University of San Carlos Excels in Asian University Rankings

The University of San Carlos is the best in the Visayas and Mindanao regions! Here is a paragraph from a blog post:

In it also very important to note that the University of San Carlos in Cebu appeared twice in the top 200 in specific areas such as “Natural Sciences” (no. 151) and “Life Sciences and Medicine” (no. 195).

Read the complete article here.

Jesus Alcordo Gets Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology on Energy Management

Engineer Jesus Alcordo, erstwhile Chair of the USC Board of Trustees, will be conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology on Energy Management by the University of San Carlos at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Theatre, on Saturday, 12 March, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

Engr. Alcordo will be the 55th awardee to be conferred with an Honorary Degree by the University. The list includes former Presidents of the Philippines, a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, senators, cardinals, bishops, missionaries, educators, economists and businessmen. A consistent achiever yet a humble servant, Engr. Alcordo epitomizes the Carolinian ideals of integrity, excellence, commitment, leadership and service to community.

Jess, as he is fondly called by friends, hails from Naga, Cebu. He was a working student at USC where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering in 1961. His parents, who were both educators, taught Jess the importance of service, dedication and industry. As a working student, he was elected President of the then Student Catholic Action (SCA). Later on he married Yolanda, a fellow Carolinian, with whom he has three children, namely, John, Margarita and Jerome. In 1975 he completed the Executive Program in Business Administration at Columbia University, New York.

Concurrently, Engr. Alcordo is the President of Global Power Corporation, Cebu Energy Development Corporation, Panay Energy Development Corporation; Director of Toledo Power Company and Chemical Industries of the Philippines; Trustee and Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors; and Member of the Advisory Council, UP Cebu Chapter.

He was immediate Past Chair of the USC Board of Trustees for eight years. He also held different positions in the power industry both in government and private companies, such as Commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission, Special Advisor at the Department of Energy, and President of National Power Corporation. He was Manager, Consultant and Engineer in the Philippines, Asia and Central America. In 2010, he put up the Cebu Energy Development Corp. to help alleviate the power requirements in the islands of Cebu and the Visayas.

Cebu Energy Development Corporation ?envisions itself to be the power generator of choice in Cebu and the Visayas. Guided by its paramount standards of responsible corporate citizenship, energy cost-efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability, Cebu Energy has the ultimate goal of contributing to the economic growth of Cebu and the Visayas region by addressing the need for affordable and reliable base-load power from 2010 onwards.? The Cebu Energy consortium is composed of Global Business Power Corporation, Aboitiz Power Corporation, Vivant Energy Corporation, and Formosa Heavy Industries Corporation (FHIC).

The University of San Carlos grants the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology in Energy Management honoris causa upon Engr. Jesus Alcordo in recognition of his professional achievements and exemplary leadership on the USC Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2010.

The Carolinian academic community warmly congratulates you, Dr. Jesus Alcordo.

Author: Office of External Affairs
07 / March / 2011

Accountancy Faculty is Outstanding Finance Educator in the Visayas

Dr. Challoner Matero, Assistant Dean of the College of Commerce, has been the recipient of the 2010-2011 Rafael B. Buenaventura’s Outstanding Finance Educator (OFE) in the Visayas, during fitting ceremonies held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Pasay City on 26 January 2011. Mr. Rhodelio Campilan, faculty member of the Department of Business Administration, also received a similar award in 2007.

Dr Matero, who is an Associate Professor of the Department of Accountancy, has been teaching accounting and auditing courses at USC for fourteen years. He served as Accountancy Chair for nine years and Assistant Chair for one year. He worked as in-charge auditor in a public accounting firm for two years before he joined the University’s teaching force in 1996.

Dr. Matero received his doctoral degree in public administration from Cebu Normal University, master’s degree in business management from the University of the Philippine-Cebu College as a college scholar for 3 out of 5 semesters, and bachelor’s degree in Accountancy cum laude from the University of San Carlos. He is a certified public accountant, a certified internal auditor, and a holder of three international accounting certifications.

He participated in Business/Accountancy Educational Benchmark Study in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand in 2007; International Conference of Cebuano-Visayan Accountants in Hongkong and Macau in 2009; and Dual Science Cebu: Exposure and Study Tour in Germany in 2011.

Dr. Matero’s research interests include corporate governance, dérivatives, accounting information system, international financial reporting standards, and project feasibility studies. He has presented research papers in Taiwan (2009), Malaysia (2010), and in various local research fora. He has published in the Journal of Business Studies, China Modern Economic Publishing House, and other accounting reference textbooks.

