The PRESIDENT’SOUTBOX

SCHOLARSHIP LEADERSHIP CHARACTER SERVICE

Happy Holidays to the entire Bicol University family!

There is much reason for us to celebrate this season of sharing and thanksgiving. Indeed, this year has been marked by huge gains and numerous achievements that have redounded to more rewards and incentives for our hardworking personnel, not to mention fresh laurels for our beloved university.

One of this year’s greatest achievements is the approval of the BU Code of 2016, the very first revision of the BU Code since its creation twenty-five years ago. After painstaking study and review by the concerned bodies, we finally had it approved by the Board of Regents. Our warmest thanks and congratulations to all who had a hand in its realization.

It has been a remarkable year, and we look forward to our continuous progress towards the achievement of our vision of becoming a world-class institution. Thank you for the trust and confidence in this administration. Thank you for a great 2016!

ISSN 2094-3991 DECEMBER 2016VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12

Bicol U updatesUniversity Code

BU celebrates Christmas season

Students brighten up the BU facade with make-shift lights during the Albay Green Christmas Celebration organized by the Humanities Department of the College of Arts and Letters on December 14, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BU Code/Page 3

Christmas Season/Page 3

AACCUP/Page 3

After 25 years, the university has finally updated its BU Code as part of its thrust to become a world-class institution.

Bicol University’s (BU) Christmas season was indeed merry as several activities were conducted to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Approved during the 116th Board of Regents meeting, the BU code of 2016 is a compilation of applicable laws, rules and regulations that regulate the operation of the university. The new BU Code consists

of General Provisions and 390 Sections in 48 Chapters.

The move to update the provisions of the BU Code was made to make it compliant with existing provisions of the law and the rules and regulations

The Christmas festivities in BU kicked-off on December 5 with a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree situated near the four pillars and the BU burning torch. BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas and Dr. Helen Llenaresas, Vice President for Academic

Affairs, led the lighting of the Christmas tree and the ‘belen.’ Depicting the nativity scene of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, the’ belen’ is a reminder about God’s begotten son who took the form of a slave to redeem humanity.

In line with this, a

‘belen’ competition among colleges was also held. The Gubat Campus bagged the championship while the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and Daraga Campus (CSSP and CBEM) net the second and third place respectively.

11 BU programs undergo AACCUP

accreditationEleven programs of Bicol

University (BU) underwent the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) accreditation from December 5-9, 2016.

The programs that were surveyed were: Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD PA); Master of Arts in Physical Education (MAPE); Master in Economics (M. Ec); Bachelor

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BU students join National Culture and the Arts Festival 2016

Motorpool Service, and Security Service Office.

Further, the offices under the FMD are the Budget Office, Accounting Office and Cashier’s Office.

The offices and units under the VPAA are: Internal Quality Assurance Office; Admission Office; University Registrar’s Office; Office of the Student Affairs and Services; Library Services; University Health Services; Language Center; Center for Teaching Excellence; and National Service Training Program.

Likewise, the divisions which shall provide support staff to the VPRDE are R&D Management Division; Extension Management Division; Publication and Knowledge Management

Division; Intellectual Property Management Division.

The creation of the office of the VPRDE resulted to the dissolution of the Research and Development Center and Extension Service Center since their respective functions will be performed by the office of the VPRDE.

Meanwhile, the office of the VPPD shall have the jurisdiction over the following offices: Planning and Development Office; Physical Development and Maintenance Office; Special Project Preparation Office; Resource Generation and Physical Assets and Management Office and; Business Affairs Office. (Joshua Caleb Pacleta/OP)

Org Structure from p.4

Alampay from p.4

Journ Summit from p.4

Participating BU students passed the Crisologo street during the opening parade of the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival 2016 held at the heritage city of Vigan on Dec. 6, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

www.bicol-u.edu.phRead more news

BicolUniversity @BicolUofficialTheBicolUniversity

Bicol University (BU) students joined the 2016 National Culture and the Arts Festival held at the Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Dec. 5-8, 2016.

BU students represented the Bicol Region in several events such as the Quiz Bowl, Radio Drama, Live Band and Sweet and Short Play competitions.

College of Arts and Letters students mentored by Prof. Liliosa C. Malasa bagged the 2nd place in the Radio Drama competition.

For this year, the University of Northern Philippines hosted the annual cultural festival spearheaded by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

BU holds 143rd acad council meeting

Bicol University (BU) held the 143rd regular academic council meeting last December 2 at the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Amphitheater.

