By Jesson Lagman, John Carlo Tamayo and Joseph Emmanuel Orcine
With only 2 years remaining in his term, Bulacan State University (BulSU) President Mariano De Jesus tackles the troubles and developments in the university in his 6-year presidency.
In six years, President De Jesus faced enrollment dilemmas, drainage problems, insufficient facilities and controversial procurement of equipments.
Despite this, in a survey conducted by Pacesetter, 386 out of 500 BulSUans or the 77.2 percent are satisfied by De Jesus’ administration.
“Wake up without pressures”
The Board of Regents, upon the end of De Jesus’ term on August 29, 2011, approved Resolution no. 55, series of 2010 extending De Jesus’ presidency for another four years.
“Nagsimula ako ng aking career sa BulSU noong 1970 bilang isang automotive mechanics instructor, 19 years bilang Vice President at 6 years bilang president; may natitira pa akong dalawang taon sa pwesto,” narrated De Jesus.
President De Jesus is 67 years old at the moment and according to Republic Act 8292 or the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, the president of a university maybe extended beyond retirement age but not exceeding 70 years old.
“I’ll be missing my work. After my retirement ay magtuturo pa rin ako sa Graduate School ng Foundation of Education at sa undergraduate studies ay professional education subjects,” said Dr. De Jesus.
But before the president draw back into the stress-free lifestyle, he still has to face the pressures on his remaining time as the highest executive of the University.
Hitches
First in line is the so-called ‘palakad’ system that happens after every entrance examination; those applicants who were not included in the master list of freshmen qualifiers may still enroll at BulSU through the president’s consent.
“Unfair talaga sa mga nakapasa sa exam tapos ‘yong iba nakikiusap lang. Ang problema kasi sa mga nakikiusap ‘yong iba talaga sila pa ‘yong mas matapang pa,” said Judy Ann De Jesus, a Pre-School Education Major.
In line with this, the enrollment process always results to long lines, and early cut-offs on the accounting and cashier’s office make the procedure even longer.
Another crisis in BulSU is the drainage problem in the University wherein a sudden outpour of rain immediately causes flooding of the driveways.
Bachelor in Sports Science stude Nicka Borja, questioned the inactivity of the administration to find solution in this matter. “‘Yong pagbaha dahil do’n sa mga baradong drainage, kung may ginagawang aksyon si pres [De Jesus], hindi ko maramdaman. Baka wala siyang time.”
Furthermore, the usual inadequate classrooms, ventilations on every room, chairs and other scarcity in facilities were also a dilemma over the past years.
Trial by publicity
In an interview with Pacesetter, President De Jesus answered the allegations thrown at him.
In the ‘palakad’ system, De Jesus claimed that not every person who approached him to plead for a spot here at BulSU was approved. The president explained that he first looked at the high school grades and the result of the entrance exam
“Porke’t ba nakiusap ay tinatanggap na? S’yempre tinitingnan din namin ‘yong grades nila, kung bagsak at mababa naman ay ‘di hinahayaan,” explained De Jesus.
De Jesus also admitted that political interventions exist in this ‘palakad’ system. “Nag-e-exist talaga ‘yon. Pagtanaw din naman ng utang na loob sa tulong na ibinigay ng mga taong ‘yon [politicians] sa pamantasan.”
With regards to the enrolment hassles, De Jesus advised BulSUans to strictly follow designated enrolment schedules and comply with the assigned time to avoid hassle and difficulty to avoid the long lines during enrollment.
In addition, the president cleared the issue about the facilities and said that the deans of every college are responsible for requesting enough ventilation in every room.
He added that BulSU has enough funds to acquire the needed facilities; with this, he warned that college heads who are not performing their duties will be subjected to termination.
With all the above mentioned setbacks however, BulSU Pres. De Jesus specified one problem in his term that had shaken his leadership and patience.
Establishing BAC
This was the issue of unauthorized delivery of goods that did not undergo formal process of bidding. At the time, it was rampant in almost all university’s offices, making BulSU an unaccountable academe.
“Muntik nang hindi ko kayanin ang kontrobersiyang ‘yon [delivery without bidding] na umaabot pa nga sa puntong gusto ko nang sabihin kay Commissioner Nona Ricafort ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) na ayaw ko na, gusto ko na pong mag-resign at bitawan ang pagiging presidente buti na lang nalampasan ko,” stated De Jesus.
