In support of the province’s Albay Rising Program, Bicol University will be hosting the 4^th International Conference of the Asian Rural Sociology Association (ARSA), an offshoot of the Asian Rural Sociology Working Group (ARSWG).  The conference will be held from September 7 to 10, 2010 at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater, Legazpi City, and will have the theme “The Multidimensionality of Economy, Energy and Environmental Crises and their Implications to Rural Livelihoods.”

A total of nineteen Japanese – 15 students and 4 professors – from Kochi University, Japan arrived at Bicol University on August 25 in realization of the 2010 Student Exchange Program entered into by the two universities.  They stayed for 10 days for a series of sightseeing and visits to concerned offices,  including different campuses of the University of the Philippines, Bicol University, San Miguel Island, forest reserves, mangrove forests, and other historical and tourist spots around the Bicol Region.

Out of 1,000 contestants all over the country, JOVIC MAURICE L. YEE, a senior at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters was chosen among the Top Four Bayer Young Environmental Envoys for 2010 during the final judging night held August 19 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila, an event graced by none other than RP President Benigno S. Aquino III.  The four national winners will represent the Philippines and join their counterparts from 18 other countries worldwide in a 9-day all-expense paid educational trip to Germany in November.

Newly-appointed Commissioner on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Patricia B. Licuanan graced the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Bikol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE) on August 12 at the Casablanca Hotel in Legazpi City.  She was accompanied by well-loved CHED Commissioner Nenalyn P. Defensor, who formally introduced her to the group.  Licuanan later claimed that this was her first-ever regional visit as the new CHED head.

MS. YVETHE MARIE A. SANTIAGO, a sophomore at Bicol University College of Business, Economics and Management won Best National Costume in the World Miss Universityin Seoul, South Korea held August 8, 2010.  Bicol University continues to be proud of its students' achievements in both national and international feats.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

“Are we ready to support a knowledge-based economy?”  This was the question posed by Bicol University president, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya in her message during the launch of the Bicol University Intellectual Property Rights Unit (BU-IPRU) on August 4 at the College of Science Auditorium.  The event was attended by different sectors of society, including SUC Presidents, officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), officials and researchers from Bicol University and other schools, and guests from the media.  The occasion was graced by the Director General of IP Philippines, Atty. Ricardo R. Blancaflor.  Other special guests were DTI Provincial Director Rodrigo Aguilar and DOST Regional Director Tomas B. Briñas.

The Council of Deans for Teacher Education (CODTE) Region V and Bicol University College of Education, Center of Teaching Excellence, together spearheaded the 2010 Regional Students’ Congress, held August 3 at the Albay Astrodome.  The affair was attended by over 200 students from the different provinces in the region, namely Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay.  Keynote speaker for the event was Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda.

Bicol University through its Extension Service Center (ESC) launched last July 30 its program to help the Bicol communities become resilient.  Participated in by more than 75 representatives and heads of HEIs, LGUs, the Armed Forces, as well as rescue volunteers, and extension workers around the Albay province, the launch, held at the BU College of Nursing Amphitheatre, Legazpi City, is part of the university’s extension mandate of bringing the university closer to the people.