CNSC SPECTRUM VOL 8 no 2

NCIP RO V RD Lee T. Arroyo and CNSC OIC President/CHED RD Dr. Freddie T. Bernal signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with Dr. Josefina Socorro F. Tondo, CNSC VP for Research and Extension and the OVPRE team, NCIP Camarines Norte Provincial Officer Vivian Tanamor, Hon. Mayor Adrian Davoco of Basud and Administrative Officer Ace John Delos Santos of San Lorenzo Ruiz signed as witnesses The National Commission for participants composed of the NCIP and “journey,” focuses on the development Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region V seals CNSC people, LGU Representatives, and of three coffee table books that depict partnership with Camarines Norte State a few katutubo from the Manide tribe in the lives, cultures, customs, practices, College (CNSC) through a Memorandum Osmeña, Jose Panganiban. She expressed festivals, and tourism destinations of of Cooperation (MoC) signing between her excitement for the partnership for it Indigenous Cultural Communities/ NCIP and CNSC on April 14, 2021 at the has always been her vision to have active Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IP) within their CNSC Pavilion, Main Campus, Daet, collaboration between NCIP and CNSC. ancestral realms. Camarines Norte. NCIP Regional Director Lee T. Arroyo Book 1 is “Pagkilala” (Recognize) with An Audio-Video Presentation of delivered an inspirational message. the objective of engaging the public in Project EPANAW, Bicol Showcase was She explained the conceptualization of recognizing the lives and the land of the presented to start the event. the project and introduced the salient ICCs/IPs features of Project EPANAW. VP for Research and Extension Dr. Book 2 is “Paggalang” (Respect) Josefina Socorro F. Tondo welcomed the Project “Epanaw,” which means which indulges public respect to the rituals, traditions, customary laws, justice DA approves 5 million Swine Production systems, and culture of ICCs/IPs, and Project with CNSC -CANR Book 3 is “Pagtaguyod” (Promote) for To intensify its effort to bring back the project proponents: Jessa B. Dumagsang the promotion of the tourist destinations, swine production sector in the Philippines and Arnel V. Sazon, both Animal Science the care for the protected areas, and which is currently challenged due to the faculty members of CNSC-CANR. This resource investment in the ancestral spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), the is also a collaboration project with the domains for peace and development. Department of Agriculture (DA) approved Department of Agriculture- Regional Field a proposal of CNSC titled, “Increasing Office 5 (DARFO5), Camarines Norte- In his message of support CNSC OIC Availability of Swine Quality Stock through Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (CN- President/CHED Regional Director Dr. Distribution and Upgrading of Swine OPAG), and the Local Government Units Freddie T. Bernal assured NCIP of CNSC’s Multiplier Farms in Camarines Norte” support towards the preservation and with a fund amounting to 5 million pesos Continued on page 4... under the Agricultural Competitiveness Continued on page 2... Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) last May 20, 2021. What’s Inside This is one of the programs of the AACCUP evaluates Entienza Campus Curricular agency through which there will be Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 distribution of weaners to the affected CNSC celebrates its 29th Foundation Anniversary . . 3 swine raisers in Luzon in collaboration CNSC HRMO-L & D spearheads Seminar on Guidance with different State Universities and and Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Colleges (SUCs). Green Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Labo Campus conducts 7-Day LUDIP Workshop . . . .6 The proposal was presented by History Department spearheads its first national webinar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ISO CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 CHED re-evaluates CNSC compliance for universityhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

The CNSC Spectrum NEWS Vol. VIII, No. 2 AACCUP evaluates Entienza Campus Curricular Programs The AACCUP accreditors headed by its Coordinator Dr. Nelia Aman with the CNSC Entienza Campus administration and staff headed by its Director, Dr. Jofhiline Dygico and the local accreditation task force during the Opening Program of the AACCUP Online Survey Visit on June 22-25, 2021 To ensure that the education provided by Camarines Norte The Team conducted Finalization of Team Reports, Findings State College as an institution of higher learning meets or and Recommendations for the conduct of a Closing Program exceeds the acceptable levels of quality and to guarantee that cum Exit Conference. continual improvement is adhered to, the Camarines Norte State College – Ret. Judge Antonio C. Entienza Campus submits Dr. Nelia V. Aman, delivered the overall impression from its curricular programs for Virtual Survey Visit of the Accrediting AACCUP Accreditors, then the rest of the team followed. Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) on June 22-25, 2021. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, OIC President expressed his Statement of Commitment, that CNSC is committed to comply with all the The online accreditation process includes the perusal of suggestions and recommendations of AACCUP and will take all uploaded documents, class observation, extension project and comments for continual improvement of the existing operations facilities virtual tours, interview with stakeholders – college and processes. officials, students, parents, faculty, alumni and the community. The goal of various processes is to promote academic excellence Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to the eight AACCUP and ensure that curricular programs conform to the standards. Accreditors. Dr. Jofhiline F. Dygico, the Director of Entienza Campus thanked the AACCUP evaluators for their presence and After the Opening Program, the accreditors started the perusal their support to Accreditation. of documents. The accreditors assigned in 10 areas started the accreditation process with their local counterparts: I –Vision, And the four-day Online Survey Visit to the three Curricular Mission, Goals and Objectives, II- Faculty, III – Curriculum and Programs of Entienza Campus culminated with a photo Instruction, IV- Support to Students, V-Research, VI- Extension opportunity. and Community Involvement, VII-Library, VIII- Physical Plant and Facilities, IX- Laboratory and X- Administration. CNSC strongly upholds Accreditation as a commitment to excellence and high professional standards, that a level The evaluators conducted continuation of perusal of of excellence is attained through continuous learning and documents, class observation, project/ site visit and inspection, improvement process. and extension and community involvement. They also conducted Interview and triangulation with CNSC stakeholders, The online accreditation process was spearheaded by the all via Zoom and phone call. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rosalie A. Almadrones facilitated by the Quality Assurance Office through Dr. Dolores C. Volante under the overall leadership of Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CESO III, CNSC OIC – President. (GA Delos Reyes) NCIP seals...from page 1 team, and the LGUs who graced the event. She delightedly provided CNSC a hard copy of the three Books for dissemination development of the ICCs/IPs communities in the province. He of its contents to the CNSC Community. mentioned some of the aspects where CNCS could help. In terms of literacy, profiling, and giving scholarship to IPs, extend The highlight of the project launching is the Presentation expert services of CNSC faculty to the IPs and provide them of Talents of Manide Tribe where they show their talents in with not just access but opportunities and even employment. singing a Manide song, dancing their rituals, and a rendition He also emphasized CHED’s support to the IPs on providing of their katutubo song performed by Lolo Ompong, an elderly equality, equity, and inclusive education. of the tribe. The ceremonial signing of the MoC followed. NCIP RO V The opening of the exhibit that features hand-made RD Lee T. Arroyo and CNSC OIC President/CHED RD Dr. Freddie products produced by the tribe and a showcase of photo T. Bernal signed the MoC with Dr. Josefina Socorro F. Tondo, gallery showing the customs and practices of the Manide CNSC VP for Research and Extension and the OVPRE team, concluded the ceremony. NCIP Camarines Norte Provincial Officer Vivian Tanamor, Hon. Mayor Adrian Davoco of Basud and Administrative Officer Ace CNSC in partnership with NCIP advocates and protects John Delos Santos of San Lorenzo Ruiz signed as witnesses. the rights of IPs, values and appreciates their life, culture, and practices, and includes them in the CNSC’s research and NCIP RD gives token of appreciation to CNSC, the OVPRE extension agenda.(GA Delos Reyes) 2

Camarines Norte State College NEWS Daet, Camarines Norte CNSC celebrates its 29th Foundation Anniversary The CNSC Administrative Council and employees headed by CNSC OIC-President / CHED-ROV Director Dr. Freddie T. Bernal during the Opening Program of the 29th Foundation Anniversary Celebration on April 7-8, 2021 at the Entrance Pavilion, CNSC Main Campus The Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) celebrates its Another part of the celebration was the UCaN Logo Making 29th Foundation Anniversary as a public higher educational Contest presentation facilitated by the Cultural and Performing institution in the province of Camarines Norte on April 7-8. Arts Unit. CNSC started as Camarines Norte High School in 1920, and it was converted to CNSC in 1992 by virtue of the Republic Act No. 