Layout and Design by: Danniele Sihay and Christine May Creayla

From the Director’s Notebook:

Kumbati is a Visayan word which is occasionally used
to express: “to embrace the fight.” Since the official
mascot of the XU College of Engineering is a Warrior,
it is fitting that the chant of “kumbati!” has become a
popular diction among Engineering Students, Faculty
Members and Staff to galvanize our fellows to squarely
and smartly face life’s challenges.

The XU Engineering Resource Center is the research and

social outreach arm of the College of Engineering. We
actively collaborate with institutions around the world for
technological advancements, as well as respond to the
pressing engineering needs of our neighbors and frontier
communities.

This newsletter is a diary of the Warriors’ selected journeys. We hope that these stories will inspire
and propel our comrades and warriors-in-training to continue the fight in making science and
engineering beneficial to nature and to life, especially to the poor and marginalized sectors of
society.

With this maiden issue, I sincerely thank all our project partners for helping us achieve our
mission and trusting us fulfill the promise of making a better change. I am also deeply grateful
to our young chroniclers of the Association of the College of Engineering Students - Publication
Committee (ACES - PubCom) headed by Ms. Ana Kristina Arquiza for their brilliant work.

Kumbati!
Dexter S. Lo
XUERC Director
Prem Center, Chiang Mai
15 May 2010
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XUERC hosts Project Output Presentation on Disaster Risk Mapping of

Barangay Carmen
By Haifa Carina Baluyos

X avier University Engineering Resource Center took methodologies for wider participation of other stake-
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center stage as it played host to the Project Output holders, the Bureau of Fire Protection was also pleased
Presentation entitled “GIS-based Disaster Risk Mapping that “fire” was included in the project since it is one of
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of Barangay Carmen: Flood, Fire and Earthquake” last the most frequent causes of disaster in the city.
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May 12, 2009 at AVR 5, SBM Building of Xavier Univer- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau was not pres-
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sity Main Campus. ent at the presentation but has been one of the technical
In an attempt to analyze disaster risks in Barangay reviewers of the project and was pleased that this XU-
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Carmen, an area currently experiencing rapid urbaniza- ERC project compliments their various efforts related to
tion, outputs of the research such as maps, analyses and disasters.
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recommendations were presented by Engr. Dexter S. Lo,

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XU-ERC Director and one of the two lead researchers

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of the project along with Engr. Mark Alexis O. Sabines.

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Pleased and grateful of the project, leaders and

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representatives from Barangay Carmen, Office of Civil

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Defense, City Planning and Development Office, Mines

and Geosciences Bureau and Bureau of Fire Protection
participated the event. Responses include the usefulness
of the project for planning and development purposes of
Brgy. Carmen and as a pilot project, it must be replicated
throughout the city.
Leaders from Barangay Carmen were grateful for
having their area as the venue for a pilot study on disaster
risk mapping. They remarked that the results of the proj-
ect, particularly the maps, will be a great tool in prioritiz-
ing future projects as well provide as a guide for their ba-
Lo discussing the outputs of the research
rangay’s development plan. The Office of Civil Defense
was glad that XUERC has engaged in active partnership
with them in helping local barangays assess, prepare and
hopefully mitigate the harmful impacts of disasters.
On the other hand, the City Planning and Devel-
opment Office wishes that the said pilot project would be
replicated to the whole city and that XUERC will share
theformulated
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Lo and Gensch hold lectures on ways to control disaster and food crises
By Hasheen Honey Kim S. Culango

R esource persons from Xavier University (XU), by

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request of the Local Government Unit of the Mu-

nicipality of Villanueva, conducted a Community Lecture
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and Information Campaign on “GIS Mapping as a Tool

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for Crisis Management” and “Ecological Sanitation Phi-

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losophy and Concepts” last May 28, 2009 at the Munici-

pal Hall of Villanueva.
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Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Director of the XU Engi-

neering Resource Center (XUERC), shared his experi-
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ences and expertise in Disaster Risk Mapping using Geo-

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graphic Information Systems (GIS). With this approach,

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maps are generated to help the local officials analyze the

