Wednesday September 14,2022

To optimize, strengthen, and improve its functions and security, a project to revamp the Bicol University website is currently in progress as proposed by the BU Information and Communication Technology Office (ICTO), through its Director, Dr. Aris J. Ordoñez.

During a virtual meeting with the Communication and Public Relations Office and the private partner for the web design and development service last August 26, 2022, Dr. Ordoñez discussed the website’s vulnerabilities and outdated features.

Hackers deface BU web twice

In November 2016, an infamous cyber-attack on the BU website occurred after the University Student Council released a controversial statement on the late Ferdinand Marcos.

Four years later, at the course of the pandemic last April 2020, the website was hacked once again after the implementation of remote teaching and learning.

Both hacking incidents left a message protesting against the issues. They used the usernames h1j4ck3r, blis5ful, d00mbring3r, and estrang-the-hero.

Next step: revamping

To prevent these incidents from happening, a stronger security for the website will be used. This includes the optimization, cloud hosting, and solutions to avoid website downtime for the revamp. As proposed by the private partner, they will lessen texts, menus, and submenus; optimize the announcement archiving; design a more mobile-friendly view; reorganize department directories, news, and events; improve search functions; and homepage overhaul upgrade.

Dr. Renelyn E. Bautista, Director of CPRO, the overall in charge of the management of the website, suggested to increase the university’s web presence by centralizing and connecting all BU-related sites. The technical aspect of the website was further discussed with Joshua Isaiah M. Codorniz, Web Administrator and Graphic Artist, and Arnold C. Noda, Media Production Specialist I, from CPRO.

A launching activity was also planned to promote the new face of the BU website. | developing story | written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO

Monday September 12,2022

Gives sanitary kits, footwear to residents

In its goal to promote proper sanitation and personal hygiene to children and parents of barangays Manumbalay and Malobago, Manito, Albay, Bicol University College of Science (BUCS) – Biology Department, through Project SoleMate, in partnership with BU Symbiosis and in coordination with the Rural Health Unit of Manito, conducted an outreach project on “PrACTiCE Extension Program: Proper Handwashing and Sanitation Seminar and Distribution of Slippers and Hygiene Kits,” which took place on September 7, 2022.

The department traveled to barangay Manumbalay, Manito, in the morning, and continued the activity in the afternoon to barangay Malobago, Manito.

The outreach program aims to prevent and control soil-transmitted parasite infestations in Manito, Albay. Ascaris lumbricoides, also known simply as “Ascaris,” whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) are examples of the intestinal worms that infect humans and are spread through contaminated soil.

The majority of cases of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection are found in warm, humid settings with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, including temperate zones during the warm months. These STHs are categorized as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) because they can cause severe health conditions yet are treatable or curable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But in order to prevent these infestations in the target communities, Prof. Phil V. Morano, PrACTiCE program leader, led a proper handwashing demonstration to the children ages 1-7 years old in both barangays and engaged them with parlor games and rewards.

Afterward, a brief seminar on common plants with anthelminthic properties, used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms, was also discussed for the parent’s awareness. They also received educational fliers about anthelmintic plants.

The organizers then gave out slippers and hygiene supplies to the children, since they are more prone to contracting STHs, while being assisted by their guardians.

The project would not be possible without the support of the BS Biology students and alumni, who donated the footwear and sanitary kits, and Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, CS Dean, who helped in the distribution of slippers and kits as well as the discussion in the anthelmintic plants, together with the BUCS faculty members, personnel, student leaders, and volunteers. | written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO

Photo courtesy of the BU Symbiosis 

Friday September 9,2022

As a tradition signifying a student nurses’ readiness for hospital training, the 23rd Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies of the nursing students from the Bicol University Tabaco Campus was conducted at the BUTC Auditorium on September 8, 2022.

With the theme “Student Nurses of Today, Frontline Health Workers of Tomorrow: Facing Challenges in the New Normal,” 85 BUTC student nurses underwent the imposition of caps and pins. The ceremony coincided with the Feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was the focus of the Eucharistic celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Frederick A. Naga, Parish Priest and Rector of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and Diocesan Shrine, San Vicente, Tabaco City.

The program proceeded with the processional of the 85 student-nurses who marched with their families followed by the BUTC faculty and staff, BU officials, and guests. Dr. Carina B. Orden, BUTC Associate Dean, delivered the welcome remarks followed by Dr. Maria Gisella N. Mortega, BUTC Dean, for the presentation of candidates for capping, pinning, and candle lighting ceremony, and the message of confirmation by Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, VP for Academic Affairs, on behalf of BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

Afterwards, Prof. Ma. Teresa C. Madrilejos, Chairperson of BUTC Nursing Department, made the introductions of the keynote speaker – Hon. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Mayor of Tabaco City.

As a health professional herself, the honorable guest shared her experiences brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions and solutions she took as the city’s leader. She then reminded the public that COVID-19 still lurks of the corner. She also mentioned how vital the role of nurses are in the medical field nowadays, especially in handling patients with care and its ‘healing effect’ to the sick. 

The program continued on to the ceremonial entrance of Florence Nightingale, the icon of the nursing profession, as played by the nursing faculties Prof. Imee V. Dutollo and the parade of the nursing symbols by Prof. Joanah C. Octavo.

The lighting of lamps and imposition of caps and pins was then conducted wherein each student nurse was accompanied by family members and assisted by the BU officials and BUTC personnel.

To mark the completion of the ceremonies, Prof. Dutollo led the Florence Nightingale’s Pledge followed by the singing of the BU College of Nursing Hymn and a song number performed in unison titled “At the Beginning,” by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. | written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO