BICOL UNIVERSITY...-p 3

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Before we knew it, 2012 was over.

Looking back, there’s nothing I wish to change in the year that has passed. Bicol University has achieved much this year, and has had an overwhelmingly bountiful harvest.

In the face of our m o r e - t h a n - s t e l l a r performance in all our major final outputs, we are humbled by the fact that we have great responsibilities ahead of us, not just to maintain our performance but to exceed it and lead the way forward. And I say that going for excellence is the way forward.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all who have worked hard and have contributed, in little ways or big ways, to the over-all success of Bicol University in 2012. Let us continue to move as one towards excellence.

The President’sO U T B O X

ISSN 2094-3991 Volume 4, Issue 12 December 2012

Bicol University maintainsISO certification

AFTER A 2-DAY rigorous evaluation of Bicol University’s Quality Management System, the three TÜV SÜD PSB Philippines auditors proclaimed the university to have successfully satisfied the requirements of the standard ISO 9001:2008 (with design), and recommended its certificate maintenance. G. Fabella, Xavier Lance Y. Dy, and Katrina Joy R. Bicomong went around different colleges and campuses to evaluate the university on its ability to provide and develop tertiary and graduate education degree and non-degree

BU hosts 6th International Kuroshio Science Conference THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL KUROSHIO SCIENCE CONFERENCE, with the theme “Ecosystem Management and Conservation towards Sustainability in the Kuroshio Region”, was held at Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC), Tabaco City on December 2-5, 2012. Researchers and scientists from different universities in Southeast Asia and East Asia submitted and presented papers for discussion during the plenary and parallel sessions. Knowledge sharing focused on scientific papers on the resources found in the Kuroshio current that traverses the coasts of the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Officials from Bicol University, Kochi University, National Sun Yat-sen University, the local government of Tabaco City and the provincial

Another 3-year auditing cycle awaits Bicol University after having passed its last surveillance audit and maintained its certification.

government of Albay graced the opening program. They gave their speeches to entice participants

to actively share the results of their research findings.

the BUzzette2 DECEMBER 2012

AACCUP evaluates eleven more programs

BU HOSTS... (from p1)

ELEVEN MORE PROGRAMS underwent accreditation on December 3 to 7, to be added to Bicol University’s ever-growing list of accredited programs at different levels. The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) team visited Bicol University and evaluated four programs at the College of Science, one at the College of Engineering, one at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and five at BU Polangui Campus.

The thirteen accreditors coming from different SUCs around the country were assigned according to their expertise and assessed the following programs: BS Biology (BUCS) for the 3rd survey; BS Chemistry and BS Computer Science (BUCS) for their 2nd survey; BS Architecture (BUCENG) for a revisit of Area V under its first survey; BS Secondary Teacher Education, BS Computer Science, BS Electronics Technology, BS Automotive Technology, and BS Food Technology (BUPC) for their 1st survey; AB Philosophy (BUCSSP) likewise for its 1st survey; and BS Information Technology (BUCS) for a Preliminary Survey. The opening program was held for all programs on December 3 at the BUCAL Amphitheatre, while the exit conferences were done separately by college/campus. As of June 2012, Bicol University already has 10 programs with Level III accreditation, 15 with Level II (with 1 ongoing assessment), 14 with Level I (with 1 ongoing assessment), and 23 under Candidate Status. All in all, 64 or 57.14% of its programs have been submitted for accreditation. BU aims for no less than an institutional accreditation in the coming years. ###

Accreditors carefully scrutinize documents (top left) then later discuss and synthesize findings (bottom left) in order to come up with objective assessments that would lead to further improvement of each area. The accreditors during the opening program (top right); with the VPAA during the exit conference at BUCS.

