The President’sOUTBOX Excellence as the university’s vision is not a mere word. Time and time again, we have proven ourselves as a community of perform-ers, with our students as indicators of that con-cept.

Delivery of excel-lence is not easy, but with dedication and a lot of hard work, we

become our quality of life in Bicol University.

In the past few years, we have pro-duced topnotchers in

Let our achievers be our driving force to continue what we have started… Let them stand as attestation to the fact that we have a vision that is within our reach.

Let my challenge therefore to attain 100 % passing rate remain.

With joined hands, let excellence and innova-tion be our keys towards being THE ONE.

BU shines again with LET national 6th placer

DESPABILADERAS, RONA A.

Summarily, BUCE gained a passing rate of 42%, as compared with the national passing rate of 18% in the elementary category, and 46% for the secondary category, as against the national rate of 23%.

Meanwhile, BU Gubat Campus also acquired a passing rate of 26% for the elementary level, and 22% for the secondary level; BU Polangui Campus likewise has 8% passing rate in the

RONA ATUTUBO DESPABILADERAS, a graduate of Bicol University College of Education (BUCE) grabbed the 6th place in the nationwide Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) held October 2009. Despabiladeras earned a rating of 89.40 % in the Secondary Level category of the examination. She is a Physics major.

elementary level, 32% in the secondary level. BU Tabaco Campus and the College of Agriculture, for their part, has passing rates of 45% and 10%, respectively, both in the secondary level.

It is to be recalled that just last October, four other BU graduates were given similar acclaim as Top Ten placers in the CPA and Mechanical Engineering Board Examinations. Ivan Rhett Macabeo particularly

garnered top place in the CPA exams, and Kaiser Ballecer placed 7th. Marcelo Santillan was 3rd

in the ME board exams, while Christopher Sanchez earned 7th place. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

Yap donates 5.6 M to Bicol UniversityNOVEMBER 13 — Dr. Fay M. Lauraya proudly came home from Manila with a 5.6 M deed of donation from the U.S. Automotive Company, Inc., for Bicol University, for the purpose of purchasing a house and lot for the use of the University in Manila.

Currently, Bicol University is making use of a Staff House and Extension

Quezon City. The house is rented by the university at a monthly rate of Php15,000. Purchasing a house and lot means that no rental need be paid, representing additional

savings for the institution. U.S. Automotive Co., owned and represented by Dr. Emilio Yap, donated said amount, expressing his desire to assist Bicol University in

staff house in Metro Manila. Dr. Lauraya, together with Dr. Helen Llenaresas and Professor Jerry Bigornia, received the check from Dr. Yap and his family.

Meantime, the university has been looking for a possible staff house in Manila, considering the following factors: location and site conditions, including

economic potential, circulation and accessibility or close proximity to services such as market or stores, church, hospitals, malls, government centers, and other support services; neighborhood data, which covers environmental

and sanitation and health conditions; architectural/building fabric, translating to functionality, aesthetics, and structural stability; and facilities and other requirements like low maintenance; secured parking spaces, and allowance for future building expansion.

Best Employees and Org Unit: stories of PRAISEThe Program on Awards and Incentives

for Service Excellence (PRAISE) is a reward system that recognizes

University. It was put in place in order “to attain and sustain the institution’s commitment to service excellence towards effective

Administrative Order No. 215, s. 2009, which contains the implementing guidelines for the grant of awards under the said program.

PRAISE awards may be given every year, but deserving them takes much more than a year of hard work and dedication. In fact, while there are several types of awards,

This year’s PRAISE awardees are: Ms. Ruby Ann L. Ayo (Best Instructor); Dr. Agnes Jacob-Nepomuceno (Best Assistant Professor); and Dr. Plutomeo M. Nieves (Best Professor), all three being under the Best Faculty Award category. Best Non-Teaching Awardee is Mr. Ronaldo S. Biron. A special award, Best Organizational Unit was likewise awarded to the College of Science.

Each of their stories follows:

RUBY ANN L. AYO joined the teaching force of Bicol University as Instructor I in 2006, and got promoted to Instructor II within two years. In her three years of service, she gave full attention to her profession and quickly gained recognition as one of the most diligent

and dedicated Social Science teachers at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP). Witness to this is the fact that she got promoted again this October, this time to Instructor III. Side by side with teaching, she took on responsibilities such as being the Vice-President of the CSSP Faculty Club, Production Coordinator, and Year Level Organization adviser. She was also the proponent of an on-going extension activity with TESDA in Malilipot, Albay. She has been invited as Resource Speaker in various occasions as well.