The meeting, which was attended by the heads and professors of different BU units, focused on the presentation of the candidates for graduation and those with honors for first semester of academic year 2016-2017.

The College of Industrial Technology produced 132 graduates followed by the College of Engineering and College of Education with 42 graduates.

The following colleges also produced the corresponding graduates: Graduate School, 14; Gubat Campus, 8; Polangui Campus and College of Science, 5; College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, 4; College of Business Economics and Management, College of Agriculture and Forestry and College of Arts and Letters, 3 and; Institute of Architecture, 2. The other colleges have no graduates for the first semester of the current academic year.

Meanwhile, BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas discussed other matters during the meeting and Vice President for Academic Affairs presented the approved academic landscaping for BU for the next academic year. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

will be given priority to wear the Alampay. Graduating students from the BU East, BU West and Daraga campuses will be allowed to use the old academic gowns during their graduation rites in the Transition Period.

In the succeeding years, the purchase of the academic garb will become a requirement for graduation as it will be included in the graduation fee that the students must pay to the university.

The source of funds will be the Usable Income of BU (F164). The accounting department will use a separate code to monitor the cash flow of the project.

It is expected that the number of the Alampay that will be procured should be equivalent to the number of graduating students of the university. However, out of the initial order of 2,000 pieces, only 800 pieces are expected to be sold in the 2017 commencement exercises. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

BONJour External Vice President said.

The speakers who graced the event were Steve Dailisan, GMA Network News Reporter; Jovic Maurice Yee, Metro Reporter for Philippine Daily Inquirer; Jay Rempis, Features and Special Supplements Writer at Manila Bulletin; Prof. Gladys Serafica, BU College of Arts and Letters (CAL); Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta, BU Research and Development Center (RDC) faculty and member of Bicol Artists’ Guild; Prof. Gremil Alessandro Naz, also from BURDC and; Prof. Anacito Dematera, Philippine Star Correspondent.

Yee, the event’s keynote speaker, gave the lecture on News writing while Rempis discussed Feature writing. Serafica lectured on Development Communication and Column writing; Photojournalism and Editorial Cartooning were discussed by Peralta; Naz shared his knowledge on Copyreading and Headline writing; and Editorial writing was lectured by Dematera. Dailisan

gave a talk and forum about his experiences in the media industry.

Also part of the summit were the pioneering events like Bloc Performance competition and the search for Mister and Miss Journ Summit 2016. The Bonjour also conducted the individual writing contests and bloc performances.

This year’s event was supposedly the 4th Journ Summit but last academic year, the event was postponed. “Kaya we considered it (3rd Journ Summit) as a comeback kaya we did our best to give a new image to Journ Summit kaya lumabas tayo ng university,” Roxas stated.

Meanwhile, the overall champion was AB Journalism 4B with 3,200 points, second was Journalism 3B with 2,400, and AB Journalism 4A notched the third place with 1,950 points. (May Altavano/The Bicol Universitarian | Photo courtesy of Bonjour)

A World-Class University Producing Leaders and Change Agents for Social Transformation and Development.

BU student attends JENESYS 2016

BU Code from p.1

AACCUP from p.1

Christmas Season from p.1

The BU Polangui Campus chorale group conducted by Bernard S. Reforsado won as champion during the Singing Cantata choir competition held at the BU Amphitheater on December 16, 2016. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

governing the university. It was also made to make the code attuned to the current needs of the institution. In the complex operation of the university, the proposed revision provides the structure and the policy guidelines of the different operating units to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

“The BU Code of 2016 will be the University’s statement of purpose, and will be its guide in its discharge of duties and responsibilities. The university ensures cohesive moves and strategies in support of its mission, while gaining greater recognition locally and internationally,” BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas said.

Mascariñas however stated that although the document has undergone painstaking study by the committee, and meticulous review by the academic community and Administrative Council, it

cannot claim perfection and would likely invite again comments and suggestions from the academic community.

“This is however, the best attempt at capturing all the details necessary to clarify all functions, roles, responsibilities, and guidelines that will allow the smooth flow of transactions in all offices,” he said.

It can be noted that BU has attempted several times to revise its Code in support of its thrusts and operation, and to capture important developments in the higher education landscape.

