The Bicol Universitarian - Volume XLIII Print Issue 2

The Bicol Universitarian

Official Student Publication of Bicol University Volume XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness . Accuracy . Genuine Student Service

PDEA to boost anti-illegal drug campaign in BU

By Jervy Anne Romero

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region V has identified some institutions in Albay including Bicol University (BU) as their priority concern on the campaign against illegal drugs.

Atty. Teodoro Caparroso, the regional lawyer of PDEA V, pointed out Pag-asa National High School, Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School, and BU among these institutions.

“Yung pader dyan sa pagitan ng BU [Daraga Campus] at Daraga Community College meron daw dyan minsan nagtatapon ng drugs kaso hindi maaktuhan,” the lawyer disclosed.

However, the lawyer stated that there was no record in their office and in the police station wherein a BU student was jailed because of illegal drug possession.

“Ang processing niyan pag minor, halimbawa estudyante, papasok muna sa school. Then

Mascariñas unveils land use plan, upcoming projects for Bicol U

By Cassandra Balala, Elyssa Kristine Ella with a report from Randall Matthew Lorayes

Bicol University (BU) President Arnulfo Mascariñas ended last March 9 his first year in office clutching at straws to show proofs that the university has moved forward and is in a better shape than it was when he took power on the administration.

Mascariñas in an interview with The Bicol Universitarian said that out of the P765 million subsidy from the national government next academic year, BU will allot P125 million for capital outlay in different campuses of the university.

Mascariñas explained that the capital outlay includes infrastructure projects, maintenance of facilities and repair of certain buildings in the university.

The president also said that the university’s land use plan will begin its implementation in the upcoming academic year. The proposed BU Library building as approved by Congress will be constructed and the first phase for student dormitories is anticipated to be put up somewhere at the back portion of BU. “The plan is we are going to construct dormitories here in the main campus that could acquire 2,000 or 3,000 students. The priority will be

2 | News

given to freshmen later on so that as they enter the university, they can utilize the dorm,” Mascariñas said.

In addition, the construction of the first phase of BU Student Union Center building, which will serve as the building for all University-Based Organizations in BU, has a budget of P40 million and will then be followed by the second phase on 2017. There will be three phases for the construction of this building.

Meanwhile, the procurement of medical equipment of BU College of Medicine costs P10 million and P4.5 million for the construction of the twostorey IPESR classrooms Phase II. Mascariñas stated that the Board of Regents approved the proposed Food Court Center worth P20 million near the sports complex and the road network at the back part of BU. The first bridge going to Sitio Olag, a small community behind BU, is due for construction this year.

“There was a plan to move the GASS Building at the spot near the Department of Environment and Natural Resources together with the other facilities, so we need to open roads to connect this main campus leading to that area at the back,” he added.

Bicol PolSci studes’ org pushes for clean, honest 2016 poll

161 students get nod for study tour

By Jervy Anne Romero

There were 82 fifth year electri-

cal engineering students and 79 third year architecture students who travelled outside the region to visit electrical plants and architectural sites in the country.

Among those visited by the engineering students were Quezon City and Valenzuela City while Vigan City, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, and Manila were visited by the architecture 161 students get nod/ page 9

BU aces two licensure exams Top 1 in RME; Midwifery, 100% passing rate

by Jervy Anne Romero

Bicol University (BU) once again proved its excellence in the licensure examination for master electricians and midwives last April 2016.

Catch a Glimpse. Bicol University (BU) President Arnulfo Mascariñas shows the proposed master plan of the BU Main Campus during an interview with The Bicol Universitarian.

The university Student Union Center is included in the plan.(Photo by Jan Marie Raquion)

9 | News Voters’ education, LGBT rights cited in Journ studes’ advocacy

BU among PDEA’s/ page 3

Despite temporary ban on field trips

Five months after Bicol University (BU) released a memorandum on the temporary ban of student field trips, study tours, exposure trips and the like, a total of 161 students were still allowed by the BU administration to travel outside the university for study tours.

Mascariñas unveils/ page 8

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yung school principal or guidance counselor ng university siya ang nagpaprocess dyan based on the school manual on anti-drugs.

Maga-undergo sila ng disciplinary action within the school,” Caparroso said.

BU East Campus guidance counselor Webena Gacos disclosed that there was once a case in a certain college in the university wherein a student was caught inside the school premises using marijuana. The counselor refused to reveal the specific college where the incident happened.

“Drug-related yun kaya sa part ng counselor is hanggang counseling lang talaga kasi hindi naman tayo pwedeng mag-impose ng discipline,” Gacos stated.

In the region, shabu (Methamphetamine) is the most widely-used illegal drug and marijuana comes next according to the records of PDEA. The agency, as stipulated in

Reymark Embate of the College of Engineering (CEng) emerged as the top 1 out of 2, 914 applicants for registered master electricians. Deanna Corinne Serrano and Maria Teressa Barrios from BU College of Nursing (CN) secured third and eight spots, respectively, out of 2, 145 examinees in the midwifery licensure examination.

CEng garnered a passing rate of 75.58% while CN gained 100% passing rate.

Last September 2015, BU secured the second rank in the registered mas-

10 | News BU sends off nearly 5000 gradutes for AY 2015-2016

ter electrician examination and the second and ninth places in the midwifery exam last April 2015.

Embate who got a rating of 92.50%, revealed that he started his review last February and enrolled in the enhancement training of the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers AlbayLegazpi City Chapter.

“After ng exam, alam ko na marami ang nakuha ko sa part 1 and 2, kaunti lang yung di ko sure. Kaya naisip ko rin na pwede akong magplacer, pero hindi top 1,” Embate stated.

This September, Embate together with other electrical engineering graduates of BU, will take the licensure examination for registered electrical engineers.

10 | News Palarong Pambansa held in BU Promotes sports, physical education

Of plans and promises:

A quick view on Santillan’s Term

News

2 The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Bicol PolSci studes’ org lead advocacy anew Event drives for clean elections, voters’ education

By Gladys Ebrada & Joshua Mirabuna

For the first time since 2005, the Bicol Regional Political Science Students’ Parliament (BRPSSP) finally opened the registration in its brainchild seminar dubbed as Bicol Regional Political Science Students’ Convention (BRPSSC) for non-Political Science students last February 26-28 at Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo, Albay.

BRPSSP is a regional organization of Political Science students in Bicol which is currently registered with the Security and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization with a corporate existence of 51 years.

A total of 64 participants from different colleges and universities across the Bicol region joined the event wherein 15 are non-Political Science students.

The breakdown of the participants are as follows: three from Bicol University (BU) – College of Social Sciences and Philosophy; three from BU – Polangui Campus (PC) and Tabaco Campus; one from BU – College of Engineering and BU – College of Arts and Letters; five from Oas Community College; three from Divine Word College of Legazpi; two from Bicol College and University of Saint Anthony and; one from Daniel R. Pena Memorial Colleges Foundation and Catanduanes State University; The event circled on the theme “Philippine Elections: Reliving the Past, Preparing for the Future”, in relation to the 2016 Presidential Elections.

According to Charles Dean Ramos, the Executive Chairman of the BRPSSC, they opened the event for all courses because election does not only concern the political science students but also other Filipinos. “The effect of the election will not only be to the Political Science but it will be felt by all of us as Filipino citizens,” he explained.

The 11th BRPSSC focused on letting the participants understand the bedrocks

of national and local politics in light of the 2016 National Elections so in the end, the students will vote the rightful candidates.

The convention provided lectures that widened the students’ political perspective particularly on matters relating to firm and wise selection of leaders and bringing their attention to the sectors vulnerable to electoral fraud, vote selling and others.

“For me, especially that I will be a student leader next year, I can apply the knowledge I have learned here in leading throughout my service as a student leader,” Kathleen Alpapara, an elected BUPC College Student Council Secretary said.

She added that the convention helped her in choosing the right candidates and to influence others about whom to choose in the election so that their vote will not be wasted.

The speakers who graced the event were: Retired Judge Arnulfo Cabredo, Aquinas University of Legazpi - College of Law Dean; Jay Carizo, Political Economy and Local Governance Consultant of the World Bank and Policy and Programs Consultant of National Anti-Poverty Commission of the Office of the President; Rev. Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, PPCRV Chair of the Albay Chapter; Carlo Martin Adille, Baras, Catanduanes Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge and; Dr. Benjamin N. Muego, Professional Lecturer in International Law at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde - School of Diplomacy and Governance.

The BRPSSC was organized by 87 students of the senior class of Political Science Department of BU in line with their subject PolSci 30 which is the Seminar on Special Issues. It was revived last year by the BU Political Science batch 2015 after being stagnant for many years.

By the end of the event, new sets of BRPSSP officers were elected and the conduct of the convention next year in Catanduanes in partnership with Catanduanes State University was planned.

SO TO SPEAK. Veteran judge Arnulfo Cabredo (above) graces the Bicol University students as the second speaker of the Bicol Regional Political Science Students’ Convention last February 26-28, 2016 at Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo Albay.

The convention was participated by a total of 64 students from different colleges and universities throughout the region.

(Photos courtesy of Paulino Belga III)

Journ studes head events on voters’ education, LGBT rights

By Marian Deuna & Jasmine Yao

As part of advocating social responsibility and awareness on the prevalent societal issues, the fourth year Journalism students of Bicol University (BU) organized two events dubbed, “Malinis na Halalan: Sigaw ng Kabataan” and

“Until it happens to you” on February 22 and 23, 2016, respectively, at College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater.

The events were composed of documentary film showing, photo exhibit, and a seminar which catered on the specific target audience of each event.

Professor Sharon Kay Julaton, the proj-

ect adviser of both events, stated that aside from complying requirements for the subject Advocacy Reporting, “it can also enhance the skills of the students to create awareness on particular social issues that can give ripple effects to the participants to be an advocates for change which is the main objective of the said events.”

Julaton encouraged the students that the

Until it Happens To You and Malinis na Halalan: Sigaw ng Kabataan are the initiatives of the fourth year Journalism students of BU College of Arts and Letters. The former focused on LGBT rights and violence against women and children while the latter tackled on voters’ education. (Posters courtesy of Journalism 4A & 4B students)

theories and concepts they have learned should not stop in the four corners of the classroom. More than anything else, this should be reflected to their roles in the community once they have become opinion shapers and molders.

