STRASUC kicks off at Los Baños

The 2014 Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics formally opened on Dec. 16 with a parade of athletes from the 12 state universities and colleges (SUC), namely: Batangas State University, Cavite State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT), Marinduque State College, Occidental Mindoro State College, Palawan State University, Romblon State University, Southern Luzon State University, University of Rizal System, Western Philippines University, and UPLB.

In his opening remarks, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., said that the 2014 STRASUC Olympics almost did not push through due to the disruption caused by Typhoon Ruby. The Chancellor was referring to the rescheduling of exams in UPLB that caused the lodging accommodations of STRASUC 2014 to be messed up by the extended stay of UPLB students in the dormitories.

Chancellor Sanchez said that despite this, the delegates came to UPLB for the 2014 STRASUC Olympics opening, showing that situational inconveniences could not dampen their spirits. He also admonished the participants about sportsmanship, that how they respond to winning or losing is what will make them real winners.

Los Baños Mayor Caesar P. Perez expressed delight at being asked to give a message for STRASUC 2014 and formally welcomed the participants to the town of Los Baños, the Science and Nature City. He reminded the participants about waste management practices in Los Baños including the prohibition of the use of plastic bags. Mayor Perez gave a surprise monetary reward to the delegates from MinSCAT whom he observed to be the most disciplined delegation that participated in the parade and opening ceremony.

The closing remarks given by STRASUC president, Dr. Jesse T. Zamora, resonated with the STRASUC Olympics 2014 theme “Harnessing Strong Linkages among SUCs through Quality Sports Competition towards ASEAN Integration.” Dr. Zamora, who is also the president of MinSCAT, reminded everyone that STRASUC 2014 is not a fight, and that it in fact strengthens collaboration and linkages among the participating schools not just in sports activities but also in academics and research. He closed the program by sharing a quotation from Napoleon Bonaparte: “Victory belongs to the most persevering.”

The opening program also highlighted the lighting of the Olympic flame, performances from The UPLB Sandayaw, The UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe, UPLB Street Jazz and Wyre Underground, and the UPLB Choral Ensemble. Faculty members Mike Lopez and Naomi Enriquez served as Masters of Ceremony. STRASUC games are scheduled until Dec. 21. (KE Araguas)

Article officially published at the UPLB wesbite.

UPLB names new Hibiscus after two women in public service and education

(Article published at the UPLB website)

UPLB College of Agriculture’s Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) awarded its two newest breeds of Hibiscus to two exemplary women. These included the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pia S. Cayetano’ to Philippine Senator and lawyer Pia S. Cayetano (Women in Public Service) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Patricia B. Licuanan to Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, on Aug. 28 at the UP Executive House in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pia S. Cayetano, has fuschia-colored flowers that are simple and regular with dark purple eyes. The leaves are simple, discoid, ovate and glossy, and arranged alternately. The plant is shrubby, vigorous, semi-erect, and tall. It is also a fast grower and very floriferous, blooming all-year round, peaking from May to December.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Patricia B. Licuanan has simple and regular flowers that have solferino purple color and ruby red eye surrounded by gray halo. The leaves are simple, ovate and glossy, and arranged alternately. The plant is shrubby, vigorous, and erect. It is a fast grower and very floriferous, with the bracts blooming all-year round, peaking from May to December.

At the presentation of the Hibiscus hybrids, Chancellor Rex Victor O. Cruz shared that UPLB is pleased that its products are associated with accomplished personalities. He said that he wants these products to reach the general public and be appreciated by our countrymen.

UP President Alfredo E. Pascual in his welcome message commended the leadership of IPB in plant breeding and hopes for greater public appreciation of its work.

The new hibiscus hybrids were developed by Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita, Associate Professor II and UP Scientist I of the Institute of Plant Breeding under the College of Agriculture (IPB-CA). The Hibiscus breeding program started with Reynold Pimentel, former researchers of IPB-CA in 1994. Already there are nine (9) series, namely: Centennial, Millennium, Celebrity, Oblation, Women in Public Service, Women in Science, Women in the Arts, Women in Education, Women Saints Series, and institutions named after them.

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(With reports from the following sources: http://senatorpiacayetano.com, http://www.ched.gov.ph and Philippines’ Women Achievers by Pablito M. Magdalita and Reynaldo B. Pimentel)

CEAT’s Department of Chemical Engineering holds Centennial Professorial Lecture Series

The Department of Chemical Engineering of the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT-DChe) held the Centennial Professorial Lecture Series on the theme “The Role of UPLB in Strengthening the Growth of Chemical Engineering Education and Research” on March 12 at the AMTEC Conference Room.

