Research Colloquium on Futures Thinking, SDGs promotes evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making
Bicol University, through its BU Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight Committee under the Office of the University President, together with the Development Academy of the Philippines – Graduate School of Public and Development Management (DAP-GSPDM), spearheaded a Research Colloquium on Futures Thinking and Sustainable Development Goals, at the Ninong’s Hotel, Legazpi City, on November 6, 2023, promoting evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making.
Researchers from DAP-GSPDM presented the results of their research on Futures Thinking and Sustainable Development Goals, generating valuable insights. For the past years, the DAP-GSPDM research program has been anchored on Futures Thinking and Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on innovation and scenario development. For this event, the research results on the use of futures thinking in Food Security, Sustainable Consumption and Production Advocacy, and Entrepreneurship Futures were presented.
The research outputs presented were: Mainstreaming Entrepreneurship in the Philippine Public Organization towards Sustainable Development Goal by Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, Research Fellow, GSPDM (presented by Ms. Priscilla Denise G. Pigao); Enhancing Local Advocacy for the Governance of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) by Dr. Maria Lourdes G. Rebullida, Research Fellow, GSPDM; and Assessment of the Futures of Food Security of the Philippines Through Scenario Building by Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, Research Fellow, GSPDM. The team is headed by Dr. Lizan Perante-Calina, Dean of the DAP-GSPDM who introduced the purpose of their regional SDG Caravan together with Dr. Ma. Oliva Z. Domingo, Senior Fellow of DAP-GSPDM who delivered the synthesis of the colloquium.
The event was attended by faculty and staff from various colleges of the Bicol University and participants from LGU-Legazpi. In behalf of the University President, the welcome message was delivered by Dr. Marissa N. Estrella. Later in the event, Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, SUC President IV graced the event by awarding the certificates and tokens of appreciation to the guests. (Samuel C. Bobiles, BUCS)
Late bloomer CALiber wins 1st Runner-Up in songwriting tilt
Hailing from the City of Tabaco, Julia Bruce De Guzman, aka ‘Juls Burce’, a fresh graduate from the College of Arts and Letters, has brought her remarkable talent to the songwriting industry, where she emerged in the recently concluded “Your Song of Excellence Season 3” as 1st Runner-Up in the songwriting category.
In an interview with local media, Juls admitted that despite having a family with a passion for music, her discovery as an artist who writes and sings songs was unraveled, rather late. Still, it didn’t hinder her from pursuing her passion for music and storytelling.
Her composition, titled “Gusto Mo Rin Pala Ako,” catapulted her way to the grand finals. This was the same piece she submitted to “Himig Handog,” another songwriting competition. Little did she know that there were just some other plans stored for her.
In her Facebook appreciation post, she said that her only goal is to release her music this year, and she never thought about joining competitions. What made her do it? It was her idol.
“Someone sent me a post from Taiwan Excellence #YourSongOfExcellence2023 and nakita ko yung mga judges mas na hype ako! To the last minute lang ako nagpasa at kinukulit na ako kasi nawala sa isip ko. Basta hindi ko alam if ilan prizes or what, basta sabi ko noon ‘sige na nga gusto ko ma meet mga lodis ko!’ And ayun na mentor pa nga po ni Sir Ice,” she penned.
As a first-timer, Juls was thankful for the priceless lessons and unforgettable memories.
“It’s my first time in a Songwriting Competition and grabe, it was a hit! Super daming learnings and wholesome memories! I have written songs for wonderful singers, and I got to meet Sir Ice, Ms. Yeng, Kuya Arthur, and Sir Pao. Of course yung samahan na nabuo, YSOE3 Fam! Heto ‘yung super unforgettable. It was all worth it!”
Juls also took home ₱30,000 plus ₱50,000 worth of sponsored products. Her song interpreter, Louis Alivio, also took the same prizes. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I-CPRO
Photo Credits: Juls Burce
‘Sports for Humanity’ – weeklong BU Olympics kicks off 10k ‘HATAW’ fest The annual BU Olympics jumpstarted its weeklong celebration with a bang!
