DOST-SEI announces graduate scholarships

DOST-SEI announces graduate scholarships

The Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology through Alicia L. Asuncion, Chief of the Scholarships Division, announces several scholarships leading to graduate degrees during a meeting with USC officials today, February 23, 2007 at the College of Engineering Dean's Office.

Two scholarships under the “Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program” include a straight B.S.–M.S. program (5 years) and a regular M.S. program (2 years). These scholarships are open to ongoing, graduating or graduates of any DOST–SEI scholarship program in the basic sciences and engineering.

Also offered are scholarships leading to a Ph.D. in Science Education for teacher education institute faculty members. These scholarships may be in the form of a three-year residential mode and a six-year distance education mode. The residential mode is offered by the University of the Philippines–Diliman and De La Salle University.

A consortium program among four universities in the Visayas and Mindanao also offers Ph.D. in Science Education (see related story).

USC is a delivering institution for the M.S. programs in Chemistry, Information Technology, Physics and Chemical Engineering. USC is also part of the consortium for the Ph.D. in Science Education and will deliver concentrations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Deadline for submission of applications is on April 30, 2007.

Asuncion was accompanied by Estefania de Guzman, Ph.D., SEI consultant and former president of Philippine Normal University, as well as Josie Fernandez from DOST–SEI. Also present during the meeting were DOST 7 representatives headed by Technical Section Division Chief Edilberto L. Paradela, Bernarda G. Perez, and Rodel G. Maningo.

USC was represented by Nicanor S. Buenconsejo Jr., Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering, along with assistant dean Rosana J. Ferolin, M.Eng. ECE/EE chair Alberto S. Bañacia, M. Eng., chemistry chair Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D., Victoria F. Napisa representing the Ch.E. department, and physics chair Roland Emerito S. Otadoy, Ph.D.

Details may be obtained from the DOST–SEI website (www.sei.dost.gov.ph) or by email through the program director (ala@sei.dost.gov.ph). Interested applicants may also contact the Dean of the College of Engineering at (032) 344 3801 local 401 or the chairs of the following departments: Chemistry (032) 344 3801 local 501, Math/CS (032) 344 3801 local 329, and Physics (032) 344 3801 local 505.

Author: P. J. Lim
23 / February / 2007

USC forges consortium for science, math ed with DOST, 3 universities

USC President Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, M.A., together with heads of three State Universities in Visayas and Mindanao, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST–SEI) on the establishment of a Graduate Science and Mathematics Education consortium program.

The signing of the agreement took place during the launching ceremony of the program held at Trader’s Hotel, Manila last February 16, 2007. DOST–SEI was represented by its director, Dr. Ester B. Ogena.

Seated from left to right: Ricardo F. de Leon (MSU), Dr. Ester B. Ogena (DOST-SEI), Dr. Lourdes C. Arañador (WVSU), and Fr. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD (USC). Standing behind Fr. Salazar to witness the signing of the MOU are Dr. Enriqueta D. Reston (Dean, College of Education) and Dr. Corazon C. Raffiñan (Chair, Science and Mathematics Education Department).

In this consortium project initiated by DOST–SEI, the member institutions namely Mindanao State University (MSU) of Marawi, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) of Zamboanga, West Visayas State University (WVSU) of Iloilo, and USC agree to pool their resources to offer a common Ph.D. program in Science Education. The program will have majors in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The goal of the consortium is “to accelerate the development of human resources in science and technology, particularly highly skilled teachers and mentors in science and mathematics.”

Under the agreement, DOST–SEI will be providing scholarship assistance in the form of actual tuition and school fees, monthly stipend, book allowance, transportation allowance, group accident insurance, and dissertation allowance to qualified applicants. DOST–SEI has also granted each member–institute of the consortium with video–conferencing equipment worth P1.5 million.

This Ph.D. Science Education program at USC will be offered by the Science and Mathematics Education Department (SMED) of the College of Education. The ten-year implementation of this DOST–SEI project will begin in June AY 2007–2008.

Author: Corazon C. Raffiñan, Ph.D.
21 / February / 2007

USC debating team wins grand slam

The University of San Carlos scored victory in the PRISAA modified Oxford–Oregon type debate contest held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on February 16, 2007.

Representing Cebu, the USC Debating Team ably defended the negative side against the University of Bohol on the proposition, “Resolved that Physical Education be elective.” This was the fourth straight win of the USC Debating Team in what could be called as grand slam victory for the university’s debaters.