BU hosts DOST balik scientist lectures AS PART of the Balik-Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bicol University hosted two Filipino scientists who shared their knowledge and expertise with the faculty, personnel, and students of the university and other schools in the region, on December 4, 2012 at the BU Amphitheatre. Dr. Patricio F. Reyes talked on “Clinical and Basic Aspects of Healthy Living” while Ms Ellen S. Regalado spoke on the “Importance of Genetic Counseling in the Philippines”. Bicol University is lucky to have been chosen by DOST to receive the two lecturers. The audience, who participated in a lively open forum, clearly showed appreciation of the highly useful information gained from the two lectures which focused on healthy practices for people of all ages. ###

claimant countries. Dr. Amelia Dorosan, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, represented the President of Bicol University and delivered the Keynote address. She started with a brief history on how the collaboration of Bicol University and Kochi University started which paved the way for the intensive study of marine resources thriving in the Kuroshio current. The message of the address accentuated the importance of the Kuroshio current and the sharing of ideas arising from researches conducted on it. She also emphasized BU’s goals to strengthen research in the university and the strategies to achieve them. Board member Job Belen represented the governor of Albay. His address focused on the strengths of the Province of Albay in coping with disasters that regularly visits the province. In fact he called the province as the Vatican of disasters. He stressed the priorities and programs of the province to reduce casualties arising from disasters. Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves, the dean of BUTC, presented the participants of the conference, and gave the overview of activities. The afternoon and the next day were spent on paper presentations in parallel sessions. The third and last day of the conference was utilized to tour participants around the province to showcase Albay’s tourist and cultural spots (Skorzeny C. De Jesus & Gilbert Oraye/BUTC)

Dr. Yoshiaki IIgun gave the opening remarks. He mentioned the environmental temperature between Japan and the Philippines and the hot issues concerning ownership of South China Sea. He opined that marine resources in the mentioned sea are a common resource that should benefit all the claimants. He also insinuated that marine resources should be analyzed in collaboration with

Honorable Krisel Lagman-Luistro, mayor of Tabaco City, gave the welcome address. She briefly discussed the coastal area of the said city and some of its marine resources that are harvested by the fishers. In her speech, she reminded the participants to remember the message of serenity and to use research to better the lives of the Tabaqueńos.

the BUzzette 3DECEMBER 2012

BICOL UNIVERSITY... (from p1)courses, as well as manage and carry out its research and extension services. They came up with a total of only 5 observations and 8 hints for improvement, which, according to the university’s quality management representative, is quite manageable. The school has been given 5 working days to submit an action plan for addressing said findings. The exultant BU President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, thanked the all the university’s employees, which she referred to as the “A Team”, for their commitment and for a job well done, and thanked as well the external auditors for continually helping them maintain and improve the quality of the services the school offers to its clientele. She

impressed upon the audience that “going for quality is the way forward”. She added that all of these is not a matter of boasting but rather is meant for Bicol University’s students.

BU President shares bestpractices in New ZealandBICOL UNIVERSITY President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya shared the story of BU’s journey to internationalization as well as its ISO experiences by presenting a paper at the World Business Capability Congress in Auckland, New Zealand on December 5 to 7, 2012 The trip was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay through the endorsement of none other than Governor Joey Salceda himself. Dr. Lauraya specifically shared the university’s best practices which led to the its ISO certification and certificate maintenance. The presentation is considered an important opportunity and venue for the university to be

recognized in the global community. Dr. Lauraya’s presentation is yet another step towards the university’s achievement of its journey towards internationalization. ###

2012 as part of the province’s celebration of Karangahan Albay Green Christmas, both on their second year. The three-day event was held last December 12-14, 2012 at Bicol University starting with the Kindergarten Level on the first day, Elementary Level on the second day, and Secondary Level on the third day. A total of 385 contestants broken down into 34 kinder schools, 49 elementary schools and 29 high schools joined the event. The working groups for the event was Chaired by Dr. Obdulia Rojas, co-chaired by Dr. Eppie Nunez and Prof. Samuel C. Bobiles. The hardworking technical working groups of the BU College of Education prepared the questions and supervised the conduct of the contest for all levels together with the support of the members of the BU Chemical Science Society of BUCS. The Olympics was graced by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Vice Governor Harold O. Imperial, BM Arnold Embestro, BM Glenda Bongao and PA Leroy Berces. The winners of the 2012 Karangahan nin Dunong kan Albay are:

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT of Albay (PGA) through its Provincial Education Department (PED) in cooperation with Bicol University (BU) and the Department of Education (DepEd) once again spearheaded the “Karangahan nin Dunong Kan Albay” Academic Olympics