“The BU Code of 2016 would have not seen the light of day without the support and commitment of the committee which put this document together, and to the Deans, Directors, and Head of Offices/Units who made the final review,” the President concluded. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

A senior AB Economics student of the College of Business Economics and Management was chosen as one of the participants in the 10-day Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange Students and Youths (JENESYS) program.

Daryl Hannah Espalmado, president of the Bicol University Economics Society was the lone participant from BU in the JENESYS 2016 Economics Category Batch 5 (Industry-University Collaboration) which was held in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 11-20, 2016.

The Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange Students and Youths (JENESYS) is organized by the Japan International Cooperation Center through the ASEAN Secretariat and the National Youth Commission of the Philippines. (Earl Epson L. Recamunda/OP)

Meanwhile, on December 15, at least 80 participants attended the BU Retirees Association gathering at the BUCE Training Hall. This was followed by the Christmas Get Together on December 16 with BU students performing the ‘pastores’. President Mascariñas gave a Christmas message and a choir competition dubbed “Singing Cantata” was also conducted.

The BU Polangui Campus was hailed as the champion while the College of Education and College of Arts Letters

notched the second and third place respectively. During the party, the BU College of Medicine rendered an acoustic intermission number, and the most awaited raffle draw was also held.

On December 28, the BUCE Grand Alumni Homecoming was held at the CE Integrated Laboratory School Quadrangle while the Chemical Engineering Alumni Homecoming likewise took place at the College of Science Building 1 Function Hall. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

of Science in Accountancy (BS Acc); BS in Architecture (BS Arch); BS in Computer Science (BSCS); BS in Chemistry (BS Chem); BS in Information Technology (BSIT); BS in Electrical Technology (BSET); BS in Mechanical Technology (BSMT) and; BS in Civil Technology (BSCT).

The AACCUP accreditors were headed by Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, Survey Consultant, Dr. Ronnie Parica, URS-Overall Coordinator and Prof. Percival Macapagal, Cluster Coordinator.SURVEY VISITS

The PhD PA program underwent the second survey visit with Dr. Jinamarlyn Doctor as the leader. Her team is composed of Dr. Pablo Rafael Jr., Dr. Jennifer Fronda, Dr. Liberty Mendana, Dr. Mario Abesamis, Prof. Trinidad Macasil, and Prof. Evangeline Cabello.

Headed by Dr. Gerolyn Javier, the team of accreditors who evaluatd MAPE’s first survey included Dr. Perlita Payofelin, Dr. Fronda, Dr. Mendana, Dr. Abesamis, Prof. Macasil, and Prof. Cabello. Dr. Rafael headed the team of accreditors which assessed the M. Ec. program’s first survey, together with Dr. Doctor, Dr. Fronda, Dr. Mendana, Dr. Abesamis, Prof. Macasil, and Prof. Cabello.

For the third survey visit of the BSCS program, Prof. Macapagal led the team composed of Prof. Mary Anne Sahagun, Dr. Orlando Tangonan, Dr. Mercy Grace Saliendra, Dr. Frederick Villa, Dr. Rommel Sanqui, Dr. Roland Valencia, Dr. Lope Buen, Prof. Rodibelle Leona and Prof. Consuelo Estigoy.

Prof. Ferdinand Pamintuan supervised the accreditation for the third survey visit of the BS Arch. program, together with Prof. Darwin Ong, Dr. Tangonan, Dr. Saliendra, Dr. Villa, Dr. Sanqui, Dr. Valencia, Dr. Buen, Prof. Leona and Prof. Estigoy. Dr. Ronnie Parica likewise evaluated the third survey of BS Acc.,

For BSIT, BSET, BSMT and BSCT, the surveyors were Dr. Tangonan, Dr. Saliendra, Dr. Villa, Dr. Sanqui, Dr. Valencia, Dr. Buen, Prof. Leona and Prof. Estigoy. Prof. Sahagun led the accreditors for BSIT while Prof. Alma L. Tangcuangco headed the BSET accreditation. Likewise, the BSMT evaluation headed by Dr. Romulo Panotes while Prof. Ong led the BSCT program evaluation.

For the BS Chem program, the surveyors were Dr. Javier, Dr. Fronda, Dr. Mendana, Dr. Abesamis, Prof. Macasil and Prof. Cabello. They were led by Dr. Perlita Payofelin.

