Bicol
University Graduate School (BUGS) celebrated its 38th Founding
Anniversary last September 26, 2009. The
festivity was a part of Bicol University’s grand celebration of its 40th
Foundation Anniversary.
A
Thanksgiving Mass at 3:00 p.m., celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Arjona, BUGS’ own student taking up Diploma in Local Government
Management, jump-started the merriment at BUCAL’s amphitheater.
In attendance to the memorable event were BUGS administration, faculty,
staff and students. Students came in
throngs, from the main campus, and from BUGS extension programs in Gubat,
Sorsogon, Daet, Camarines Norte and Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The
holy mass was imbued with a religious mood as people praised and thanked
the Lord for the numerous blessings He has showered upon BUGS, evidenced by the
numerous achievements
of BUGS in the first few months of the first semester alone.
Consequently, these accomplishments helped propel the graduate school to
a much higher level of quality education.
A
cultural presentation immediately followed the Eucharistic celebration.
The production was a showcase of local talents.
They were BUGS’ students taking up Diploma in Cultural Education under
Dr. Ramona Bustamante-Rañeses. The
presentation was well applauded. The
BUGS audience appreciated the one-of-a-kind show which staged the historic
culture of Bicol through the folkloric characters portrayed in the play.
The
wonderful non-stop festivity went on till evening.
A sumptuous dinner was served at the Casa Blanca Convention Hall. Before
dinner, a program took place where all the attending masters’ and doctoral
students were given due recognition as they were presented per course by the
college secretary, Dr. Lorna Miña. Both
Dr. Nora Licup, 
BUGS
dean, in her welcome address and Dr. Fay Lauraya, BU President, in her
inspirational message, verbalized
their delight and appreciation for those who opted to enroll in BUGS, for
becoming a part of the ever-growing
BUGS family, and for joining the fun
that particular day.
A
surprise number from the BUGS administration, faculty and non-teaching personnel
led by the dean herself brought the hall down with screams of applause and
admiration. The group, with very
colorful and attractive costumes, delighted the audience with a “La
Combia” dance. 
The
evening did not just end ordinarily because the students taking up their Masters
in Peace and Security in Camp Crame, headed by their professor, Atty. Rustico de
Belen and their program president, Major Arnel Fernandez, sponsored a band
(which they imported from Camarines Sur Infantry Battalion) just to let everyone
enjoy the evening with music, and for the others to dance the night away.
It
was indeed an event where everybody gave his level best to celebrate and be
merry. (Maria Della R. Cruz)
