"BU should not be onion-skinned to feedback"–Ave Lobrigo on recent online uproar

A few days after a Facebook post quoting that Bicol University (BU) seems to be a “public school” went viral, Ave Lobrigo, BU alumna and author of the said post, clarified that she had no malicious intent in her words.

“BU should not be onion-skinned to feedback. My post was critical but not malicious. Since the institution is public, taxpayers can opine. If the admin would like to know the impact of their education, it should be reflective to our society,” she said.

Lobrigo also explained that her reference to BU as "garo na public school" was figurative.

“It has its own context, and a list of academic honorees that you call Latin honors flashed to my newsfeed.  I was surprised that I thought it's already like the public school (DepEd),” she stated.

Lobrigo added that her main reason for the post was to address the university’s policy on granting mass academic recognition. She urges the administration to reassess its policies in order to preserve genuine prestige, stating that doing otherwise becomes “cheap”.

Faculty Brawl

Meanwhile, Lobrigo shared her sentiments in a post about an argument between Jed Bellen, a BU Board of Regents (BoR) member and Evelyn Albao, a professor at the same university. 

“About my two friends, Engr. Bellen and Dr. Albao, I am saddened and feel sorry for both of them. They couldn't have turned the conversation into personal. While I failed to moderate them as I was out of net [offline] during that time, I didn't expect that kind of thread engagement from the professionals of BU except that we are but humans,” Lobrigo said.

In Lobrigo’s now-deleted post, Bellen and Albao exchanged numerous derogatory comments. While some found the discourse humorous and engaging, others criticized it as unprofessional for academic personnel.

Bellen, whose comments grabbed public attention, shared his take on the issue, saying the exchange was just noise and that people should focus on more important matters.

“I just responded to the provocations of Dr. Albao, but I admit it was not pleasant. I just hope that moving on, respect is always observed inside and outside of BU,” Bellen said.

He emphasized the need to shift focus to other concerns in the university, such as his notation in the referendum for faculty promotion, unfinished infrastructure projects, and respect for the BoR’s faculty.

When asked about his plans, Bellen, who announced his resignation as a BoR member, mentioned that he would use his remaining time to accomplish infrastructure projects, empathizing with students who are inconvenienced by incomplete projects, particularly during high heat index periods.

“My term ends in October this year and I still have my right to due process. With the time remaining, I intend to clean this mess and get support from fellow regents in completing the unfinished infrastructures of BU across all campuses. At least, a plan can be made to complete all those projects and can be implemented soonest, “ Bellen said.

“If Bicol University wants to become a truly world-class university, it should act like one. They should be transparent in all transactions,” he added.

The Bicol Universitarian reached out to Evelyn Albao, one of the involved individuals on the issue, for her side, but she declined to comment, stating she is dealing with the matter personally.

Albao defended the university’s name by commenting on Lobrigo’s post, primarily mentioning that it was unbecoming for Lobrigo to tarnish the reputation of the university she is employed in.

Admin’s Actions

Meanwhile, the BU administration released an official statement condemning the attacks and standing united against any attempt to tarnish the university’s reputation.

“These baseless and unfounded attacks, which have unfortunately incited vile and derogatory exchanges have no place in the university,” said Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III, President of BU, in the statement.

As of now, there is no clear information on the legal actions from either the administration or the involved parties. However, BU affirmed that they are already dealing with the matter.