Alingasa argues a point while Baena and Giangan look on.

Earlier, the team composed of Alfred Emmanuel Awe (B.S.A. 4), Cristeta Marie Giangan (A.B. PoSc 3), Joselito Ghadry Thomas P. Baena (A.B. PoSc 4), and Fel Louise Alingasa (A.B. PoSc 4) with coach Atty. Archill Niña Faller-Capistrano (faculty of the Department of Political Science) made history by winning (3-0) against all its opponents representing Cebu–based schools in the CESAFI debates held in the University of San Jose Recolletos (USJR) in Cebu City. All the debates adopted the Oxford–Oregon type.

In the first round of the CESAFI debates, USC was matched against USJR on the proposition, “Resolved that absolute divorce be legalized in the Philippines.” The USC team was on the negative side.

During the second round the Carolinian debaters stood against the debaters from Velez College on the proposition, “Resolved that a parliamentary form of government be adopted in the Philippines.” Again, the USC Debating team was in the negative and Giangan was awarded as the best debater and best speaker.

Awe, the fourth member of the team, points for emphasis.

The third round was against Southwestern University with the proposition, “Resolved that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) be abolished in the Philippines, the USC Debating team now defending the affirmative. Awe was awarded best debater.

In the PRISAA debate, Alingasa was first speaker and rebuttalist, followed by Awe, then Baena. This time, Giangan acted as the team’s researcher and scribe, as called for by the rules. Baena bagged the best speaker and best debater awards. In all the CESAFI series and in the PRISAA debate, Alingasa consistently got the best rebuttalist award.

Early last year, the USC Debating Team composed of Baena, Alingasa, and Karyna Sencio was the regional finalist in the Ombudsman-sponsored National Championships held in Silliman University. Because of this, the USC Debating Team had the opportunity to represent Cebu and compete with other schools in the national finals held in Ateneo de Manila University and Camp Crame gymnasium in May 2006. The debate was in Asian parliamentary type. It was the first time the team participated in a debate of that format and still went on to the finals on their first attempt. The team went to Manila with faculty adviser Owen de la Victoria and coach Atty. Archill Niña Faller-Capistrano, both faculty members of the Department of Political Science.

Author: Owen de la Victoria
19 / February / 2007

USC Engineering Students sweep 2007 BPI Science Awards

Eng'g studes sweep 2007 Science Awards

Three engineering students were presented the BPI–DOST Science Awards 2007 during ceremonies held at the CAFA Theater at Talamban Campus on February 16, 2007.

Ricarido C. Amistoso (B.S. Ch.E.), Brandon P. Briones (B.S. E.C.E.) and Mel Jairus B. Jabol (B.S. Ch.E.) received a trophy and a P25,000 cash prize from the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation, Inc., sweeping this year’s awards for the College of Engineering.

The awardees (from left to right): Briones, Jabol, and Amistoso.

The awards, which started in 1989, “has recognized and given incentives to outstanding young men and women… (who) excel in specialized fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology and computer science.”

Since 2005, BPI has partnered with DOST to place an added emphasis on the research projects of students from 10 universities in the nation. Amistoso won this year with his research project, “Bioplastic formation by mixed culture feeding on cassava grate extract.” Briones, meanwhile, was honored for his project called “Microcontroller-based SMS-activated electronic message display board.” Finally, Jabol’s thesis investigated the “In situ production of coconut fatty acid methyl esters (cocobiodiesel) from copra flakes.”

The awardees pose with distinguished guests. From left to right: BPI VP Danilo L. Kimseng, DOST Senior Science Officer Engr. Ed Paradela, BPI SVP Senen L. Matoto, Jabol, Amistoso, Briones, Dean Buenconsejo, VPAA Fr. Teodoro P. Gapuz, SVD.

In his opening remarks, Dean of the College of Engineering Nicanor S. Buenconsejo Jr., Ph.D., summarized the three projects saying that he became “more proud that… these awards went to studies related to the environment, which is a very relevant and urgent societal problem.” Buenconsejo said the projects of Jabol and Amistoso are “highly commendable” because the biodiesel and bioplastic they are developing are “environmentally friendly and renewable.” While the third project does not exactly fall into the same category, Buenconsejo said that he was “even more proud” that Briones “developed a billboard system combining the cellular phone and billboard technologies.”