7352, otherwise known as the CNSC Charter. This year’s theme is, “Preserving Institutional Identity The day 2 of the 29th Foundation Anniversary was conducted in its Continuing Service to Humanity.” The two-day activity on April 8 at the Main Campus. commences with a Holy Mass celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Chito Estrella attended by CNSC Administrative officials headed The CNSC Sports Development Office (SDO) and the Cultural by CNSC OIC President Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, teaching and non- and Performing Arts Unit (CPAU) facilitated the Virtual Zumba. teaching employees. The advocacy campaign through Audio-Video Presentation The Human Resource and Development Office through its of every delivery unit was played anchored on the theme, Learning and Development Unit spearheaded a “Webinar on “Preserving Institutional Identity in its Continuing Service to the Essentials of Assessing, Evaluating Student Performance and Humanity” which also includes about their campus, curricular OBE Syllabi Preparation”. offering, and programs to cope with the global pandemic. The webinar was participated by L & The day 1 activity culminated with the Wreath Laying on the D Coordinators, Program Chairpersons Monument of Late Congressman Renato Unico Sr. the Principal and faculty of the College. It aims to Author of RA 7352, the CNSC Charter that converted CNHS to capacitate the participants to design and CNSC with the CNSC Community in attendance. apply appropriate and varied assessment strategies, provide feedback on student’s performance and monitor and evaluate student’s progress and achievement, thus, would ensure the holistic development of learners. CNSC moves forward to another successful years of educating the people of Camarines Norte. (GA Delos Reyes) 3

The CNSC Spectrum NEWS Vol. VIII, No. 2 CNSC HRMO-L & D spearheads Seminar on Guidance and Counseling CNSC OIC President/CHED-RO V Director Dr. Freddie T. Bernal delivering his inspirational message during the Seminar on Guidance and Counselling held on April 19-20, 2021 at CNSC Main Campus. The Resource Speakers on the Meaning, Nature, and Functions of Guidance Counselling and Services, Bullying Identification and Prevention, Guidance Approaches and Leadership, Character Education, Common Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Psychologica First Aid. The Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) through the health adviser, educational partner, not just for students but Human Resource and Management Office headed by HRMO also for parents and even fellow employees. He is looking Martin M. Lukban and the Learning and Development Officer, forward for the success of the seminar, welcomed everyone and Jhon Paul M. Castillo spearheaded a Seminar on Guidance and congratulated the HRMO- the office behind the seminar. Counseling on April 19-20, 2021 at the CNSC Amphitheater, The Resource Speakers and their respective topics: Daet, Camarines Norte. Participants are guidance counselors, coordinators and faculty representatives of all delivery units of Elizabeth Pitoy, RGC, Guidance Counselor III, CNSC on the College. The seminar streamed live on facebook and some Meaning and Nature of Guidance; Melva Porbolan, RGC, OSSD of the participants joined via Zoom. Coordinator, CAS on Guidance Services, Functions of Guidance Counselors and Bullying Prevention; Michelle DL. Moll, MAGC, The activity aimed to improve the guidance and counseling Guidance Counselor, Mabini Colleges on Guidance Approaches services of the College. Specifically to provide continuous and Leadership; Arlane Lo, MAEd., Guidance Counselor III, CANR professional development to license guidance counselors and on Character Education; Melvin D. Angeles, Psychometrician, coordinators, provide relevant and responsive information to on Common Emotional and Behavioral Disorders; and Aida meet the guidance and counseling needs of students, enhance Carranceja, Guidance Counselor, CBPA on Psychological First individual strengths and identify needs and respect diversity, Aid. build more meaningful relationships with other especially with students, and guide students achieve their educational goals. The Guidance Coordinators facilitated the Question and Answer part of the seminar. The active involvement In his Opening Remarks, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CNSC OIC of the participants during and after the presentations are President and CHED Regional Director, recognized the critical overwhelming. The resource speakers readily answered the role of guidance counselors in school that becomes more questions and even give additional inputs during the Q & A. crucial because of the pandemic. The administration is aware of the prevalence of depression, suicide, and other mental CNSC stands firm on its commitment to ensure that guidance health issues among students which needs high demand for and counseling services are enhanced