The President’s O U T B O X

Hearts Month is also

Arts Month, and they go together quite well, I should say. For without a heart, you cannot come up with the best of art.

In Bicol University, this is particularly emphasized. With all the activities that showcase our students’ talents and creativity, guided by their equally talented trainers and mentors, we continue to uplift the human spirit through arts and culture.

We also celebrate women. They, too, are artists, they carefully practice their craft, their masterpieces being loving relationships in and out of their homes.

Let us all nurture the artist in us and let our hearts guide us in our daily dealings with our fellows, within our workplace and beyond.

BUCAL hosts Tanghal 2013

ISSN 2094-3991 Volume 5, Issue 2 February 2013

Bicol University was chosen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its local partner, Sining Banwa, to host the 7th Tanghal National University Theater Festival, a flagship project of NCCA, held from February 9 to 13 at the Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL).

Tanghal, according to the organizers, is a national festival made up of four region-based festivals of university and community drama groups based in four major sites in the country, specifically, NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They schedule their performances across the February Arts Month. This year, they have chosen the Bicol Region,

BU promotes local culture through Pantomina

Bicol University Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation (BUIPESR) put the celebration of the National Arts Month, Bicol Arts Festival to a colorful close with their own rendition of the Pantomina Festival. Pantomina is a traditional dance of Bicol, with each province having its own version of the dance. During the event held on February 28, 2013 at the BU Commencement Grounds, over 400 students from various colleges of the university donned their Filipinana and Barong Tagalog and... danced by group at

BU promotes… page 4

BUCE is best college under PBB system

After arduous evaluations and careful

computation, Bicol University College of Education was adjudged the Best Performing College under the Performance-Based Bonus System newly implemented by the Aquino administration, “to reward exemplary public service” (PBB infographic). The College was awarded as Best College in Bicol University following a set of results-based criteria. The award was given on February 28, 2013. ###

Tanghal 2013… page 3

BU hosts exhibit, “ Dos Miradas”

BUGS, ESC conduct International Academic Forum on Climate Change

The Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS), in partnership with the Extension Service Center (ESC), conducted an International Academic Forum on Climate Change on Feb 6, 2013 at the BU Amphitheatre. Resource Speakers were O. Manuel Uy, Ph. D. a professor at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and Mark T. Boies MS Physics, Principal Research Scientist of Research Support Instruments, Lanham, Maryland, USA. Uy spoke on “A Predictive Model for the Disappearance of Ice in the Arctic due to Climate Change,” while Boies discussed the “Philippine Universities’ Spectral Observer.”

The speakers were formally welcomed by BUGS Dean, Dr. Nora L. Licup at the beginning of the program, after which BU President Fay M. Lauraya gave a message inspiring greater awareness and action in response to the challenge that is climate change. BU Extension Director Leilani D. Pavilando gave the closing remarks.

Participants were students and faculty from various schools in the region, as well as employees from a number of agencies and organizations outside the university. Feedback shows the appreciation of the public of the lectures and discussions that followed, as participants acknowledged the many new things they learned during the Forum. ###

February 2013

Bicol University hosted the "Dos Miradas Exhibit of

the Spanish Government in Bicol", which kicked off with an Opening Program held at the Arcilla Hall of BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, on February 11, 2013. The program and ribbon-cutting ceremonies were graced by BU President Fay M. Lauraya, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, the Administrative Executive Assistant of AECID, Ms. Susan Rodriguez, and a representative of Daraga Municipal Mayor Gerry R. Jaucian.

The photo-exhibit featured the presence of the Spanish government in the Philippines, and in the Bicol Region in particular. Dos Miradas, which means two viewpoints, showcased the works of two photographers, one a Filipino (Veejay Villafranca), the other a Spaniard (Jose Manuel Nava), on the same subject, the Philippines, each according to their own perspectives.

The two artists showed distinct differences in their rendering of photos, as they captured moments in the history of the Philippines where Spanish influences are present.

The exhibit, which has the aim of strengthening ties with the Spanish government, ran from February 11 to March 30, 2013. ###

Isabela State U benchmarks at BU Other state universities and colleges continue to consult Bicol University on

Quality Management System, as they slowly work on their own ISO certification. On February 12, 2013, twelve teaching and non-teaching staff, mostly with administrative positions, visited Bicol University to learn the rigors of attaining certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), particularly ISO 9001:2008 which BU achieved in 2010. Bicol University generously shared its best practices that helped achieve the certification.