As a leader in the accounting profession, Dr. Matero has served either as a resource person, member of the board of directors, and member of numerous committees in the local chapter of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA Cebu), Institute of Internal Auditors Cebu, and Association of CPAs in Education-Central Visayas. He also served as Securities and Exchange Consultant on twelve publicly listed companies that examined the reporting issues related to Philippine Financial Reporting Standards. He is the recipient of four PICPA Cebu achievement awards from 2002 to 2009, and in 2003 he received PICPA’s most outstanding young achiever in education on the national level.

Dr. Matero is actively involved in community extension programs of the College of Commerce either as coordinator or seminar speaker/facilitator for Kapamilya Negosyo Na Entrepreneurs, adopted communities, and non-profit organizations.

The 2010-2011 semi-finalists were : Marietta L. Eliot-Pampanga of Ateneo de Davao University, Dr. Junette A. Perez of DLSU Taft, Paz L. Bobadilla of Enverga University, Froilan S. Labausa of Manila University, Wilma M. Tejero of Silliman University, Dr. Challoner A. Matero of USC, Mary May C. Eulogio of DLSU Dasmarinas, Jessie B. Salon of Xavier University, Rosemarie Gardiner - Buenconsejo of FEU and Dr. Elvira P. De Lara – Tuprio of Ateneo de Manila University.

Author: Fr. Louie A. Punzalan, SVD
18 / February / 2011

USC Outstanding Alumni Awardees 2010

University of San Carlos Outstanding Alumni Awardees 2010

ACEVEDO, Eugene S. - Virtus (Leadership)
AYAG, Dioscoro“Jun” O., JR. - Scientia (Knowledge)
DY, Manuel L., Jr. - Virtus (Leadership)
EBRADA, Tito B. - Devotio (Service)
ESPELETA, Virgilio G. - Devotio (Service)
GO, Devin C. - Virtus (Leadership)
MEDALLA, ALexius B. - Scientia (Knowledge)

USC - Top School for Students Employed by AEGIS PeopleSupport

USC Named Top School for Students Employed by AEGIS People Support!

AEGIS PeopleSupport, Inc. recently named the University of San Carlos as the top school for students employed in their fold. The top global BPO company presented USC a plaque of recognition for the latter’s invaluable contribution through the number of students hired by its Cebu Site at the IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City for the year 2009.

The award, as scribed in the plaque, is “the company’s testament to the quality of education and the values espoused by USC that helped students become part of the global workforce and human resource talent of AEGIS PeopleSupport.”

The BPO company’s conferment of the award is its way of strengthening relationship with the Academe and the Local Community.

Given on Novermber 23, 2009, the plaque of recognition was signed by Rajiv Ahuja, Chief Operating Officer, AEGIS People Support, Inc.-Philippines; Durand Berry, OIC Site Director-Cebu; Miren Amale Jopson, Assistane Vice President-Talent Management; and Faye Herschel Cadungog, Manager-Talent Acquisition.

Author: Office of External Affairs

Two departments named Centers for Development

The Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Panel for Engineering and Technology have identified the Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Computer Engineering as CENTERS OF DEVELOPMENT, as approved during the 341st Commission en banc meeting on Wednesday, 14 October 2009.

The date and venue for the awarding ceremonies for the designated centers shall be announced later.

Author: Office of External Affairs

Nominations for the 2009 Search for the CHED Research and Publication (REPUBLICA) Awards

The University of San Carlos has announced the following nominations for the 2009 Search for the CHED Research and Publication (REPUBLICA) Awards:

1. DR. DANILO T. DY (Department of Biology), “Temperature Tolerance of Some Species of Philippine Intertidal Echinoderms” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 105-119, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

2. DR. RAMON S. DEL FIERRO (Department of Chemistry), “Detection Time of Phentermine in Blood, Urine and Hair of Rats” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 1-11, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

3. DR. CONCEPCION S. MENDOZA (Department of Chemistry), “Some Metals in Airborne Particulate Matter in Metro Cebu Philippines” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 13-24, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

4. DR. FISCALINA A. NOLASCO (Department of Sociology-Anthropology), “Women’s Narratives of Past Illness Episodes in Paradise Island, a Philippine Cebuano Community” published in Anthropology and Health Journal, Issue 1 pp. 22-29, 2008 by Syllaba Press for Social Sciences category.

5. DR. HOPE S. YU (Department of Languages and Literature), “Memory, Nostalgia, and the Filipino Diaspora in the Works of Two Filipina Writers” published in Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 103-123, September 2008 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Social Sciences category.

USC: 2009 Search for the CHED Research and Publication (REPUBLICA) Awards

The University of San Carlos has announced the following nominations for the 2009 Search for the CHED Research and Publication (REPUBLICA) Awards:

1. DR. DANILO T. DY (Department of Biology), “Temperature Tolerance of Some Species of Philippine Intertidal Echinoderms” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 105-119, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

2. DR. RAMON S. DEL FIERRO (Department of Chemistry), “Detection Time of Phentermine in Blood, Urine and Hair of Rats” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 1-11, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

3. DR. CONCEPCION S. MENDOZA (Department of Chemistry), “Some Metals in Airborne Particulate Matter in Metro Cebu Philippines” published in The Philippine Scientist, Vol. 44, pp. 13-24, 2007 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Natural Sciences category.

