ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5 SUMMER 2016

Seal of Excellence: Dr. Lorna M. Miña, dean of the College of Education, together with her faculty members, celebrates another milestone as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) once again hailed the College as a Center of Excellence (COE) in teacher education. President Arnulfo Mascariñas, VP for Administration Amelia Dorosan, VP for Resource Generation and Asset Management Jerry S. Bigornia officially turned-over the plaque to the college during the flag ceremony last May 23, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP)

The PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

BU programs hailed as COE, It has been quite an eventful summer this year, jam- CODs by CHED packed with activities The Commission on Higher Education that speak only of the (CHED) has declared three Bicol University university’s dedication programs as centers of development and to its vision of a world- center of excellence in an awarding ceremony class university. With a held at the HEDC Building, C.P. Garcia number of state universities Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City last May benchmarking with us, 17, 2016. and us benchmarking with CHED has reinstated two programs as BU was yet other universities, we once again conferred the status of Center of exemplify the philosophy Excellence (COE) in teacher education and Dean Emerlinda Alcala of the BU College of of sharing, where we Nursing beams with pride as she holds the Center of recognize that nobody has Center of Development (COD) in Fisheries. BU Development (COD) plaque given by the Commission the monopoly of knowledge. has also added another achievement as it was on Higher Education (CHED). Also in the photo are hailed by CHED as a Center of Development in President Arnulfo Mascariñas, VP for Acministration Amelia A. Dorosan, VP for Resource Generation and I am proud to say that we Nursing. Asset Management Jerry S. Bigornia and BUCN faculty have achieved much this A center of excellence refers to a department members. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP) past school year, including us not just maintaining COE & COD /page 3 our centers of excellence and development, but adding another feather BU’s Most Outstanding Grad wins TOSP regional award in our cap through the The Most Outstanding Graduate of Bicol College of Nursing, now University (BU) for 2016 was hailed as one a Center of Development in Nursing. I know this of the regional winners in the Search for the means hard work on our Ten Outstanding Students of the part, as responsibilities are (TOSP) during the awarding rites held last necessarily attached to such May 23, 2016 at the Sambalas Grille, Bonot, prestige not just to prove our worthiness of the title, Legazpi City. but maintain them in years Andrew O. Refareal, a BS Education major in to come. I am confident that English Magna Cum laude graduate from Bicol we will not fail, and instead University Campus (BUPC) emerged add to the number of COEs he was hailed as BUPC’s Outstanding Student and CODs in Bicol University. as one of the three awardees out of the seven finalists from private and public universities in of the College. He also graduated valedictorian This is but a start. As we the . at Magurang Elementary School in Polangui, move on to my second school and salutatorian at Polangui General year as president of this Refareal, the former editor-in-chief of the beloved institution, we look Inditers, the official student publication of the Comprehensive High School. forward to better things to BU Polangui Campus, is no stranger to awards. Refareal attributed his success to his family. “I come. For two consecutive years from 2015 to 2016, TOSP awardee/Page 2 LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE CHARACTER BU hosts 5 events in Palarong Pambansa 2016 Five out of the total 21 sports events were held at Bicol University (BU) in this year’s Palarong Pambansa 2016.

The Albay Sports and Tourism sporting events in the Complex, located in the BU weeklong athletic competition. main campus was chosen as Legazpi City, Ligao City and the primary venue for this the municipalities of Sto. year’s sports spectacle which Domingo, , Camalig was held from April 10-16, and were among 2016. The said venue houses the identified playing venues an Olympic-sized swimming in the 59th edition of Palarong Bicol’s Pride: The Bicol region joins the grand parade of delegates during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2016 held at the BU-Albay Sports Complex pool, a rubberized track oval, Pambansa. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP) and a grandstand. At least 14,000 student-athletes BU was also the designated including 36,000 officials from Transcending through K to schools at the elementary and venue for the football, the country’s 18 regions joined 12,” Palarong Pambansa aims secondary levels in an annual volleyball, athletics, the event. With the theme, to gather Filipino student- multi-sporting event. swimming, and shotput “Transforming Communities, athletes from public and private IA-BUHS celebrates centennial anniversary The Integrated Albay-Bicol University High School (IA-BUHS) Alumni Association Inc. celebrated its centennial anniversary in a homecoming event held at the Albay Astrodome on May 20-21, 2016.