VOTER’S EDUCATION To advocate electing leaders who are really responsible and trustworthy in serving the Filipinos, the Block A Journalism students organized an event concerning voters’ education with the theme, “Malinis na Halalan: Sigaw ng Kabataan” last February 22.

Mary Grace Pelayo, the Overall Project Head, stated the reasons in organizing the event wherein BU students were the main participants.

“We chose voters’ education as the topic to be discussed in the event because first of all, it is timely since we will be having national election this coming May 9, 2016.

We specifically targeted the youth and first time voters,” Pelayo said.

Pelayo added that through the event, their advocacy which is “the right to vote candidates who can honestly serve the public” can reach every young mind to start and make a true change in the Philippine’s election process.

“As a young citizen, we should be meticulous enough to the change we really wanted. We have to prove that the youth are really the hope of the country because the way we see

it today, it might be questionable because of the existence of smartphones and gadgets,” Pelayo said.

LGBT RIGHTS To raise awareness in terms of bullying, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) discrimination, and violence against women and children, the Block B Journalism students spearheaded the event “Until it happens to you” last February 23.

“There are lot of people out there who hide their emotion on this topic just because they fear of being judged, of getting bullied. We want to raise awareness and impart empathy at the same time,” Johanna Paula Tamondong, Over-all Project Head of the event said.

Tamondong further stated that the symposium was designed to reach out to the voiceless and be aware of being on the victim’s shoes.

Meanwhile, Angelica Siaton, a third year Journalism student and participant of both events stated her sentiments regarding the advocacies shared by the journalism senior organizers.

“The event regarding voter’s education really helps a lot as we are first time voters this coming election. We become more aware to vote deserving and capable leaders while the other event talked about LGBT, wherein the speakers made us have an open mind for the LGBT group in our society,” Siaton said.

News

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The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

BU to improve IT infrastructure; airs new online services

by Randall Matthew Lorayes

In line with the vision of a worldclass university, Bicol University (BU) will be upgrading its Information Technology (IT) infrastructure to facilitate the implementation of its new and existing projects involving the utilization of its online tools and services to students.

According to Laarni Pancho, Director of the university’s Information Management Office (IMO), students should expect better online services of the university to students such as better internet access as well as easier clearance and enrollment procedures.

FASTER Pancho disclosed that the university will be getting another internet service provider aside from its current one to ensure continuous online operations of the university as well as having additional bandwidth for faster internet access.

“We will have two lines which will be a redundancy since the problem now is that we are so dependent in one Telco that if it goes down, our services also go down,” Pancho explained.

The IMO Director believes that with the additional bandwidth, she expects that the new online services that university will roll out will run smoothly.

“It’s already a good sign that the president has approved an additional budget in order for us to increase our bandwidth,” Pancho said.

NEW CLEARANCE PROCESS With the suggestion of some deans and directors during the Administrative Council meeting at the start of the academic year, the IMO was tasked by the BU administration as to how they can streamline the student clearance process, which is a requirement before a student can enroll to ensure he or she no longer has liabilities with the various offices and organizations in the university.

Pancho mentioned that with the new process, the concerned offices and organization will have to submit a list of students with liabilities and will forward it to the dean’s office and then the list will be put into a centralized database. To check the status of their clearance, students will only need to have his student number ready.

“All the students will have to do is enter their student number and then you will see if you have liabilities with any office or organization. When you do have liabilities, you have to personally settle it with the concerned office, once it’s been settled, you will be cleared. If you no longer have liabilities, when you enroll, the registrar already knows that you are already cleared,” Pancho explained.

The online student clearance will be accessible to all non-graduating students by the end of this semester.

ONLINE ENROLLMENT The Bicol Universitarian has been reporting in its previous wallnews and print issues that the enrollment process will be online. It

can be recalled that Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) has begun implementing a similar system since 2011 which was developed in-house by the BUPC IMO headed by Guillermo Red. It can also be recalled that the University Registrar, Sophia Romero, told The Bicol Universitarian about a similar proposal dubbed as E-Registration.

“The proposed E-Registration is envisioned to become a more efficient recording and reporting system that would allow a smooth flow of enrolment for the students, professors and registrars,” Romero said.

However, It is unclear whether the enrolment system mentioned in the previous reports were the same as the one being currently developed by the IMO in the BU main campus.

In the past, the software used for the enrolment of students was done by a contracted third-party company.

The university administration decided to scrap the contract and instead develop its own software.

Pancho said that the system will be undergoing pilot testing before its full deployment and implementation this coming June.

“We will be testing it [online enrollment] this summer to ensure that it is okay for deployment [in June] since obviously we cannot only test it once,” Pancho reasoned.

Pancho however advised that the new enrollment process is only available to regular students as they are still ironing out curriculum requirements from each college into the system.

NO LINE WITH ONLINE. Mr. Felix Penetrante, primary developer of the module on the online clearance system, demonstrates how to operate the new hassle-free method to the Bicol University students at CSB1 on March 11, 2016. He developed a web page system that can be accessed with a laptop or cellphone which simplifies the process of accomplishing the students’ clearance. (Photo by Jan Marie Raquion)

BU Extension office launches radio campaign for coastal management

By Keren Anne Bernadas

With its aim to initiate and catalyze development of various communities through its available resources and external partnership, the Bicol University Extension Service Center (BUESC) associated with Radyo Veritas Legazpi to launch its radio campaign dubbed as “Save Burias Pass.”

BU is in partnership with the Bicol Consortium for Development Initiatives Inc. (BSCII) on its new advocacy.

Save Burias Pass, a radio program which started its first airing last February 5, advocates in protecting the marine resources of the waters along Burias Pass from destruction coming from illegal fishing activities.

Prof. Agnes Nace Jacob-Nepomuceno, Extension coordinator of BU

College of Arts and Letters and Prof.

Adrian Aguilar, Communication Department Chairman serve as the main anchors of the program.

BCDII is a coalition of social development organizations that sets to empower and uplift the lives of Bicolanos towards total human development.

The radio campaign airs every Friday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at 1008 kHz Radyo Veritas Legazpi.

BU retains PACS Chair position for three years

By Rojee Peninoy

For three consecutive years, Bicol University (BU) has been taking the position of chairperson in the Philippine Association of Campus Student Leaders - Luzon Island.

This academic year, Michelle Grace Tabilin, a BS Architecture fourth year student and former standard bearer of LLR-Reporma during the 2016 University Student Council (USC) Election, was elected as the PACS Luzon Core Group Chairman during the PACS convention at Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City, November 25-28, 2015.

Tabilin advanced to the Luzon election after being elected as one of the two representatives from the Bicol Region. The other student is Antoniette Charmaine Sambajon of Aquinas University who was also elected the Public Information Officer of the said organization.

According to Tabilin, 49 students represented BU for the annual convention. The representatives consisted mostly of the USC officers and two incumbent officers of the different College Student Councils.

“I can promote BU not just in the region but in the country. Makikita nila kung ano ang meron sa isang Bueño, kung anung klase tayong

BU among PDEA’s/ page 1 Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, shall be responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement of all the provisions on any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.

From January 2013 to May 2015, Albay has the highest guilty drug-linked cases in the Bicol region with 27. Camarines Norte comes next with 10; Camarines Sur with seven; Catanduanes with one, while Masbate and Sorsogon have no record.

Atty. Caparroso links the high number of cases in Albay to the increasing number of business establishments as well as the geographical area of the province.

“Dito sa Albay nagastart pa lang ang mga malls and businesses. If a place is in progress, dumadami ang population. Kapag dumami ang population, iba’t-ibang culture, iba’t-ibang pananaw ng tao, pumapasok ‘yong droga doon. And at the same time, ang area natin. Albay is geographically large na mahirap masakop yung law enforcers natin, yung mga agents natin,” he said.

Cause of Addiction Jay, not his real name as he wished not to be identified, is a student from BU who uses marijuana on a regular basis.

According to Jay, he first used marijuana because a friend introduced the drug to him. “Gumamit ako dahil sa mga barkada, pang-jamming lang,” he said.

Others whom he knew also used the drug for the same reason.

People who use marijuana become addicted to it because it makes them “high”, making them feel happy, relaxed, or detached from reality.

Jay also disclosed that he did not actually know where these drugs come from or who the pusher is. “Hinihingi ko lang siya sa mga kaibigan ko. Di na ako nagtatanong kung saan galing kasi awkward din magtanong,” he said.

According to Jay, marijuana has no fixed price and would depend primarily on the quality. “Usually, pills ang ginagamit ko.

Mabilis lang mawala ang tama noon, parang uminom ka lang,” he said.

The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500 000 to P100,000,000 shall be imposed upon any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall possess 500 grams or more of marijuana.

Law Enforcements Atty. Caparosso revealed that they have five strategies to address drug problems which include demand reduction, supply reduction, international linkages, mobilization of barangays, and citizens’ participation.

“Usually kami ang nag-iimplement and at the same time meron kaming

Michelle Grace Tabilin student leader,” Tabilin said.

It can be noted that Rowil Mandane, an AB – English student and Iny Montallana, an AB-Broadcasting student, both from the College of Arts and Letters, served as the PACS chairperson for A.Y. 2015-2016 and 2014-2015.

PACS is the highest organization of all student leaders in the country, consisting of the three biggest islands, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

coordination sa mga government agencies, NGOs [non-government agencies], etc,” the lawyer said.

According to Caparosso, an accused may be found guilty of illegal drug possession if he was caught in the act of using illegal drugs or if drugs were found inside his home.

PDEA works hand-in-hand with other local agencies and the police department to find illegal drug users and pushers.

“Nalalaman natin na ang isang specific place ay may drug user through info, then intelligence and network. Then vinavalidate natin then nagkakaron tayo ng case build-up. After nito papasok na yung reinforcement side. Nagkakaron tayo ng mga by bust, search warrant, citizen’s arrest,” he said.

Seminars and trainings were conducted in the previous years for the police to improve anti-drug operations.

“Lahat ng mga puwang or loopholes nagawan na natin ng paraan. Kaya naging knowledgeable na sila and skilled when it comes to drug cases,” he said.

PDEA plans to build-up and educate families regarding the use of illegal drugs and its effects so as to decrease the number of cases in the region.

Rehabilitation The drug enforcement agency encourages citizens to report individuals who are possessed by drugs so they can undergo rehabilitation, especially the ones who have only used illegal drugs for the first time.

Those who were jailed can still undergo rehabilitation if the court approves their petition.

“During rehabilitation, doon ka lang.