Three professorial chair lecturers discussed different aspects of chemical engineering education and research. Dr. Jovita L. Movillon discussed the instruction aspect, Professor Rex B. Demafelis covered the research aspect, and Dr. Manolito L. Bambase talked on strengthening alumni relations.

Dr. Movillon discussed Republic Act 9297 known as the Chemical Engineering Law, defined the scope of chemical engineering, and provided a brief history of its development since February 1983.  She said that UPLB was the benchmark for the curriculum in some schools in Malaysia.

According to Dr. Movillon, DChe has conducted a survey among students aimed at helping them graduate on time; discussed internal and external issues affecting the students; discussed learning resources for teachers; and talked about establishing a creative and challenging classroom teaching approach. DChe, Dr. Movillon said, aims to become an institute in the future.

Professor Demafelis described the researches of the DChe since 1983 up to the present. He said that DChe is collaborating with eight international universities, namely: Harvard University, University of Oxford, MIT, Stanford University, Imperial College of London, CalTech, University of California in Los Angeles, and the University of Auckland. He said that collaborative researches with other schools and networking with research institutions and government agencies could help address pressing industrial needs.

He also explained the department’s engineering thrusts and research projects from 2011 to 2016 that could contribute to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) such as the biofuels project. He pointed out the importance of having an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the research agenda such as having a research ‘culture’, adequate manpower and organizational structure, and facilities and infrastructure.

Dr. Bambase stressed the importance of alumni relations and how CEAT can benefit from alumni engagement through curricular development and enrichment, institutional linkages and  profile building, fund raising campaigns, and outcomes-based educational models. He reported that DChe presently has 1,338 alumni with 54 percent coming from the 21-31 age range and who graduated in the last 10 years, while the rest are in their late 40s.  He said that the younger generation is presumed to be working in the country in various industries and could be tapped as partners. To increase alumni involvement and promote student-alumni interactions, he gave recommendations including sustaining virtual engagement through online communities and social media and organizing regular events. Further, he emphasized the importance of partnering with the industry and the internationalization of higher education as a response to globalization.

For its future plans, the DChe is proposing the sharing of research and development facilities and training laboratories (e.g.,  sugar technology), exchange programs with the industry, technical assistance services, and commercialization of technology.

Dr. Jonathan L. Salvacion, dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the Mapua Institute of Technology, who  served as discussant, shared  useful practices in Mapua that could be beneficial to DChe. 

            Dr. Arnold Elepaño, CEAT dean, reminded the DChe of its goals to engage with the private sector and alumni, to interact with the students and equip them with the necessary skills, and to continue working in line with the CEAT roadmap. (KE Araguas)

CVM co-sponsors symposium for a rabies-free Laguna

The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) held the “Rabies One Health Symposium: Working Together for a Rabies-Free Laguna” on March 28 at the CAS Annex Auditorium. 

Chancellor Rex Victor O. Cruz, who welcomed the participants,  asked the organizers what actions could be done towards zero rabies in the province of Laguna. He also enjoined the UPLB community to be actively involved as stakeholders, emphasizing that partnerships are integral, and that UPLB is one with the national and provincial government in the rabies-free Laguna advocacy. The symposium, he said, would create stronger bonds and linkages that will lead to the elimination of rabies in the province.

Dr. Ma. Luningning E. Villa, GARC country representative, introduced the organization and discussed its mission of preventing human deaths from rabies.  She also laid out the symposium’s objectives, which are to: 1) appreciate the importance of rabies elimination; 2) understand the role of each sector; 3) lay-out programs/activities for rabies prevention and control in the locality; and 4) express commitment towards a rabies-free Laguna.

Ms. Maria Shiela B. Berbano, regional coordinator of the Rabies Prevention and Control Program, discussed the rabies situation in humans. She said that rabies is a public health problem in the Philippines with 200 to 300 Filipinos dying every year principally from rabies contracted from dog bites, and with the most number of rabies cases involving school children. Berbano also discussed statistics showing that Laguna and Cavite have the most number of human rabies cases in the Calabarzon in 2012. She then described the details of the Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) that they conducted.