In the opening program held last December 5, BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas presented BU’s profile of excellence to the accreditors and audience as proof of its commitment to uphold its vision to become a world-class university. (Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta/OP)

BU academic garb changes name from Alikbuy to Alampay

The Editorial BoardEditorial Head:

Dr. Ma. Celina Eladia G. MenesesAssociate Editor:

Prof. Gladys G. SeraficaManaging Editor:

Ms. Merly J. Loria

Circulation Manager: Ms. Mary Ann M. See

Photojournalist/ Layout Artist: Earl Epson L. Recamunda

Writer: Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta

Editorial Consultants:Dr. Reina O. Habalo

Dr. Helen M. LlenaresasOverall Consultant:

Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas

ISSN 2094-3991 DECEMBER 2016VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12

Org Structure/Page 2 Alampay/Page 2

Journ Summit/Page 2

MERRY CHRISTMASBUeños NEW YEAR

HAPPY

2017

BU reforms organizational

structureTo address some gaps between

and among the existing offices in the present institutional structure, Bicol University (BU) has modified its organizational structure which will be implemented next year.

Approved during the 116th Board of Regents meeting held at Commission on Higher Education main office last December 7, the said move aimed to keep BU’s organizational structure responsive to modern academic challenges and landscapes.

Under the new organizational structure, the following shall be under the Office of the President: Presidential Management Staff; Legal Affairs Office; Internal Audit Services; International Relations Office; Information and Communications Technology Office; Communication and Public Relations Office and; Alumni Relations Office.

Also, BU shall now have four Vice Presidents (VP) namely VP for Administration and Finance (VPAF), VP for Academic Affairs (VPAA), VP for Research, Development and Extension (VPRDE), and VP for Planning and Development (VPPD).

The offices under the VPAF are the Administrative Service Division (ASD) and Financial Management Division (FMD). On the other hand, sections under the ASD are Human Resource Management and Development Office, Procurement Management Office, Supply and Property Management Office, Records Management Office,

The Bicol University (BU) Alikbuy, the new academic costume of the institution, will now be known as the Alampay as approved during the 116th Board of Regent’s (BOR) meeting.

Citing that the Alampay is the more appropriate term since in the Bikol language, it refers to a piece of cloth placed on one shoulder as an ornament, BU officials voted unanimously to request the BOR to change its name during the Administrative Council held on November 15.

It can be recalled that the university’s academic garb was initially known as Alikbuy. Alikbuy in the Bikol language refers to a piece of cloth placed on both shoulders of a person to provide warmth.

The Alampay will be made of hand-woven materials consisting of cotton, polyester, abaca and piña fibers, blended at a specific combination unique to its design. The design is like a sash similar to the Sablay of the UP adorned with embroidered baybayin characters.

The Alampay will be sold to interested members of the faculty /alumni and to all graduating students. It will also be made in

three sizes: small, medium and large, with initial order for 800 units, 600 units and 600 units respectively.

Meanwhile, the Board also approved the request for the seed capital for the procurement of the BU Alampay. The first tranche amounts to P1.625 million while the second tranche is pegged at P3.6 million. The BU budget office likewise stated that the first tranche is already available for the initial seed capital for the production of the said academic garb.

PROCUREMENTThe number of graduating students for

the whole BU for the present academic year is estimated at 5, 124. However, due to the limited time and intricacy of the design, only 2, 000 may be procured for SY 2016-2017.

University officials, members of the BOR, graduating students from the Graduate School and the external campuses

Bonjour holds 3rd journ summit

Themed “A Convergence of Conventional and Emerging Media”, the Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalist (BONJour), the Bicol University Journalism students’ organization, spearheaded the 3rd Journ Summit last December 8-9, at Gaisano Convention Center, Legazpi City.

The Journ Summit is an annual event organized by Bonjour which aims to showcase the journalistic skills of BU Journalism students through a seminar-workshop conducted by practitioners both in the national and regional level. It also aims to establish camaraderie among Journalism students.

“For this year, napagdesisyunan ng Bonjour na by bloc na lang yung competition

hindi tulad dati na by team from different blocs. Naso-showcase rin yung talents ng students at parang ito yung pagtitipon ng students na masaya at nakakatense rin.

Nakakatense kasi competition siya at masaya dahil you will be able to cheer for your bloc,” Christian Robert Roxas, one of the project heads of Journ Summit and

Jovic Maurice Yee, Metro Reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, keynotes the 3rd Journ Summit held at the Gaisano Convention Center on December 8, 2016.