Prof. Ayo is currently working on her

the current school year. With her industry and commitment, there is no doubt she has far to go. This, her Best Instructor award, may very

AGNES JACOB-NEPOMUCENO celebrated her tenth year in the university last June, earning her a bronze loyalty pin during the BU Awards program last September. Having started out as Instructor I in 1999 at the then Institute of Communication and Cultural

Studies (ICCS) now College of Arts and Letters (CAL), she put all efforts into becoming a highly productive and dynamic C om m un i c a t i ons teacher, while continuing to enrich her knowledge and

Educational Management in 2003, yet did not stop there. She is currently enrolled at UP Open University for a Master’s degree in Development Communication.

Dr. AJ Nepo, as she is called by friends, likewise involved herself in various research and extension projects, one of which is in collaboration with the Bicol Consortium for Development Initiatives (BCDI). Her researches have found their place in international research fora, and her feasibility study cum proposal gave way to the opening of the AB in Broadcasting course, now on its second year at BUCAL.

Apart from all these, she also currently

PIO of BUUFA to which she was elected while she was President of BUCALFA (2007-2009), and as Research Coordinator of her college. She is likewise a Radio Broadcaster of Radyo Veritas with an advocacy program on governance, titled, “Basta Bikolano,

for Luzon of the Asian Media Congress Organization.

As Assistant Professor IV with such credentials, no one can contest her earning this year’s Best Assistant Professor Award.

PLUTOMEO M. NIEVES has been Dean of the university’s Tabaco Campus since 2003, serving three presidents, namely Dr. Sena, Dr. Cabredo, and now Dr. Lauraya. That fact, in itself, speaks of his dynamism and leadership, as well as his loyalty to the

university of which he became part way back in 1984. He has now, in effect, dedicated 25 years of his life to this institution, and has worked hard to achieve everything he has so far accomplished.

Dr. Plutz’ track record carefully paints a picture of a competent professor, researcher, and administrator rolled into one. Apart from his two baccalaureate degrees namely BS Fisheries and BS Fisheries Education, he also has a Master of Science degree

in Environmental Management, the latter coming from the University of Adelaide

in Development Management at the BU Graduate School in 2001.

As a researcher, he has presented his works in both local and international symposia and conferences, a few of which have found publication in refereed journals. Many of them won best paper awards in local in-house reviews and regional symposia. He is currently working on three other researches, all of which have bearing on the improvement of aquatic resources in our community.

Dr. Plutz has also been invited as speaker or resource person to various seminars and

served as evaluator in several occasions.With his vast record of accomplishments

as administrator, researcher, and educator, he has more than earned the award of Best Professor for 2009.

RONALDO S. BIRONthe university as Fishpond Caretaker in 1983, at the then BU College of Fisheries (BUCF), now BU Tabaco Campus (BUTC). He was then appointed as Farm Worker II in 2004, and now has the rank of

Administrative Aide VI, subsequent to his re-deployment as Administrative Staff in 2005. He has, in effect, spent 26 years of his life in the service of Bicol University. His scope of responsibility as Farm Worker mainly

maintenance, which he did well. Apparent potential brought him indoors to perform

vouchers, and other such paperwork. On the side, he also operated photocopying and mimeographing machines, and was once assigned as utility worker in charge of maintaining cleanliness in their Administration Building. His co-workers vouch for his hard work and dedication.

Mr. Biron is likewise working on his

his academic requirements for a degree in Master of Science in Fisheries major in Coastal Resource Management, and is currently working on his thesis. He also co-authored a paper presented in a National Symposium by well-known BUTC professor, Victor Soliman. He continues to attend trainings and seminars in line with his work, which, he says, will help him improve his delivery of services to his

BEST EMPLOYEES...-p4

An Archetype of ExcellenceFor countless times, the Accountancy

Department of Bicol University has proven

its numerous and consistent feats in terms of

(CPA) Licensure Examination. From consistent above-national passing rates and a number of board exam passers and placers, the department is surely on its way to prove that it is indeed worthy of being considered the place

Being a department and course that is

examination, it has long been the culture of the Accountancy Department to hone its students in terms of the instruction and training they need for the board examination. These efforts paid off

topnotcher in the CPA Licensure Examination in 1998.

