Author: BICOL_U_CPRO

During the first-ever regional launching of the KaPEACEtahan Peace Fair hosted by Bicol University, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (PAPRU), suggested the establishment of a ‘Peace, Unity, and Development Center’, or ‘Harmony Center’, that will strengthen and mainstream peace education not only in BU but also across state universities and colleges. 

In celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month, the KaPEACEtahan Peace Fair launched nationwide, and this year, it extended to the regions, and BU was tapped to host the celebration from September 14 to 15. The activities also showcased local, national, and international products promoting the various cultural heritage and featured exhibit booths with local peace partners from the various regional government agencies. A mini concert was also organized with performances from local bands in the region. 

Meanwhile, BU President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III is hopeful for the university’s role in advocating peace and promoting a culture of reconciliation and unity. 

“I hope that this will be a sustained program for Bicol University. Beyond the ceremonies and symbols, beyond these exhibits, I hope that we can work towards a more tangible program towards peace-building plans that can capture the real essence of sustainable development and create a better, more humane, and peaceful world for everyone,” he said. 

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Bicol University has defended its title, asserting dominance against nine other state universities and colleges across the Bicol region during the 2023 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), hosted by the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) from September 4 to 7, 2023.

With the return of the regional competitive arena after the pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, nine Bicol state universities and colleges once again vied for the championship, where BU has again emerged victorious and proved its undisputed talent in the regional collegiate sports. 

BU garnered a total of 117 gold, 54 silver, and 31 bronze medals. CBSUA came in second place with 25 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals, while the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges ranked third with 16 gold, 18 silver, and 25 bronze medals. 

The university SCUAA delegates are now gearing up for the National SCUAA to take place at the Tarlac State University this year. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS 1 – CPRO

Aside from welcoming the first-year, transferees, and returning students for the new academic year, Bicol University, through the International Relations Office, also embraced the arrival of eight foreign students from around the world and prepared for the departure of six BUeños on their international programs. 

Sharing this news on his Facebook post, Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, Director of BUIRO and Dean of BU College of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM), announced the arrival of three inbound foreign students: Vilfred Jensen from Denmark, Frauke Sauthoff from Germany, and Hugo Durand from Canada, who were all accepted as Grade 11 – HUMSS International Students in the BU College of Education Integrated Laboratory High School, as part of the American Field Service (AFS) Exchange Students Program. 

Meanwhile, in CBEM, two foreign students from VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, were welcomed. One of these two foreign students, Irene Ginette Vanslambrouck is currently enrolled in BS Economics, and the other, Hannah Elisabeth Vrijdags is with the BS Entrepreneurship program. This student exchange program was made possible through a General Bilateral Agreement on International Cooperation between BU and VIVES. 

In another IRO-related program under the Southeast Asia Student Teacher Program, the university warmly welcomed Resya Putri Ananda and Trisaqina Yuan Najwa from the University of Lampung, Indonesia, and Sasikan Phonkiertkhiri from Lampang Rajabhat University, Thailand. They are enrolled in programs under the College of Education. 

On the other hand, six BUeños were bound for two international programs. Winkie Bernaldez and Gerard Vincent Chavenia from the College of Arts and Letters both qualified for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program at Dongseo University, South Korea, for four months. 

Cydie B. Bigtas and Divine E. Nunezare are bound for Indonesia, while Ivan N. Palencia is bound for Thailand in a one-month immersion under the Sea Teacher Project or the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I – BUCPRO

Photos from Dimson Moral Rivero/Facebook

After successfully passing two licensure exams – Mechanical Engineering and Master Plumber, John Patrick Marcaida, a Bicol University graduate from the College of Engineering, has completed three licenses, adding the latest Certified Plant Mechanic license, where he remarkably emerged as the 3rd highest ranked among the 187 takers. 

When news about his latest license results was released, Patrick was shocked and ecstatic  when he recalled the moments he learned about it. 

“I didn’t really expect anything, to be honest,” he admitted. “I tried avoiding any news or updates from PRC on the expected day of the result.”

Messages then started popping out from his group chats.But nobody  was mentioning or tagging him at that time. 

“I kept scrolling up to see the screenshot of the list. I first noticed the school name ‘Bicol University’, and I already knew that it was me since I’m the only one who took the exam from BU and when I looked at the name column, there it was, in capital letters (in the 3rd place), PATRICK JOHN MARCAIDA.”

His anxiety turned into excitement, happiness, and pride. 

“I can’t physically control myself and felt like I was going to explode but I didn’t. It was just pure joy, and happiness and I kept looking at the list thinking that maybe I just imagined it but there it really was.”

His mother was the most shocked because not only did Patrick hide that he was reviewing for CPMLE, but that he was also a topnotcher.

An Ordinary Joe

When asked about his journey at BUCENG, like any ordinary student, Patrick also faced challenges. 

“I actually failed 3 subjects during my stay at BUCENG. But despite all of that, I still managed to graduate on time, although I attended 2 consecutive summer classes and had an overload of subjects during my 5th-year second sem stay.”

Patrick added that he was never part of any sports-related or extracurricular activities. He focused more on his academics.

Navigating Solo

Juggling his part-time job and exam preparations posed its own set of challenges for Patrick. However, his part-time work allowed him the flexibility needed to allocate time for both endeavors.