Di ka nakakulong sa jail. Pag nakarehab ka na pag nakarecover ka isecertify ‘yan na pwede ka ng makalabas. Pagdating sa court titingnan nila kung okay na. Kung ang kaso na finile sayo is mataas, babalik ka ulit sa kulungan. Pero kung hindi, mababa lang, papakawalan ka na kasi narehab ka na,” Caparroso said.

According to RA 9165, a person apprehended or arrested, who is found to be positive for use of any dangerous drug, after a confirmatory test, shall be imposed a penalty of a minimum of six months rehabilitation in a government center for the first offense.

During rehabilitation, a person is guided to recover from drug addiction.

Patients do their best to regain their normal lives in a safe and healthy way.

One of the rehabilitation centers in the region is Malinao Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Malinao, Albay.

“Ineencourage namin lahat ng barangay, community, at school na pag meron dyang mga kakilalang gumagamit, dapat ipa-rehab kaagad as much as possible,” Caparoso affirmed.

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4 The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-March 2016

Editorial

Winning Game If the newly-elected government officials will perform their duties with excellence, dignity, and responsibility, then the future generation will be freed from enduring the mistakes and misconducts of our past leaders.

Last May 2016, the Filipino people chose who they deemed as the righteous and deserving leaders of our country. Exercising their rights to vote, they carry with them the hope of having a better country free from crime, poverty, and corruption.

To the chosen leaders, they’ve taken not only victory and fame but also promises, visions, and plans for the Philippines and its people. Their positions, however, are not privileges but responsibilities which must be fulfilled not for personal agenda but for selfless service to the country.

In connection, the same principle applies to the university and college student councils in Bicol University. As representatives of the Iskolar ng Bayan, these councils are expected to provide a reliable, intact, and steadfast student body. Failure to create such, just like in the national and local governments, will result to catastrophe.

That is why, it is downright important to establish a stronghold of dedicated leaders who share the same passion when it comes to leadership – that is, performing tasks efficiently and effectively, and believing on the principle of servant leadership and command responsibility. For the country’s president, it is only vital to choose cabinet secretaries who are experienced, hardworking, and would fight for nothing but the truth. For the student councils, it is only imperative to set up a strong foundation of trust between the officers, especially that they came from different parties.

True enough, our government officials are working not only for the present citizens of our country but also for the youth of the succeeding years. However, we cannot solely rely our future on their hands. More than ever, the youth is not just the hope of tomorrow, but they are also the solution of today. These government officials serve as their role models and the type of leadership they exemplify would mold the next generation of leaders.

After all, the real game of politics isn’t played during the campaign period. Rather, the real game happens after the positions are bestowed on the leaders. But unlike any other game, these players cannot afford to lose. They only have one option – that is, to win their goal of a better and progressive country.

Killing Spree in Social Media Election By this time, that this column has been published, the Philippines, our country, already has its new president. Well first of all, my article will not tackle about the next leader who’s going to pay the nation’s external debt of P6 trillion. But I’m going to talk about how some Filipinos had excessively and voraciously consumed the social media sites during the heat of the National Elections, the responsible utilization of the social media, and how the improper use of these sites have further dampened the Filipino mentality and values.

Blame it to some of the hard core fans - the “Dutertrolls”, “Poe Pips”, the “Nognogs”, the “Daang Matuwid” believers, and the MDS supporters, who have adulterated the social media by lambasting, criticizing and ripping the throat of their rival supporters and the candidates as well through posting their irresponsible statuses, comments and tweets. I have nothing against them. I have nothing against their beliefs, guiding principles and faith with their respective candidates. But what makes me agitated is how they have practiced and reflected the hideous side of politics that our country is nursing – slanderous, false accusations, maligning, and a lot more.

Moreover, it is just so disappointing that those who are “well-educated” and have earned high degrees are the ones who are throwing attacks, sarcasms, blames, defamatory and meanest statements against each other whether online or offline. We don’t want to be like them, do we? But as the Filipino maxim says, “Kung ano puno, siya rin ang bunga.” The kind of voter you are

can be determined by the type of candidate that you support.

Let’s go into deeper sense and figure out how you (as a voter or supporter), your candidate, the national elections, and all the absurd assertions are all interconnected in the world of social media.

Prospero De Vera, a UP National College of Public Administration and Governance professor in an interview with The STAR said that the widespread use of social media on the election season has not been helpful in educating voters on the real issues concerning the national polls.

“There’s so much misinformation on social media. The viciousness of the attacks on social media is something else. You post something, people call you names, they tell you that you should be raped, you should be killed. That has never happened in our history.

The level of vitriol on social media is shocking, to say the least,” De Vera stated.

Further, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) on its article “The Evolving Role of Media Elections” said that new media can serve as a platform for the dissemination of false and misleading information, lacking the gate keeping processes and expertise of traditional media.

Indeed, the social media, the election’s game changer, should be utilized in the most responsible manner especially during the times like this, wherein a critical decision to be made is of national concern. We all know the power of social media. Focusing on its impact during the elections, it has undeniably changed the political landscape in our country and has increasingly become an important

StaedTlerTM Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta

outlet for candidates, political parties, election management bodies, and citizens. According to IFES, through social media, “Citizens have more avenues to reach candidates and campaigns and share information than ever, presenting new opportunities and challenges for democracy promotion and new possibilities for democratic consolidation around the world.”

There’s no problem with the social media but to those netizens who are using it to kill the influence and reputation of the candidates (who have already lost their reputation a long time ago).

The kind of voter you are can be determined by the type of candidate that you support.

In the report “How Social Media is shaping the 2016 elections”, which was posted in the ABS CBN News website, Professor Chester Cabalza, a political anthropologist, focused on the “immature” use of social media by spreading false information, unsubstantiated posts, and doing personal attacks against a person. Cabalaza believes that even though there is a political engage-

ment in social media Filipinos are still “immature” when it comes to using social media as we are still “evolving.”

Some Filipino netizens still cling to “showbiz politics” and we cannot deny that we get these kinds of political grape vines through watching television, reading our daily newspapers, hearing the radio, utilizing the social media or even by gossiping with our kumares or kumpares. Filipino netizens should mature now when engaging in political discourse in social media because if not, we’ll just convert this tool from a pertinent passage of scrutinizing the candidates’ platforms into a horrible arena of rotten political gimmicks and mutiny.

There’s no hitch if we want to air our utmost support and allegiance to our candidates – whether in the real world or in social media. It’s just that, we ought to be more responsible and ethical in every statement or comment that we post. We must still be careful and respectful of each and everyone’s opinions especially for those candidates who are running in high posts in the national government.

It just so astonishing that despite of the slow internet penetration in the country, its inhabitants has the command on the nation’s political landscape in the social media. Every post has a reaction and every reaction has an adverse effect on the outcome and trends of the national polls. With that, if we’re going to use the social media to unite despite of our individual differences and preferences, look at what kind of peaceful election and country we will have --- of course that’s Utopia and it does not exist.

nion

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Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Karampatang Alokasyon

Summation Jervy Anne M. Romero Maikukumpara ang patuloy na pag-init ng panahon sa nag-aalab na kagustuhan ng bawat Pilipinong mapunan ang nag-aalburotong tiyan.

Bagaman, kung sino ang nakikipagbuno sa ilalim ng sikat ng araw ay siya pang pinagkaitang makatikim ng kahit kakarampot ng pinaghirapang bigas.

Sinalubong ang unang araw ng Abril ng pagkamatay ng dalawang magsasaka matapos ang isang riot sa Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Kasama nila ang mahigit 6000 magsasaka na nagprotesta sa isang bahagi ng national highway sa Kidapawan upang manawagan ng tulong sa lokal na pamahalaan patungkol sa gutom na idinulot ng El Niño.

Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, hindi na bago sa atin kung may mga mababawian ng buhay dahil sa pakikipagbuno sa pulisya. Hindi na rin bago sa atin kung makalipas ang isang buwan o taon ay hindi mapanagot ang mga may sala sa nangyaring pagkamatay.

Ang nakapagpagulat sa karamihan ay ang pagharang ng lokal na pamahalaan ng tulong na ibinibigay ng mga sektor at indibidwal para sa mga magsasaka. Ang kakulangan sa aksyon ng adminsitrasyong Aquino sa nasabing trahedya ay isang malaking kawalang-hiyaan. Minsan tinatanong ko ang sarili ko: Tao pa ba sila? Nakapagdududa na kasi minsan.

Buwan ng Abril din noong 2015 nang abisuhan ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) ang Malacañang at lokal na pamahalaan ng North Cotabato patungkol sa El Niño. Hulyo ng inabisuhan ng ahensya ang publiko na ito ang magiging pinakamalalang El Niño sa kasaysaan ng bansa. Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, natural lamang dapat sana sa pamahalaan na magsagawa ng mga paunang aksyon at pagpaplano nang sa gayon ay mapaghandaan ang nasabing katastropiko.

Ukol dito, sa 2016 budget ay humingi ang Kagawaran ng Agrikultura ng halagang P2 bil-

lion ngunit P900 million lamang ang naaprubahan. Bagaman, sa mga huling araw ng Enero, napagtanto ng kagawaran na P3 billion pala ang kailangan nila. Kung saka naman tapos na ang deliberation ng 2016 budget, saka naman naisip ng ahensya na kulang pala ang iminungkahi nilang halaga. Samakatwid, hinding-hindi sasapat ang P900 million na panangga sa nagbabadyang tagtuyot.

Sa lokal na pamahalaan, gumastos ng milyon ang North Cotabato para sa mga cloud seeding na magdudulot ng pag-ulan. Bagaman, ang epekto nito ay panandaliang pagbibigay-tubig lamang sa mga pananim. Hindi sasapat ang cloud seeding

Minsan tinatanong ko ang sarili ko: Tao pa ba sila?

Nakapagdududa na kasi minsan. upang makaani ng kahit na iisang sako ng bigas na itinatanim at pinagbubunga sa loob ng halos apat na buwan.

Matapos ang riot sa Kidapawan, iba-ibang pampubliko at pribadong ahensya ang nagtangkang magpaabot ng tulong sa mga magsasaka.

Imbis na magpasalamat, ikinasama ng pamahalaan ng North Cotabato ang mga nasabing tulong habang idinidiin na ito ay pamumulitika lamang at insulto sa kanilang gobyerno.

