A thanksgiving mass, a foot-parade and an opening program marked the opening of Bicol University’s celebration of its 44th Founding Anniversar, Sept. 17. The mass was held at the Albay Cathedral to start the celebration followed by the foot parade of students, faculty and staff of different colleges, from Peñaranda Park to the BU Oval. This year, BU College of Medicine joined the list of college delegates. The

first dean of the college, Dr. Ruben Caragay, led the group. In her message Pres. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya said that the entire BU family should be involved in all activities mapped out for the whole week. “Let us not be mere

spectators but rather, let us fully involve ourselves in these activities, and make them truly meaningful for us,” she added. The Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) lead the annual Hataw, a student mass demonstration, this year performed Zumba style. Some 8,000

THE PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

September is a month of celebration for Bicol University as it commemorates its foundation day. This year, we featured a number of significant events, including the launch of our BU Landmark, BU Radio, the e-Library, e-Journal, and the Learning Management System (LMS). Through all these we can reach out to more people, and be recognized for what we are: a community of scholars committed to excellence, innovation, and good governance. Our reasons to celebrate have thus become manifold. Slowly but surely, we are realizing the plans and priorities we set in 2010, for the holistic growth of the University. We continue to trailblaze 2020 and pursue our bid for international recognition. Let us all join hands in building a strong image of Bicol University, not just in the immediate community, but worldwide.

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BUCM all set to openBicol University is all set to open its College of Medicine

(BUCM) in June 2014 after it was formally presented to the Regional Development Council (RDC) V on September 6 as one of the agenda for their full council meeting. Headed by its dean, Dr. Ruben N. Caragay, BUCM has since held two consecutive fora for prospective students and doctor trainers at the BU Amphitheater and the College of Nursing Amphitheater last Sept. 19 and 20. Dean Caragay, former dean of University of the Philippines College of Public Health and Administration, organized the fora with Assistant Dean Teresa L. Yap and Dr. Jesson V. Butcon and Dr. Rosebe Nacion. The new college will offer a transformative and integrative medical education

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BU hosts RTAT operation in PHA first of its kind, this opportunity to do real-world assessments in the conduct of actual pre- or post-disaster Information Communication Technology (ICT) was held on Sept. 24-26, in the Province of Albay.

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curriculum focused on complementary and alternative medicine. There are 100 slots in the double-degree Doctor of

Mr. Brian Steckler, second from left, explains the process of data gather-ing of the Rapid Technology Assessment Team (RTAT) project Sept. 24 in Padang, Legazpi City. Earl Epson L. Recamunda

BU celebrates 44th founding year

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Medicine and Master of Public Administration (MD-MPA) major in Health Emergency and Disaster Management (HEDM). A d m i s s i o n requirements are the following:baccalaureate degree in Science or Arts; 50% or higher rating in the National Medical Admissions Test (NMAT); English proficiency for international applicants; certification of good moral character; NBI clearance (no record of final conviction for a crime); proof of nationality; earned credits in required

courses; no FAILURE in science subjects of eight or more credit units in the undergraduate level; above-average academic standing; interest in the caring profession and willingness to learn as demonstrated in the competency interview; physical and medical examination and a signed “commitment contract” to adhere to healthy lifestyle; and acceptance of the mandatory return-service agreement duly notarized. (Earl Recamunda, MGM/BU-OP)

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Through primary networking between the US Naval Postgraduate School, Bicol University (BU), Local Government Unit of Legazpi City and the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA), the Rapid Technology Assessment Team (RTAT)project was envisioned to point out potential general ICT vulnerabilities and resilience gaps to all concerned parties. The RTAT was led by Mr. Brian Steckler of the US Naval Postgraduate School with three of his students. There were also representatives from

international agencies like US Marine Experimentation Center, US Agency for International Development (USAID), World Food Programme (WFP), and the US Army, as well as international non-government organizations namely, NetHOPE and International Association of Emergency Managers. Local counterparts completed the team. The activity operationalizes the partnership based on the Memorandum of Agreement in the establishment of the KABALIKAT Science and Technology Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction signed

on Feb. 28 by BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Governor Joey Salceda for the Provincial Government of Albay, Engr. Manuel Lucena for the Department of Science and Technology Region 5 and Director Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV for the Office of Civil Defense Region 5, noted by Mr. David Haut of the US Marine Experimentation Center. An orientation and data collection training was provided during the first day. Sessions for morning briefing and afternoon wrap-up were also done for the duration of the activity. BU served as the base

of operations of the project through the Extension Service Center, Graduate School, College of Science and the Information Management Office. The activity concluded with a Core Group Meeting participated by the RTAT international delegates and local key persons from the University and other agencies. Updates were provided on the technologies for disaster risk reduction being promoted through the Kabalikat Science and Technology Innovation and Initiative. (Leilani D.Pavilando and Ma. Elma Lim Mirandilla/ESC)