to support students’ support mostly from guidance counselors. With this pandemic, holistic development. Students who understand their purpose guidance counselors have many roles such as comforters, social, and have the courage and confidence to face life’s challenges emotional, and spiritual educator, conflict mediator, mental (GA Delos Reyes) DA approves... from page 1 Norte and (5) to strengthen the linkages and partnerships with government and non-government stakeholders on (LGUs) in Camarines Norte. swine based livelihood programs. Meanwhile, this project generally aims: (1) to increase Moreover, this will bring a huge impact to the farmers the availability and accessibility of quality breeding stocks especially to swine raisers affected by African Swine Fever for sustainable swine production in Camarines Norte, (2) to (ASF) for this will revive their willingness to engage in upgrade the capacities and operation of the existing multiplier swine production, ensureng an increase in their household farms of CNSC-Labo, (3) to enhance the capacity of swine income by granting them a start-up livelihood through swine raiser/beneficiaries in green pig management technology dispersal and to assume awareness on Biosecurity measures and farm biosecurity measures and protocols, (4) to increase and intensify protocols to save the dying industry. the supply of quality stock in the province of Camarines (JB Dumagsang) 4

Camarines Norte State College NEWS Daet, Camarines Norte Green Palette The CNSC Team headed by Dr. Arlene Alegre, proponent and CANR Dean Dr. Roger Jay De Vela , faculty and other guest participants ventured on a two-nature walk to the Mother Tree, considered as the largest and the oldest tree in the entire Bicol Region. The activity marks CNSC’s 9th year as advocates of the Annual International Celebration of the Fascination and Plants day which started in 2013. Our journey amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic is more people are now being drawn to the idea of connecting plagued with negative impact on almost all faces of humanity. with nature for their physical and mental wellbeing, through Most sources of information about this crisis, whether social small to big nature walks they do on weekends, or who media, television or newspaper, would normally mention knows, even on days when they are supposed to be working burdens and challenges brought about by the pandemic. from home. Without being insensitive to sectors and individual drastically affected by the pandemic, I’d like to believe that this crisis Meanwhile, in CNSC, the pandemic did not stop the has also created positive changes, some of them may only team of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources last for the time being, but there are those which have the (CANR) from advocating the Fascination of Plants Day which potential to stay even in a post-COVID scenario. is celebrated annually in various parts of the world, across the American, African, European, Asian, and Oceanian As we continue our battle to survive this pandemic, we continents. As a backgrounder, the Fascination of Plants also get to uncover not just the losses but also some of our Day was inaugurated in 2012 through the European Plant wins. Among others, this pandemic has prompted us to Science Organization (EPSO), an independent academic innovate on how we do things, from teaching, to banking and organization composed of over 200 research institutions investing, to doing our businesses, to connecting to people, from over 30 countries across the world. The primary and even in developing genuine relationships. Truly, it has goal of the Fascination of Plants Day is to get more people dramatically disrupted our lives, both in good ways and in around the world fascinated by plants and informed of their bad ways. importance to many sectors of human life. In Camarines Norte, travel restrictions across provincial In the Philippines, CNSC was among the first institutions to and regional borders have greatly impacted local tourism participate in the international celebration of this Fascination and other related sectors (i.e., business and transport). of Plants Day in 2013 where the CANR team organized a The influx of tourists coming from outside of the province wee nature walk to Mt. Guinatungan to visit and feature dropped to nil and the locals who wish to visit other tourist the iconic Rafflesia, which has one of the biggest flowers in destinations outside of Camarines Norte were discouraged the world. This year, amidst the pandemic, CNSC marks its due to stringent health regulations in the borders. 