The Flare

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗨 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

In a moment filled with pride and achievement, graduates of the Bicol University Department of Chemical Engineering (BUChE) were honored during the 56th University Commencement Exercises, held on June 16, 2026, as they received their well-earned diplomas and medals. The occasion was made even more meaningful by the heartfelt congratulations and warm embraces from the BUCHE faculty, who proudly celebrated this significant milestone with the graduates.

We, at The Flare, together with the entire BUChE community, extend our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the graduating class as you begin a new chapter in your lives.

May you continue to carry 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦 wherever your journey leads, inspiring others and illuminating the path toward your dreams and aspirations.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨! 🎓✨

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𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦 𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗔𝗛 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗙𝗜𝗟
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧, 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭." 👨🏻‍🔬🤸🏻‍♂️

Apparently, 'pag pinagsama-sama mo ang years of hard work, endless deadlines, publication duties, academic grind, at maraming 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 (iykyk 😉), what comes out is...

✨ 𝓒𝓾𝓶 𝓛𝓪𝓾𝓭𝓮 ✨

Congratulations to our very own 𝗞𝘂𝘆𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿 for graduating with Latin honors!
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧 na, 𝘾𝙪𝙢 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙚 pa. Sino bang nagsabi na hindi kayang ibalanse ang acads at org work? 'Di 'yan uso kay kuya!! 🤸🏻‍♂️

Kidding aside, thank you for all the time, effort, and dedication you've poured into The Flare. We're grateful to have been part of your journey. 🫶🏻

Your The Flare family couldn't be prouder to celebrate this milestone with you. Congratulations, Kuya Denver! Deserve na deserve ang medal, diploma, at ang bragging rights. ❤️🧡🎓

Caption by:
𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘 𝗚. 𝗢𝗗𝗢
𝘊𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

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𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗔
𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

When life offers us challenges, you bring a joy that radiates so brightly—as if you’re the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle that makes everything complete.

As we enter June, and the world shouts of pride and freedom, of colors and peace, we also welcome it with the celebration of one truly kind soul. The world celebrates you today, Bernadette. Another year marks a milestone in a journey that surely turns every effort into a success. You keep the rhythm of our words alive, catching the silent errors before they fall, tuning the syntax of our days, and weaving clarity out of chaos.

Where sentences build palaces, you make sure their walls follow the laws of physics. You read their facades and repaint their flaws. You do not just polish things; you make them glow. Happy birthday, Bernadette, our dear copyreader!May you gracefully fulfill every role and challenge ahead, and always remain the inspiration that you are.

Warm greetings,
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬❤️‍🔥

The Flare extends its warmest congratulations to our former publication members who have officially become licensed engineers. As you launch your professional careers and pursue your dreams, the legacy you left behind remains secure. We know that your dedication to truth and integrity will remain your guiding light. It has been an honor to be a part of your journey, and we proudly celebrate this incredible achievement with you.

𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺.✨

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹!🍀

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𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗭𝗢𝗘 𝗩. 𝗕𝗔𝗘𝗧𝗔
𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳
‎
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 │𝟰𝟯 𝗕𝗨 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺

Forty-three graduates from the Bicol University Chemical Engineering (BUChE) Department have officially achieved professional status after passing the May 2026 Chemical Engineers Licensure Examination (ChELE). The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results today, May 25, 2026.

BUChE achieved an overall passing rate of 74.14%, with 43 out of 58 examinees successfully passing the board. Nationally, the PRC announced that 565 out of 728 examinees passed the exam, translating to a 77.61% National Passing Rate. Notably, BUChE first-time takers achieved a strong performance rating of 82.05%.

The PRC administered the Chemical Engineering computer-based examination on May 20, 21, and 22, 2026 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, and Tuguegarao. Included in the results released are the complete list of passers, topnotchers (top 10), top performing schools, and performance of schools. Adhering to the PRC's digitized timelines, the full results were published in just one (1) working day following the final day of examinations.

𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀
BUCHE proudly celebrates its newly registered professionals:

1. Engr. Jaymar Bricenio Adante
2. Engr. Jonamae Ponesto Advincula
3. Engr. James Bernas Aringo
4. Engr. Paula Nichole Cortes Aviso
5. Engr. Rinachel Bandalis Bailon
6. Engr. Harvey Gabrail Ruiz Balatucan
7. Engr. Bernadith Balinquit
8. Engr. Alex Arciga Ballarbare
9. Engr. Don Cris Bañadera Bandola
10. Engr. Analene Mae Dela Vega Barrameda
11. Engr. Ehra Joy Yanzon Basaysay
12. Engr. Mary Grace Balasta Basaysay
13. Engr. Junella Ruby Manzanilla Basco
14. Engr. Krisha Micah Bercasio Bea
15. Engr. Jaika Balaguer Benavente
16. Engr. Rehoboam Salgo Bengua
17. Engr. Justine Olandez Buella
18. Engr. Mark Andy Mercado Buenaflor
19. Engr. Gerald Sodsod Cariño
20. Engr. Niña Bianca Pascua Cea
21. Engr. Rica Jamille Echaluce Comiso
22. Engr. Mayvin Fernandez Competente
23. Engr. Chanttle Mullasgo Conde
24. Engr. Xyra Marie Salivio Cortes
25. Engr. James Gutlay Dominguez
26. Engr. Claire Gamba Frivaldo
27. Engr. Nyela Mae Honra Gaufo
28. Engr. Samuel Omar Sevidal Gerio
29. Engr. Naomi Gwyneth Surbano Go
30. Engr. Rhea Joy Lita Lunas
31. Engr. Mariano Raphael V***a Manzanilla
32. Engr. Charmaine Lopez Nolial
33. Engr. Neza Zamora Ocampo
34. Engr. John Christian Quijano
35. Engr. Pura May Villamante Revereza
36. Engr. Alyza Nicole Trillanes Reyes
37. Engr. Janelle Anne Dominique Arabia Reyes
38. Engr. Jescel Ann Sanao Saberola
39. Engr. Joey Balon Samante
40. Engr. Raven Ares Manzanero Sta.Ana
41. Engr. Dianne Pearl Odrigo Tañalas
42. Engr. Khristine Joy Tapel Tapado
43. Engr. Crisha Mae Mella Tibor



via 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗗 𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗡, 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳
layout by 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗭𝗢𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗘𝗧𝗔, 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

It's never too late to showcase the smiles in the photographs we take. Just as captured moments are bound to live forever, the eyes behind the lens that witness them hold onto something that only they will remember, forever.

​So, today and every day, we celebrate you, Charles. With every click of the camera, flash of the lights, and framing of the subject, you compose a masterpiece that is ever so beautiful. Like the stories you tell through your photographs, the details you notice in a split second, and the contrast you balance even in limited light, you, too, are a masterpiece—ever so captivating.

​It's been more than a week since your birthday, but we celebrate you every day. You make every memory special. Happy birthday, Charles!

Warm greetings,

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The clock ticks again to welcome a new batch of chemical engineers! 🌟

Today marks the beginning of the final push to claim the RChE title, as the three-day May 2026 Chemical Engineering Licensure Exam (ChELE) begins. The exams will take place from May 20–22, 2026.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 wishes every exam taker good luck and the absolute best performance during these crucial days! Padagos, Kem Eng. Patuloy sa pagkamit ng pangarap, tungo sa tagumpay. Ipinagdiriwang kayo ng buong BUChE.

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.