Around 10,000 dancers, consisting of first and second year students, joined for the first time by the senior high school students and the teaching and non-teaching personnel, grooved to the rhythm of a 12-minute hataw during the opening ceremonies of the BU OLYMPICS 2023 at the BU-PGA Sports Complex on October 24, 2023.
Starting with a parade of colors from the BU Daraga to the BU-PGA Sports Complex, 20 academic units across the university marched off their athletes and coaches to gather once again in the annual university sports competitions centered on the theme “ BUEÑOS: Stronger Together through Sports for Humanity.” The university officials, college administrators, guests, and teaching and non-teaching personnel also joined the march to signify support and unity in the celebration.
As the Chairperson of the BU Athletic Board, Atty. Norly P. Reyes, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the welcome address and acknowledged the support of the BU community in this endeavor. He also reminded the student-athletes to always exhibit the highest sense of sportsmanship and form friendships among fellow BUeño athletes.
Present were also some invited local leaders across the province to share their messages of support: Cong. Alfred Apid Delos Santos, Ang Probinsyano Representative (through a video message); Hon. Christopher Co, Former Representative of AKO BICOL and BHW Partylist; Cong. Elizaldy S. Co, AKO BICOL Partylist; on behalf of Cong. Joey Salceda, Albay 2nd District Representative, Hon. Adrian Salceda, Municipal Mayor of Polangui; and on behalf of Gov. Edcel Grex Lagman, Governor of the Province of Albay, Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao.
Iconic ‘HATAW’ achieved many firsts
In the 12-minute dance moves led by the host unit, the Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation (IPESR), around 10,000 dancers gathered, which broke the record of ‘HATAW’ as of writing, in the BU-PGA Sports Complex.
For the first time, the senior high school department of the College of Education Integrated Laboratory School (CEILS) was invited, as well as the first-time joiners: the College of Law (CL), College of Medicine (CM), teaching, and non-teaching personnel. It is also the first time that a BU President, Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, has joined the performance.
Hues of metallic blue and silver shined in the oval, waving from one direction to the next. The audience was in awe to witness the well-executed, synchronized movements and energizing performance. During one of their routines, a leap was made, and the sheer intensity radiated its way to the bleachers, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the exhilarating energy and joy exuded by the multitude of dancers.
The performance concluded with a fireworks display and a live band intermission.
IPESR still ‘Home of the Champions’
Amassing 1,125 points, IPESR still proves to be the ‘Home of the Champions’, leading a huge gap with the College of Engineering (CENG) as the 1st runner-up with 346 points in this year’s BU Olympics.
The College of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM) has made it to 2nd runner-up with 259 points, followed by the BU Polangui with 252 points.
The ranking based on highest to lowest points is as follows: College of Industrial Technology (238), College of Science (220), BU Guinobatan (180), College of Nursing (164), College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (122), Institute of Design and Architecture (121), BU Gubat (107), BU Tabaco (90), College of Arts and Letters (56), College of Medicine (18), College of Education (13), College of Law (3), Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development (0), and College of Dental Medicine (0).
It can be recalled that last year, IPESR dominated the scoreboard with 1,114 points, leading almost 800 points against BU Polangui, landing 1st Runner-Up with 316 points, followed by the College of Engineering (CENG) as 2nd Runner-Up with 286 points.
MMBU crowns new title holders
The quest for this year’s Mr. and Ms. Bicol University reached its pinnacle during the coronation night held at the Albay Astrodome, on November 10, 2023.
CM and CSSP had redeemed the crown, represented by Joshua Philip Panga and Angelia Sheriza Tino, as the Mr. and Ms. Bicol University. It can be recalled that in the MMBU 2022, the title holders were also from the same college: Mr. BU 2022 Joseph Cedric Duano, a pioneer candidate from CM, and Ms. BU 2022 Rhianne Macy Zapata from CSSP.