In his remarks of circumstance, BPI Senior Vice President Senen L. Matoto urged the awardees to “never falter to cultivate a positive outlook and expectation in making this country better.” He said the awards “constitute a triumph of the human spirit but success also constitutes sharing” in the realm of service to the Philippines. “Never be forced to compromise,” Matoto exhorted, “never let the chance pass to create your own legacy.”

Last year’s awards were swept by students from the College of Arts and Sciences, namely Dexter C. Inoc, Chariz Y. Peñalber, and Lelani A. Solera. This year’s best research project awards went to three students from Manila, namely Alexander Edward S. Dy (U.P. Diliman), Kevin Francis U. Ang (U.S.T.), and Paulo Isagani M. Urriza (U.P. Diliman). Dy, who won top honors, received a P50,000 cash incentive and a research grant from DOST worth P200,000.

Author: P. J. Lim
17 / February / 2007

USC Class 57 celebrates golden reunion

Class 57 celebrates golden reunion

The “old, familiar” USC Main Chapel was the site where graduates of USC Boys High School and Girls High School Class 1957 gathered to participate in the Thanksgiving Mass on January 26, 2007 celebrated by Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Teodoro P. Gapuz, SVD, M.A to open the Golden Reunion.

The alumni braved distance, time and trials as “gold tested by fire” for the celebrations held for two days at the University of San Carlos, Parklane Hotel and Casino Español. The young–once became the young ones again as they reminisced old times in what used to be the Boys High School (now Jollibee) and Girls High School (now Land Bank of the Philippines). They spoke with fond memories of BHS Director Fr. Lawrence Bunzel, SVD, Assistant Director Fr. Raymond Kolk, SVD, BHS Principal Aurelio Fernandez, GHS Director Fr. Joseph Jaschik, SVD, religion mentor Fr. Karl Ender, SVD, GHS Principal Lilia Tabotabo and Rector Fr. Herman Kondring, SVD.

The group poses at the old, familiar USC Main Chapel.

Brunch was served at the Parklane Hotel, followed by a tour of the USC campuses. Dinner at Casino Español followed the next day, while a beach birthday party was also organized at Maribago Blue Waters on the third day.

There was a blend of east and west at the dinner as the naturalized American and Canadian citizens came in their western attire mixed with the Filipinos in their local attire. Leo Pacana, the overall chair of the Working Committees in the Philippines, U.S.A. and Canada, welcomed the alumni. Paulito Durano offered a prayer for the deceased classmates, while Mario Alcantara and Antonio Burgos led the singing of the Philippine and American national anthems, respectively.

The affair was graced by the presence of the spouses, relatives, friends and some of the girls’ former teachers, namely, Mrs. Sandiego, Mrs. Pelaez, Mrs. Mante (nee Fernandez), Mrs. Brillantes, Ms. Villagonzalo, Ms. Lucas, Mrs. Yañez (nee Brigaudit) and Mrs. Ortiz.

Voluntary attendance to the beach birthday party on the last day continued the celebrations as Susan Rodriguez, Marietta Tan, Adelaido Layno, Ruthilla Mendoza, Norma Pepito, Ricardo Almonte, and Julian Macoy hosted the event.

Those who attended the golden reunion from the Boys High School are Renato Abella, Mario Alcanatara, Ricardo Almonte, Vicente Austria, Rene Bondoc, Jesus Bugtai, Antonio Burgos, Camilo Cabahug, Leo Ceniza, Wilfredo Diaz, Paulito Durano, Emilio Embradura, Adolfo Escobar, Rogelio Estella, Carlito Florido, Rafael Galan Jr., Anastacio Herrera Jr., Cordell Honrado, Filonilo Juezan, Eduardo Ladia, Alfredo Llenos, Julian Macoy, Ananias Matarlo, Marciano Navales, Julius Ordoña;

Eligio Pacana Jr., Ronaldo Paras, Miguel Pepito, Emmanuel Rabor, Graciano Rafols Jr., Raul Reyes, Jesus Robles, Rolando Rubi, Raul Sala, Vicente Sanchez, Cenon Sasan, Jesus Tabada, Pantaleon Tarongoy, and Exuperto Villacastin.