layout by 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗟, 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 │ 𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗵𝗘 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗕𝗨 𝗥&𝗗 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺
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Under the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Development Category, Bicol University Chemical Engineering (BUChE) students were awarded the Best Paper for the study, “Assessment of the Effect of Effective Microorganism (EM) Balls on Dissolved Oxygen in the Sagumayon River, Albay: A Pilot Study,” on May 18, 2026, at the 21st Student Research and Development Forum.
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Along with Engr. Jocelyn R. Balisnomo as the adviser, the team consisting of Princess JD L. Balding, Sherryl B. Camba, Daniela Marie B. Cambaya, and Romy Hampray Pasano were elated as they received the Best Paper award.
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“Traditional river rehabilitation methods often require large funding, advanced equipment, and long-term maintenance, making them difficult for local communities and government units to sustain,” said Balding, emphasizing the need for an accessible, sustainable, and effective water rehabilitation technique for rivers. EM balls’ components were locally accessible, cheap, and easy to produce, serving as a sustainable and economically viable solution for river water treatment.
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The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the transport behaviors of EM balls in improving water quality in the Sagumayon River. The initial data recorded from the river sample showed drastically poor quality, as determined by their dissolved oxygen (DO) level, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC). An initial assessment showed severe pollution, with DO levels dropping to between 2.17 and 4.58 mg/L. These figures fall short of the DENR’s Class C requirement of at least 5.0 mg/L.
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Throughout their testing period, the water quality essentially improved. Based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index, the water quality increased from a “Poor” to an “Excellent” rating during the peak period of the treatment. However, a decline in quality observed on the 10th day suggests a hydrodynamic constraint and the addition of pollutants. Overall, the EM balls served their purpose in improving the river water quality, grounded on the identified physicochemical parameters of water.
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“While EM technology has been studied in labs or in other countries, this research proves it can work under local conditions, using locally prepared EM balls,” Camba shared, explaining how their study also focuses on economic viability rather than just effectiveness. She also emphasized that these EM balls are safe biotechnology that does not pose harm to aquatic life.
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“It took us a lot of trial and error to get to where we are now—2 groups, 3 submitted proposals, and 3 proposal defenses,” Pasano answered, sharing the challenges that they encountered. Time pressure, academic responsibilities, and testing schedules were some of the limiting factors in the completion of this study, according to Pasano. “We had to go to school with a change of clothes because we had to wade through a dirty river during our free time at lunch.”
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Despite the setbacks, the team competed at the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers Regional Convention, where they won 1st Place in the Best Poster Competition for the same study. Now, they brought the same study to another stage, the Bicol University Best Undergraduate Thesis, where they achieved the Best Paper award under the AANR Development Category.
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“I believe all of these challenges had been worth it,” Pasano expressed on behalf of his team, thanking their adviser and groupmates for accomplishing such a feat.
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Their experience is a testimony to how their encounter with science transcends the boundaries of academic walls. This research does more than just analyze the Sagumayon River. It paves the way for a potential nationwide adoption of EM balls, bringing accessible and viable data to communities that currently lack adequate water treatment technologies.
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via 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗔, 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧
‎
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗵𝗘 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗘𝟭𝟳𝟬 𝗢𝗝𝗧 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

The Bicol University Chemical Engineering Department conducted the CHE 170 On-the-Job Training Orientation for Chemical Engineering students and their parents on May 2, 2026, via online meeting, in preparation for the students’ Chemical Engineering Immersion during the midyear term. The orientation started at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer and the singing of the national anthem, followed by the orientation proper facilitated by Engr. Maria Teresa M. Mina.

The orientation focused on the requirements, expectations, obligations, and conduct expected from students who will undergo CHE 170: Chemical Engineering Immersion, described as an actual on-the-job training or industry internship in the students’ field of specialization. The course carries two laboratory units and requires students to complete at least 240 contact hours in their respective host training establishments.

During the discussion, Engr. Mina emphasized that the internship is designed to allow students to apply the theories they learned in school to actual technical and practical industrial problems. Students were also reminded to familiarize themselves with plant operations, industrial processes, operational techniques, and management systems while demonstrating proper work ethic, skills, and professionalism throughout their stay in the company.

The orientation also highlighted the responsibilities of student interns, including entering into an internship contract or agreement with the host training establishment, signing all necessary documents, complying with the rules and regulations of both Bicol University and the host company, and reporting according to the schedule stated in the internship agreement. Students were further reminded to observe courtesy, punctuality, and good attitude at all times.

Health, safety, and confidentiality protocols were also underscored during the session. Student interns were instructed to follow safety measures, properly handle tools and equipment, and refrain from unauthorized photography or posting of industrial equipment, processes, and other confidential information. Engr. Mina also reminded students that industrial equipment must be treated with care and should not be handled irresponsibly.

Parents were likewise informed of their role in the internship process, including signing JURAT forms and co-signing the internship contract to signify their consent and approval of their child’s participation in the program. The discussion also clarified that financial compensation is at the discretion of the host training establishment and should not be demanded, as the main value of the internship lies in the knowledge and training students will receive.

A question-and-answer portion followed at 9:43 a.m., where students and parents raised concerns regarding OJT requirements, insurance, accommodation, company rules, and training fees. It was clarified that after the internship, students are required to submit a manuscript containing a compilation of travel orders, evaluations, and reports on their tasks in the company.

Through the orientation, the department ensured that both students and parents were properly informed of the expectations, requirements, and responsibilities involved in the upcoming Chemical Engineering Immersion, preparing student interns to enter their respective host companies with professionalism, discipline, and readiness.

via 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮, 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧
Photos by 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀, VP for Communications and Publicity, PIChE-JCBU

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