With the theme “100 years of Unity through Excellence and Diversity,” this year’s homecoming was marked by numerous festive activities. The two-day event kicked-off with a grand motorcade and a thanksgiving mass. One of the highlights of this year’s event is the planting of the time capsule. In the spirit of public service, the organizers, headed by Maria Members of the Integrated Albay-Bicol University High School Alumni Association Vivian P. Manila, chairperson for the Centennial Anniversary Inc. entertained the crowd with their festive dance number during the opening program of the two-day centennial homecoming last May 20, 2016.(Earl Epson Celebration also held a bloodletting activity and sponsored L. Recamunda/ OP) a medical-dental mission. A grand ball as well as batch Girls High School. competitions and raffle draws were also held to add excitement In 1969 with the establishment of Bicol University, by virtue of to the event. The Batch ‘66, Golden Jubilarians, and the Batch RA 5521, the Albay Provincial High School became known as ‘91, Silver Jubilarians were this year’s hosts. the Bicol University High School. With the integration of the Established in 1902 in Guinobatan Albay, the Bicol University different laboratory schools of the College of Education, the College of Education Integrated Laboratory School High School name was changed to Bicol University Integrated Laboratory (BUCEILS HS) was formerly known as Albay High School. High School. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP) During the Japanese regime, its name was changed to Boys and TOSP awardee/from p.1 came from a family of farmers search. Kristuffer Darcyth T. demonstrate leadership skills As one of the regional winners, and there was a time where Pring, a BS Civil Engineering in their respective endeavors Refareal will represent the it’s really hard to make both Cum Laude graduate at the that benefit the community. region and advance in the ends meet. But from that College of Engineering was The search is organized by the national search for TOSP for predicament, my parents still also among the seven finalists. TOSP Foundation Inc. with the 2016. “I hope that this time did their best to uplift our Pring is a member of the Order support from the Commission around, a [BUeño] will be able standard of living. It’s not easy of the Blue Feather Society, the on Higher Education (CHED). to earn a place in the roster of for a family of minimum wage official Honor Society of Bicol During the nomination phase, students who are outstanding earners to produce a college University that recognizes the finalists were asked to not only in intellect, but also graduate, but from those students and alumni submit a bid book containing in their story of hard work and experiences, I came to realize with excellent academic all documents that showcase dedication to their university, that it’s still in me to change accomplishments. their academic, leadership and the community and to the gears and move into a new The search for TOSP as an socio-civic accomplishments. country,” Refareal said. (Earl direction.” awards program honors The finalists were then judged Epson L. Recamunda/ OP, Aside from Refareal, another the country’s most notable based on their bid book and Photo from TOSP Bikol Alumni BU alumnus also made it to the students who not only their interaction during a Community Facebook page) list of finalists in the regional excel academically, but also panel interview. A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change Agents for Social Transformation and Development. CHED Technical Panel pays COE & COD from page 1 second visit to BUCM

Dr. Maria Asuncion V. Oronan, dean of the Bicol University Dr. Alfaretta Llusa T. Reyes, head of the CHED Technical Commission on Campus (BUTC) receives the plaque that recognizes BUTC as a Medical Education (TCME) (second from right) reviews the documents Center of Development for Fisheries. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ submitted by the College during the panel’s visit to BUCM on May 5, 2016. OP) (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP) within a higher education project proposal basis geared As part of the evaluation of the Bicol University College of institution, which towards the development of Medicine (BUCM) to be acknowledged as the first state university continuously demonstrates improvement of the programs, to open a medical school in the Bicol Region offering a doubled- excellent performance in the particularly cutting-edge degree program, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) areas of instruction, research technology in the different Technical Team conducted the final assessment to the College on and publication, extension disciplines, provided that the May 5, 2016 at the BU Health Sciences Building. and linkages and institutional implementation of the project qualifications. A center of should conform to the policies The panel, composed of the Chair activities from first year to fifth development, on the other stipulated in the respective of the Technical Commission on year, appointments of full-time hand, is identified as a potential C M O s”. Medical Education (TCME), Dr. and part-time faculty, capacity center of excellence. The said recognition is Alfaretta Llusa T. Reyes who is of laboratories, facilities and According to CHED Memo valid from April 1, 2016 to also the Dean of University of the equipment used during lecture Order no. 38, “the designated December 31, 2018. (Earl East, Ramon Magsaysay College and laboratory activities, book COEs and CODs may avail Epson L. Recamunda/ OP) of Medicine (UERMCOM); resources in the library, linkages of financial assistance on a Member of the Technical to other agencies through MOAs BFHE / from p. 4 Panel for Health Professions and credentials/ designations of Education (TPHPE), Dr. faculty officials. Joselito F. Villaruz, Dean of West The exit conference was Visayas College of Medicine; participated by Dr. Helen Chair of TPHPE, Dr. Alberto Llenaresas, BU Vice President B. Roxas; the Chair of the for Academic Affairs; Dr. Amelia Board of Medicine Professional A. Dorosan ,Vice President Regulation Commission (PRC), for Administration; Dr. Victor Dr. Miguel L. Noche; and the Soliman, BU Graduate School CHED-ROV Representative, Dean; Ms. Ma. Victoria Olaguer, Dr. Ma. Teresa G. De Alban, OIC, University Librarian RD Agnes M. Espinas of the National Economic Development Authority focused on the compliance together with BUCM faculty- (NEDA) shares the Bicol Regional Development Plan during the BFHE of the College based on the doctors including other officials General Assembly on April 29. (Jona V. Castañeda/ OP) previous evaluation conducted and staff from partner agencies M. Espinas of the National University, Aquinas University last year. who also collaborated in the Economic and Development and Central Bicol State University The team looked into the college’s pursuit of the activity. (Christine Authority Region V, talked about of Agriculture participated in the curriculum, schedule of classes/ Z. Andes /CM) “The Bicol Regional Development event. The five HEIs presented Plan (RDP): Its Challenges to Bicol their research and extension benchmark/ from p. 1 HEIs for Inclusive Development.” initiatives as well as their best She expounded on the RDP practices. plan which included the sector Simultaneously, a board meeting outcomes and key strategies. was conducted at the BUCAL The roles of the academe were Conference Room among also given light by Dir. Espinas. BFHE officers and other HEIs She said that, “the academe is in administrators. the best position to evaluate and The meeting focused on the assess the impact of government role of the Bicol HEIs in programs and also provide hard facing the challenges of the evidence for policy and decision ASEAN Integration specifically Delegates from the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology m a k i n g .” identifying possible collaboration (ASIST) composed of teaching and non-teaching staff benchmarked Dr. George Colorado, Regional and partnership of HEIs in BU’s best practices on April 26, 2016. (Jona V. Castañeda/ OP) Director of the Commission on research and extension. The said by DBM standards as SUC Level IV. The said universities also Higher Education Regional Office meeting also encouraged faculty learned valuable insights on BU’s successful implementation of V was represented by Christian members to undertake research ISO 9001:2008. Rivero, who presented the CHED and extension and strengthen the The UEP delegation was led by James Bianes, President of updates and discussed the salient research activities of HEIs along UEP Non-Teaching Staff Association, while the BSU Lipa City features of the UniFAST Law (RA the Bicol Regional Development Campus Faculty Association delegation was led by Nora G. 10687). Agenda. (Julius Ceasar Martinez/ Dimaano, dean of Colleges. The said visits were held last May 19 Bicol University, Ateneo de CAL) and 20, 2016 respectively. (Jona Castañeda/OP) Naga University, Partido State A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change Agents for Social Transformation and Development. ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5 SUMMER 2016