Nakapanlulumong isipin na sa kabila ng pagiging agricultural country ng Pilipinas ay ang

ating bansa pa ang nangungunang rice importer sa buong mundo. At sa pananalasa ng El Nino ay higit pang pinalala ang dati nang malalang sitwasyon para sa ating mga magsasaka. Nagsagawa ng aksyon ang pamahalaan upang kahit kaunti ay magmukha silang may ginagawa. Ngunit sa pagdaan ng mga sumunod na buwan ay tila natuyo na rin ang mga pangako at programang ipinunla nila sa kanilang mga tigang na pamumuno.

At sa aminin man nila o hindi, sa nakikita nating pagkagutom ng mga magsasakang dapat sana’y unang nakakakain ng bigas na kanilang ipinupunla, malinaw na ang pondo ng gobyerno ay hindi nailalaan ng maayos sa mga karampatang paglalaanan nito.

Kung tutuusin, sa pamamagitan ng mas maayos na sistema ng irigasyon, transportasyon, at produksyon, walang sino mang magsasaka ang mangangailangan pang magbuwis ng buhay para sa isang sakong bigas.

Kung tutuusin, sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa mga magsasaka ng buong mga fertilizer, kagamitan, at makinarya, mataas ang tyansa na maging exporter na tayo ng bigas imbis na importer.

Ngunit ang mga ito ay pawanag “kung” lamang – mga posibilidad na hindi naisasakatuparan dahil sa bulok na sistema ng ating gobyerno pati ng mga namumuno rito. Nakaririndi na ang mga pangakong binabato ngunit hindi naman nasasalo ng mga mamamayan. Nakaririndi na ang pagbibingi-bingihan ng mga nakatataas at pagpapakasasa nila sa kayamanan.

Mas masahol ang ganitong klaseng pamamahala sa nag-aalburotong kalikasan. Dahil kapag ang pansariling interes na ang nakalatag sa hapag-kainan, walang ibang pwedeng sumalo kundi kapwa mga ganid. At ang mamamayang nagdarahop ay walang ibang magagawa kundi magdildil ng asin.

Duct Tape

Bull’s Sheet Bryan L. Del Castillo

Last March 19, 2016, the 10th death anniversary of Cris Hugo made me ponder on few things which include the country’s status in terms of Impunity Index and whether or not along with his bereavement also comes the death of courage among the Bicol University (BU) students as vigilant members of the institution, hence, the decline of student activism.

Hugo was a graduating AB Journalism student, and a national council member and regional coordinator of League of Filipino Students (LFS) in Bicol when he was shot dead by unidentified gunman on March 19, 2006. Until this day, the perpetrator of his murder remains at large while the authorities start to forget his decade-old case.

While this might be a problem on injustice, it also underscores the country’s status quo in terms of impunity. The Philippines once again hit the hall of shame being the top among 59 countries with the highest impunity index around the globe according to the Impunity and Justice Research of the Universidad de las Americas. It also ranked fourth on the Committee to Protect Journalists’ impunity index and as this problem continues, more casualties will be identified and suspects uncaught. Among the casualties is Hugo who is the 85th of the 205 victims of extrajudicial killings during the term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Impunity is only one among the countless problems in the Philippines. Believe me when I say that our country will never run out of such.

The Philippines is the richest country in terms of political dramas and all we could ever do as ordinary Juan Dela Cruz is to speak of these problems while our industrious politicians would enthusiastically distract and silence us as if to sing “Shut up and dance with me.”

It is by all means ironic to say that our country enjoys de jure democracy when its people cannot fully exercise and protect their rights.

Our right to speech may be aggressively impeded

5

when the armed men already perceive that we’re already in the “order of battle” against them and the government. Terrifying might it sound but the real score is we’re actually enjoying democracy at gunpoint. From that, Filipinos slowly lost intrepid boldness and chose to remain silent.

Meanwhile, the death of Hugo may have somehow inflicted most students a sense of fear that they lost the courage to speak. However, it is not our role to do nothing.

It might be right for students to willingly work hand-in-hand with the school administration. After all, an engine needs every part of it to work. Yet, it also needs every piece of its screws

The death of Hugo may have somehow inflicted most students a sense of fear that they lost the courage to speak. However, it is not our role to do nothing. to be at the proper place to assure it won’t disintegrate and for it to happen, someone must constantly observe that everything is going fine. Doing so is our obligation as students but we often busy ourselves with nothing and embrace apathy and passivity.

By essence, activism despite its negative connotation somehow makes the democratic stability of the country. To maintain the equilibrium of the Philippines’ societal stance, someone should assume as the opposition and, fearlessly criticize and address the government’s mistakes. It allows

fearless exchange of conversation between the government and concerned citizens. For the same reason, student activism is healthy for an academic institution.

According to an undergraduate thesis in BU College of Arts and Letters entitled “Assessment on student activism as perceived by campus journalists in selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Legazpi City”, student activism is important as it empowers the students in enjoying their rights and restrains the school from actions that tampers student welfare. To know that there are still some who recognizes the power of student activism is overwhelming, but to realize that most really recognizes it but no longer have the passion for it is another story.

For a university that envisions itself to be world-class, it is essential for the administration to welcome constructive criticisms especially from its primary clients, the students. After all, it’s us who have firsthand experiences on the school’s performance and are aware on what’s needed to be improved.

Some may find it unsound for me to actually uphold student activism. However, isn’t it because of activist conducts that our country now brags its false democracy? Our history was filled with stories of liberalism which freed our country from the bonds of colonial rule and dictatorship. After all, hitting the road through rallies is not done out of plain boredom. It is done because something is wrong and the people joining it are bored with no one among that of the government officials leveling it with a solution.

The bullet that deprived Hugo his life and justice may have silenced the students but there is still a tiny spark of hope for us. To end impunity, we could start by working on the justice the victims deserve. Who knows? The persistence of student activism may be the key in serving Hugo due justice and promoting a more democratic Bicol University, hence, world-class.

Tub-thumper Jessica B. Bechayda

Unmoved

If I could only raise my middle finger to the dubious judicial system in our country, I would gladly do it if it would lead the lawmakers to toughen the mining law and, even more, to protect the environment. However, this is not possible. Unfortunately, the leaders of the State are shameless and brave enough not to change the deteriorating governance even if you dare to pull a trigger on their head.

Personally, I am not against the booming mining industry in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, I consider it as a great contribution to our country’s economic progress.

The Lafayette mine in Rapu-Rapu Island situated in the province of Albay was one of the first large-scale mining projects to start commercial operation in the late 1990s after the Supreme Court upheld the controversial 1995 mining law in December 2004. The national government has held up the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Mining Project as an example of responsible and sustainable mining in accordance with strict guidelines laid down by the mining law.

However, everything could go wrong amid what our government officials liked to describe as a ’’world-class’’ mining law and tough environmental regulations. It happened when Lafayette’s mineral processing facilities containing cyanide and toxic substances spilled into nearby creeks on two separate occasions last October 2005. The mining disaster killed thousands of fishes and crustaceans along the waterways of Albay Gulf.

In a pastoral letter issued on December 2005, then Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said the fish kill is causing an economic disaster as 70 per cent of the population in the area depends on fishing for

I refused to say that they are confused to the problem they wanted to be solved. livelihood. He called for the closure of Lafayette for the common good of the people of the Bicol Region.

It can be remembered that Australia’s Lafayette Mining Company must be feeling particularly cursed after a string of disasters and setbacks tied up Lafayette in knots and immobilized its P1.8 billion

mining venture. The project was supposed to last for seven years until 2012, but was immediately shut down by the government and would only be allowed to resume on 2007 after it put in place the remedial measures and paid a P10million fine to the Pollution Adjudication Board in compliance with the Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

I commend the government for shutting down the mining operation, 10 years ago, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but allowing it to resume a year after it damaged some 180 hectares of the mining site is another story.

Though the mining firm had instituted the remedial measures, paid the ten million fine and revised its Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan, a detailed outline of steps the company must take to restore the natural condition after the mining operation cease, I still do not agree with the decision of the DENR and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). It could have been better if they just ended the operation and proceeded to rehabilitating the area.

Now, after four years of its closure, the island is experiencing a great trouble when the Australian mining firm sold out the mining site operation to the South KoreanMalaysian firm because of bankruptcy, but was allegedly abandoned by the latter, leaving no funds for mine rehabilitation, retrenchment pay for employees, settlement of liabilities to government for unpaid taxes and salaries.

I refused to say that they are confused to the problem they wanted to be solved. Because it is evident that they’re the ones who are more knowledgeable on how to end this long-term environmental case.

So, why am I opening this issue again after a decade that it was publicized? Because I am so disillusioned on how slow-paced our government system is. Are we going to train ourselves to just accept their telenovela-liked plan of action? Are we going to wait for another decade before this issue be prioritized?

I fear that the delay of solving this problem may one day find the host town left behind ruined and damaged without rehabilitation as experienced by other mined provinces. I fear that my own island-municipality will be left with no choice but to clean up the mess done by other people.

Isn’t it so much worse for this place to be treated like a pile of garbage after it provided you a bar of gold? Isn’t it?

Opinion

6 The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

The Bicol Universitarian

Official Student Publication of Bicol University

Editorial Board & Staff

Level-up

Post script Arthessa Marie M. Ladoing Sabay ng pagpalit ng bagong administrasyon ay ang panibagong adhikain ng pamantasan. Marahil may ilang natuwa at nasabik sa bagong bisyon na ito, ngunit madami rin ang napataas kilay. Maging ako ay napaisipisip din. Kaya na nga bang matawag na ‘world-class’ ang ating unibersidad?

Naalala ko ang aking kaibigang pumunta ng Amerika. Sa kanyang pagbabalik, bukod sa mga pasalubong niyang tsokolate, ibinahagi niya sa amin ang kanyang karanasan. Ibinahagi rin niya ang kanyang pagkamangha sa kalidad ng mga paaralan doon. Pang“world-class”. Ang mga ‘community college’ nila kung tawagin ay pawang katumbas na ng mga prestihiyosong unibersidad sa ating bansa. At nang minsang makadalo ako at ang aking mga kamag-aral sa mga magkahiwalay na seminar workshop ng mga tanyag na unibersidad at tahanan ng growling tigers at green archers, lubusan kaming namangha sa mga pasilidad ng mga ito.

Ang tinaguriang ‘Big Four’ ay ang mga nangunguna at tinitingalang mga unibersidad sa bansa. Kabilang dito ang University of the Philippines – Diliman (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU) at Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU). Sila ang naglalagay ng basehan ng magandang kalidad sa mataas na edukasyon. Bukod pa sa apat na nabanggit, nariyan din ang iba pang mga dekalibreng unibersidad sa Maynila tulad ng Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East (UE) at Adamson University at iba pa.