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disaster risks of an area before proposing new programs Lecture on “GIS Mapping as a Tool for Crisis Management” and “Ecological Sani-
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and infrastructures for that area. The local community of tation Philosophy and Concepts” attended by the local government leaders of the
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Municipality of Villanueva
Villanueva posed their concerns and desires of wanting
to adapt this kind of system. However, a few factors are
yet to be considered, one of which is the high initial cost
of the implementation of the system.
The second speaker was Robert Gensch, a sus-
tainable sanitation expert of the Dr. J. P. Rizal School of
Medicine. He talked about Ecological Sanitation, high-
lighting the reuse of human waste for agriculture. Ac-
cording to him, there is an impending crisis on the scarcity
of food most notably because of the supply shortage of
chemical fertilizers. In his presentation, he talked about
the potentiality of human urine and feces as sources of
organic fertilizer.
The said lecture and campaign, whose audience
was composed of the council and local government lead-
ers of the municipality of Villanueva, was in response to
the latest natural disasters that hit Cagayan de Oro and
many parts of Misamis Oriental.
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Lo presents paper at the 2009 Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

(PICE) National Midyear Convention
By Margaret Macatol

P rimary and leading PICE members of 96 chapters Engr. Lo stated, “The main objective of the proj-
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belonging to foremost government departments, ect is to generate Disaster Risk Maps due to the com-
agencies and offices, construction companies, consulting mon floods and fire usually occurring in Barangay Car-
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firms, colleges and well known universities from all over men. Barangay Carmen is currently experiencing rapid
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the country, ranging from Cagayan down to Sulu were urbanization with exponential population growth, bullish
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festively invited to participate the Midyear Event last June infrastructure increase and not to mention its greatly sig-
25-27, 2009 at Bacolod City, Pavillion Resort Hotel. nificant function to the region. However, these develop-
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Xavier University with great pride and honor is ments may also trigger negative impacts especially at the
also very proud to proclaim that their very own Engr. event of a disaster, unless constantly monitored and as-
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Dexter S. Lo’s paper entitled “The Disaster Risk Mapping sessed.”

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of Barangay Carmen: Flood and Fire” was accepted by In addition he also added, “Through these
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the Inter-Specialty Group for the convention. He valiant- maps a graphic representation of the critical ar-
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ly presented his paper during the much anticipated event. eas within Barangay Carmen may be clearly viewed
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Engr. Lo is currently the Director of the XU En- in order to assess the level of risk against flooding
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gineering Resource Center (XU ERC), the research and
social outreach arm of the College of Engineering in
Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. He is also an ac-
tive member of various professional organizations serv-
ing as Region-10 Chair for the Association of Structural
Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP); Member of the
Board of Directors for the Philippine Institute of Civil
Engineers (PICE Misamis Oriental-CDO Chapter); Ad
hoc Region-X Director for the Association of Civil Engi-
neering Educators of the Philippines (ACEEP); and Di-
saster Mitigation and Preparedness Strategies (DMAPS)
Task Force Volunteer.
and fire. These maps can aid both city and barangay offi-
cials and planners in assessing the suitability of proposed
programs and infrastructures. It will also be very useful
in mitigation and preparedness strategies upon reducing
the harmful impacts of disasters. The identified high risk
sites for flood have been validated by recent historical
January 2009 Cagayan de Oro floods. The high risk sites
for fire are identified to have structures with no defined
road access, dominantly made from combustible materi-
als and closely built to one another.”

(right photo) Engr. Lo presenting his paper at the 2009 PICE

National Midyear Convention
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Research Enhancement Seminar

By Miguel Karlo Macariola

W ith the vision to uphold mainstreaming research

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as a significant endeavour of a scholarly univer-

sity, the College of Engineering conducted a seminar
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on research enhancement. This was to address the rapid

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changing forms of research in science and technology

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and engineering.
The seminar was held last May 28, 2009 at the
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AVR 5 of the SBM building. This was well attended by

faculty members of the College of Engineering, repre-
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sentatives from the Kinaadman Research Center and the

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Master of Engineering Program students.

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Engr. Eliseo B. Linog, Jr., Dean of the College of Engi-

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neering, gave the opening remarks. This was followed by

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the lecture of Ms. Caroline Rubio of KRC, on the Xavier (photo above) Engr. Eliseo Linog, Jr. giving his opening remarks
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University Research Thrust and Funding Opportunities.

