, BU likewise made a name in the October 2012 Architect Licensure Examinations in the Middle East, with Grant Sherwin C. Capinpin making it to 3rd place, and Virgo C. Ibarra making 10th. BUCENG almost made a grand slam this year, with top notchers in all its board courses, except for the Civil Engineering Licensure Exams, where BU made a 42% passing rate against the national passing rate of 38.33%. ###

The participants during the opening program.

(BUCENG), respectively. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) won 2nd place, while the newly-converted Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), formerly CSPC-Naga, ranked 3rd. ###

Preña

Capinpin Ibarra

The proud champions present their hard-earned trophy to BU President Fay M. Lauraya.

the BUzzette 3NOVEMBER 2012

The BUCENG IIEE team represented Bicol Region in both NMW and NQS competitions since it was the Champion in the Regional Math Wizard and Regional Quiz Show last August 16-18, 2012 at CSPC Naga. In 2011, the BUCENG-IIEE Team was 1st Runner Up during the 25th National Quiz Show. Jemerson Aguilar was part of the Team last year. Quizzers and Math wizards from the IIEE-Bicol University Student Chapter have been consistent winners in the Regional Eliminations and qualifiers in the same events during the previous years. The event aimed to showcase the gained knowledge and skills of the electri-cal engineering students and was partici-

tigious in the country in electrical engineer-ing. Its participants are the top two winners of the Regional eliminations from the Nine (9) Regions representing 98 schools nation-wide. These are designed to uphold and give students the enthusiasm to learn more as they progress and become the future electrical en-

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Japan amused the participants with their candid comic act during the Welcome Dinner and Cultural Night

Foreign participants doing the tinikling challenge during the welcome dinner sponsored by Albay Gov Joey Salceda.

THE BICOL UNIVERSITY College of Engineering’s IIEE-BUSC team was declared Champion in the 12th National Math Wizard (NMW) competition held as part of the 37th Annual Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) National Convention and 3E (Electrical, Electronics and Energy) EXPO 2012 last November 16, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Coached by Engr. Fernan D. Dematera, the team is composed of Ralph Rodrigo Morta (4th yr – Team Captain), Jemerson Aguilar (5th year), Kim Arvin Leocadion (3rd yr), Christian Magat (4th yr) and Jesse Jay Garay (4th yr). Jemerson Aguilar and Kim Arvin Leocadio were also part of the team which participated in the 26th National Quiz Show (NQS) held in the same venue.

attended the conference, including about 80 foreigners from Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Iran, and Australia.Local participants likewise came from the, ARMM and Regions 1-12 of the Philippines. The conference aimed to promote greater awareness on the MDGs as targets for improving the lives of millions of poor and disadvantaged people; examine the role of agriculture in achieving the MDGs; and share and exchange information on agriculture-related programs and projects implemented in support of the MDGs. The Opening Program of the conference was held at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City and the parallel sessions for paper presentations at the Bicol University Multi-Purpose Building and session halls in BUCE, BUCS, and BUCN.The 236 paper presentations and 39 poster exhibits covered the following thematic areas:security and poverty reduction; enhancing agribusiness enterprises; climate risk management and sustainable agriculture; strategic partnership in agricultural development; support services for a productive agriculture; and R&D governance system in agriculture. The 236 papers presented and 39 posters exhibited aptly addressed various needs, concerns, and issues in the agricultural sciences, as well as in related disciplines. Dr. Fay Lea M. Lauraya, BU President, emphasized that in this year’s conference, the generation of knowledge is foremost among its aims, but the forging of friendships will make the impact of the conference more sustainable

and lasting. ISSAAS President, Dr. Roberto Rañola, stated that this year’s presentations would cover the social, technical, environmental and climatic dimensions insofar as they affect agriculture. He also goaded all to “prepare voice for the singing, feet for the dancing, and eyes for the sights” and, to later shop and “help the Philippine economy.” Prof. Hinorobu Shirachi, from the Society for Agricultural Education-Research Development Abroad (SAEDA) challenged the participants to address the Millennium Development Goals through the sustainability of agriculture and responsiveness to the need for productivity. Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, who also welcomed the guests, positively expressed her wish that this ISSAAS congress would turn out input that will increase agricultural productivity, create ways to process, store and package the produce, and assure the public distinct experiences to achieve food security, manage resources and eventually eliminate poverty. During the synthesis and closing program on the afternoon of the second day, ISSAAS VP for the Philippines, Dr. Fernando Sanchez, Jr., invited the participants to next year’s national conference, to be held in Manila. The third day of the conference was a field trip that treated the participants to the best of the Province of Albay, including local tourist spots and agricultural sites that showcase the community’s efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. (Jocelyn I. Bartolata/CAL)