Tinatawid ngayon ng Bicol University ang daan tungo sa pagiging ‘world-class’ nito. Pinapatunayan ito ng pakikipagsabayan nito sa iba’t ibang board exam sa mga programa tulad ng Social Work, Accountancy, Nursing, Education, Architecture at ilang programa sa Engineering. Marami na rin ang naitalang BUeño na naging topnotcher sa mga programang nabanggit. Gumagawa rin ito ng pangalan sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon. Sinisikap din nitong makipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang institusyon sa loob at labas ng bansa at maidala ito sa international level.

Bilang mga magsisipagtapos, literal na grad-“waiting” na lang kaming sumapit ang araw ng aming pagtatapos at kalauna’y mabibilang na rin sa mga manggagawa ng bansa. Kaugnay dito, mas maraming oportunidad ang naghihintay sa mga communication student tulad ko sa Maynila, ang sentro ng industriya. Hindi lang din kasi mga bigating broadcasting network ang naghihintay doon, kundi ang mga iba’t ibang media firm, institusyon at malalaking kompanya sa advertising, public relations at iba pa.

Ngunit kalakip ng malaking bilang ng mga kompanya sa Maynila ay ang tindi ang kompetisyon sa pagitan mga fresh graduate. Dati ng nariyan ang mga tapos sa ‘big four’ at iba pang mga tanyag na unibersidad. Kaya doble kayod ngayon ang mga mula sa probinsya o mga nagtapos sa mga di-gaanong kilalang state university/college. Hindi sa minamaliit ko ang BU, ngunit alam naman natin na may ilang employer talaga ang tinitingnan pa rin ang school preference. Ito’y ayon sa isang survey

Technically Speaking

Randall Matthew A. Lorayes One of the recent buzz coming out of tech industry is a dispute between Apple and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over the latter’s request to the former to create a special software that will allow to circumnavigate security features of an iPhone and gain access to information in which it believes could be used as evidence in an ongoing investigation in yet another mass shooting incident in the country.

In an open letter that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, sent out to customers, the company says it could not just comply with the FBI’s request saying that “building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control.”

This letter further discusses how creating this software could be a dangerous precedent and a threat to everyone’s data security, especially in this age where smartphones and other smart devices store almost all of our personal information, arguing that “the government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers” The FBI meanwhile is invoking the All Writs Act which states that “The Supreme Court and all courts established

by Act of Congress may issue all writs necessary or appropriate in aid of their respective jurisdictions and agreeable to the usages and principles of law.”. In other words, the courts can require a third party to assist in executing a prior order.

In this particular case, a federal judge has compelled Apple to assist the FBI in unlocking the smartphone on the grounds that “the government has been unable to complete the search because it cannot access the iPhone's encrypted content. Apple has the exclusive technical means which would assist the government in completing its search, but has declined to provide that assistance voluntarily.”

Other tech companies such as Facebook and Yahoo have supported Apple while on the other hand, some families and friends of the victims and survivors of the mass shooting have shown support for the FBI. As of this writing, the case has been dropped as the FBI has been able to unlock the phone without the assistance of Apple. Thus, the government could no longer justify using the All Writs Act as it has found alternative means. However, while this particular standoff has ended, this does not mean the United States government is no longer asking Apple to unlocking iPhones.

In fact, there are still cases elsewhere where law enforcement agencies are requesting access to locked phones.

So, why does this matter to us? If you have a smartphone that has all your text messages, phone logs, photos, social media accounts and all other kinds of personal information stored in it and you don’t want it to be in the general public to easily see it, then you should be concerned about this issue.

As far the Filipino netizen sphere is concerned, I’ve seen a couple of comments accusing Apple of protecting terrorist by not complying with the FBI

ng Jobstreet.com Philippines, na nagsasabing mas binibigyang prayoridad ng mga employer ang mga nagtapos mula sa top 10 universities sa bansa.

Sa kabila ng magandang katayuan ng BU na nabanggit, malaking hamon pa rin ang mga pasilidad sa bawat kolehiyo nito. Dahil sa loob ng apat na taon, marahil sasangayon sa akin ang marami na may kung anong mahika

Upang ganap na maging “worldclass”, marapat lang na higit na pagtibayin ng BU ang pinaka-pundasyon nito – ang kalidad ng edukasyon at serbisyong inihahatid sa mga BUeño. ang dala ng mga proseso ng accreditation. Kahit papaano’y lumilinis ang mga banyo, binubuksan ang ilang mga pasilidad sa mga estudyante, masisipag pumasok ang mga propesor, at marami pang magandang kababalaghan ang nagaganap. Mapalad na nga tayo na makikinabang na rin sa sport facilities na maitatayo dulot ng Palarong Pambansa.

Isa ring hamong maituturing sa adhikaing ito ang paglimit ng administrasyon sa mga field trip, study tour o exposure tour at pagrerekomenda na lamang ang pagawa ng “innovative learning strategies” ng bawat kolehiyo.

Ngunit sa apat o limang taong iginugugol ng mga estudyante sa pagaaral, hindi bat higit na matututo sila sa mga gawain sa labas ng unibersidad? Nagsisilbi itong bukas na pinto ng karunungan, ng oportunidad, at salamin ng mas malaking mundo ng realidad.

Upang ganap na maging “worldclass”, marapat lang na higit na pagtibayin ng BU ang pinaka-pundasyon nito – ang kalidad ng edukasyon at serbisyong inihahatid sa mga BUeño. Malayo-layo pa ang bubunuin nito upang makasabay sa mga nangungunang unibersidad sa bansa at alam nating magiging masukal ang daan.

Marahil marami ngang nagsipagtaas kilay sa adhikaing ito ng administrasyon dahil tila isang suntok sa buwan. Ngunit hindi bat nakakasabik dahil magandang simulain ito para sa pagbabago, kapwa sa unibersidad at sa mga estudyante nito? At sinong hindi matutuwa sa ideya ng pagiging ‘worldclass’ o maihilera man lang sa mga nangungunang unibersidad sa bansa?

Sa huli, nasa estudyante ang paghuhusga sa katayuan ng unibersidad, kung naibibigay nga ba nito ang ‘clientele satisfaction na tinatawag. Ang mga estudyante rin ang magbibigay depinisyon magsasabuhay ng pagiging ‘worldclass’ nito, kung sila ba’y magiging mga lider at change agents tungo sa kaunlaran at pagbabago ng lipunan.

The ‘Security’ Balancing Act request. While we can all agree that what happened in San Bernardino was outrageous and we certainly hope it does not happen on our own neighborhood or even in our own country but we also have to understand that if Apple does create the software, it could increase the risk that should our precious smartphone get stolen, there’s a chance that the hacker can get access to your

There’s always been a debate on where the line is between personal data security and national security.

personal data even with the security features implemented.

This is why there’s always been a debate on where the line is between personal data security and national security. Tech companies have the duty to protect the personal data of their customers through encryption and other security features of their products while law enforcement agencies also have the duty to protect the citizens from harm which is why these agencies conduct

surveillance in order to determine if somebody is a threat to security.

Some believe that the people should give up a little of their personal data security in order to make the nation a lot safer. Others believe that these two types of security are inversely proportional of each other and therefore, tightening one loosens the other which means it’s always a balancing act between the two sides of the ‘security wars’.

Indeed, there is no easy solution to this very complicated dilemma as both sides are dedicated to their respective duties to secure and protect the people they serve. However, I believe this is the right time approach this in another perspective as well as consider others’ perspective on this in order to get the larger view of the problem.

Keeping our personal devices secure is definitely important and so is the need keep the nation secure and prevent any act of terror to occur. This is the right opportunity for our country, while we are not yet as technologically advanced as the United States to watch this ongoing dispute with interest as our legislation will need to adopt to the technological advancements that we will soon adopt in the coming years.

Looking further down the road, this will not be the only time Congress will face these bumps should they pass further legislation which involves technological advancements. We have to only hope that everyone will find a way to keep improving our data security at the same time protecting ourselves from terrorists. Will they find the right balance? We have to wait and see as well as hope for the best.

A Y. 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

Editor-in-Chief Joshua Caleb Pacleta Associate Editor Jervy Anne Romero Managing Editor Bryan Del Castillo Senior Editor Jessica Bechayda Arts & Graphics Editor Nichole Baloloy Online Content Editor Randall Lorayes Copy Editor Arthessa Marie Ladoing Writers Keren Anne Bernadas Cassandra Balala Gladys Ebrada Elyssa Kristine Ella Renzle Mae Miranda Mark Colin Abliter Rojee Peninoy Alyssa Joana Aro Jerald Talavera Cartoonists Deano Christian Echague John Paul Revilla Layout Artist Edward Lustan Photojournalists Jan Marie Raquion George Gio Brondial Shan Gabriel Apuli PR Staff Joshua Mirabuna Marian De Una Jasmine Yao Christian Robert Roxas Ivy Cuebillas May Altavano Technical Adviser Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta

The Bicol Universitarian is located at the 2/F MP Bldg., Bicol University, Legazpi City

Financial Statement 1st Semester , A.Y. 2015-2016

Cash Inflow 1st Sem Collection (AY ‘15-’16) Remaining Cash (2nd Sem, AY ’14-’15) Bank Interest Total Cash Inflow Cash Outflow 1st Print Issue (Partial Payment) 1st Wallnews BU Week ‘15 Coverage Basic Mass Integration Staff Screening Team Building Activity Presswork Photocopy, printing, & shipment of files Web Maintenance T-shirt Printing Balance (BATSPA) Office Supplies & Equipment Operational Expenses Transportation Expenses Other expenses Total Cash Outflow

P 338,438.00 P 228,817.00 P 584.70 P 567,839.00

P 100,000.00 P 604.00 P 2,216.30 P 2,680.00 P 1,193.50 P 1,595.25 P 3,460.25 P 1,645.75 P 900.00 P 3,805.00 P 17,500.00 P 9,697.83 P 3,842.40 P 2,203.00 P 4,101.27 P 155,444.70

Cash Inflow Cash Outflow

P 567,839.00 P 155,444.70

Remaining Cash (as of 10/31/15)

P 412,394.30

Prepared by: (SGD.) Bryan Del Castillo Managing Editor Noted: (SGD.) Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta Technical Adviser

News

7

The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

CN now Center for Development

By Keren Anne Bernadas

The Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) has been hailed as the Center for Development by the start of the year. The decision granted by the BU administration gives threeyear title and manifestation for the college.

