News

Who's new at BAR?
by Christmas B. de Guzman

(L-R) Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca, Eloisa C. Abundo, Marilou A. Guiang , Shyr Lynn D. Albao, and Maria Christina F. Francisco

Eloisa C. Abundo, fondly called as “Aisa,” is the new staff member under the General Services Unit of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR). She joined BAR in April first as a technical staff worker at the Project Development Division (PDD) and was later transferred at the Administrative Unit. At 28, she is an academic achiever having finished two BS degrees in Food Technology at Central Luzon State University and in Nursing at the MV Gallego Foundation College in Cabanatuan City. She also finished her MA Nursing from the same college. She enjoys reading and is a music- and movie-lover. Her working principle is to “Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like nobody's watching.”

Shyr Lynn D. Albao or simply “Shale” is the latest addition to the Technology Commercialization Unit (TCU) in May. She is 23 years old and a graduate of BS Chemical Engineering at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her interests include writing short stories, photography, scriptwriting, and film making. She also loves reading novels, listening to music, and traveling. When asked about her aspirations, she said that she dreams of back-packing to India with little or no cash and immersing in its diversified culture. She believes that achievement is never sought; it is a requirement from oneself. That is why she tries to see as much, hear as much, and learn as much as she can everyday.

Also hired in May was Maria Christina F. Francisco or Tina, the new staff member at the Accounting Section of the bureau's Finance Unit. She is 20 years old, graduated BS in Nursing from Our Lady of Fatima University. Her hobbies include reading books related to psychiatric nursing, cooking, and listening to music. She is now looking forward to being a certified nurse as she prepares herself for the nursing licensure examination in December. “To accomplish great things, we must not only dream, but also act,” says Tina.

Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca or “PR” was assigned at TCU. He graduated BS Management at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. Before joining BAR, he was an information officer in a government financial institution for four years. His interests consist of writing, photography, and video editing. A Gawad Kalinga (GK) volunteer and a member of the Couples for Christ-Singles for Christ (CFC-SFC), he is married and has two kids, both boys, aged 9 and 13. For him, “selflessness leads to great ambition.”

Marilou A. Guiang or “Malou” joined BAR in April and is a graduate of BS Business Administration (major in financial and managerial accounting) from Tarlac State University. She is 25 years old and works as a cashiering assistant under the Administration Unit. She loves cross-stitching, reading novels, and listening to romantic songs as her pastime. She enjoys cooking Filipino dishes such as the popular sinigang and adobo. When asked about her career philosophy, she said that having a productive outcome of work requires love and perseverance in the job.