In line with the 40th anniversary of the Bicol University , the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy sponsored the Dedication of the Founders Park on September 21, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon in front of the General Administration building, BU main campus. The said activity was held in honor of the three Bicolano lawmakers who spearheaded the establishment of the premier university in the region, namely: Hon. Jose M. Alberto, Hon. Dominador R. Aytona, and Hon. Carlos R. Imperial, who, forty years ago, felt the need for the founding of a university that would meet the needs of the young Bicolanos.
In line with the 40th anniversary of the Bicol University , the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy sponsored the Dedication of the Founders Park on September 21, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon in front of the General Administration building, BU main campus. The said activity was held in honor of the three Bicolano lawmakers who spearheaded the establishment of the premier university in the region, namely: Hon. Jose M. Alberto, Hon. Dominador R. Aytona, and Hon. Carlos R. Imperial, who, forty years ago, felt the need for the founding of a university that would meet the needs of the young Bicolanos. The said honorees were represented by their relatives: Hon. Jose M. Alberto was represented by his granddaughter, Mrs. Joy Niñofranco; Hon. Dominador R. Aytona by his first cousin, Mrs. Hilda Marollano-Seva; and Hon. Carlos R. Imperial was represented by his son, Mr. Niño Imperial and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Christine Imperial
The activity commenced with the laying of the bouquet headed by the BU President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Helen M. Llenaresas, the Vice-President for Administration, Atty. Eduardo M. Loria, and the family members of the three founding fathers. The officials of Bicol University and the representatives of the honorees were assisted by the Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) under the guidance of Prof. Rowena Zoilo, the NSTP Coordinator. This was then followed by the highlight of the occasion—the unveiling of the marker.
A brief overview of the occasion was given by the Dean of the sponsoring college, Dr. Rosemarie T. Frias, followed by the presentation of the brief life sketches of the founding fathers given by Prof. Dolores P. Estor, the University Chairperson for Social Sciences. A special message was then delivered by BU President Fay M. Lauraya, after which expressive responses were rendered by family members who represented the honorees.
The dedication of the Founders’ Park became more memorable due to the presence of the past officials of Bicol University , who likewise graced the occasion. In attendance were former presidents, Judge Aquilino P. Bonto, Dr. Emiliano A. Aberin, and Dr. Susana C. Cabredo. The first BU President Dr. Ricardo A. Arcilla, was likewise represented by his son, Engr. Dante B. Arcilla. Other former BU officials present were Dr. Graciano Bañaga, Dr. Nelia S. Ciocson, and Dr. Violeta M. Diaz. The present deans and other officials as well as the teaching and the non-teaching personnel of the various colleges of the University were, of course, present as well. (Ruby Ann L. Ayo)
First BU President given honor
One of the highlights of the Ruby Anniversary of the Bicol University was the dedication of the Arcilla Hall located at the BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Daraga Campus. It was held on September 21, 2009 at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon in honor of the first president of Bicol University , Dr. Ricardo A. Arcilla.
The activity opened with the blessing of the marker and the hall, the rites for which were performed by Rev. Fr. Benjamin R. Belgica. This was immediately followed by the Words of Welcome given by the Dean of the sponsoring college, Dr. Rosemarie T. Frias. Then, BU President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya delivered her message on the occasion. The son of Dr. Ricardo Arcilla, Engr. Dante B. Arcilla, gave the response in behalf of their family. The hall was then filled with emotions when a short presentation tagged “Reminiscing a Trailblazer” was shown. Everyone watched the presentation with a great sense of nostalgia. The activity was made complete with the Closing Remarks given by the Chair of the Committee on the Dedication of the Arcilla Hall, Dr. Letecia A. Mata.
The six departments of the College of Social Science and Philosophy namely the Department of Social Work, Sociology, Political Science, Peace Stuides, Philosophy and the General Education also showcased the talents of students in singing Bicolano songs and Filipino dances during the Cultural Presentation that followed. A sumptuous merienda was served while everybody listened to and watched the performances of the students of the various departments.
The activity likewise served as a reunion of the former BU officials as well as the faculty of the then Bicol University College of Arts and Sciences. They were present to grace the momentous occasion. (Ruby Ann L. A yo)