BU spearheads Karangahan nin Dunong kan Albay 2012Kinder Level: Picture and Word Recognition Champion - Henry Gabriel C. Buban - Mary’s Child Science Oriented School; Numeracy Skills Champion – Svetlana Viktoria Roxas - Legazpi Hope Christian School; Patterns and Analogy Champion – Jamuel P. Barrameda - Legazpi Hope Christian School. Champion School is Legazpi Hope Christian School

Elementary Level Mathematics Champion - Edrian N. Divinaflor - Ligao West Central Elem School; Science Champion - Jezreel S. Icaranom - Tabaco Northwest Elementary School; Spelling Champion - Derryn Joi B. Martirez - Legazpi Hope Christian School; HEKASI Champion - Lian Elyzza Ll. Baritua - Legazpi Hope Christian School. Champion School is Legazpi Hope Christian School

School Level Champion – Richard Manuel S. De Castro - Ligao National High School; Science Champion – Michael Angelo Q. Mesina - Ligao National High School; Araling Panlipunan Champion – Christian I. Dy – Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School.School is Ligao National High School Prizes and Trophies were awarded to the Winners and Champion Schools. (Samuel C. Bobiles/GLO@BU)

BU President Lauraya pursues her dream of gaining international recognition for Bicol University.

A new lead auditor, Fabella, (extreme left), was brought in for a “fresh” look at BU’s quality management system, together with

Having maintained its ISO certified status for three years, the next step is for BU to apply for renewal of the certification come December 2013. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

the BUzzette4 DECEMBER 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

Green Christmas Dance, and Live Belen Competitions all held on December 11, 2012 at the BU grounds. The celebration, dubbed “Pasko sa BU”, was in accord with the Albay Province’s celebration of a Green Christmas rather than the traditional western white one. The Provincial Government of Albay is co-sponsor of the event, which was spearheaded by the College of Arts and Letters through its Humanities Department. Representing the Albay Governor for the event was Ms. Dorothy F. Colle of the Provincial Tourism Council. Also present was Albay Poet Laureate Abdon M. Balde Jr. BU President Lauraya commended the organizers of the activity, particularly for continuing to promote the rich culture and local practices of the province. Started last year, “Pasko sa BU” is expected to become a yearly event to look forward to. ###

THE YEAREND assessment and Christmas Party of the BU General Administration and Support Services (GASS) on December was made more memorable when the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) in charge of the event imposed a Retro theme so that participants came in their best retro attire and costumes for the group presentations later in the day. Starting with a mass and a tribute to the retirees from the GASS unit, the day was a mixture of serious moments of retrospection and of fun and games. ###

Retro theme spices up GASS yearend assessment & Christmas party

The BU President will not be beat, not even in dancing...

A rare sight to behold: GASS boys dressed up for the party!

Tree planting (top) and groundbreaking ceremonies: all in a day’s work.

DECEMBER 22, 2012, marked another partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) when Director Ramon Jesus P. Paje headed the groundbreaking of the new regional DENR Office soon to rise at Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry, grounds. The ceremonies were held during the latter’s Grand Alumni Homecoming.

BUCAF-DENR seal new partnership; celebrateBUCAF Centennial Alumni Homecoming

This once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Grand Alumni Homecoming is part of BUCAF’s year-long anniversary celebrations where alumni as far back as when the campus was still the Roxas Memorial Agricultural School, then renamed to Bicol University College of Agriculture, and finally the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry. The theme of the year-long celebration was, “Building on the Past, Creating a Secured Future Now” The commemoration started with a motorcade followed by a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Gilbert Nunez, an alumnus. A ceremonial tree

planting was conducted after the mass, joined by BU President Fay M. Lauraya, BUCAF Dean Marissa N. Estrella, DENR Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje, and Greeny the green-thumbed DENR mascot. The groundbreaking ceremonies of the DENR building to be put up at the BUCAF grounds was held afterwards. Earlier, a MOA was signed between Bicol University and DENR, sealing another partnership for joint projects, including the said building which will become the Agroforestry Research and Training Facility. Under the same MOA, BU also offered the use of a vacant building to DENR, to become the Project Management Office of the DENR-BUCAF Clonal Nursery project. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/BUOP)

BU celebrates Green ChristmasBICOL UNIVERSITY resounded with songs, dances, and laughter as it celebrated the second Green Christmas through a university-wide parade, program, and the Green Lantern, Albay