BUCENG IIEE Team is 2012 Nat’l Math Wizard Champion

pated by other regional qualifiers from different schools offering elec-trical engineering as a course. The NQS and NMW are academic com-petitions organized by the IIEE Council of Stu-dent Chapter (CSC) and have been the most pres-

gineering practitioners; to hone as competi-tive enough in confronting the challenges of globalization and information technol-ogy and practice their chosen field of spe-cialization by executing their duties and responsibilities in a quintessential manner. (Engr. Medel E. Aligan/BUCENG)

Local streetfood became the center of attraction in the farewell dinner sponsored by Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal.

the BUzzette4 NOVEMBER 2012

the BUzzettethe BUzzette EDITORIAL BOARD:

Editorial Consultants: Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas • Dr. Reina O. Habalo Overall Consultant: Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya

Editor-in-chief: Dr. Ma. Celina G. MenesesAssociate Editor: Prof. Viveth G. Morcozo

Managing Editor: Ms. Merly J. LoriaCirculation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See

Photo Journalist: Earl Epson L. Recamunda

Bicolanos celebrate Eco Heroism in BYEEnihan v.2012WITH THE AIM of making environmental protection a way of life, Bicolanos once again moved as one and proved their strength in numbers in the second installment of BYEEnihan, a simultaneous national environmental festival, with the theme “JUANted Environmental Heroes” on November 12, 2012. Year One In December 2010, a group of Bayer Young Environmental Envoys (BYEE) in the Bicol Region, all of which are students and graduates of Bicol University, dreamed of a society where everyone makes an effort to conserve the environment. Inspired by the age-old Filipino tradition bayanihan, this vision became known as BYEEnihan. BYEEnihan marked the beginning of a renewed concern for the environment and emphasized the importance of everyone’s contribution to achieve the Seventh Millenium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability. Anchored on the theme “Every Juan for the Environment,” BYEEnihan’s simultaneous environmental events across the Bicol Region showcased that everyone is capable of doing simple yet impact-loaded activities. In a single day, BYEEnihan saw 6,501 individuals all over the region, four times bigger than the expected turn-out, taking action for the

environment. Furthermore, BYEEnihan was able to mobilize youth organizations, SK federations, government agencies, academic institutions and businesses. To be a BYEEni To be part of BYEEnihan, interested organizations chose from the following options: organize an event, be a sponsor, partner with another organization, or cover and write stories about the event. Interested individuals also volunteered in helping othergroups carry out their projects. Participants were given a free hand in the

Fish-hair Woman launched in BU MERLINDA BOBIS, an alumna of Bicol University High School, came home to her alma mater to launch her latest book, Fish-hair Woman, on November 23, at the BU amphitheatre.

conceptualization and implementation of their projects. They were also to decide whether to conduct an entirely new environmental activity or continue an existing one in their locality. Aside from traditional activities, organizations were encouraged to come up with fresh and creative ideas, maximizing their potentials. Year Two Because of its success, organizers pushed to have it on a national scale this time. BYEEnihan v.2012 took place on November 10, simultaneously across the country. Among the key areas were Legazpi, Manila, Tuguegarao, Batangas, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. Each participating region had a local executive committee, school council, or local organization that coordinated and oversaw the implementation of projects. A total of 71 organizations from the Bicol region took part in the nationwide initiative and conducted projects that ranged from community theatre productions, photo exhibits, environmental leadership workshops, signage-making contests, vegetable planting, fora on coastal resource management, symposia on household solid waste management, to beauty pageants, fashion shows, cycling activities, storytelling caravans, puppet shows, tree planting, and clean-up drives. In the opening program held at the Bicol University Grandstand, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, BU President, acknowledged the efforts put in by every participating organization, and showed her pride as a BUeña and a BYEEnihan pioneer. Prof. Rowena F. Zoilo, BU NSTP Director and BYEEnihan Bicol Consultant, in her message, said that with the realization of the two consecutive activities, a possibility for a third and international implementation no longer seems that far-fetched. (Mary Grace Ann S. Imperial/BU-NSTP)

Highlight of the event was the performance of the author, who showed she is more than a writer as she left the audience awe-struck with her rendition of “River, River”, a radio play based on the novel’s original short story version, which she “adapted and performed for stage as a one-woman play.” The plot revolves around a 12-meter-haired woman who “trawl[ed] corpses” from “the river where the dead [we]re dumped”, in a small village called Iraya, during the late 1980s when the Philippine government fought “a total war against insurgency.”* BU President Fay M. Lauraya, who gave the welcome message, expressed her pride that a former schoolmate had come back to share her talents and achievements with their alma mater. Miss Bobis thanked the sponsors of the activity—Bicol University, BU College of Arts and Letters, and Sining Banwa—by giving them complimentary copies of the book. To her delight, Dr. Lauraya got an extra copy for her personal use. The book-signing that followed reflected the impact of the performance, as buyers of the novel formed a long queue in front of the indulgent and beaming author. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)*descriptions are from the book itself

Working together is what BYEEnihan (“bayanihan”) stands for. Thus, youth from all over the region came together to work for a common cause.

Bobis in her one-woman show.

The BU President gets two copies!