VIVES University of Applied Sciences - Belgium delegates in BU for academic visit
The VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, sent Prof. Evert Cottyn and Prof. Elly Verstraete as delegates for an academic visit to Bicol University from February 8 to 11, 2023.
On their first day, the delegates paid courtesy to the Bicol University administration as they toured the BU Main Campus and Polangui Campus on February 8, 2023.
With the help of the International Relations Office (IRO) staff and student volunteers, Prof. Evert and Prof. Elly also experienced riding a jeepney, where they navigated their way from Albay Cathedral to BU Main Campus.
Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, IRO Director, facilitated their activities and visited the Vice President of Administration and Finance office, the Vice President for Academic Affairs office, the Legal Office, the University Library, the Open University, the Student Union Center, and SILI DELI. BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas and his wife, Dr. Ma. Jane B. Mascariñas, later joined in the luncheon meeting at SILI DELI.
In the afternoon, Ms. Lies Verstraete joined Prof. Evert and Prof. Elly on their way to the BU Polangui Campus, where they enjoyed a warm welcome from the BUPC students and administration, headed by BUPC Dean Dr. Mary Joy B. Catangui. They were later shown around the campus.
Polangui Mayor, Hon. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda also met the visitors at the Catangui residence, where they had a fellowship night and dinner.
Prof. Evert in BUCIT
Prof. Evert Cottyn went to the BU College of Industrial Technology (CIT) on February 9, 2023, to learn as much as he could about the school, especially in the fields of mechanics and technology.
He was welcomed by Dr. Jonathan Arroco, BUCIT Dean, and they toured around the campus. They also went to FabLab with Prof. Emerson Manzanilla of the Automotive Department, and the Bicol Regional Food Convention Center (BRFICC) joined by its director, Prof. Janesa Reyes.
They shared and discussed automotive machines, their parts, functions, and practices. Prof. Evert was given the opportunity to share VIVES University with the BUCITeños, where he promoted VIVES and encouraged the students and faculty members to further engage with them through international relations.
Indulging Filipino cuisines, products
The tour stopped for a while at Sumlang Lake in Camalig, Albay, where they met up with Prof. Jun Peñol to discuss product design. The two professors shared knowledge with one another on what and how they project product design. Prof. Jun also showcased different materials that Filipino crafters use, like Abaka, Nipa, Anahaw, etc. During lunch, Dr. Arroco introduced different Filipino cuisines to Prof. Evert Cottyn and taught him how to crack pili nuts.
They later went to another tourist destination—the Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga, Albay. Prof. Elly also arrived in time to join the team. They soon had their dinner at the Colonial Grill to eat Bicolano dishes and the local 'Sili' ice cream.
Prof. Elly in BUCE
As part of VIVES University of Applied Sciences' international engagement, Prof. Elly visited the BU College of Education, where she was welcomed by the BUCE Dean, Dr. Lorna M. Mina, together with the department heads, and the CSC President, Vincent Marion D. Oro, on February 9, 2023.
She also met Dr. Ma. Teresa M. Abainza, the BUCE HS-ILS Principal, as well as the pupils of the school. She was accompanied by Dr. Dimson M. Rivero, International Relations Office Director, and his staff. In the afternoon, Prof. Elly met with the teachers from the Ibalon Central School in Legazpi, Albay.
Afterward, they visited the famous Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay, where they joined Prof. Evert, who had just returned from his visit to BUCIT. Later in the evening, they went to Colonial Grill to experience the authentic Bicolano dishes, and for desserts, they tried the local 'Sili' ice cream
Prof. Evert in CBEM
On February 10, 2023, Prof. Edgar S. Barrameda, the Dean of the BU College of Business, Economics, and Management (CBEM), along with the staff and students of the college, welcomed Prof. Evert to their college for the continuation of their academic visit.
Prof. Evert gave a brief overview of VIVES University to the CBEM students studying Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program.
After the visit, Prof. Evert Cottyn, together with Prof. Barrameda and Dr. Rivero, went to the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) for lunch and joined Prof. Elly, Atty. Alex Nepomuceno, BUCSSP Dean, the faculty members, and student volunteers.
Prof. Elly in BUCSSP
On February 10, 2023, Prof. Elly also came to the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP).
A simple program was held at Arcilla Hall wherein Prof. Elly was introduced to Atty. Alex Nepomuceno, BUCSSP Dean, and Dr. Imelda S. Barce, Associate Dean, to the department heads, and other faculty members and students.
During the program, Prof. Elly talked about the courses and curriculum that VIVES has to offer. He also told the audience some stories that had inspired her. Prof. Evert Cottyn joined her after visiting the CBEM.
VIVES delegates in CENG, industrial tour in Albay
The international visitors also went to the College of Engineering (CENG) Gymnasium, where a short program was held; they gave a presentation promoting VIVES and left messages for the CENG administration, faculty, and students on February 11, 2023.
The welcome program and the industrial tour in Albay were both sponsored by Dr. Amelia Gonzales, who is the Dean of BUCENG. Afterwards, the delegates went to the Minola Oil factory in Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay, followed by a courtesy call from the Ligao City Mayor, Hon. Fernando V. Gonzales.
They also visited Mt. Masaraga and Kawa-Kawa Hills, two of Ligao's tourist destinations, and met some students of Ligao Community College.
In the evening, they went to Costa Kristianna in Pio Duran, Albay, for dinner, where they were also welcomed by the children through "pagmamano.” The delegates were set to leave the following day.
(Article and photos by the BUCPRO Student Affiliates: Avril L. Precillas, Julia Mae Mendez, Diana Rose Marchan, and Janna Alyssa Jacob.)
