ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2015

THE PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

A Community of Scholars committed to Excellence, Innovation, & Good Governance

Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya and Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas walks towards the Founder’s park for the turnover- ceremony on March 9, 2015. Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP

8th/P3

My dear Bicol University family, There is wisdom for having a term for a university president. The dynamism of a university should not be dependent on one person alone. Fresh ideas and vision will keep this university alive, respond to new challenges, new dreams. As I leave the university, I am happy that we have fulfilled our dream.Bicol University is poised to be a research university and an entrepreneurial university. I pray that each of you will give the same warmth, the same friendship, similarly moving as one with the new leadership. Let us hold each other’s hands and usher in new hopes and new aspirations for Bicol University as it aims for excellence. Nothing compares to what we have shared in these past eight years. I ask you remember the happy memories, the trying moments that strengthened us, and even the unfinished dreams, because they will continue to inspire us. Thank you so much!!!

Mascariñas is BU’s 8th President

BU Salute to the President

March 4, 2015-Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas is the new president of Bicol University (BU), having won seven out of twelve votes in the Special Board Meeting held today at the Commission on Higher Education, Diliman, Quezon City. Mascariñas is currently the Director of the BU Research and

Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, 7th President of Bicol University, was given tribute by Bicol University

Dr. Lauraya, with Col. Bionat, inspect the ROTC unit of Bicol University during their salute to the president last March 7, 2015 at the BU Oval. Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP

Dr. Lauraya turns over the keys to the Office of the President to the new president, Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas on March 9. 2015. Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP

on March 7 at the BU Parade Grounds as their gesture of appreciation of the president’s eight years of dedicated service to the institution. The Presentation of Awards was headed by Col. Ariel P. Bionat FS (GSC) PA, Group Commander, 5RCDG & Commandant, Bicol University.

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BU partners w/ NEDA for Poverty Reduction

Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a partnership between the Bicol University, through the College of Industrial Technology (BUCIT), and the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) on March 6 at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office, Arimbay, Legazpi City. The “Sustainable Multi-Skills Livelihood Training Program” is a project with the goal of implementing a sustainable livelihood program aimed at improving the socio-economic capacities of the beneficiaries by facilitating their access to micro enterprise development and

employment opportunities. It likewise aims to provide a sustainable intervention to improve the well-being of Pantawid Pamilya Beneficiaries by empowering the disadvantaged individuals through skills training assistance towards gainful employment. The project is expected to cater to more than 300 beneficiaries selected by DSWD-FOV based on the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Dr. Lauraya gives an inspiring message to the graduates, of the ladderized programs, and the awardees of the BU College Business Economics and Management during their commencement exercises and recognition program on March 5, 2015.

Forum held on int’l scholarships

Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya awarded certificates to 603 graduates of the different ladderized programs of the Bicol University College of Business, Economics, and Management (BUCBEM) during its 4th Commencement Exercises of Ladderized Programs and 10th College Recognition on March 5, at the La Piazza Convention Center, Legazpi City. Dr. Lauraya was also the guest of honor and commencement speaker.

Bicol University, in partnership with the Fullbright Philippine-American Educational Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme

held a Forum on International Scholarship on March 3, at the Bicol University General Administration Building Conference Room. Both scholarship grants are open to eligible candidates from the public, private, and civil society sectors with at least two years work

experience, who should not be more than 40 years old at the scholarship start date. Interested applicants may get more details at this site: www.nzembassy.com/philippines and www.fulbright.org.ph

Pres. Lauraya Commencement speaker

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Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Dr. Amy Dorosan, and Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas cuts the ribbon to launch the BU International House at the BU Daraga Campus on March 6, 2015.

Dr. Lauraya recognizes the officials of Bicol University for their commitment to service for the institution after the launching of the BU International House at the BU Daraga Campus last March 6, 2015.