Dr. Emerlinda Alcala, CN Dean is full of pride about the development the college has become ever since she started her office as the dean seven years ago.

“We are happy and we are elated with the result of our efforts. This award will give our college a window into national and international partnerships that we can be proud of. CN will be recognized very soon in the nursing field in our country,” Alcala said.

Alcala shared the strategies that she set before the college towards its pursuit to excellence and development. The college administration developed competencies among their faculty in order that they will be updated in theory and practices through workshops and trainings.

“We send our professors to seminars being conducted by affiliating agencies. We also conduct regular balik-turo lectures from the alumni who have been successful in related fields that will also give us the new trends and innovation in nursing and medicine,” Alcala added.

Also, Alcala stressed the motivations and firsthand activities and trainings that the students will experience. The college, in collaboration with the student council conduct seminars aside from classroom teaching and comprehensive examinations and evaluation from their relatedlearning experience before going to higher level.

BENCHMARK IN LONG-TIME TERMS In the reign for the coming three years, Alcala is looking forward for the hard work of the next dean as she takes off from her term as the head of the college.

Alcala expects better faculty development, equipment, library improvement and facility enhancements especially that the technological means in the nursing field calls for more attention.

She plans to tap international and national linkages in order to strengthen partnerships and to conduct seminars and training to other universities inside and outside the Bicol region.

“We are very proud to become students of BUCN. It’s an opportunity for us to excel especially for the next batch.

It will be an added plus points especially when we are looking for a job in the hospitals. In this present time, there are more numbers of nurses, what matters now is the edge of my school against others. And we believe our college being the center for development in our university will help us get hired immediately,” senior Nursing student Joszebelle Estrella said.

“Three years of holding the title doesn’t mean we can only maintain the quality and standard in that range. I hope that after it, the administration and next batches will not waste it but will strive harder and even raise to become the center for excellence. We expect it is possible,” Patrick Ante, 4th year Nursing student said.

The students from Harvard University were amazed by the simple yet well edited DRRM earthquake protocols and procedures made by the students from BU College of Arts and Letters headed by Elane Sarte (second from right).

(Photo courtesy of Albert Gutierrez)

Bracing for K-12’s impact on BU

VPAA: boost on research, extension to aid profs

By Keren Anne Bernadas

Along the preparations thoroughly weighed in order to face the drastic effects of K-12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), Bicol University (BU) administration will venture on the enhancement of its research and extension that will also serve as alternative loads for the teachers.

Dr. Helen Llenaresas, BU Vice President for Academic Affairs said in an interview with The Bicol Universitarian that the administration has already drafted and set the university's strategies and plans for the teaching loads of the faculty members and other instructors on the effects on the first five years of the implementation of the K-12 BEC. Llenaresas said that BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas has developed the K-12 Road Map Committee, chaired by the VPAA which aims to stand the impacts of the K-12 on the area of faculty loading by making resolutions and creating alternative loads for the teachers.

EMPOWERMENT. The Bicol University College of Nursing Gender and Development Focal Point System spearheaded a symposium on Gender and Development at the CN Amphitheater on February 10, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Earl Recamunda)

In CBEM, six Accountancy studes awarded book grant

By Joshua Mirabuna & Gladys Ebrada

In order to lessen the burden of availing costly books, six students of the College of Business, Economics and Management’s (CBEM’s) Accountancy program were chosen to be the grantees of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) Book Grant for the second semester of A.Y. 2015-2016.

Jay Ryan Ortaliza and Carmille Joy Salle, both fourth year students, Mark Emmanuel Balbastro and April Joy Cabria, third year students and Johntobie Dulay and Lorraine Haber, both second year students were given monetary aid to support them in availing the books required in their course. A total of 25 Accountancy students applied on the said book grant.

The beneficiaries were chosen according to their grades which is 40 percent of the criteria and 60 percent was allotted for the applicants’ financial capacity. It was based on the fully accom-

plished application form and the Certificate of Grades they have submitted to the JPIA office before the first week of January this year.

Officers of JPIA and the faculty members served as the committee for JPIA’s program.

“I am thankful that I am one of the grantees and I am hoping that this program will help more accountancy students especially those who can hardly afford books,” Salle expressed her gratitude in an interview with The Bicol Universitarian.

Salle further stated that this book grant can also help the accountancy students in availing books and reviewers that can be used for their Certified Public Accountant Board Exam.

The grantees were announced and awarded during the opening ceremony of the Finance and Accountancy Week on February 29 at Casa Blanca Hotel, Legazpi City.

PISO VOTING The fund that was used for the book

grant was accumulated from the Piso Voting which amounted to P13, 000.

The Piso Voting is part of the criteria in the Ambassador of Goodwill Pageant conducted by JPIA on July 16, 2015.

“We think of something where we can allocate the fund we got from the Piso Voting. Since books are investment in accountancy, we decided to conduct the book grant,” JPIA President Mark Jason Tan said.

According to Tan, this program was already implemented in the past administrations but only selected Accountancy students had the chance to avail.

The program started on A.Y. 2013-2014 which was spearheaded by Danes Derrick Dolz but stopped in the succeeding year.

Tan hopes that the next JPIA officers for the succeeding years will adapt this program because he believes that this is good for the accountancy students. “According to our Department Chair, we must make a proposal to formalize this program as part of the JPIA,” Tan said.

TRACK TO TAKE Llenaresas said that by 2016, instructors will be given scholarship grants to finish their graduate studies in BU Graduate school. The faculty members will be advised to finish their master’s degree as for first priority, doctoral degrees for second priority and even those who pursued second courses as they retool their skills be given the last priority.

“We [administration] will no longer hire part-timers but we will need practitioners," Llenaresas stated.

“By the year there will be no incom-

ing freshmen students, professors who will have less loads in teaching General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses Filipino, Humanities, etc. will be handling Professional Education courses.”

Another strategy that the committee has projected is to engage the faculty members into research writing and enhancement of instruction and extension.

The regular 18-unit teaching load of the faculty members will now include three units of research for the first year of its implementation; six units after the second school year and nine units after the third year.

"The strategy is that as early as now, we are sending instructors and faculty members in seminars and workshops in research writing and extension services. We are also mandating colleges by their respective heads to conduct trainings in order to prepare the teachers write proposals because that will serve as their future alternative load," she said.

Llenaresas further said that the administration is also abiding the Civil Service policy. "Before a college instructor is promoted, he or she must finish master’s degree courses.

Likewise, to be promoted as a professor, an instructor must have finished a research study," she said.

She also said that BU will become the channel of the researches and studies of the government and non-government sectors to be used and utilized by both the private and public consumption.

A memorandum from the office of the president will be released to formally put plans and strategies into action within the second semester of academic year 2015-2016.

POWER TO CAPTURE. Hon. Shiena Marie Onrubia, 2015 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) professional fellow and Tabaco City Councilor, delivers her speech to the students of Bicol University during the YSEALI Albay Caravan held at the CSB1 Function Hall last March 18, 2016. (Photo by Jan Marie Raquion)

News

8 The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Buklod’s Nota sits as new USC Chair, Student Regent

By Keren Anne Bernadas, Christian Robert Roxas, & Ivy Cuebillas with reports from Alyssa Joana Aro & Rojee Peninoy

For the first time in nine years, BUKLOD party’s standard bearer secured the post as the new University Student Council (USC) chairperson and student regent for the next academic year.

Garnering 8590 votes, senior year Mining Engineering student Patrick Anthony Nota won as the first elected supreme head of USC from BUKLOD party. Meanwhile, Sarah Marion Monay of Bicol University League of Democrats (BU Leaders) garnered 4914 votes and Michelle Grace Tabilin of League of Liberal Reformists (LLR) -Reporma Coalition acquired 4152 votes.

Six positions namely Internal Vice-Chairperson, External ViceChairperson, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Auditor and Public Information Officer were secured by LLR Reporma. Meanwhile, the Finance Officer and Business Manager were hailed from BU Leaders and the Deputy Finance Officer came from BUKLOD. For the historic USC election turnouts, Nota expressed his gratitude to all the BUeños who entrusted him their votes.

“I am thanking everyone po. I’m so overwhelmed with the support, thank you very much lalo na sa lahat ng colleges and I never expected this. To everyone po na sumuporta, thank you very much. Nothing can replace this,” he said.

FIRST WINNER, NEW LEADER Bearing BUKLOD’s vision for Bicol University, Nota said that he is pressured but excited at the same time to finally be given the chance to serve the university as the chairperson.

As the new student regent, Nota will give more attention to the students’ concerns and put an effective representation to the student body.

For the next academic year, he said that USC will not just organize events but will encourage “maximum student participation”. He also added that the new USC will bridge the gap between the students and the administration as well as between the college council and the students.

“Gusto ko ngayon magfocus sa students kung paano kami [USC] makakatulong sa pag-develop nila hindi lang sa classroom pati outside, yung mas maging responsive sila. Yun talaga yung vision namin - a Bicol

University that is responsive hindi lang hanggang classroom. We want na yung USC mismo ang tutulong sa pag-tigil ng students’ apathy because I believe as the USC, we should try to maximize their potentials,” Nota said.

By the start of the next semester, Nota already planned to start early on lobbying student concerns in the General Legislative Assembly (GLA) in order for many resolutions to be approved.

Furthermore, Nota will help students in seeking for opportunities both in local and international conventions. In the same way, the new USC will generate more chances of student and human development ahead of time simultaneously in all colleges and campuses.

He also said that he will always be present in every activity of both the council and the students in order to make the student body feel a direct service from him.

PLATFORMS The new USC helm said that his platforms would revolve on the three I’s his political party upholds - Integrity, Initiative, and Involvement. He said that he wants to continue projects that instill and uphold integrity, strive for students’ initiative, and strengthen the university’s involvement to social and community projects.

One of his platforms is “Hururon” - an intensified student consultation through various platforms which aims to lobby the concerns of the students to the administration. Nota said that he adopted the said platform from Buklod’s standard bearer in last year’s election, Edrick Vargas.

He also pushes for more community and social projects which he believes would greatly contribute to the social development of a student.

“Doon maipapakita rin ng university na hindi lang tayo hanggang galing, hanggang talino. Meron din tayong pakialam sa kapwa natin,” he said.