The next lecture was about Intellectual Property
Rights by Xavier University Center for Legal Assistance
(XU-CLA) Executive Director, Atty. Neil Y. Pacamalan.
After the lunch break and the refresher, the seminar re-
sumed as Dr. Gina S. Itchon, Research Director of the Dr
J.P. Rizal School of Medicine gave her lecture on Research
Ethics. This was followed by Research Statistics for Engi-
neers and Scientists by Engr. Melba T. Mendoza, profes-
sor from the Chemical Engineering Department. The syn-
thesis was then given by Engr. Dexter S. Lo, the Director
of the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center.

(photo above) Engr. Dexter Lo and Engr. Melba Mendoza

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A Visit to the Proposed Bioethanol Plant Site

By Joanna Ross Galgao

T he Xavier University – College of Engineering,

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through the XU Engineering Resource Center (XU-

ERC) together with the Xavier University Research and
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Social Outreach Cluster (XU-RSO), and the media visited

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barangays Bayanga and Mambuaya to look over the said

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location of the proposed Bioethanol Project last July 11,

2009.
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According to the Kagay-an Watershed Alliance

(KAWAL) a coalition composed of academic institu-
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tions, civil society and peoples’ organization, the project

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is a 100,000L per day Bio-Ethanol Plant by Alcantara

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and Sons Consolidated Resources, Inc. It is a 2.1 billion

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peso project located within 16 hectares of barangays

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Mambuaya and Bayanga which has a target production

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of 33,000,000 liters of bioethanol per year. This project Selected XU Engineering students who visited Barangays Bayanga and Mambuaya
will require 227,000 metric tons of cassava annually. The
target market of ethanol is the petroleum distributors for
Visayas and Mindanao. Its by product and waste products
include liquefied CO2 (for soft drinks production).
The College of Engineering visited these baran-
gays to advocate awareness on this issue and to assess
the possible effects that could cause the destruction of
one of the remaining watersheds in the Philippines which
will, in the long run affect the communities living in Ca-
gayan de Oro City.
It is important nowadays to get involved on is-
sues that can affect our way of living. Since the world
is experiencing continuous climate change, taking part in
lessening the destructions the earth is experiencing is very
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Engr. Lo presents seismic risk mapping during the 29APAMS

By Hasheen Honey Kim S. Culango

T he 29th Annual Philippine-American Academy of

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Science and Engineering Meeting and Symposium

(29APAMS) was hosted by the Ateneo de Manila Univer-
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sity (ADMU) last July 13-15, 2009, with the theme “Link-
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ing Science & Engineering to Development.”

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Scientists, engineers and researchers who are in-

terested in promoting the advancement of science and
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technology or are engaged in research and development

(R&D), were invited to participate. In line with the theme
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and objectives of the 29APAMS, the organizers encour-

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age presentations that uphold collaboration to address

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the areas of R&D focus.

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For one, Engineer Dexter S. Lo, Director of the Lo presents his talk at the 29th Annual Philippine American Academy of Science
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Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU and Engineering Meeting and Symposium held at ADMU
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- ERC), presented his paper at the conference entitled

“Seismic Risk Mapping at Micro-Scale.” The paper pro-
posed a method for measuring the Seismic Risk Index
(SRi) of an area at micro-scale – with measurements
ranging from severity of an earthquake in an area to vul-
nerability of an area’s infrastructures.
An actual application of the proposed method was
made in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Findings
show that some zones are at a High Risk – a characteris-
tic attributable to the presence of many non-engineered
structures in the said areas, making them seismically unsafe.
The 29th APAMS concluded with three days fea-
turing technical presentations on focused R&D areas, a
special session on nanotechnology for the Philippines,
contributed oral and poster papers on open topics, and
sessions with the industry. ADMU Chemistry Department Faculty, XU Chemistry Department Chair Faus-
tino Tarongoy and Engr. Dexter Lo
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Proposed MAGDAS station in XU

By Rose May Igdon

T he Space Environment Research Center (SERC)is

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concerned with the global monitoring of the earth’s

magnetic field which is important in exploring the dynam-
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ics of the earth’s interior and its surrounding space envi-

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ronment. The instrument that SERC is using is called

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MAGDAS (MAGnetic Data Acquisition System); it is a

ground-based monitoring system.
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SERC has already installed a magnetometer in Davao City

in cooperation with the Manila Observatory of which Fr.
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Jose Ramon T. Villarin, president of Xavier University