Robert Barnard from CS and Julianne Dizon from CAL both secured the 1st Runner-Ups. Following closely were CAL representative Summer Jan Forrest Untalan and CM Muse Angelica Kyle Santos, followed as the 2nd Runner-Ups.
To complete the roster of new title holders, the 3rd Runner-Up post was bestowed to Justin Jarme from CIT and Marifranz Rico from CENG. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I-CPRO
📷: Dennis Banico, Joshua Codorniz (BU CPRO); Julia Mendez, Avril Precillas (Student Affiliates)
Researchers, extensionists honored in annual BU Exemplar Awards 2023
In its continued quest to provide quality education, Bicol University fully supports research, development, and extension works through the annual recognition of teaching personnel who contributed to the recent research, development, and extension (RD&E) endeavors, particularly on international and national conferences; publications in CHED-accredited journal or international-refereed journals; utility models and copyrights; and outstanding performance in extension undertakings, during the RD&E awards at the LCC Concourse Convention Center, Legazpi City on October 24, 2023.
Plaques, certificates and monetary incentives, through the Performance Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) funds, were released to 117 exemplary faculty members from the seven campuses of the university.
For this year, the theme of the RD&E Awards was, “Pag-SILyAB kan BUEÑO – Sustaining Innovations and Legacies for the Advancement of Bicol.” Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Marissa N. Estrella welcomed the awardees with her heartwarming message of gratitude for their dedication and invaluable contributions. The occasion was graced by BU President Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III who emphasized the continuous conduct of research and extension and their dissemination as the “right thing to do” that goes beyond the recognition..
To inspire everyone, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Julieta B. Borres talked about engaging in curiosity-driven initiatives that describe the transitions in the post-pandemic time, which is greatly influencing the educational, research, and extension landscapes locally and globally.
The significant role of extension, as the link to instruction and research, was emphasized by Vice President for Planning and Development Sonnie A. Ramos. The evening came to a close with an inspirational message from the Regional Center for Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director Maria Crispina P. Baltazar who encouraged continued dedication on research and extension endeavors.
The Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension through its divisions and centers spearheaded the event. Said awarding ceremonies was streamed at the official Bicol University Facebook page on October 24, 2023. The full video presentation may be viewed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/BicolUniversity/videos/134257986445837/. (Ma. Elma L. Mirandilla/ PKMD)
BUeño crowned as first Ms. ROTC Games PH
After being crowned as Miss Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Luzon 2023, Angel Brahms Malavega Bernalde, a first-year student at the Bicol University College of Education (BUCE), snatched the first-ever Miss ROTC Games Philippines 2023 during the coronation night at the Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City, on October 21, 2023.
Hailing from Rapu-Rapu, Albay, the morena beauty bested 23 other ROTC cadet candidates from different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide.
In the question and answer portion, Angel was believed to have dominated the pageant with her unique beauty and strong presence throughout the competition.
“Ever since I joined the ROTC Program, I have strongly shown the cadets in our school my strong work ethic and genuine love for the country, which makes me deserving. Coupled with my genuine passion to serve my country, I take it as important that I know what I want to do and what I can do,” Bernaldez answered.
The BUeño received a cash prize of P50,000, a laptop, and gift certificates from a clothing store. Mikaela Ingaran from the Angeles University Foundation and Julianne Rose Reyes of Patts College of Aeronautics from the Air Force Unit were crowned runner-ups.
Angel also holds the title of Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc. (SCI) Philippines 2023, a fashion and clothing brand. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I-CPRO
Photo Credits: 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘖𝘛𝘊 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦
BU finalist for Global Citizenship award
Bicol University was awarded 2nd runner-up by the Commission’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building And Sustainability (ICONS) Awards, October 6, 2023, based on an entry submitted by Dr. Rebecca Rosario O. Bercasio, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, titled “Regional Training on Global Citizenship Education.”
Spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education – International Affairs Service, the awarding body recognizes state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) commitment to intercultural learning, sustainable development, and global citizenship. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I-CPRO