Right now, it can be said that the department has regained its consistent streak

in the 2008 board exam, Hazel Angeline Q. Abenoja, and recently, Ivan Rhett Macabeo and

placer, respectively, in the 2009 board exam. One might ask how the department attains such feats – secrets maybe. The answer could be submitted this way: you only reap what you sow. These are but some immortal words from the department’s incumbent representative persona, Prof. Teresita Q. Galang.

While it is true that since time being the Accountancy Department has already equipped itself with various trainings and instructional quality, all these were made more comprehensive during the advent of Prof. Teresita Galang as program chair of the department. When she

2007, she implemented various programs that truly helped put the department in the place where it is now.

Prof. Galang, through the supportive efforts of her faculty members, made possible programs

such as the Basic Accounting Crash Course, a seminar-examination series replacing the usual

(QBQ) entrants into the department. “This is a way for the department to become objective in terms of accepting students. Through this, the department is also opening doors for other students who did not choose Accountancy as a course as we are not selective in this process. You can be accepted in the department even if

second choice in the BUCET as long as you attend the crash course, pass the crash course examination, and occupy the ranks where slots are available,” she explains. She also slots are available,”introduced the crucial and helpful Pre-Review Classes where students are introduced to a review simulation in the CPA board examination. She also added to the roster of her faculty new and competent professors who altogether

accounting education as well as equip them with the necessary training they need for the board examination.

A mother of three, Prof. Teresita Galang has indeed become a symbol of leadership to the department, the faculty members, and the students. However, she does not only function as the chairperson of the department, but as a mother as well. “Thanks ma’am for being like a mother to us” would be words one would hear mother to us”in any testimonial speech that addresses her. Indeed, she has been caring and supportive to the students and has consistently motivated them in pursuing their dream of being a CPA.

She also inculcates in her students the value of being prayerful as she would always start and end her class with a prayer, and remind her students to always keep their prayer life strong. Born under the Libra sign, she also believes in fair play and would always be objective in her dealings with her students, faculty members, as well as administrators. She believes that “the students are like our clients – they have to get what they pay for and what they deserve”.

One of the most fascinating things about Prof. Galang is her ability to see the “innate CPA

among her students are potential placers in the board examination. Every time she sees this trait in her students, she would approach them and whisper in their ears that “you know, I think you have the makings of a topnotcher”. These words would mean much to her, and she would always motivate whoever she would give these words to, though it is also up to the student she has whispered these to to believe and live up to these.

With Prof. Teresita Galang and her group of competent faculty members around, the Accountancy Department is surely on its way to greater heights. They have already etched their niche in the history of Bicol University and would be expected to continuously bring honor and prestige in times to come. Indeed, the Accountancy Department is worthy of not only being known as a premiere department, but a true archetype of excellence as well. (Mark Francis G. Ng/BUCBEM)

BU Alumni Awardees 2009

Fa Grand Alumni Homecoming, Alumni Awards Night, and Fellowship were held during the university’s foundation celebration.

in different areas of specialization who have made Bicol University their proud alma mater.

Mr. Bobbie A. Garcia, who graduated cum laude and Most Outstanding Student of then Bicol Teachers College in 1965 with a BS Education degree, was given the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award for composing the BU Hymn forty years ago.

Engr. Joseph B. Esplana, Outstanding Alumnus in Public Administration, graduated in 1979 with a BS Civil Engineering degree and is now involved in various development projects in the community; Dr. Ofelia Samar-Sy, Outstanding Alumna in Medicine, is a summa cum laude graduate of BS Biology in 1981, and is now a Physician-Internist-Cardiologistand the Medical Director of Ibalong Medical Center; Dr. Ruben M. Nayve Jr, Outstanding Alumnus in Economics, is an AB Economics graduate of 1984 and is now a consultant of CHED’s Technical Committee for Business

Administration as well as project leader of Academy Industry Linkage; Victor S. Soliman, Outstanding Alumnus in Fisheries, is a BU High School graduate of 1979 and BS Fisheries graduate of 1983, and is now a professor of Bicol University Tabaco Campus and a multi-awarded scientist for his research endeavors