Launch of Int’l House and Thanksgiving end Lauraya’s term

As one of the last achievements of the Lauraya administration which ended March 8, three buildings located at the Daraga campus were launched on Friday March 6, namely the International House, and a building each for College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) and the College of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM). The International House itself is beside the CSSP main building. A Eucharistic Mass was held at the International House, followed by the ribbon cutting of the three buildings. This was followed by a thanksgiving celebration and distribution of plaques of appreciation by

Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, outgoing president, to the deans, directors, and chiefs of offices of her administration. The plaque was made out of the commemorative BU Centennial Tree, struck down by Typhoon Glenda in 2014. The launch was made as Dr. Lauraya’s message that in her term, Bicol University had made its first steps towards internationalization.

8th... (from page 1)Development Center, and the Director of the CHED Higher Education Regional Research Center (HERRC). He also served as dean of the Graduate School. He holds the rank of Professor VI. During the public presentation of presidential candidates held January 12 of this year, Mascariñas imparted his vision for Bicol University, for it to become “a world-class university producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development.” According to him, the university must “constantly innovate and sustain the leadership for transformation and distinctive excellence, and re-engineer programs so

that we would be able to address emerging challenges and opportunities for the university,” in order for it to reach greater heights. He highlighted six key strategic areas towards the achievement of this vision: responsive and efficient academic governance; market-driven and relevant academic programs; strengthening the foundation of a research university; support for personnel welfare and development; enhancing support for students; and upgrade and modernization of physical infrastructure and facilities. He ended his presentation with the words, “...the road to greatness

starts with a single step, and I am honored to take on this journey to greatness, starting 2015. Let us join together in this journey; the best is yet to come.” Mascariñas bested three other contenders:

Dr. Domingo E. Angeles, UPLB Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, BU Vice President for Administration. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3 MARCH 2015

The Editorial Board

www.facebook.com/BicolUniversity

Editorial Head: Dr. Ma. Celina Eladia G. Meneses

Associate Editor: Dr. Reina O. Habalo

Managing Editor: Ms. Merly J. Loria

Circulation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See

Photojournalist: Earl Epson L. Recamunda

Layout Artist: Jona V. Castañeda

Editorial Consultant: Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas

Overall Consultant:Dr. Fay. Lea Patria M. Lauraya

3 BU students are among TOSB 2015 Three Bicol University students from different colleges were declared to be among the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB). Therese Isabelle S. Vega of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), Monico Paulo B. Rañosa of the College of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM), and January B. Merilles of the College of Education (CE) made it through the search and came out triumphant. Awarding Ceremony was held on March 9 at the Bicol University Amphitheatre. This yearly merit-based

Monico Paulo B. Rañosa, CBEM, January B. Merilles, CE, Therese Isabelle S. Vega, CAL, are recepients of the TOSB award given by the AKB partylist, last March, 9, 2015, at the BU Amphitheater.

American journalist inspires BU studes

Mr. James Oberman, the Chairman of Oberman Foundation, was guest speaker during the event dubbed, A Forum from a Professional Journalist, with the

awarding program was organized by the AKO Bicol Party list in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education V.

Mr. Jame Oberman, the Chairperson of the Oberman Foundation during his talk on “tips for Budding Journalists: An American Perspective” on March 5 at the BU Amphitheatre. Jona V. Castañeda

theme, “Tips for Budding Journalists: An American Perspective” held on March 5 at the BUCAL Amphitheatre. During the event, Mr. Oberman was conferred an Honorary Degree awarded by the

Order of the Bicol University Blue Feather Society. The event was organized by Bicol University in partnership with the Oberman Foundation. (Jona V. Castañeda/OP)

Mascariñas on his first days as

President

Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas together with the VPs conduct Campus visit from March 10-19

Blue Feather Investiture and University Recognition held on March 16 at the BU Amphitheatre

Academic Council on March 15 at the BU

Amphitheatre

Bicol University College of Education

Integrated Laboratory School

(BUCEILS) Joint Commencement

Exercises on March 23 at the BUCENG

Gymnasium

BU Graduate School Baccalaureate & Recognition Program on March 27 at the Casablanca Convention Center, Legazpi City