Girls High School Alumni: Elena Alcoseba-Gotioco, Purita Alfafara-del Rosario, Margarita Ang-Dormiendo, Celsa Banzon, Cristina Carlos, Carmen Chua, Helen Crisologo, Editha Cui-Caingles, Thelma Dejoras (Sr. Marie Bernard, SSpS), Lydia del Mar, SSpSA, Minda Famador-Melecio, Teresa Fernandez, Sonia Galan, Betty Garcia-Cruz, Angelita Hautea-Lucero, Delia Honrado-Mejia, Rusiana Jayme-Dejaño, Adelaida Layno-Torres, Norma Megale-Dueñas, Marianita Mangubat, Ruthilla Mendoza-Paras, Elizabeth Monsanto-Aranas, Agnes Nacua-San Jose, Angelina Oliva-Sollano, Alice Ozarraga-Elles;

Florentina Palacio-Villamor, Laura Palanca-Ouano, Clarita Peñalosa-Lopez, Norma Pepito-Musni, Carmen Pilapil-Burgos, Lydia Platon, Eva Regis-Nissa, Susan Rodriguez-Fagan, Fe Ruiz-Sainz, Dalisay Salgado-Mortegni, Angelica San Jose-Lim, Herminigilda Sy-Ybañez, Marietta Tan-Austria, Ester Trinidad-Saguisag.

University of San Carlos Athletics

USC ATHLETICS

Major Concerns

1. Varsity Teams a. Elementary b. Secondary c. College
2. University Intramurals
3. Sports Facilities

Services Available

1. Annual try-out/summer training for College Varsity trainees/players.
2. Issuance of certification for early enrolment to varsity athletes.
3. Monthly meetings with the coaching staff to monitor and evaluate the players performance as well as their training program.
4. Monitoring and assessing of mid-term & final grades of College Varsity Athletes done every semester.
5. Facilitating of documentary requirements of varsity players such as certification, transcript of records and photocopies of birth certificates needed for CESAFI, PRISAA as well as other local & regional athletic events/tournaments.
6. Holding and facilitating of the annual University Intramurals.
7. Purchasing of new athletic/sports equipment needed by the varsity athletes during athletic events.
8. Providing sports equipment to all participating colleges during their scheduled practices as preparation for the Intramurals.
9. Conducting an annual inventory of sports equipment to assess and determine what sports equipment are needed for the following year.
10. Providing equipment and facilities to any student organizations, Adea and Faculty club during their annual sports activities (E.G. Sportfest)
11. Allowing students to borrow chessboards and table tennis equipments whether for practices or leisure purposes
12. Close monitoring of gym and other University sports facilities open to the public.

Athletic Events for Varsity Athletes
Men and Women

* Basketball
* Volleyball
* Soccer Football
* Badminton
* Lawn Tennis
* Table Tennis
* Swimming
* Chess

Gov’t designates USC as statistics training affiliate

Gov’t designates USC as statistics training affiliate

The Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC), a government agency based in Diliman, Quezon City, has designated the University of San Carlos as a training affiliate.

According to the memorandum of agreement signed by SRTC Executive Director Gervacio G. Selda Jr. and Fr. Pres. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, the arrangement will help accelerate the conduct of statistical trainings in the region. The upgrading of statistical personnel will help achieve an effective national statistical system in support of “information–for–planning requirements.”

University of San Carlos was chosen as a training affiliate due to its number of qualified faculty members and computer laboratories that “would allow it to become an effective training partner of SRTC” in conducting local and regional trainings.

USC receives endowment from Pilipinas Shell

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation gave to the University of San Carlos a one million-peso scholarship endowment to support engineering education in the university.

The formal turnover of the donation took place on February 6, 2007 in a special ceremony at Rigney Hall in the College of Engineering. USC president, Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD received the check donation from Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President, Engr. Edgar O. Chua.

USC President Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD receives the P1M check from Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President Engr. Edgar O. Chua.

In his message, Engr. Chua talked about the importance of quality education in fostering sustainable economic growth and social development in the Philippines. He impressed on the audience that a key to sustainable development are people with the right knowledge and values.

He said that one of the primary reasons why Shell chose USC as a recipient is its confidence in the university’s capacity to bring students towards professional excellence and commitment to values. He expressed hope that the endowment would only be the start of more partnerships in the future between Pilipinas Shell and USC, in the light of working together towards the country’s sustainable development.