“Rabies is 100 percent fatal but 100 percent preventable”, was the essence Dr. Emelinda L. Lopez’s discussion on the rabies situation in animals. Dr. Lopez heads the Animal Health Division of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry. She said that in 2013, 98 percent of animal rabies cases came from dogs, 1.8 percent from cats, and 0.2 percent from goats. According to her, Region 3 leads the list, while Laguna was 8th among the top 10 regions and provinces in the country where rabies has been found to be prevalent in 2013.

Dr. Rubina O. Cresencio, acting director of the DA-BAI, gave a short lecture about the National Program Direction and Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. 

Dr. Mary Grace M. Bustamante, provincial veterinarian of Laguna, discussed what their office has been doing including disease monitoring and surveillance, vaccination, local program implementation, and information and education campaign to bring rabies under control.

The provincial health officer of Laguna, Dr. Judy A. Rondilla, gave a presentation on the human rabies cases in Laguna and informed the audience about what the provincial government is doing towards rabies prevention and control. She said that although the goal of the Department of Health is for the Philippines to be rabies-free by 2016, the province of Laguna aims to be free of it by 2015. 

Dr. Rondilla also reported the following strategies and activities conducted as action steps for a rabies-free Laguna: 1) information education and communication; 2) manpower development (includes training and re-training); 3) coordination and linkages with other government offices and non-government organizations; 4) provision of post-exposure prophylaxis to all Animal Bite and Treatment Center staff; 5) pre-exposure to veterinary technicians and health workers assigned to treatment centers; 6) organization and revitalization of rabies control committee at all levels; 7) enforcement of rabies control ordinances through responsible pet ownership; 8) ensuring readiness of health facilities in the management of bite victims; and 9) establishment of the DOH-certified Animal Bite and Testing Centers.

The symposium included an open forum and workshop, with  an expression of commitment presented by the Office of the Provincial Governor. The event was formally closed by Dr. Loindra R. Baldrias, dean of the CVM. 

Fit for Filipinos: Agrimachines for farmers

My article is out in UPLB's Horizon Magazine with cartoonized Manny Pacquaio on the cover!

Pelikultura 2014 showcases Calabarzon shorts, award-winning indie films

Los Baños, Laguna – Along with Calabarzon-produced short films in competition, Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Festival 2014 will showcase award-winning full-length indie films during the three-day film festival on Feb. 26-28 at the NCAS Auditorium in UP Los Baños. 

The festival opens with Arnel Mardoquio’s Riddles of My Homecoming, Special Jury Prize winner at the Cinema One Originals Festival in Nov. 2013. Riddles also won four other major awards, including Best Production Design, Best Music, Best Cinematography, and Best Director. The film stars UPLB’s instructor and Pelikultura festival director, Ms. Madz Garcia. 

Pelikultura 2014 is also proud to bring Lav Diaz’s Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan as the closing film on Feb. 28 at 1pm. It premiered as an official selection in "Un Certain Regard" at the Cannes Film Festival 2013 and won the top prize at the Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Festival in Oct. 2013.

The heart of the festival is the showcase of short films from Calabarzon and other regions. From among the 30 film submissions from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, 10 film entries were shortlisted for the narrative category, and five others were selected for the documentary category.

The 10 shortlisted entries for the narrative category are the following:  Jonathan by Rolson Chester Ilao (Laguna),  Sa Huli  by Jerome Lingan Dulin (Laguna),  Ngiti sa Piso by Domcar Calinawan Lagto (Batangas), Pag ang Palay Naging Bigas  by Lexian Losley Avestruz (Quezon), Isang Karaniwang Kwento ng Pag-Ibig  by Steve Cardona (Batangas), Puppy Love by Hector Lincallo, Jr. (Batangas),  Hula  by PROMDi FiLMS (Batangas), Tiya Bening by Ralph Aldrin Quijano (Batangas), Pag-ibig ni Angelo Guidoti  by Ralph Aldrin Quijano (Batangas), and Kuwento ni Buhol by Ronan Vergara (Laguna).

The following are five shortlisted entries for documentary category: Ang Aking Inspirasyon by Al Geraldleo Laurio (Laguna), Ang Planta by MSEUF BS Mass Comm 3rd Yr. (Quezon), Batang Padyak by Anjeanette Japor & Natalie Mondejar (Quezon), Gulong by Angelie Mae Macalanda (Rizal),Ang Tanda Kung Saan Napunta ang Mga Ngiti by Neville Carbon (Cavite).