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Dr. Ruben Caragay introduces the Bicol University College of Medicine during the orientation for prospective applicants last September 20 at the BUCN Amphitheater. Earl Epson Lim Recamunda

Living up to the university’s ideals to continually strive for excellence and in response to the call of internalization,

Bicol University launched three links in the University’s website last Sept. 17 at BU Amphitheatre.

BU goes virtual, launches 3 new site links

Students, faculty members, officials, and administrators witnessed the launching ceremonies of the Learning Management System (LMS), the university library website (e-Library) and the Research and Development e-Journal. The Information Management Office (IMO), University General Library and Research and Development Center (BU-RDC) developed

and now manage LMS, the university library website and the e-Journal, respectively. Prof. Neria E. Gomez, university librarian, described the library website as a one stop shop where everyone can access learning materials in electronic form. The e-Journal is a link which contains published researches and dissertations of the university’s faculty. The LMS is a

multimode learning course where the tools are internet-based, aiming to reach out to interested individuals to learn various subjects while not demanding their room presence. It is the first customized LMS to be managed and hosted by its own university. “We conceptualized it three or more years ago, but unfortunately it needed a lot of manpower but today it has become a reality,” said Neria E. Gomez. Governor Joey S. Salceda donated PhP650,000

for the digitalization of the dissertations before uploading them to the university library website. This project was approved last November 26, 2012 under the BOR Res. No. 051 s. 2012. “The world is no longer round, it is now flat. As long as you have a flat screen, you stay connected,” BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya said. (Hermalyn Zantua, Bryan Del Castillo/Unibe)

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freshmen, sophomores, high school students and grade schoolers were involved in the presentation. Right after the opening program the cheer dance competition, where College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) emerged as champion, and the pep squad competition, where CBEM and College of Education tied as champions, were held. This year’s theme is “BU: Living Up to Its Ideals – Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service.”

BU Landmark LightedThe Bicol University Hymn came to life in the creation of the BU Landmark, which was launched after over three years of planning and building. The landmark,

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BU houses reg’l conventionsBicol University hosted the annual Regional

Conventions for Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering students last September.Electrical EngineeringBicol University - Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineering (BU-IIEE) headed the 9th IIEE Regional Student Conference last September 5-7, 2013 at Bicol University East Campus with the theme “Leading the Electrical Practitioners towards Global Recognition”. This annual Electrical Engineering event was graced by the different institutions in the Bicol Region such as Sorsogon State College, Divine Word College of Legazpi, Bicol University, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, University of Nueva Caceres, Camarines Norte State College and University of Northeastern Philippines.

The highlights of the Regional Student Conference include the 27th Regional Quiz Show, 13th Regional Math Wizard competition, 15th Regional Student Congress, Technical Seminars, Leadership Workshop, 4th IIEE-RCSCV EELYMPICS and the Search for Mr. SeniorEEta.

Mechanical EngineeringAnchored on the theme, “Energy Efficiency: A portrayal of Mechanical Engineering in the Society,” the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers had their 6th Regional Assembly at the Embarcadero de Legazpi and Bicol University last September 27 – 29, 2013. The participating

schools on the three-day assembly were the Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology, Bicol University, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Sorsogon State College, University of North Eastern Philippines and University of Nueva Caceres. Highlights of the said event were the series of technical lectures, quiz show, Hydraulic Excavator Mechanism Making Contest, Car Making Contest, Amazing ME Race and the Search for ME69.