On University of San Carlos’ behalf, Fr. Salazar expressed gratitude to Pilipinas Shell for having “come out of their shell… and shell out” such a beautiful gift. He made a promise of putting to good use the gift USC was privileged to receive. The endowment will be used for building up a fund for student scholarships in the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program.

Also present during the turnover were the VP for Academic Affairs Fr. Teodoro P. Gapuz, SVD, the Director of the Office for International Linkages Fr. Theodore D. Murnane, SVD, Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Nicanor S. Buenconsejo, Jr., Assistant Dean Engr. Rosana J. Ferolin, and Chemical Engineering Chair Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan.

Together with Engr. Chua were Pilipinas Shell representatives who also flew in from Manila for the occasion including External Affairs General Manager Engr. Roberto S. Kanapi and Sustainable Development Manager Ms. Mylene O. Santos. Also in the audience were some of the chairs from the various departments in the university, some of the managers for the Pilipinas Shell Vis-Min operations, chemical engineering faculty and senior chemical engineering students.

Author: Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan
08 / February / 2007

Economics majors present paper, reap awards

Junior and senior economics majors of the University of San Carlos garnered several awards during the 6th Young Economist’s Convention (YEC) held last February 2–3, 2007 at the Angelo King International Center, De La Salle University.

Rogie dela Cuesta (AB Econ 3) was recognized as the 6th YEC Best Female Participant for her active involvement in the discussions and workshops. Hannah Lee Cabañas (AB Econ 3) was crowned Miss YEC 2007 and was also awarded “Best in Talent” and “Best in Theme Attire.” Her partner, Mario Garcia of the University of the Philippines School of Economics, was also crowned Mr. YEC 2007. On the other hand, Priscilla Mae Ymas (AB Econ 3) together with Jeppert Enson Chua of De La Salle University was awarded “Couple of the Night.”

During the convention, a Carolinian research team representing the Visayas presented their concept paper entitled “Improving Incomes of Rural Households in Central Visayas through Non-Agricultural Employment.” Miss Ymas and Rose Anne Fuego presented in behalf of their co-researchers, Divine Grace Marigomen, Miss Cabañas and John Altair Esma.

Officers and members of the Carolinian Economics Society (CES) attended the convention, including Julie Ann Belaniso, Rule Amethyst Oporto, Saudia Mae Casiño, Rogie de la Cuesta, Daryl Mary Sia, Louie Jay Trapa, and Matthew Angelo Tabalba IV. They were accompanied by the CES adviser, Ma. Lourdes O. Montenegro, M.S.

Students from various universities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao also presented their concept papers and theses. The theme of the convention was “Employment and Social Dimensions of Globalization.” Economists from different private and government agencies also shared their knowledge with the young minds. LINK

Professor Emeritus Mojares launches another tour de force

Cebuano Studies center founding director and USC’s lone professor emeritus Dr. Resil Mojares launched yesterday his latest intellectual work entitled “Brains of the Nation: Pedro Paterno, Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, Isabelo delos Reyes and the Production of Modern Knowledge”, at Buttenbruch Hall. The event capped the SEPHIS International Forum on Rewriting History, which gathered together over twenty renowned historians from the U.S., South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and the local academic community in Cebu.

“This is really a book about us”, Mojares declared in brief remarks during the ceremony, referring to Filipinos as intellectuals, people engaged in the production and distribution of knowledge. The 525-page tome is a seminal work on the beginnings of the Filipino intellectual tradition, born amidst the heat of the Propaganda Movement and the 1898 revolution. Mojares traces this to three men, two of whose pioneering intellectual works have been obscured, totally forgotten and unread due to the accidents attending politics and history.

Left photo: Mojares holding a copy of the book. Right photo: Mojares answers a question from the audience during the SEPHIS public forum with NHI director Ocampo (second from left) as moderator.

Ambeth Ocampo, director of the National Historical Institute and an Inquirer columnist, heaped praise on Mojares for continuing the work, albeit singlehandedly, of tracing the genealogy of Philippine history which was started by Jose Rizal. He compared Mojares’ work to that of Rizal who annotated Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos delas Islas Filipinas, some three hundred years after it was written. Rizal painstakingly copied by hand the Sucesos at the British Library while at the same time writing down copious footnotes correcting or commenting on it.

The book is Mojares’ fourth in a line of works on Philippine society, culture and history published by Ateneo Press, copies of which can be purchased at local bookstores and at Cebuano Studies Center.

Author: J.E. R. Bersales
03 / February / 2007