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– Ateneo de Cagayan is affiliated with. In line with this,

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a SERC representative has decided to visit Cagayan de

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Oro City last July 2, 2009. Professor Kiyohumi Yumoto,

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Executive Director of the Space Environment Research

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Prof. Yumoto with XU Administrators and Faculty Members

Center Board in Kyushu University, Japan, visited Xavi-
er University – Ateneo de Cagayan for a site survey at
Manresa Farm Complex for the proposed site of SERC
MAGDAS – II magnetometer. Professor Yumoto was ac-
companied by some faculty members of the XU College
of Egineering namely Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Engr. Gunnar
Marc Shane C. Cabaraban, Engr. Glenn B. Paclijan and
Mr. Hernando O. Pacana, the Manresa Farms Manager.
After determining the exact location of the pro-
posed magnetometer at Manresa, Professor Yumoto pro-
ceeded to Xavier University main campus where a lun-
cheon meeting was held with President Fr. Jose Ramon T.
Villarin, SJ and other XU faculty members. risk mitigation, weather satellite reading, and other practi-
Professor Yumoto delivered a short introductory
lecture on Space Weather and the worldwide network of
the MAGDAS project in which Xavier University will
soon become a part of.
Xavier University and SERC drafted a Memoran-
dum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the project.
Later that month, the installation of the MAGDAS mag-
netometer which was to be done by Professor Yumoto’s
team was postponed due to logistical matters as stated by
Engr. Lo. Hoping that it will be installed early this year,
the SERC team left the magnetometer at Fr. Villarin’s of-
fice for safe-keeping.
With the installation of this monitoring system, it
will facilitate geophysical mapping, mineral exploration,
cal applications which will contribute a lot to disaster risk
reduction and awareness and other related studies.
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Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Forum

By Rose May Igdon

T he Presidential Executive Order No. 137 assigns the

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month of July as the National Disaster Conscious-

ness Month which aims to increase public awareness on
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disaster prevention; July 2009’s theme was: “Pag Alerto,

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Malayo sa Peligro”. This month-long celebration includ-

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ed a regional forum on disaster risk reduction which was

held last July 31, 2009 at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro
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City. It was jointly sponsored by the Regional Develop-

ment Council (RDC) and the Regional Disaster Coordi-
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nating Council (RDCC).

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The forum aims to discuss issues and concerns

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related to disaster that are besetting the region and the

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recommended mitigation measures. Participants of the Regional Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction
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Lectures were presented by experts from the Office of

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Civil Defense (OCD), Mines and Geosciences Bureau

(MGB), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismol-
ogy (PHIVOLCS), Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB), and the National Economic Development Au-
thority (NEDA). Generally, their lectures were about di-
saster risk reduction and awareness.
As an actual case study of all the theories dis-
cussed, Engr. Dexter S. Lo of the XU-Engineering Re-
source Center presented their project on “Disaster Risk
Mapping of Barangay Carmen: Flood and Fire”, which
also won in the 21st Northern Mindanao Consortium for
Agriculture and Resources Research and Development
(NOMCARRD) Regional Symposium Highlights. Engr. Lo accepting the plaque from Dir. Lupo of OCDRDDC and Dir. Dacanay of
NEDA-RDC
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Engr. Lo bags Best Paper in the NOMCARRD Regional Review

by Krizzia Demetilla

O n the 7th of July 2009, the NOMCARRD (North- Review presented and evaluated researches. According
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ern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture Re- to Razalo and Lofranco of NOMCARRD, the sympo-
sources Research and Development) In-house Review of sium aims to “promote interaction between and among
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the College of Agriculture was held at the Xavier Univer- researchers, extension workers, the local government,
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sity Audio Visual Room 1 (AVR 1) presenting remarkable and other clientele; provide a venue for the discussion of
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papers and researches on relevant issues emerging in the the state-of-the-art R&D activities in the region; estab-
country especially in Northern Mindanao. lish future directions in agriculture, natural resources and
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Engr. Dexter S. Lo, the Director of the Xavier environment and provide a venue to present PCARRD’s
University Engineering Resource Center, was awarded Science and Technology Based-Farm project results.” It
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“Best Paper” in the development category on his project was held on August 6-7 at the Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan
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Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen: Flood and de Oro City.