The finalists vie for the following major awards: Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary Film, and Best Director in both categories. Other special awards for the narrative category include: Best Story, Best Performance by an Actor and Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Production Design, Best Sound, Best Original Music, and Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award. For both narrative and documentary category, special awards will be given such as Audience Choice Award and Special Jury Prize.

Short films in exhibition are also part of the festival, which include those programmed in Cinema Rehiyon, an annual festival of regional films sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Moreover, seminar-workshops will also be part of Pelikultura 2014. Known personalities in the regional indie filmmaking industry will serve as resource speakers namely, Teddy Co, co-founder of Cinema Rehiyon and film programmer who will give a lecture on Film History and Appreciation on Feb. 26, Director Arnel Mardoquio, who will be the resource person on Story Development and Directing, and Director Ditsi Carolino, an award-winning documentary director and producer who will give a workshop on Documentary Filmmaking Feb. 27. Lastly, on Feb. 28, Dexter Dela Peña, who worked in several independent films as cinematographer, will give a workshop on Cinematography.

Admission to all screenings is free, except for the opening and closing films. Tickets for Riddles and Norte cost Php50 each.

This year’s selection jury who shortlisted the films in competition is composed of John Matthew Baguinon, an award-winning Laguna-based filmmaker, Carmela 'Kame' Lagang, a full-time media practitioner of Southern Tagalog Exposure (ST eXPOSURE), and Prof. Rudyard Contreras Pesimo from UPLB, a multi-awarded animation artist and a professor of computer animation and visual effects.

Now on its fourth year, Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Festival continues to provide a venue for Region IV-A’s budding and experienced independent filmmakers to showcase their digital films that tell stories from home. It is hoped that with these goals of the festival, filmmakers from the region will be encouraged to continue their filmmaking endeavors and to collaborate with other filmmakers to further enrich ‘Calabarzon cinema’.

This event is presented by NCCA, UPLB Foundation Inc., and UPLB pelikuLAB in partnership with University of the Philippines Los Baños, Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, Southern Tagalog Arts Festival, UPLB Gender Center, ST eXPOSURE, Canon, Rough Road Productions, WhenInManila.com, UPLB-Anak, UP Caballeros, and UP Film Circle.

For more information and ticket reservation, please contact pelikuLAB Secretariat at 09984344055 & 09053710186 or email at pelikulab@gmail.com and visit our Facebook: facebook.com/pelikultura.calabarzonfilmfestival

UPLB to hold Science & Techology Forum and Exhibit

The University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) will hold a Science and Technology Forum and Exhibit on March 4-5 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila. The event, with the theme “making Science Work for Sustainable Development” aims to uphold and promote science and technology in the country as well as to showcase some of UPLB’s most innovative and cutting edge technologies.

Expected to attend are Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje; Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala;  Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo; Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla;  Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad; Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan; and Senator Pia S. Cayetano.  

Among the UP System constituent universities, UPLB is considered as the preeminent research institution due to the sheer number and diversity of various technologies it has developed as well as being home to some of the brightest scientific minds in the fields of natural sciences, agriculture, forestry, engineering and  environment, among others.  

Aside from the research outputs and technologies that UPLB has produced, the exhibit will also present 18 new and existing interdisciplinary studies centers thatfocus on the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge on important areas in which the country is facing challenges and problems.These are:

1) Biofuels Research Studies Center/Rural Economic Development Renewable Energy Program;  

2) Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Studies Center;  

3) Food and Nutrition Security and Safety Studies Center;  

4) Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Center; 

5) Agribusiness Center for Entrepreneurship; 

6) Bee Program; 

7) Computational Interdisciplinary Research Laboratories;  

8) Industrial Tree Plantation Center;  

9) Instrumentation Development Center; 

10) Nanotechnology Program; 

11) Natural Products Interdisciplinary Studies Center; 

12) National Organic Agriculture Research Development and Extension Center;  

13) Philippine Center for Tropical Forest Science; 

14) Rice Program; 

15) Southern Luzon Studies Center; 

16) University Pulse; 

17) Agricultural Mechanization Development Program and;

18) Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center.

The forum and exhibit will also serve as a prelude to the UPLB’s 105th Foundation Day on March 6 and a venue to recognize the University’s most outstanding personnel for 2014.

For queries, you may contact:

DR. MARIA VICTORIA O. ESPALDON

Office of Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension

Tel: (049)536-2354; (049)536-5326

Email: idsc.uplb@gmail.com

(source)