As the sole taker from BU, Patrick’s approach in preparation for CPM was discipline and consistency. 

“I had a daily goal. It’s either 3-4 hours of reading or 250 answered items, and I stop whenever I accomplish any of the two. Also, never skip a day without reviewing and reading, but there can be exceptions, especially when you’re sick,” he said. “Focus on your review. Always aim for the top and remember your goal.”

The topnotcher added that it is also important to be healthy and to take some breaks. 

“Watch a few Tiktoks, take a nap, go to the mall, hang out with friends, and then review again once you feel refreshed or ready,” he advised. 

His journey serves as a reminder that consistent effort, combined with strategic breaks, can yield remarkable results.

Overcoming Obstacles

Marcada’s path to success was not without its challenges. He shared a particularly memorable obstacle he faced during the second day of the CPMLE. He recalled waiting for transportation to the testing site, fearing he might miss the exam entirely due to a late start. Through a stroke of luck and determination, he managed to arrive just in time. 

“I was able to ride a jeepney going to the route that I was going to, and luckily I did get there just before they closed the gates. Other examinees were already in the room, and I was there walking in the empty and quiet hallway just sweating profusely and thanking God that I still managed to get there on time.”

MechEng Trinity License 

Patrick’s decision to pursue the CPMLE was driven by his aspiration to complete the trio of board examinations available for Mechanical Engineering graduates. 

“MELE, MPLE, and CPMLE are the three board examinations that we can take,” he explained. He emphasized that his interest in pursuing these licensure exams was driven by a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of completing a set goal.

Uncharted Path Ahead

When asked about his post-exam plans, Patrick admitted that he remains open to exploring different avenues and industries. His focus is to complete the three licenses, which he has already achieved, and maintain a pragmatic outlook on his professional journey.

Surprisingly, Patrick confessed that he was not fueled by a single source of inspiration but rather was self-motivated and driven by his personal goals, with a surplus of free time.  | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS 1 – CPRO

To consistently adapt and refine policies and guidelines to better serve the students, the Bicol University Student Handbook 2019 was reviewed and revised in a two-day meeting at the Kasanggayahan Hall, Proxy Hotel, Legazpi City, on August 7 and 9, 2023. 

The committee for this operation consisted of representatives from various departments and stakeholders, including teaching and non-teaching staff and relevant experts. 

On the first day, an extensive review of the existing handbook was discussed, where outdated policies, sections that needed clarification, and areas requiring updates to the current university environment were highlighted. 

The committee engaged in fruitful discussions, exploring suggestions and feedback that would align the student handbook with the contemporary needs and challenges faced by the students. The discussion generated innovative ideas, new policies, guidelines, and provisions. 

The committee was firm in its commitment to ensure that the revised handbook would cater to the diverse needs of the students. During the deliberations, the subject of inclusivity was further discussed, revolving around accessibility, gender sensitivity, and accommodating students from varying cultural and social backgrounds. 

The revision process continued the next day, as the committee delved particularly into the formulation of comprehensive guidelines for shifting and transferring students between different academic programs. Discussions were furthered to establish clear and equitable procedures for students seeking program changes. 

BU President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, VP for Academic Affairs, and Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata, Dean of the BU College of Law, were also present to impart their insights and expertise. For inclusivity, avenues were further explored. The team outlined specific milestones that would guide their progress moving forward while ensuring a streamlined and efficient revision process. 

As the event approached its conclusion, Dean Jocelyn E. Serrano underscored the significance of collaboration and the shared responsibility of crafting a handbook that authentically addressed students’ needs. 

Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata lauded the committee’s meticulous approach, emphasizing that the revised handbook would stand as a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence. 

Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres expressed her unwavering confidence in the committee’s capability to positively impact the student experience through this significant revision process.

The collaborative efforts for this project have included updating policies, addressing transfer guidelines, and promoting inclusivity measures.

 Esteemed guests, including Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata, and Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, provided invaluable insights. These productive days, marked by collaboration and innovation, set the course for a handbook that aligns with the evolving needs of the Bicol University community. (via BUCS 2023 Student Handbook Revision Report)

The committee was created under Administrative Order 183 s. 2022, chaired by Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, BUCS Dean; Prof. Daves L. Tonga, OSAS; Atty. Daryl B. Alfante-Redoblado, LAO; Dr. Hennie P. Lomibao, Admissions Office; Dr. Ramesis M. Lorino, URO; Ms. Glenda Aurora S. Julianda, ULS; Dr. Rosebe M. Nacion- Lauraya, BAO; Dr. Ana Linda G. Marcellana, USWS; Prof. Jazzlyn T. Imperial, ISPSD; Mr. Michael A. Alagaban, USDP; Dr. Jeanne Marie M. Morcoso- Llana, UHS; Mr. Erwin Madraso, SSO; Prof. Tania L. Añonuevo, CSASC; Mr. Julius Caesar Martinez, UIC; Ms. Remee Esteffany Baldorado, USC Chair; Atty. Joseph L. Bartolata, BUCL; Dr. Ofelia M. Samar – Sy, BUCM; Dr. Sharlene A. Lucillo, DMD; Dr. Leonila B. Barbacena, IQA; Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, VPAA; Secretariat Staff: Mr. Mheljor A. General, Ms. Jayrah B. Riñon, Mr. Erwin N. Bañares, and Ms. Jean Kimberly B. Moralejo.

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