4. DR. FISCALINA A. NOLASCO (Department of Sociology-Anthropology), “Women’s Narratives of Past Illness Episodes in Paradise Island, a Philippine Cebuano Community” published in Anthropology and Health Journal, Issue 1 pp. 22-29, 2008 by Syllaba Press for Social Sciences category.

5. DR. HOPE S. YU (Department of Languages and Literature), “Memory, Nostalgia, and the Filipino Diaspora in the Works of Two Filipina Writers” published in Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 103-123, September 2008 by the University of San Carlos Publication for Social Sciences category.

USC Knowledge Development Center (KDC) wins Star Awards

Fr. Pres. Salazar, USC KDC reap Star awards

Father Pres. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD and the USC Knowledge Development Center (KDC) reaped top awards during the recently concluded 7^th Annual KDC Meeting, April 21-25, 2008 at St. Paul University-Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Fr. Salazar bested nine other nominees from other KDC’s all over the country, garnering 60 percent of the votes to win the award. The award is given annually by the World Bank network of KDCs to a member who embodies the characteristics of being a communicator, an innovator, a connector and a leader who inspires others and is a positive influence to the group.

The KDC team at the four-day meeting: (from left) Cabarron, Tadlip, Fr. Pres. Salazar, Abrenica and Bongcayao.

The USC KDC was also given the Star KDC Award in the same event and was cited for standing out among other KDCs during the year “in demonstrating its commitment to knowledge for development, and in its creativity, innovation, and effectiveness” in its operations. In particular, the Star KDC Award cited the KDC in USC for being a hub for consultation and dialogue; a catalyst for innovation and knowledge sharing; a change agent for transformational leadership and good governance; and, a link in a network partners beyond the academe.

The award was received by Dr. Marilou Tadlip, director of libraries, KDC librarian Maxie Doreen Cabarron and Fr. Salazar, together with Profs. Ferdinand Bongcayao and Brenette Abrenica who were also at the meeting to present the Department of Political Science’s work on good governance and anti-corruption campaigns.

Author: JE Bersales
06 / May / 2008

University of San Carlos wins 4th national ECE quiz title

USC wins record 4th national ECE quiz title, prof named most outstanding engineer

Six electronics and communication engineering (ECE) students won for the University of San Carlos a historic 4^th national ece quiz title by besting twenty one other finalists during the 28^th Electronics Engineering Interscholastic Quiz Bowl dubbed as “BIT the BEE’s” held on the occasion of the 57^th Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Phils., Inc. (IECEP) National Convention and Exhibition at the Philippine Trade Training Center, PTTC Building, in Pasay City on November 23–24, 2007.

The victorious USC ECE team pose with their awards.

USC, together with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), gained entry to the finals after emerging as one of the top three teams during the tough regional elimination round for the IECEP Visayas Chapter held last September at the CAFA Building in USC, Cebu City.

During the November 23 quiz show, they joined other finalists from Northern Luzon, Calabarzon, NCR and Mindanao areas. USC won the championship after edging out Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City, which eventually copped 2^nd place in a thrilling tie-breaking question. Third place went to Batangas State University.

The members of the winning team are graduating students Don Joven Agravante (team captain), Annaliza Robin, Clarence Adrian Valendez, Jason Roa, and fourth-year students Ryan Paderna and Neil Villegas. USC, thus far, is the only ECE school to have clinched the title four times after also winning it in 1999, 2003 and 2005.

Engr. Joseph Karl Salva

Also honored during the IECEP National Convention as the Most Outstanding ECE in Education was Engr. Joseph Karl G. Salva, an associate professor at the EE/ECE Department. In a separate occasion on November 29, 2007, Engr Salva was formally conferred the prestigious title of ASEAN Engineer, the first in the Vis-Min area, during the 25^th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations(CAFEO-25) Awarding Ceremony held at Waterfront Hotel and Casino Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Author: A. S. Bañacia
07 / December / 2007

University of San Carlos Debating Team reaps awards

The University of San Carlos Debating Team under the tutelage of Atty. Archill Niña Faller-Capistrano (coach) and Mr. Owen de la Victoria (faculty adviser) once again displayed its dominance in a debate held in Foundation University in Dumaguete City last November 29, 2007.

The team composed by April Laine Murcia, Rejene Lakibul, Cristita Giangan and Manilyn Mier (team captain) awed the audience when they debated with the Foundation University debating team on the proposition “Resolved that the Human Security Act of 2007 be repealed.”

Giangan grabbed the Best Debater award while Mier was awarded Best Rebuttalist. The debate was a non-competitive debate organized by the Saceda Youth Lead, a Youth Serving Institution based in Dumaguete City.