The USC Chair said that he wants to give full support to College and University Based Organizations, CSCs and Publications by funding the outstanding and impact-centered proposed projects among the organizations in the university.

“The best way to help CBOs, UBOs, CSCs and the publications is by funding their projects. They have the

Patrick Anthony Nota best projects. They have the mind, the capacity. The USC can and will support their projects. Kasi whatever happens, sila talaga ang nagbibigay puso sa BU,” he said.

Meanwhile, there is a high possibility of launching a student camp this year. This youth camp will help the students discover their identity, strengths and skills and will better engage the university into local and international development.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Offices of Student Services Ma. Merlie Arbo hopes that all of the platforms of the new councilwill be pushed through since she believes that most of it is in line with the university’s vision.

“This time, the USC, with the help of the students will work hard to achieve the visions of the three parties for the university. And for the students, kung kailangan may ipaglaban, ipaglalaban po talaga namin,” Nota promised.

Nota sa Balota. Supporters of Patrick Anthony Nota, the standard bearer of BUKLOD raise their banners and their voices to show support to Nota during the conduct of Harapan 2016 last February 10 at the Bicol University Commencement Stage-. Nota is the newly elected BU USC Chairperson and Student regent. (Photo by George Gio Brondial)

Mascariñas unveils/ page 1 On the other hand, BU and the Provincial Government of Albay had an agreement that the sports complex constructed for the Palarong Pambansa will be turned over to BU for management.

The province will give the university an amount of P5 million every year for the maintenance of the facility.

“This sports complex is amounting P326 million. Therefore, it is a big investment for sports development in BU. And the income that will be derived from that complex will be put in a trust fund for the maintenance, an additional to the P5 million that BU will receive for 15 years,” Mascariñas explained.

MORE PROJECTS TO RISE Starting next year, development and modernization will take place in other campuses of the university with the construction of new buildings and facilities.

Mascariñas stated that the Land Use Plan for the East Campus comprising the College of Engineering (CEng) and College of Industrial Technology is near completion.

He added that they took over on the construction of the Food Technology Innovation Center and Multi-Technology Laboratory Building in east campus, which was left undone by the past administration. There is also a budget of P26 million for the improvement and expansion of CEng Gymnasium to a centralized air-conditioned facility.

“You cannot believe that we’re producing top notchers with that kind of buildings that we have in BUCEng. Besides, it is also the demand of the faculty members after so many years of difficulty in teaching without facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the bidding was done for the construction of the Administration Building at Daraga Campus worth P20 million, together with the road networking and landscaping costing P3.5 million. For Gubat Campus, P5 million was allocated for the construction of school buildings. “So maybe in four years time, you will see some rapid development in the university,” he stated.

However, construction of these infrastructure projects affects 15 personnel residing on the boundary of Daraga and 55 households occupying Sitio Olag.

The university might face the same problem they have encountered with the residents affected by the construction of sports complex concerning land titles and ownership.

“We have to deal with them as soon as possible. I hope they will be able to understand that we are growing and expanding. If we want to be world class, we have to modernize our facilities,” he explained.

BUDGET UTILIZATION Aside from the government subsidy (Fund 101), the university has an estimated total income of P272 million (Fund 164) from the tuition and other fees of students this 2016.

Out of this P272 million income, P91 million is allocated for the Student and Personnel Development Fund. It includes requests of the students and faculty members to attend and present papers on the events, seminars, or conferences outside the university.

“I believe that one way to develop the full potential of our student body is to expose them. Even in colleges, I always told the deans to give the students those funds allocated for them,” Mascariñas stated.

A total of P56 million is allotted to Fiduciary Income that is conserved through specific purposes. The remaining P71 million is for the infrastructure projects, maintenance, and repair of BU facilities. The Physical Development and Management- Office had a directive to identify the buildings for demolition.

“One of our problems is the slow budget utilization especially for infrastructure. We have to spend money wisely, efficiently and fast. If we are low spenders, we cannot justify our demand for higher budget allotment,” the president stressed.

News

9

The Bicol Universitarian Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

Nearly 5000 BU graduates join PH’s labor force

By Cassandra Balala

On its 46th commencement exercises, Bicol University (BU) sent off 4, 578 graduates from its seven campuses into the real world and thus were added to the country’s labor force.

BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas confirmed 3, 045 graduates from the Main Campus, East Campus, and Daraga Campus, during the graduation ceremony held at the university commencement ground last April 1.

The following colleges produced the corresponding number of graduates: Graduate School - 70, College of Arts and Letters - 370, College of Nursing - 77, College of Education - 477, College of Science - 235, and Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation - 84, College of Engineering - 259, College of Industrial Technology - 459, and the Institute of Architecture - 89, College of Business, Economics, and Management - 612, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) - 313.

From April 4 - 7, more than 1500 graduates from the satellite campuses marched on the stage and received their diploma. The Polangui Campus (PC) had 685 graduates, Tabaco Campus had 304 graduates, Gubat Campus had 291 graduates, and College of Agriculture and Forestry had 253.

With the theme “Bridging Bicol University to the World,” Mascariñas described the graduates of batch 2016 as the university’s newest partners towards the realization of its vision of making the Bicol University a world-class university.

“Today, we send you off to professional world to seek your own destiny. You are the next batch of individuals we wish to become leaders and change agents for social transformation and development in our country,” he stated.

Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University (DU) of South Korea, served as the keynote speaker.

He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science in Keio University at Tokyo, Japan as well as a Juries Doctor to the school of law at Syracuse University in New York, USA.

The DU has been an academic partner of BU through its students and faculty exchange program. After the graduation, BU and DUinked a memorandum of agreement for continuous collaboration.

In his message, Chang said that universities with “strong foundation to fulfill their role and bridges are the card in attending the changes of our society in general and higher education in particular.”

He cited that the foundation of a great bridge that made strong for changing world were with the constant innovation, sharing, and wisdom.

“You have good students in Bicol University but this will not be enough, you must keep striving to achieve your good potentials. In an era of countless innovation, university needs to be open-minded to change,” he stated.

Chan also stressed that it is more important nowadays to think creatively than to memorize facts. Without wisdom, the university cannot prepare the students for the dynamic world of tomorrow.

“The entrance exam for the univer-

Facing the Real World. Approximately 5000 Bicol University (BU) graduates for academic year 2015-2016, guests, and professors heed to the challenges and advices of Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University in Busan Korea, while delivering his speech as the guest speaker of the 46th Commencement Exercises last April 1, 2016. Chang is the first international speaker who graced BU’s graduation ceremonies since 1975. (Photo courtesy of Earl Recamunda)

161 students get nod/ page 1 students.

It can be remembered that on September 8, BU ordered a moratorium on study tours, field trips and the like to avoid incurring additional expenses to BU students who mostly come from poor families.

According to Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Helen V. Llenaresas, the administration received feedbacks from parents and sponsors of scholarship grants questioning the move of the university to approve educational tours despite the fact that 60% of the total number of students seek scholarship grants.

Also included are the students who send promissory notes requesting for staggered payment of fees as well as those who request to pay their tuition fees after the close of the enrolment period.

APPROVAL The director of the Institute of Architecture and the president of the BU Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers (BU-IIEE) explained the process that they underwent for the approval of their study

tour.

Director Reynaldo Nacional Jr. stated that he had a meeting with BU president Arnulfo Mascariñas regarding the request of the students from the institute to visit places outside the region for educational purposes.

“We explained to the president that the program needs such an activity. We talked about the particulars of the activity and the program itself and we have convinced him that the tour is really needed,” Nacional stated.

The director also said that the conduct of tours is not explicitly included in the curriculum of the architecture students but he explained that it is part of the syllabus of the subjects to visit sites.

When it comes to the electrical engineering students, BU-IIEE president John Rey Rayala said that their tour was approved because it was part of their curriculum under the subject Seminars and Field Trips.

“Wala pong naging choice si president kaya inapprove na lang pero kailangang suportado ng dean ng college yung tour,” Rayala said.

Mark Caparanga, president of the fifth year level organization of electri-

cal engineering students, stated that the tour provided opportunities for them to be exposed on their future work.

Among the places visited by these students were San Roque Hydro Power Plant, Rizal Wind Farm and Valenzuela Solar Power Farm.

Meanwhile, the biology students of the College of Science (CS), and the agricultural engineering students of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) decided not to push through with their tour because of the moratorium.

“This year, napagdesisyunan ng department [Biology deparment] na dito na lang sa Bicol because of the moratorium and for safety purposes,” Sean Patrick Sta. Isabel, incoming CS College Student Council president stated.

Educational tour is not a part of the curriculum of the biology students.

“Nung nagpapirma kami sa OSS [Office of Student Services] coordinator ng CAF di kami pinayagan dahil dun sa memorandum,” Krishia Alyssa Mae Espinas, a fourth year agricultural engineering student said.

INADEQUATE FACILITIES Caparanga from CENG and Sta.

sity as well as midterms and final exams are mostly designed to test memorization, which is the work of the left-brain. We need to develop and stimulate our right brain capabilities to foster creativity,” he added.

Andrew Refareal , a BSEd Magna Cum Laude graduate of PC was proclaimed as the Most Outstanding University Graduate. This is the first time that PC notched the said award.

On the other hand, the Presidential award for Scholarship was given to Joanna Monette Atibagos, an AB Philosophy graduate of CSSP, and Johnny Pet Topasi, a BSEd graduate of PC, received the Presidential Award for Leadership and Service.

BALLOONING With the constant growth of enrollment in BU every academic year, the number of graduates in the university increaseas well.

BU is the ninth biggest in terms of enrollment among the State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines. According to records of the University Registrar a total of 27, 243 students were enrolled in the university this year, having 4.21% increase compared last year.

From 2008-2014, 1,000 students were added in the university’s enrolment each year. There were 2,090 students enrolled on 2015, the time when Mascariñas sat as BU’s eight president.

Except on 2008 and 2010, the total number of graduates in the university also increased. There was a total of 7,096 graduates last 2015, having a 6.2% increase compared to 2014. Computation of graduates includes students who have satisfactory completed the academic requirements on the 1st and 2nd semester as well as summer.

However, Sophia Romero, University Registrar Dean, said that the main reasons of the students’ failure to graduate were financial problem and dropping of subjects.

“Even if they are scholars, they decided to stop because they do not have enough money to provide for their projects, fare, and others. Also, we cannot deny the reality that there were some students who got pregnant so they cannot continue,” she said.