Outstanding Alumnus in Entrepreneurship, is a BSBA Entrepreneurship graduate of 1993 and now a professor of BUCBEM and an awardee of several entrepreneurship–related competitions including the 2008 BIDA award; Erlinda P. Rillo, Outstanding Alumna in Science and Technology, is the 1959 Valedictorian of the former Roxas Memorial Agricultural School (now BUCAF), whose researches on coconut production and development

BU ALUMNI...-p4

Bicol University Extends Assistance to Marikina Polytechnic State CollegeIt was a journey for a cause for Bicol

University Union of Faculty Associations, Inc. (BUUFA) and Bicol University Association of Non-Teaching Staff (BU-ANTS), with their respective presidents, Prof. Ismael Dineros and Dr. Laila Belgica, joining hands to extend assistance to Marikina Polytechnic State College (MPSC) which was under water with all its facilities and equipment totally destroyed by Typhoon Ondoy.

Donations poured in from all the colleges and units of the university through the efforts of the associations’ unit presidents. Used clothing, rice, canned goods, household materials, and cash were whole-heartedly shared by the students, faculty, non-teaching staff and

and members of the associations departed from Marikina, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated, attended by the administration

October 29, 2009, Thursday, was a

headed by Dr. Helen Parcon, the Vice

President for Academic Affairs, together

faculty and non-teaching personnel, eagerly awaited the arrival of the Bicol University contingent. A warm, heart-touching short program and simple snacks were prepared. Atty. Eduardo Loria, Vice President for Administration of Bicol University, represented the Bicol University President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya. He said that it is not what

worth, nor the distance of the place that matters, but the kind gesture it brings to extend assistance to a school that was greatly damaged by a natural calamity.

During the speech by Mr. Romero de los Reyes, the Faculty President of MPSC,

received the donations in the form of relief goods and a check from Bicol University. With deep appreciation and gratitude he accepted what Bicol University had brought to Marikina Polytechnic State College, and declared that they would always remember this generous act. (Erlinda L. Navarez/CAL)

Best Employees... (from p. 2)clientele groups.

Such is Mr. Ronaldo Biron. Loyal, dedicated, persevering. He indeed deserves this Best Non-Teaching award.

The College of Science, which won the Best Organizational Unit award, is one of the youngest colleges in Bicol University. Having been established only in 2004 pursuant to the Comprehensive Development Plan effected by former President Susana C. Cabredo during her term, it quickly gained recognition due to its IT-relate course offerings, as well as its many other

BU Alumni... (from p. 3)have redounded to national recognition as a scientist; Mergie Naz-Moraleda, Outstanding Alumna in Agriculture, is a 1978 graduate of BS Agriculture major in Animal Husbandry, and has worked as Meat and Livestock inspector for the government for over twenty years; Rex Milton A. Dolino, Outstanding Alumnus in Police Work, graduated from BU High School in 1974 and is currently the

the PNP; Dr. Marites A. Khanser, Outstanding Alumna in Literature, graduated from BU High School in 1974, and is now a multi-awarded teacher, administrator, researcher, and author/biographer; and Roberto G. Labayen, Outstanding Alumnus in Media, is a 1981 graduate of AB Sociology, now the Vice President for Creative Communications Management and winner of numerous awards for media campaigns that promote Filipino values and patriotism.

Each awardee came with substantial documents more than proving their worth as outstanding alumni of the university. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)

accomplishments.Led by Engr. Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan who has

served as the college dean since its founding, the College of Science has achieved much in terms of instruction, research, extension, and production. It has steadily increased its enrollment over the past years and continues to have its programs accredited, with BS Biology now at Level II and BS Chemistry and BS Computer Science at Level I.

Among its other achievements are the Peer Tutoring Program for Math, Science, and Computer Science students; its gaining for Bicol University the award of Best Research Institution in the region; and the conduct of several extension activities with such agencies as DOST and DepEd, as well as different barangays and public schools in Legazpi City. It has also established strong linkages with CICT, CHED, UPLB, CIRCA, and VENOCO.

The list is long, the bottom line being that the college has been judged most productive,

them this year’s Best Organizational Unit Award. (Ma. Celina G. Meneses/OP)