ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2014

THE PRESIDENT’S OUTBOX

BU holds lecture on Disaster and Politics

A Community of Scholars committed to Excellence, Innovation, & Good Governance CHED/ P3

Whenever hearts’ month comes around, we get to be reminded of our human obligation to care for our fellowmen. While this is meant to be our everyday concern, we especially feel more loving in February. On the same month, Bicol University celebrates Arts Month. The Humanities Department made a very touching gesture by sharing a piece of art that we all created together in September, during our foundation anniversary. The “Icon of Unity” created with our hand prints abstracted to project the oneness of the BU community is a very powerful message of “unity” thru arts. Congratulations to our faculty for such a novel idea. February 1, 2014 is the 200th year anniversary of Mayon Volcano 2014 eruption. We commemorated this devastating event thru a lecture by Prof. Danilo Gerona dubbed, “Politics & Disaster”. We also joined the fight against our former students who were victims of crimes against humanity.The contrast in the events symbolizes the diverse reality that confronts our daily life. It takes the power of God’s love and our faith to understand that in all these, love prevails. May we all nurture our unity in the university and continue to join hands, not just in an artwork but in real life. That way we can stay strong and move as one to be the one for others.

Dr. Danilo M. Gerona gives a commemorative lecture on the 1814 Mayon Volcano Eruption in celebration of its 200th Anniversary during the Cagsawa Festival at the BU Amphitheater, February 1. Earl Epson Recamunda

In support of the Albay Province’s celebration of the Cagsawa Festival, Bicol University Graduate School, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Albay, hosted the “Lecture Forum on Disaster and Politics: A Commemorative Lecture on the 200th Anniversary of the 1814 Mayon Volcano Eruption” on February 1, 2014, at the BU Amphitheatre. Renowned historian and researcher, Dr. Danilo M. Gerona gave the lecture.

The event was open to the public and was attended by local officials, educators, and students. The lecture dwelt on the history of disasters, particularly volcanic eruptions in the province, and how local leaders dealt with them as well as how the people during those times reacted in these events. A panel of reactors representing different sectors of society was asked to comment on the lecture: Mr. Benjie Sales of the Divine Word College of

Legazpi spoke on its implications to the academic community; Dr. Cedric Daep, Department Head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and Executive Director of the Center for Initiatives and Research for Climate Adaptation/Climate Change Academy (CIRCA/CCA), gave his own insights on the history of disaster and how they were handled in the past, and compared this to disaster

Disaster & Politics/ P4

BFHE, CHED meet on ASEAN 2015, K to 12

issues Bicol Foundation for Higher Education conducted a meeting with Dr. Patricia Licuanan on February 4, at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Manila regarding issues pertaining to ASEAN 2015 and the implementation of K to 12, and how they affect higher education. According to Dr. Licuanan, K to 12 will not directly affect higher education. “College will continue, only better,” she said.She pointed out that there are faculty development trainings for SUCs as well as for private

Awarding of “Icon of Unity”

President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya imprints her hand on the paintings. Jona V. Castañeda The Icon of Unity, the hand painting created during Bicol University’s 44th Foundation Anniversary, was given to various Colleges/Offices of Bicol University during the opening of the Arts Exhibit, February 24, 2014 at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters. This was organized by the Humanities Department.

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Dr. Nelia S. Ciocsion talks on the significant features of the 1st BU President, Dr. Ricardo A. Arcilla, during the Lecture Series: The Bicol University Leaders in the Context of their Times” held at the BU CSSP Arcilla Hall, on February 6, 2014. Earl Epson Recamunda

The participants as they Dance for Justice at the BUCSSP Grounds on February 14, 2014. Jona V. Castañeda

Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Bikol Gender Development Studies and Advocacy Center, Department of Sociology in cooperation with BU Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, CHR ROV, BFP Legazpi, DSWD, NAPOLCOM, DepEdAlbay Division, DOJ, MARINA, Gabriela-Bicol, Cabagñan School, Good Shepherd, Peace Corps, and NSO joined the world in “1 Billion Rising Rise...Shout... Dance for Justice!” held at the BUCSSP Grounds on February 14. During the celebration, a commitment statement was signed by representativesof the different partner

CSSP raises social awareness on Valentine’s Day

In anticipation of the 45th foundation anniversary of Bicol University in September, the BU Graduate School is spearheading the“ 45th BU Foundation Anniversary Lecture Series: The Bicol University Leaders in the Context of their Times”, to feature the seven presidents who have been part of its 45 years of existence. According to President Fay M. Lauraya, this is the first time the university is going to have this kind of activity, of “giving of honor to

Lecture series launched to honor BU presidentsthe different presidents who have been highly instrumental in the shaping of what Bicol University is today.” Dubbed “The Leadership of Dr. Ricardo A. Arcilla, 1st Bicol University President 1970-1980: The Birth of 1st State University in Bicol”, the first lecture was held on February 6, significantly at the Arcilla Hall at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, which college co-sponsored the activity. Dr. Nelia S. Ciocsion, former Vice President for Academic Affairs of Bicol University.