Universities benchmark BU’s Quality Management BU graduates top National Exams System March 2016 Licensure Examination Bicol University (BU) opened its doors for Teachers (L.E.T) to fellow educational institutions in a Anna Veronica Belmonte, 7th Placer, 89.60% series of benchmarking visits during the summer of 2016. April 2016 Registered Master Electrician BU welcomed the Abra State Institute Licensure Examination of Science and Technology (ASIST), Reymark M. Embate, 1st Placer, 92.50% which sent 36 teaching and non-teaching Lorenz C. Catolico, 4th Placer, 90.00% staff to the College of Arts and Letters Frenz Karl A. Garcia, 10th Placer, 87.00% (CAL), College of Education (CE), and BU passing rate : 87.27% the College of Science on April 26, 2016. National passing rate: 56.03% This was followed by the visit of the Campus Director of Bataan Peninsula April 2016 Nursing Licensure Examination State University (BPSU) Balanga Campus, Mary Recidel Danice S. Bernarte, 2nd Placer, 90.00% Magdalena Abella, together with the Deanna Corinne E. Serrano, 3rd Placer, 89.60% university deans and coordinator to the Maria Teresa B. Barrios, 8th Placer, 89.05% College of Education (CE), College of BU passing rate: College of Nursing 100% Tabaco Campus 92% Business and Accountancy, and College National passing rate: 49.18% of Nursing (CN) to benchmark on BU’s best practices on education, accountancy, nursing, and ISO accreditation. The Cebu Technological University (CTU) also BU hosts 2016 BFHE General Assembly benchmarked with BU on April 28, 2016. The Bikol Foundation for Higher Education, Headed by Vice President for Research, Inc. (BFHE) conducted the 2016 BFHE Francia Ann R. Sy, the Southern Leyte General Assembly last April 29, 2016 at the State University (SLSU) also sent its Bicol University College of Arts and Letters delegation on May 17 to observe the best (BUCAL) Amphitheater. practices of the university on Research BFHE is an association of higher education Development and Extension projects. institutions (HEIs) both public and private in The University of Eastern Philippines Bicol region. As a non-stock, non-partisan and (UEP) and the Batangas State University non-government organization, its members BFHE Officers award the Plaque of Appreciation to Dr. are HEI Presidents and Administrators. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Director IV of the Commission (BSU) Lipa City Campus, on the other on Higher Education Office of Planning, Research and At present, BFHE is organized by the Knowledge Management for his invaluable support as hand, visited BU to benchmark on its resource speaker during the BFHE General Assembly Commission on Higher Education (CHED) April 29 .(Jona V. Castañeda/ OP) best practices in production, research, as the Regional Association of HEIs in Bicol. Research and Knowledge Management, extension, knowing that BU is ISO With the theme “Strengthening discussed “Musings on Research and Extension 9001:2008 certified, and is recognized Responsiveness of Bicol HEIs in the Regional in Philippine Higher Education: The Search benchmark/ p.3 Research and Extension Development,” the for Strategic Perspectives for Change and general assembly was graced by the presence Reform.” He thoroughly discussed the roles of HEIs leaders representing various public of Philippine Higher Education highlighting and private universities and colleges all over the purpose of a university as a research and Bicol region. development laboratory. He also expounded The assembly’s first speaker, Dr. Napoleon K. on the knowledge and innovation production Juanillo, Jr., Director IV of the Commission loop. on Higher Education Office of Planning, The second speaker, Regional Director Agnes BFHE / p.3

CONGRATULATIONS DR. RENATO REX for winning the 2016 Outstanding Albayano Awardee in Cultural Education given by the Provincial Government of Albay Photo courtesy of Dr. Rex Photo courtesy of Dr.

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