During the welcome program, key BU officials and personnel simulated a quality management meeting where they discussed and presented actual procedures and accomplishments pertaining to the university’s Quality Management System. After this, the visitors were brought to the College of Education where documents and materials pertaining to ISO audit and quality management were shared.

It is the university’s aim to help as many SUCs as it can towards achieving ISO certification as it advocates quality education for all. ###

February 2013

See is Best Presenter in Int’l Conference

BU ROTC clinches 8-peat victory in RAAPE 2013

Cheers erupted as the results of the Regional Annual Administrative Performance Evaluation (RAAPE) held on February 19, 2013 at the BU Parade Grounds, BU Main Campus, Legazpi City were announced. Bicol University had won, garnering a total of 97.56 points.

Retired Col Reley Majadillas of the Philippine Army led the RAAPE team composed of LTC Ariel Bionat, 2LT Samuel Sandoval, TSS Roberto Raagas (INF) PA, SSG Arnel Nocite (INF) PA, SSG Bonifacio Armandico (INF) PA, SSG Gerry De Mesa (AGS) PA, SSG Alex Adra (INF) PA, and PFC Oliver Maramag (INF) PA. Upon arrival at Bicol University, the team was immediately briefed on the BU ROTC Unit by the Commandant, Col Albert Mangaoang Jr of the Philippine Army.

A short program as well as the Batallion Ceremonial Parade was held at the BU Parade Grounds. Dr. Joseph Bartolata, Chief

of Planning Management Office represented Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, BU President.

In his speech, Dr. Bartolata reiterated the importance of doing one’s best in order to achieve success. He also revealed his personal experiences during his time in the ROTC. Furthermore, he shared his insights on success.

On the other hand, Prof. Rowena Zoilo, BU NSTP Director said, “Now, there is no denying the fact that an immense amount of pressure is on your backs.” She then expressed words of encouragement to the cadets: “I am a witness of the training that you have undergone. I know your hunger for success and I believe that you will ultimately come out victorious.”

After the turn-over of the corps of cadets to the inspection team, Col Majadillas gave an overview of the inspection. This was followed by the field inspection by the RAAPE team.

The BUROTC Unit headed by Cdt/Col Kim Jolean Ocbina, BU ROTC Corps Commander did various drills and exhibitions including small unit tactics operations as well as caliber .45 and M16 assembly and disassembly. Announcement of results followed soon after.

The BU ROTC Unit was able to achieve their eighth consecutive victory and was proclaimed as the Best ROTC Unit in the Bicol Region after all 19 participating schools in the region had been evaluated.

As a result, the BU ROTC Unit gears itself for the Unit’s graduation ceremonies as well as the summer activities in order for them to achieve a possible ninth consecutive win next year. (Bran Darius Nasayao/NSTP)

Ms. Mary Ann M. See, Administrative Officer 1 of the BU Office of the President was awarded First Prize as the Best Oral Research Presenter for her research titled, “Development of Computer-Programmed Project Feasibility Study Model” during the 3rd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research held on February 7 to 9, 2013, at the Planta Centro Hotel and Residences, in Bacolod City. The conference was spearheaded by La Consolacion College Bacolod, in cooperation with the International

Association of Multidiscipl inary Research (IAMURE), Philippine Association of Institutions for Research (PAIR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and National Organization of Science Teachers and Educators (NOSTE). Ms. See is the first non-teaching personnel of Bicol University to present a paper in an international conference. It is hoped that other non-teaching personnel will be inspired and encouraged to follow suit and engage themselves in research as well. ###

Tanghal 2013…from Page 1 and specifically partnered with Bicol University for Tanghal 7 National University and Community Theatre Festival-Luzon.

Participants to this event included various theatre groups from all over Luzon, whose plays were staged during the duration of the festival. A forum was held after each staging, as a way of sharing styles and techniques for mutual improvement.

During the Welcome Program dubbed “Dagos Kamo!” BU President Fay M. Lauraya stressed bringing Bicol University closer to the community as one of her priorities, along with uplifting the Bicolano spirit through engagements in cultural activities and events such as this.