9th year of participating in this advocacy. In May 2021, the team of CANR, together with a small number of guests from This resulted in the discovery of new natural attractions other CNSC Campuses, ventured on a two-hour nature walk that were rather unappealing to locals before all these travel to the “Mother Tree”. Housed in the Bicol Natural Park, this restrictions were imposed. Beaches, waterfalls, rivers, hills red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis) is considered as the largest and mountains we didn’t appreciate before COVID slowly and the oldest tree in the entire Bicol Region, hence the became a hit. Various groups of mountaineering enthusiasts name “Mother Tree”. This approximately 400-year-old tree in Camarines Norte emerged and their stunning photos is indeed a giant with a height of 27 meters and diameter (at of the province’s natural wonders were suddenly allover breast height) of 220 centimeters. At the base, it took about social media, leaving the people of Camarines Norte awed, 19 members of our team, with arms wide open, to fully hug surprised and excited. Although not quantified, it appears the Mother Tree. Such tree-hugging experience was really that more and more of our locals have developed increasing one for the book. interest on the “newly-discovered” natural wonders of the province. Moreover, the pandemic has caused more people The trek was relatively easy and perfect for those who to turn into being plant uncles and aunties (plant “titos” and just want to have short nature getaways on weekends plant “titas”) due to their fascination of plants. And as if taking without feeling too beat and sore after. There are cemented care of plants at home and in their backyard is not enough, Continued on page 7... 5

The CNSC Spectrum NEWS Vol. VIII, No. 2 Labo Campus conducts 7-Day LUDIP Workshop (1) Participants discuss the map details of the CNSC Labo Campus- Technology and Livelihood Center, Sierra Bros., (2) Group 1 members participating in the sandbox designing creating a miniature of their ideal community. CNSC Labo Campus held a 7-Day Land Use Development and The second farm was the Urban Garden Agricultural Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) Workshop on June 21-25, 28 & 29, Technology (UGAT) located at San Felipe, Daet, Camarines 2021 at CNSC Labo Campus, Talobatib, Labo, Camarines Norte. Norte. The participants were able to witness a productive garden which harvests seedlings, vegetables, chickens and pigs The event was participated in by CNSC Labo Campus LUDIP given that there is only a small area for production. committee members, selected CANR faculty and staff, Mr. Ronaldo Dando, CNSC Planning Officer, engineers and architects Glorious Farm, known for their large native forest collection from CNSC Institutional Planning and Development Office and native pigs, is located at the boundary in between Labo and (IPDO), and other stakeholders. Vinzons. The workshop was facilitated by Landscape Architect Sandino Meanwhile, before the first day event ends, the participants Guinto, and Glorious Farm owner Mr. Vincer Quibral. had the site visit synthesis, and an activity which they identified problems of Camarines Norte needed to be considered in The event started with 1-Day farm visits. The participants crafting the Labo Campus LUDIP. visited the Bahay Teknik located at Pamorangon, Daet, Camarines Norte. It is owned and managed by Mr. Joshua Guinto who The second and third days were utilized to discuss and plot shared their advocacies, the different processes and developed the plan of the Campus A which is located in Talobatib, Labo. products and technologies. Continued on page 8... History Department spearheads its first national webinar In celebration of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations Department and its first partnership with UST. in the Philippines (2021 QCP), CNSC-CAS History Department Dr. Melanie D. Bacuño, Dean of CNSC-CAS, said during the in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School-Department of History spearheaded a webinar’s opening program that “The Quincentennial is also a national webinar-workshop titled “History, Victory, and celebration of our ancient culture, which led to what we now Humanity: The Importance of Teaching and Writing History of call ‘humanity.’ And it is this humanity of Filipino educators Women and Men in Contemporary Times” on April 20 and 27, and researchers that paved the way to an understanding 2021. and appreciation of historical events and in leading ways to overcome disruptions in the educational landscape that is how This two-day virtual event marked the first-ever national we teach and write history of women and men.” webinar-workshop initiated by the CNSC-CAS History Four noteworthy discussions were given by esteemed 6 resource speakers from UST. Dr. Augusto V. De Viana, a fulltime professor, provided a comprehensive discussion about Historical Research, while Dr. Antonio C. Hila, who is a professorial lecturer in History, discussed the second topic for Day 1, Understanding History and its Effective Teaching. This was followed by a workshop and presentation of outputs. Meanwhile, Day 2 kicked off with the discussion on the Importance of History in the New Normal by Dr. Achie B. Resos, UST History Department Program Chairperson. Lastly, Assistant Professor Emmanuel Jeric A. Albela discussed Historical Hermeneutics. With 755 attendees, this event was participated by professional researchers, social sciences teachers, museum curators, and students of History courses. Although the webinar was primarily envisioned as a national event, it reached international audience from India, Indonesia, Bhutan, and Ethiopia. (MI Jalgalado)