The BOR including Ricafort helped him overcome the controversy with the entire administration, Commission on Audit, Office of the Legal Consultant and BulSU College of Law that provided necessary documents and pleadings with regards to the case.
The prexy’s legal team used ‘quantum meruit’ principle. In law, it is a Latin phrase which means ‘as much as he deserved’; an equitable remedy that provides restitution for unjust enrichment. Damages awarded in an amount considered reasonable to compensate a person who has provided services in a quasi-contractual relationship.
In addition, due to this, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) was established to avoid another anomalous transaction in the university and also to secure that every peso which BulSUans deposit is being placed in good faith.
“Bago kasi ‘yon [said issue] ay wala tayong BAC kaya natin naisipan magtalaga ng isang komite na tututok talaga sa proseso ng bidding para naman maayos na ang lahat at ‘di na magkaganito ulit, nakadadala kasi,” concluded De Jesus.
Finishing touches
In his last two years as BulSU president, he plans construction of buildings, renovation and improvement of the facilities and more enhanced security for the students.
Moreover, the prexy assured BulSUans that these proposed projects will not settle in just plans rather even in reality.
“Itong mga proyekto ‘to ay inaasahang matapos ngayon taon para bago ako lumisan sa BulSU ay matatamasa na agad ng mga estudyante, faculty, staff o kahit sino pang BulSUan,” mentioned De Jesus.
To be particular, it comprises of the university roads-drainages rehabilitation, air-conditioning and renovation of Valencia Hall and the erection of the separate building of College of Business Administration.
These enhancements, if realized, will serve as remedies to insufficient classrooms, flood-prone BulSU and to other scarcity regarding facilities and infrastructures.
Additionally, the construction of Alvarado Hall’s last phase will start also this year; a 40 million fund was given by the national government through the consolidated request of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and the provincial government.
Meanwhile, De Jesus enumerated some of his presidency’s accomplishments; these are the income generation projects that produced McDonalds' and Graceland mall, construction of Activity Center, and annual procurement of BulSU's properties.
(With reports from Carl Angelo Espiritu)
With only 2 years remaining in his term, Bulacan State University (BulSU) President Mariano De Jesus tackles the troubles and developments in the university in his 6-year presidency.
In six years, President De Jesus faced enrollment dilemmas, drainage problems, insufficient facilities and controversial procurement of equipments.
Despite this, in a survey conducted by Pacesetter, 386 out of 500 BulSUans or the 77.2 percent are satisfied by De Jesus’ administration.
“Wake up without pressures”
The Board of Regents, upon the end of De Jesus’ term on August 29, 2011, approved Resolution no. 55, series of 2010 extending De Jesus’ presidency for another four years.
“Nagsimula ako ng aking career sa BulSU noong 1970 bilang isang automotive mechanics instructor, 19 years bilang Vice President at 6 years bilang president; may natitira pa akong dalawang taon sa pwesto,” narrated De Jesus.
President De Jesus is 67 years old at the moment and according to Republic Act 8292 or the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, the president of a university maybe extended beyond retirement age but not exceeding 70 years old.
“I’ll be missing my work. After my retirement ay magtuturo pa rin ako sa Graduate School ng Foundation of Education at sa undergraduate studies ay professional education subjects,” said Dr. De Jesus.
But before the president draw back into the stress-free lifestyle, he still has to face the pressures on his remaining time as the highest executive of the University.
Hitches
First in line is the so-called ‘palakad’ system that happens after every entrance examination; those applicants who were not included in the master list of freshmen qualifiers may still enroll at BulSU through the president’s consent.
“Unfair talaga sa mga nakapasa sa exam tapos ‘yong iba nakikiusap lang. Ang problema kasi sa mga nakikiusap ‘yong iba talaga sila pa ‘yong mas matapang pa,” said Judy Ann De Jesus, a Pre-School Education Major.
In line with this, the enrollment process always results to long lines, and early cut-offs on the accounting and cashier’s office make the procedure even longer.
Another crisis in BulSU is the drainage problem in the University wherein a sudden outpour of rain immediately causes flooding of the driveways.