E a c h month hereafter until August, a day will be set for each of the rest of the presidents to be featured in a similar lecture. The lecture series is meant to make BUeños more aware of the past l e a d e r s h i p s , and appreciate the history of their school. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

BUCAF conducts first Agri-Forestry Fair

Students of the BU College of Agriculture and Forestry prepare their harvested items for their booth at Market-market during the college’s 1st Agriforestry Fair last February 17-21. Earl Epson Recamunda

The first Agri-Forestry Fair was held at the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF)

with activities for the students and the faculty from February 17-21. The event was primarily organized by the students through the College Student Council whoconducted various activities such as Tree Planting, Market-Market, cooking contest,and seminars on Agri-Forestry technologies, health, and wellness. The event aimed to provide alternative and non-conventional learning venues and opportunities for the students; widen the

dissemination of science and technology in agriculture and forestry which can contribute to increasing productivity and profitability of farming and related business ventures in the Bicol Region; generate feedback for the continuing enhancement of the college’s service and programs and further strengthen its partnership with the various relevant sectors and stakeholders; and enhance and sustain the camaraderie between and among students and the faculty of the College.(Earl Epson Recamunda/OP)

organizations and agencies who joined the activity and who vowed to “commit and uphold the rights of women and children articulated in Philippine laws.” They signed the statement with the promise of carrying on “the advocacy of ending violence against women and children in [their] respective homes,

communities, organizations and work places.” The event was also made a venue for seeking justice for, and commemorate, the death of

Laesybil Almonacid, the BU Accountancy student who was raped and killed in 2011. According to UN statistics at least one in three women is beaten, coerced

into sex, or otherwise abused in the course of her lifetime. “1 Billion Rising” is a global campaign to end all forms of violence to women and children.(Jona V. Castañeda/OP)

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Ako Bicol partylist presents the awards to the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol during its awarding ceremonies at the BU Amphitheater last February 28. Earl Epson Recamunda

AKO BICOL in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Association of Campus Student Advisers (PACSA) once again successfully conducted the Search for the Ten Outstanding Students

AKB Recognizes Outstanding Students in the Region

Bicol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE) Board Members with Dr. Patricia Licuanan on February 4, 2014 at CHED, Manila. Jona V. Castañeda

institutions, and that CHED is open to ideas on how any difficulty may be minimized. Bicol University President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, BFHE President, shared about a research on what may happen once grades 11 and 12 are in place, and how this will impact higher education. She said that faculty will be displaced to research and extension, or retool to an allied course, such Journalism or Communication for English teachers. Intention was also expressed to unify the research agenda of Region V SUCs. This is an offshoot of the unified administrative council which was conducted for the first time on November 7, 2013 at Bicol University, and whereit was agreed that the same be conducted annually, together with a research and extension team. The academic consortium wishes to have clearance for

the programs before they are implemented, having agreed that it is better to have complementation rather than competition. According to Dr. Licuanan, amalgamation, after all, will be difficult if there is no one working culture. Other concerns discussed were on the

congressional scholars since PDAF was abolished, to which CHED committed to pay for the congressional financial assistance;and shortage of faculty among SUCs since most of the faculty prefer going to DepEd because of greater requirements for teaching in Higher Education like having

a Masters Degree, solution to which was for some universities to hire professor emeritus instead. Dr. Licuanan stated that “For higher education, you must have some special qualifications; we are open to suggestions in addressing this problem”. (Jona V. Castañeda/OP)

of Bicol. The Search marks its fifth year of unmarred integrity as an award giving body, recognizing the contributions of Bicolano students to regional and national development. The selection of the awardees follows a rigorous and fair selection process including screening of documents, panel interview

and essay writing based on a set of criteria, which highlights the performance and achievements of the students along scholarship, leadership and service. Applicant must be a college student and a Bicolano by birth. The screening committee is composed of representatives from education, business, and

private sectors. For the past years of being an award-giving body, the Search has recognized a number of outstanding students who are now gainfully employed in their chosen fields. They have become part of the growing family of TOSB and have made their contributions to the community through their initiated and espoused project funded by AKO BICOL as part of the prizes they received from the said award. This year, another ten students from the different provinces in the region were given the coveted award. Last February 28, at the Bicol University Amphitheater, the Awarding Ceremonies was held with Honorable Edcel Lagman, Congressional Representative of the 1st District of Albay, as the guest of honor. The event was also attended by partner agencies, school administrators, faculty of different HEIs, parents, students, friends from media,