Camarines Norte State College NEWS Daet, Camarines Norte ISO CORNER Recognizing the importance of ISO Certification to academic institution To ensure productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction, well-maintained and established quality management system. Camarines Norte State College continues to maintain its Starting with concrete plan to ensure success in every commitment to quality assurance and one QA initiatives is the ISO Quality Management System certification. ISO endeavour. Sticking to the plan on how exactly processes and Certification posed a lot of advantages: To the administration, operations should be done. Monitoring and evaluating the the advantages of ISO extend beyond operations and processes implementation and preparing to make changes if necessary. it directs the institution to its vision of producing quality and Executing contingency plans as the need arises. Taking chances highly competitive graduates and guarantees that curricular and acting on it – making sure that the intended outcome is programs being offered are at par with other higher education achieved. institutions in the country and in the world. Doing 8S as a daily habit to ensure efficient use of time, To the teachers and general support services staff, it means resources, and energy. Documenting the systems and clearer direction and responsibilities and even expectations operations on what was done and what was not accomplished. and better understanding of their functions that consequently Assessing what went wrong and what should instead be done leads to more effective delivery of instruction and services. to prevent same incident to happen. Preparing to take risks and devising a strategy to handling them. Justifying any deviation To the students as the most important beneficiary of ISO, from a plan that is inadvertent or unavoidable. Recognizing it means enhanced, relevant, responsive curricular programs, other people’s contributions and acknowledging limitations. and systematic teaching and learning environment with all Most importantly, making sure that every actions are other processes in place. And to other education stakeholders, anchored on the system wide strategic and operational plan the certification means better and improved delivery of and in support to achieve the vision and mission of the college. services. Hence, the CNSC Community must move as one to sustain the ISO certification in realizing continuous improvement in the Said benefits are motivations to keep the ISO spirit alive in institution’s quality management system. (GA Delos Reyes) CNSC, the following considerations are thus reiterated for a Green Palette ...from page 5 conservation. Interestingly, the CANR Team also had a good time to reflect on what it can potentially contribute to the portions along the way and the slopes are not that steep and protection and conservation of this specific part of the planet. dangerous. Other than the loud conversations we had while Having the Environmental Science academic program, CANR trekking, we heard only the sound of crickets and birds which Team should envision to be at the forefront of environmental were all over the place, making it a perfect escape from the research directed at discovering and documenting the rich hustle of downtown and the pile of work to do in the office. flora and fauna in the natural park and as well as advocating its protection and conservation. Aside from research, there We walked with our resident psychometrician in CANR are also partnerships and linkages that could potentially in the person of Mr. Melvin D. Angeles who patiently talked be explored and participated in by CANR, specifically in about the benefits of spending time in nature, be it in the capacitating nearby communities on other agricultural and beach, by the river or in the mountains. Among others, livelihood activities that will not compromise the future of he highlighted the potential benefit of being outdoors in Bicol Natural Park. reducing stress levels due to the calming effect nature has on our brains. Being in nature, or even just being in the After breathing ultra-fresh air, feasting on lush green backyard garden, can boost one’s mood and immune system forest, worthwhile conversations and hugging the humungous and even improve mental wellbeing which may lead to many and majestic Mother Tree, we went home feeling inspired to other benefits like improved creativity, sound decisions, and connect with nature again, maybe even after