Civil Engineering Streaming the theme, “Progressing Civil Engineering Education: Solution for Innovation,

Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability,” the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Bicol University Student Chapter (PICE-BU) spearheaded the 2013 Regional Civil Engineering Students’ Summit (RECESS) last September 27-28, 2013 at the Bicol University East Campus. The two-day convention was attended by 550 registered delegates from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol University, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Divine Word College of Legazpi, Naga College Foundation, University of Northeastern Philippines, University of Nueva Caceres, University of Saint Anthony and Sorsogon State College. (Jomari Ace V. Basilla/BUCEng)

initially made up of the four pillars which stand for scholarship, leadership, character and service, was finally made complete with the building of the torch and fountain, structures inspired by the BU hymn’s refrain: “…Burning torch of wisdom, fount of courage, hope and love, seat of truth and light.” The launch, highlighted by the blessing and ceremonial lighting of the BU landmark, was held on the evening of Sept. 17. In her message during the launching program, BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya expressed her joy at the completion of the project, stating that every day, people will see the BU Landmark as an iconic symbol of excellence and be reminded of what [the]

university stands for. The launch was graced by Bobbie A. Garcia, the composer of the Bicol University Hymn, and Gildo B. Bien, the Bicolano artist who designed the torch. Other ActivitiesThe BU Graduate School (BUGS) Day was celebrated on the same day. It was also their 43rd Founding Anniversary.

The BU Extension Service Center (BUESC) joined the celebrations with Mercatus, a five-day activity which showcased and marketed the products of various communities served by the university’s extension programs. It held technology demonstration lessons aimed at transferring food-based technologies among target participants.

Division, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development (PCAARRD), and Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, chancellor of UPLB opened the event with messages on sustaining watershed initiatives, management and conservation through good governance and inclusive growth. Other plenary speakers were Dr. Juan

M. Pulhin, professor and dean of College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Dir. Gilbert C. Gonzales, regional executive director of DENR V, discussed the Regional Initiatives in Watershed Conservation and Management. The third day was wrapped up with the presentation on Action Plans per thematic area. (Sevella G. Tabayag and Arvin Malonzo, BUCAF)

The Editorial BoardEditoral Head: Dr. Ma. Celina Eladia G. Meneses Associate Editor: Dr. Reina O. HabaloManaging Editor: Ms. Merly J. Loria Photojournalist: Earl Epson L. RecamundaCirculation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See Writer: Rey Anthony D. OstriaEditorial Consultant: Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas Overall Consultant: Dr. Fay. Lea Patria M. Lauraya

ANNOUNCEMENTBicol University College of Medicine will hold a student recruitment caravan among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region on the following schedules: November 6 Sorsogon November 12 Catanduanes November 20 Camarines Norte November 21 Camarines Sur November 27 Masbate December 4 Albay

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DWBU-FM 106.3 launchedBicol University’s very own DWBU 106.3FM has officially

reached the airwaves after the launching of the radio station yesterday at the BU-College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) Amphitheatre. “This is a very significant part of our history, particularly to the College of Arts and Letters, because we created a milestone in the realization of another dream of our beloved university,” Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, CAL dean said. The station is a non-commercial radio station that can reach throughout

the whole Legazpi City up to the first district of Albay. The radio station will also serve as a laboratory for Broadcasting students and other communications-related courses. “Its construction was truly a blessing for the students of CAL since this will be an avenue for [future media practitioners] to hone

our skills,” Maribelle Boral, Balangibog vice president said. Balangibog is the official student organization of Broadcasting students. In her on-air message, BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya challenged other colleges to have their own programs in the radio station. “The College of Agriculture and Forestry may talk about farmers’ welfare, the College of

Business of Economics and Management may discuss improving business ventures for the local entrepreneurs or the College of Nursing may have the health and lifestyle segments,” the president said. The BU radio station now also has its own station ID, originally composed by Professor Ramil Chavenia and sung by Tintin Riñon, a BUNGCUL singer. (Danica Villagarcia/Unibe)

BU chaplain Fr. Florante Afable blesses the newly installed radio sta-tion at the BU Multipurpose building, September 18.

CAF holds int’l watershed conference

The Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) spearheaded the International Conference on Sustainagility of Watersheds last Sept. 25 to 27 at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City. With the theme “Mainstreaming Mindset

and Efforts in Ensuring Sustainable Water for

All,” various sectors from the academe, national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and private institutions shared the results of their research and development activities. The conference highlighted the following four thematic areas: (i) Watershed Common Property Resource Rights, Conflict Negotiation and Mitigation; (ii) Watershed Management Approaches; (iii) Biodiversity Conservation and Management; and (iv)

Sustainable Tourism and Other Potentials for Rural Development. Sustainagility, the term used in the conference, as defined by Dixon and Gorecki in 2010, is the innovation and agility to solve greater threats to our ecosystem. Parallel to the green initiatives of the Aquino administration, keynote speakers Hon. Ramon Jesus P. Paje, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dr. Feliciano G. Calora, Jr., director of Forestry and Environment Research

DENR Sec. Ramon Paje expresses his support for the conference dur-ing its opening program.

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