Bachelor in Sports Science stude Nicka Borja, questioned the inactivity of the administration to find solution in this matter. “‘Yong pagbaha dahil do’n sa mga baradong drainage, kung may ginagawang aksyon si pres [De Jesus], hindi ko maramdaman. Baka wala siyang time.”
Furthermore, the usual inadequate classrooms, ventilations on every room, chairs and other scarcity in facilities were also a dilemma over the past years.
Trial by publicity
In an interview with Pacesetter, President De Jesus answered the allegations thrown at him.
In the ‘palakad’ system, De Jesus claimed that not every person who approached him to plead for a spot here at BulSU was approved. The president explained that he first looked at the high school grades and the result of the entrance exam
“Porke’t ba nakiusap ay tinatanggap na? S’yempre tinitingnan din namin ‘yong grades nila, kung bagsak at mababa naman ay ‘di hinahayaan,” explained De Jesus.
De Jesus also admitted that political interventions exist in this ‘palakad’ system. “Nag-e-exist talaga ‘yon. Pagtanaw din naman ng utang na loob sa tulong na ibinigay ng mga taong ‘yon [politicians] sa pamantasan.”
With regards to the enrolment hassles, De Jesus advised BulSUans to strictly follow designated enrolment schedules and comply with the assigned time to avoid hassle and difficulty to avoid the long lines during enrollment.
In addition, the president cleared the issue about the facilities and said that the deans of every college are responsible for requesting enough ventilation in every room.
He added that BulSU has enough funds to acquire the needed facilities; with this, he warned that college heads who are not performing their duties will be subjected to termination.
With all the above mentioned setbacks however, BulSU Pres. De Jesus specified one problem in his term that had shaken his leadership and patience.
Establishing BAC
This was the issue of unauthorized delivery of goods that did not undergo formal process of bidding. At the time, it was rampant in almost all university’s offices, making BulSU an unaccountable academe.
“Muntik nang hindi ko kayanin ang kontrobersiyang ‘yon [delivery without bidding] na umaabot pa nga sa puntong gusto ko nang sabihin kay Commissioner Nona Ricafort ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) na ayaw ko na, gusto ko na pong mag-resign at bitawan ang pagiging presidente buti na lang nalampasan ko,” stated De Jesus.
The BOR including Ricafort helped him overcome the controversy with the entire administration, Commission on Audit, Office of the Legal Consultant and BulSU College of Law that provided necessary documents and pleadings with regards to the case.
The prexy’s legal team used ‘quantum meruit’ principle. In law, it is a Latin phrase which means ‘as much as he deserved’; an equitable remedy that provides restitution for unjust enrichment. Damages awarded in an amount considered reasonable to compensate a person who has provided services in a quasi-contractual relationship.
In addition, due to this, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) was established to avoid another anomalous transaction in the university and also to secure that every peso which BulSUans deposit is being placed in good faith.
“Bago kasi ‘yon [said issue] ay wala tayong BAC kaya natin naisipan magtalaga ng isang komite na tututok talaga sa proseso ng bidding para naman maayos na ang lahat at ‘di na magkaganito ulit, nakadadala kasi,” concluded De Jesus.
Finishing touches
In his last two years as BulSU president, he plans construction of buildings, renovation and improvement of the facilities and more enhanced security for the students.
Moreover, the prexy assured BulSUans that these proposed projects will not settle in just plans rather even in reality.
“Itong mga proyekto ‘to ay inaasahang matapos ngayon taon para bago ako lumisan sa BulSU ay matatamasa na agad ng mga estudyante, faculty, staff o kahit sino pang BulSUan,” mentioned De Jesus.
To be particular, it comprises of the university roads-drainages rehabilitation, air-conditioning and renovation of Valencia Hall and the erection of the separate building of College of Business Administration.
These enhancements, if realized, will serve as remedies to insufficient classrooms, flood-prone BulSU and to other scarcity regarding facilities and infrastructures.
Additionally, the construction of Alvarado Hall’s last phase will start also this year; a 40 million fund was given by the national government through the consolidated request of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and the provincial government.
Meanwhile, De Jesus enumerated some of his presidency’s accomplishments; these are the income generation projects that produced McDonalds' and Graceland mall, construction of Activity Center, and annual procurement of BulSU's properties.
(With reports from Carl Angelo Espiritu)