the pandemic. generally improved outlook in life, to name a few. The five hours we spent away from civilization, under the nurturing shade and breath of the “Mother Tree” and other Apart from having the opportunity to take a break from flora species in the Bicol Natural Park, gave us a breather, not our challenging tasks as academics, we also enjoyed our just from the demands of work but also from the dramas the time with the forest rangers and representatives from the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to watch and experience. provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who not just shared good stories P.S. We compiled random video about the iconic Mother Tree, but also introduced some of clips of our trek to the Mother Tree the diverse flora species we encountered along the trek. into two 15-miniute videos which They mentioned a number of human activities (primarily are up on the Youtube Channel agriculture and other livelihood activities of nearby of the European Plant Science communities) that continue to threaten not just the Mother Organization. Please check it out Tree but the whole Bicol Natural Park. It is comforting to know and don’t forget to hit Like and that DENR, specifically the management of Bicol Natural Subscribe. (Dr. RJ L De Vela) Park remains committed on their mandate of protection and 7

The CNSC Spectrum NEWS Vol. VIII, No. 2 CHED re-evaluates CNSC compliance for universityhood CNSC OIC President, CHED ROV Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Quality Assurance Team composed of Dr. Ma. Teresa G. De Alban, Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, Dr. Jean E. Cardiño, Dr. Ma. Pamela S. Viñas and Engr. Janet N. Naag during their courtesy visit to to OIC-President on April 6, 2021 at CNSC, Main Campus to re-evaluate CNSC compliance for universityhood. The Commission on Higher Education They regularly provide technical (CHED) Quality Assurance Specialists assistance to monitor compliance with composed of Dr. Ma. Teresa G. De Alban, the requirements of the commission. Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, Dr. Jean E. Cardiño, CNSC’s current status in its application Dr. Ma. Pamela S. Viñas and Engr. Janet for universityhood is “with pending N. Naag during their courtesy visit to conversion” which means that there are Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) OIC still criteria that need to be accomplished President, CHED RO V Regional Director, for CNSC to substantially comply with the Dr. Freddie T. Bernal on April 6, 2021 operational requirements to be granted at CNSC Office of the President, Main full-fledged university status. Campus, Daet, Camarines Norte. CNSC is continuously working for the The CHED regional team visited CNSC attainment of its vision of becoming a to assist the College in complying with premier higher education institution in the requirements for universityhood. the region. (GA Delos Reyes) Labo Campus... will be planned and prepared to be Printed By: campus that will house the agriculture from page 6 related courses. The following were also emphasized during the activities: The inputs came from the participants Permaculture Practices: Livestock & after the discussion on permaculture, Vegetables ; forestry; and application considering the existing features of the of 4Ps Planning: Protection, Production, campus, drainage planning and future Processing and Promotion. buildings. A walk around the campus were also done. The participants were The sixth and the seventh day were able to visit the different infrastructure accomplished through plotting of the in the campus, especially the Malabtog Campus. The facilitators and production structures and the mini participants considered the following forest. This helped the participants in conceptualizing the map design: to evaluate the area, the existing and socialized housing, forest protection, decide on the needed facilities and access and agricultural land. In addition, infrastructures. fun-filled sharing and creative activities on piatos game, and sandbox designing. Meanwhile, on the fourth day and fifth day, the focus of the plotting During the closing ceremony, was on the Campus B – Technology Engr. Ronelyn Fajardo , Mr. Irvin and Livelihood Center, Sierra Bros, Bequillo ang Mr. Darwin Biag gave Labo. Because the area was used to their impressions regarding their be the COVID Isolation Unit (CIU) learnings and experiences during the and considering the safety of the event. In addition, Mr. Ronaldo Dando participants. They were not able to gave his message and thanked to the visit the area, however, a drone videos speakers. Dr. Ricardo D. Dino, Campus and aerial photos were used during Director congratulated the participants the event to identify the existing and thanked the resource speakers, features of the campus. As discussed and participants were awarded with during the workshop, TLC campus certificates. (NG Panotes) 8