She stressed that graduating students need to apply and undergo process for graduation. They should also consider to automatically include students who have completed all the academic requirements as candidate for graduation even without the application.

Isabel from CS both believe that their respective colleges lack the needed equipments and facilities which could’ve helped them in their course.

“Our tour has been a great help to us as future electrical engineers since our college lacks the needed laboratories that would help us learn,” Caparanga said.

Under the memorandum, it was stated that innovative learning strategies are to be encouraged in place of the suspension of the trips and tours.

CS Dean Lucy P. Estioko admitted that their college laboratories need to be upgraded. According to her, they were granted with a P7 million-peso fund acquisition from the university which can be used to acquire gadgets and equipments needed in the laboratory.

“The money was already given to us. Right now we are processing the papers. All the five departments in the college will receive funds,” Estioko stated.

She added that these gadgets were crucial for the students to acquire new knowledge and be able to have a handson experience.

“Siguro by next year maididistribute na yung funds sa five departments dito sa CS,” Estioko said.

News

The Bicol Universitarian Off ici al Stu de nt Publication of Bicol Unive rsit y

Vol. XLIII Issue 2 October 2015-April 2016

Fairness · Accuracy · Genuine Student Service

BU hosts Palarong Pambansa 2016 Promotes sports, physical education

In CAL, AVC stude’s article published on national online mag

By Keren Anne Bernadas

By Joshua Caleb Pacleta

An inspiring business story written by a Bicol University (BU) student was published in Kwentong Negosyo, a Filipino micro-entrepreneur online magazine.

For the first time since 1969, Bicol University (BU) witnessed history as it served as the main venue for the 59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, the most prestigious national youth games in the Philippines.

With the theme “Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K to 12”, over 12, 000 delegates including student athletes, coaches, and officials from all 18 regions gathered at the Albay Sports and Tourism complex last April 10-16 for the said annual sports festival.

The Palarong Pambansa was participated by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide.

The student athletes from the elementary level competed in 15 games while the secondary students battled in 17 games and four demonstration sports like Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling.

Also, one of the highlights of the Palarong Pambansa is the special events for the student athletes who are mentally and physically challenged such as swimming, goal ball, athletics, and Bocce - a ball sport closely related to bowling.

For the results, the National Capital Region (NCR) proved that it is indeed a powerhouse region in the youth sports as they clinched a 12th straight overall championship in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa. The NCR pocketed 104 golds, 57 silvers, and 48 bronzes.

In the second place is Region IV-A (Calabarzon) with 40 golds, 43 silvers, and 59 bronzes. Western Visayas came in third place anew with 35-35-39 medal tally.

The Bicol region notched the 11th place with 8 golds, 15 silver and 18 bronze medals.

“It is certainly an honor and a source of pride for the people of Albay to be given the opportunity to serve you [Palarong Pambansa delegates]. That is the heart of our hosting of the Palarong Pambansa,” Albay Governor Joey Sal-

LEADING THE ORAGONS. Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda heads the Bicol athletes in the parade of delegates during the Opening Ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2016 last April 10 at Bicol University Oval. Albay won the bid to host Palaro for the first time over Cagayan Province. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Mirabueno)

ceda said during the closing ceremony of the sports event.

According to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) website, “The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting event in the country that aims to develop the potential of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.”

MAINTENANCE In the report of The Bicol Universitarian on its issue in the first semester, Provincial Sports Coordinator Roderick Mendoza said that as to the maintenance of the sports facilities, it was indicated in the Memorandum of Agreement that the Provincial Government of Albay and BU are accountable for half of the total expenses.

“We shall send a representative every time there is maintenance, thus, BU should

also have a representative. When it comes to funding, both [BU and provincial government] will also be sharing on it,” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, according to Dr. Celerino Palacio, BU Sports Coordinator, the facilities are intended to become a tourist sports complex. After the national youth games, students from the university and other people may use the facilities for free.

ONE PROVINCE, ONE SPORTS COMPLEX Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) envisions a “world standard” sports complex for every province in the near future.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Lusitro bared his vision in an interview with The Bicol Universitarian during the 2016 Palarong

Pambansa here in Albay. The vision behind the hosting rotation among regions is to develop more sporting facilities in every province.

He said that should this vision materialize, “the sports complexes could be used for DepEd’s province-wide sports development program.”

“We are ensuring that the sports facilities are up to standard,” Luistro said.

Prior to his vision of “one province, one sports complex,” he also said during a May 5, 2015 press conference following the Senate committee hearing on the implementation of the K-12 program, that there should be at least one arts and design school, and sports school for every province. He said it would cater to senior high school students starting in the school year 2016-2017.

Elane Sarte, a senior AudioVisual Communication student, in cooperation with Simbag sa PagAsenso Inc. (SEDP), a micro-finance organization in Albay province came up of a story revolving on Edna Cate, a mother who put up a business stirred up by collecting empty cans of sardines.

The article revolved around Cate and her membership in SEDP to primarily meet some of her financial needs necessary in managing her variety store. In the article, after a few years of productive partnership, Cate relied on SEDP as she sent her children to college through education loans.

She further said that there was an available payment scheme that suited the cashflow of her business which eased her financial burden and helped her progressed her store.

SEDP aims to help people move out of poverty through enhancing their business skills and supporting their personal growth. It initiated its service in Albay, Bicol.

On the other hand, Sarte said that these platforms and organizations will help in motivating and encouraging other business owners to not lose hope once a problem in the business arise but, to continue with what they have started.

Kwentong Negosyo, which started in 2013, is an online magazine which provides a platform to profile successful microentrepreneurs and their microbusinesses along with their network of service providers such as microfinance institutions.

Of plans and promises: A review on Santillan’s term

By Gladys Ebrada, Elyssa Kristine Ella, & Renzle Mae Miranda

After serving as the University Student Council (USC) Chairperson and Student Regent, Irene Kayle Santillan believes that their term is a “successful administration.”

“If I will be describing my term as a Chairperson, I believe I’ve been an effective Chairperson and with respect on the regency, I am proud to say that I’ve done a lot of things as a Student Regent,” she asserted.

Professor Merlie Arbo, Office of Students Services (OSS) Dean expressed her assessment of the council, “I guess they have done their best and to all previous officers, they have committed themselves in their work and we have to give credits also to what they have done for the university and for the students. I guess they have done their share also.”

Meanwhile, according to Santillan, serving as the USC Chairperson and Student Regent are two different things. “The students can see me as the Chair doing some activities while they don’t see me as a Regent working behind the scene. The people who see me working in as a Regent are those who are in the Admin,” she stated.

“If I will be assessed as a regent, the Admin should be the one doing that while the students can assess me as the Chairperson,” she added.

Furthermore, Santillan also said that the weight of the representation in the meetings and assemblies that she had attended as a regent is really heavier though it has a closer working environment that most students do not notice.

OF ACHIEVEMENTS Santillan said that the council has “pending big achievements” which have not yet re-

vealed because they wanted to be certain before they present them to the students. One of these achievements is the Electronic Student Clearance System or E-SCS. The E-SCS is an electronic paperless clearance transaction involving the students, the admin, and all the concerned offices such as the Accountant, the Librarian, the Supply Officer, the CSAC, the Lab Coordinator, the OSS, and the Department Chair.

If I will be describing my term as a Chairperson, I believe I’ve been an effective Chairperson and with respect on the regency, I am proud to say that I’ve done a lot of things as a Student Regent Irene Kayle Santillan

USC Chairperson & Student Regent A.Y. 2015-2016

On behalf of the USC, Santillan proposed the said scheme that aims to “eradicate the traditional clearance system to the Administrative Council last year.”

“My proposal was just to reverse the process. Instead of the students going to the offices,

we want that the offices, themselves, to release a list of all the students with liabilities, and the students with deficiencies will be the only people who will be clearing those accountabilities.

After two consecutive meetings, the committee created a new device for the clearance system called the E-SCS which is data based,” she stated.

CHALLENGES FACED “The issue on MMBU was one of our big problems but I considered it as a challenge that made us stronger as a group. It was a test of strength to us as a council; other than that, of course the usual diversity of the students to us,” Santillan claimed.

She admitted that without the hacking incident, their term “would be boring.” Boring not because they have done nothing, but because it was really a spice or a highlight in their term, according to Santillan.

The USC Chairperson also stated that one of the biggest problems of the council was that they have many projects to do on the onset of their term.

“We had a hard time on where we were going to start, in our original plan, or in the plan that just popped up but bigger. That is one of our problems, they have expected a lot from us that they gave almost everything to us,” she added.

According to her, every officer has their own deficiency at some point when asked to choose between their lives and the council. “We compromise in the needs of each other, because we know that beyond this we still have our individual lives,” she said.

As Santillan claimed, “Sometimes we are caught in a dilemma. Whether we are going to do this activity right now, the impact on the student is there, but the quality is compromised. Or are we going to delay

Platforms: Bringing the University Student Council Closer to the Students Unite & Empower Organizations New Admin. Empowered Council.

One University

it, to present a very big and grand activity with quality but the impact on the student is lesser because of the delay.”

One example of something that they wished they could have delayed from the start is the BPI Globe ID. “Actually the problem was not on our part but we wished we could have given it more time. Kung anong nakikita niyo samin kaya pa naming doblehin or triplehin kung may one year pa kami,” she claimed.

STUDENTS’ VIEW Students presented different views on the administration of the current USC. Aron Neil Dela Cruz, a first year Bachelor in Physical Education student compliments the USC’s leadership, “Kung sa transparency, wala akong nakikita. Pero I feel their leadership and it’s great naman.”

On the other hand, some students claim that they hardly felt the presence of the USC this year.

“Hindi ako satisfied kasi hindi ko talaga naramdaman yung USC this year. Hindi lang naman sa event nakikita yung USC. Sila yung boses ng mga estudyante sa taas [administration] and yun, di ko nakikita. And kung mayroon man silang ginagawa, eh hindi ko naman nakikita or hindi ko naman nararamdaman,” Frank Gio Alvarez, a third year Mechanical Technology student said.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz said, “Maging totoo sila kung anong pinanghahawakan nilang mga plataporma, kahit anong mga credentials nila, wala akong pake. Basta yung mga plataporma nilang sinasabi ngayong campaign, siguraduhin lang nila na magagawa nila as soon as possible. Not for the goodness of their position but for the good of us students of Bicol University.”