and the ten outstanding students, namely: John Paul Louie L. Abe of University of Nueva Caceres, John Ely B. Templonuevo of Catanduanes State University, Hera Theresa R. Albaño of University of Saint Anthony, Francis Gerard O. Toscano of Bicol University, Paul John C. Legaspi of Ateneo De Naga University, Mark Lister N. DIolata of Divine Word College of Legazpi, Ian Arbil D. Gallarte of University of Nueva Caceres, Christine May P. Petajen of Catanduanes State University, Joniebel A. Amaparado of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Flordeliz Ordan of Ligao Community College. With the continuous support of the Bicolano youth, the Search for Outstanding Students of Bicol will continue to count more years and recognize the potentials of the future leaders of the region and the country. (Ariel B. Guban/ CAL)

CHED... (from page 1)

ISSN 2094-3991 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2014

Editoral Head: Dr. Ma. Celina Eladia G. Meneses Associate Editor: Dr. Reina O. HabaloManaging Editor: Ms. Merly J. LoriaCirculation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See Photojournalist: Earl Epson L. RecamundaLayout Artist: Jona V. CastañedaEditorial Consultant: Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas Overall Consultant: Dr. Fay. Lea Patria M. Lauraya

The Editorial Board

A forum in International Scholarship was held at the BU College of Education Training Hall on February 13, organized by Bicol University in partnership with the Fullbright Philippine-American Educational Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme. According Ms. Reina P. Lino, Programme Administrator of New Zealand ASEAN Awards (NZAS), the Philippines is given eighteen (18) slots for full-time scholarship for postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorates. This is open to eligible candidates from the public, private, and civil society sectors who should not be more than 40 years old at the scholarship start date. Interested applicants may visit this site for more information:www.nzembassy.com/philippines/ relationship-between-new-zealand-and-

International Scholarships offered to BU Personnel

Bicol University conducts e-voting for the first time on February 13. Jona V. Castañeda

CHAIRPERSON: BAUTISTA, Adelaine D.

INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT:

DECHAVEZ, Francis Angelo J.

EXTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT:

KEMPF, Daisy Ann B. SECRETARY GENERAL:

SANTILLAN, Irene Kayle A.DEPUTY SECRETARY

GENERAL: BOMBALES, Jeric B.

FINANCE OFFICER: FRANCIA, Katrina Paula N.

DEPUTY FINANCE OFFICER:

CEA, Glanelle Ivy S.AUDITOR:

ASPRA, Nico O.BUSINESS MANAGER:

PALMA, Francis A.PUBLIC INFORMATION

OFFICER: JESALVA, Angela C.

University Student Council Officers forA.Y. 2014-2015

1st Regional Biology Convention

Pres. Lauraya, welcomes the guests and participants of the 1st Regional Biology Convention of the BU College of Science Biology Department, at the CSB1 function hall, last Feb. 26. Earl Epson Recamunda

Ms. Reina P. Lino of NZAS discusses the qualifications for the schol-arship during the Forum on International Scholarship at BUCE Training Hall on February 13. Jona V. Castañeda

The Bicol University College of Science Department of Biology conducted the 1st Regional Biology Convention at the CSB1 function hall. Asec. Jose Raphael Cruz Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission was invited as the keynote speaker during the first day of the convention on Feb. 26, 2014. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/ OP)

USC Election

thephilippines/development-cooperation/scholarship. The deadline for submission of entries is on July 15, 2014. The successful applicants will have an all-expense-paid trip. Meantime, Ms. Angela S. Dixon, Fulbright Senior Program Officer, said that they are accepting applications for Fullbright Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) until March 24, 2014. Interested applicants must have at least

two years of professional work experience (after college) in their field of specialization.For degree programs, applicants must not be older than 40 years of age at the time of application. Application form can be downloaded at www.fulbright.org.ph. These opportunities aim to provide international and intercultural learning experiences. (Jona V. Castañeda/OP)

management in the present; Honorable Richard Benjamin Imperial, Board Member and Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay, gave insights on the politics angle of the lecture, likewise comparing past and present behavior and attitudes of local leaders; Engr. Abdon Balde, Poet Laureate and Consultant of the Provincial Government of Albay, presented a more literary treatment on insights he gathered from the lecture. The open forum that ensued indicated the high level of interest of the audience on the lecture as well as the commentaries given by the panel of reactors. All in all, the event succeeded in its objective of raising awareness of the Albayanos regarding the 1814 Mayon Volcano eruption and other disasters that made a mark in the history of the province. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

Disaster & Politics (from page 1)