Thanks to the author: Owen de la Victoria
06 / December / 2007

2007 Most Outstanding USC Alumni Awardees

Seven feted as hundreds of alumni come home to USC anew

Seven of this year’s eight Most Outstanding Alumni Awardees were feted by Carolinians Inc., the alumni association of all USC graduates, as hundreds of other alumni from various places in the country and abroad---including a large delegation from the Carolinians of Surigao, Inc. and Carolinians Midwest USA---came to attend the 2007 USC Grand Alumni Homecoming.

The seven were Philip Ngai Tan (B.S. in Business Administration) for entrepreneurship; Archt. Socorro B. Atega (B.S in Architecture, Magna cum laude) for landscape architecture; Judge Marilyn L. Yap (Bachelor of Laws), for law and justice; Dir. Prudenciana C. Cruz (B.S.E. major in Library Science) for library science; Engr. Ernesto Codina (B.S. in Mechanical Engineering) for aeronautics and space flight engineering; Arlene Donaire (A.B. in Economics) for environmental advocacy; and Arnulfo Ramos (M.A. in History) for community service. Also awarded but failed to attend the event was Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell (Pre-Medicine) for dermatology.

Carolinians, Inc. President Archt. Lizeta Uy (extreme left) with seven of the eight outstanding alumni: (from right): Tan, Atega, Yap, Cruz, Codina, Donaire and Ramos.

Prior to the homecoming, various colleges conducted alumni congresses in different venues of the University's four campuses between 1:30 and 3:30 to bring together graduates of the University and the academic community.

The Grand Homecoming, with the theme “Carolinians: Crossing Borders, Coming Home”, opened with the traditional Holy Mass at 3:30 at the Church of St. Arnold and St. Joseph. The dark clouds and brief downpour failed to dampen everyone's spirits as the gathering proceeded in earnest at the lobby and concourse of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts.

Fr. Pres. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD, in a brief opening statement, exhorted the alumni to be witnesses to the Word even as he explained the beautifully crafted theme of this year's USC Foundation Week, "Beyond Borders, Within Worlds: Witness to the Word, USC's Corporate Social Responsibility".

The annual homecoming traditionally kicks off the first day of USC Foundation Week, which marks the time when four Jesuit priests and a lay brother opened the oldest school in the Philippines and USC's precursor, the Colegio de San Ildefonso, on August 21, 1595 in Cebu.

As in previous years, a fireworks display wowed the alumni even as fanfare and celebrations of noble achievements by Carolinians ensued. A unique feature of this year’s reunion was the special request for all alumni to attend wearing their best pair of jeans. The cover and signage of the homecoming were also a fresh departure from the usual formalized designs that marked most of the homecoming souvenir programs in the past.

Author: J.E. R. Bersales
19 / August / 2007

DSP kits from Analog Devices

EE/ECE dept receives DSP kits from Analog Devices worth P800T, signs MOA with NCR–Cebu Development Center

The University of San Carlos through the Electrical and Electronics and Communications Engineering Department received some Digital Signal Processing (DSP) kits worth around P800,000 from Analog Devices Incorporated (ADI), a US–based electronics firm with a plant in Cavite.

The formal turnover ceremony was held during the opening ceremony of the Cebu ECE Students Congress 2007 at the USC Talamban Campus covered court on Friday, March 16, 2007. USC President, Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, was at hand to receive the DSP kits from Analog Devices Engineering Manager Engr. Alberto Geronimo, Jr. A one–day DSP training of EE/ECE faculty members facilitated by ADI engineers immediately followed the event.

ADI's Engr. Geronimo turns over DSP kits to Fr. Salazar (left) while NCR's Esparaguera signs the MOA with USC.

Also on the same occasion, Fr. Salazar inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NCR–Cebu Development Center, Inc., represented by Managing Director Engr. Miguel A. Esparaguera that will pave the way for faculty and students to undertake corporate internship at the facilities of NCR located at Asiatown, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City. Under the said MOA, student internship will commence this April 2007 with the details of the faculty internship now under final consideration by both parties.

The tie-ups with Analog Devices, Inc. and NCR both articulated the EE/ECE department’s strong industry linkage program designed to make the department’s curricula responsive and relevant to the needs of the industry.

Author: A. S. Bañacia
18 / April / 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 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

USC bags research prizes

Two research entries of the University of San Carlos won the Second and Third Prizes in the regional level search for the Best Higher Education Institute Research Program for 2006.

The research entries are entitled "Community-Managed Water System Projects" and "Research in Cebuano Studies."

Commission on Higher Education Region VII Director Enrique Grecia, Ph.D. congratulated the University and the USC Zonal Research Center for the "outstanding achievement."

The recognition ceremony will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Theodore Buttenbruch Hall, Main Campus.