BU had its own entry in the theatre festival, specifically the BURABOD Group under BUCAL Instructor, Mr. Richard Madrilejos, which rendered a play titled “Imbitasyon”.

BU College of Arts and Letters provided manpower and facilities for the five-day event. ###

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

EDITORIAL BOARD:

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Ma. Celina G. Meneses Managing Editor: Ms. Merly J. Loria Photo-Journalist: Earl Epson L. Recamunda Associate Editor: Prof. Viveth G. Morcozo Circulation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See

February 4, 2013 marked the day Bicol University, through its Graduate School and Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. (TKI) jointly spearheaded the launching of the Institute of Environmental Government (IEG) and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The objectives for establishing the IEG, which will be lodged under the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Good Governance, include the following: 1) To cater to the training needs of

BU Launches Institute of Environmental Governance the provinces, municipalities, and cities in the areas of environmental management, planning, protection, and conservation; 2) To develop appropriate training designs to ensure the smooth flow of both academic and experiential learning in all curricula of the Institute and enable each area-based Institute to adapt to local conditions; 3) To identify highly qualified individuals from the academe, government and the private sectors who are equipped with both theoretical and practical aspects of environmental governance, and who shall eventually become the core faculty of IEG; 4) To establish a joint management scheme between Bicol University and Tanggol Kalikasa in crafting and implementing policies and programs of the Institute; and 5) To develop, conduct, and implement research programs to aid curriculum development, monitoring, and evaluation. The launch included the unveiling of the IEG marker at the entrance of the BU Graduate School building. ###

University student council elec-tions held; Lim is new USC Chair

The Office of Student Services (OSS) of Bicol University announced on February 15, 2013, the official winners of the University Student Council Elections held the previous day in the various colleges and campuses of the university. The new line up of officers is as follows: Chairperson: Mark Harris R. Lim Internal Vice-Chairperson: Joseph D. Yap V External Vice-Chairperson: Marvie S. Tamayo Secretary General: Jaesam M. Bermas Deputy Secretary General: Nerissa Ly B. Siapno Finance Officer: Aubrey Princess B. Laurio Deputy Finance Officer: Nerry L B. Siapno Auditor: Nathaniel F. Ednalaga Business Manager: Iny M. Montallana Public Information Officer: Jimma Mae N. Baluyo Bicol University President Fay M. Lauraya has expressed high hopes in this new set of officers, and looks forward to their active engagement in student governance. ###

Bicol University Extension Service Center (BU-ESC) Media Specialist Felipe Jose B. Peralta, has been hailed as one of the Ten

Peralta is Outstanding Bikolano ArtistPeralta is Outstanding Bikolano Artist Outstanding Bikolano Artists of 2013 by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA)-Bikol Arts Festival Committee headed by Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda. He specifically holds the title as Outstanding Artist for Visual Arts-Photography. He was nominated by the JCI Legazpi Chapter of which he is an Associate Member, to the selection committee haired by the Commission on Higher Education.

Mr. Peralta is well-known in the fields of photography, graphic designing, videography, and painting. He often gives lectures on photography, photojournalism, editorial cartooning, video production, and film directing, topics which he also teaches at the BU College of Arts and Letters. ###

the venue. The event was initiated by Prof. Carina Sales, a faculty of the IPESR, handling PE 2 classes which focus on dance and the arts. She was strongly supported by the director of IPESR, Prof. Marylou Borja, and the Bicol University President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya. The different groups of students from various courses presented their own choreography of the dance.

BU promotes… from page 1 The audience was highly entertained by the various dance interpretations, and a number of them even joined in, having been invited to do so. BU President Lauraya, who stayed until the end of the program, also took part of the dancing upon request by the students. Dorothy F. Colle, Director of the Albay Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), also graced the event along with foreign visitors of the Province. She later announced Albay Governor Joey Salceda’s interest in a repeat performance during the Daragang Magayon Festival in April. (Earl Epson Recamunda/OP)

The moves. Pres. Lauraya shows of her dancing prowess when asked by one of the students who performed during the Pantomina Festival, Bersyon kan Bicol University, last Feb. 28, 2013 at the BU Commencement Grounds.

February 2013