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Fire. Together with Engr. Mark Alexis Sabines, Megan Once again, the distinguished Engr. Dexter S.
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Magallona, Dax Rey Cahanap, Sherwin Gulde and Jayson Lo presented their project in the symposium gaining top
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Macarat of the College of Engineering and the Agricul- prize in the development category under non-agriculture,
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tural Engineering Department, the project determined forestry, and natural resources studies. Engr. Guadalupe
the relative level of risk of flood and fire in Barangay Calalang also represented Xavier University in NOM-
Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. CARRD, with her paper achieving in the Best Research
Through GIS-based disaster risk maps, the re- Project Category in the In-house Review.
searchers were able to gather the critical points for flood The researches were relevant and presented cur-
in Carmen, the most populated barangay in Cagayan de rent issues. Antoinette Royo-Fay, the Vice President for
Oro City. Issues of inefficient and poor maintenance of Research and Social Outreach acknowledged that Xavier
drainage systems were also considered to contribute and University’s commitment to produce quality research is
affect such flood and fire risks.
The researchers’ recommendations were ad-
dressed to the officials of Barangay Carmen to help im-
prove their facilities in order to deduce risks in flood and
fire among the areas.
The annual symposium-competition NOMCARRD

(left photo) Winners of the NOMCARRD In-House Review

 10

Micro-controller Training and Workshop: Enhancing Faculty and Students’

Response to the Modern Technological Era
By Krizzia Demetilla

T he Micro-controller Training and Workshop was

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held on August 20-21, 2009 at the Instrumentation

Laboratory in CIT building, Xavier University. Aiming to
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unveil emerging technologies that have rapidly contrib-

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uted to the advancements of state-of-the-art facilities in

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the field of Engineering, the Micro-controller workshop

introduced various modern applications.
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The workshop was significantly addressed to the Engi-

neering faculty for them to be able to keep updated with
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latest and innovative technologies to competently educate

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and train their students. Xavier University Engineering

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Resource Center (XU-ERC) in partnership with Xavier

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University College of Engineering Parents and Faculty

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Association (XUCEPFA) spearheaded the activity. The Workshop attended by senior ECE students as well as the Faculty members of the
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Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Departments.

lecturer, Engr. Diogenes Armando D. Pascua shared his
expertise in this field.
The 2-day workshop was attended by the Senior
Electronics Engineering students who are currently work-
ing on micro-controller technologies; Electronics, Elec-
trical, and Mechanical Engineering Departments; and the
Faculty Members were the participants of the event.
Focusing on the up-to-date electronics and engineering
capabilities, the micro-controller offers wide variety of
learnings to the participants about its contributions to the
recent industry with an application to automobile engine
control systems, remote controls, appliances, power tools,
and control systems.
Engr. Pabiliaran giving the certificate and token to the Engr. Pascua
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XU ERC Director given a seat in the DMAPS Committee

By Jim Croce Nabua

T he Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) has The team is headed by Dr. Benito M. Pacheco
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appointed XU Engineering Resource Center (XU and Dr. Jaime A. Pacanan, chairperson and co-chair re-
ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo as member in the spectively. Three other members appointed together with
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Disaster Mitigation Adaptation and Preparedness Strat- Engr. Lo were – Engr. Aser S. Mallari, Engr. Nerio L.
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egies (DMAPS) National Committee. The said appoint- Ronquillo, and Engr. Ruben A. Sy. The DMAPS commit-
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ment had also positioned the university a seat in the said tee is also sub-divided into smaller units in accordance
special program of PICE nationwide. In line with this, with the specific types of hazard. Engr. Emmanuel M.
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Engr. Lo was called for a meeting at the PICE National Arrozal and Engr. Rolando M. Bandilla, Jr. tackle on is-
Office in Quezon City last August 25, 2009. The agenda sues about fire; Dr. Danilo C. Terante and Dr. Eric Cruz
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focused on planning and developing a 1-day training ma- handle topics on flood; Dr. Benjamin R. Buensuceso and
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terial for each type of the hazards specifically fire, land- Dr. Mark Zarco focus on landslides; Engr. Rolando S.
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slides, tsunami, and typhoon using the Disaster Quick Re- Ison and Dr. Eric Cruz work on tsunami; and Engr. Ron-
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sponse Program (DQRP) Training Materials as reference. waldo Emmanuel R. Aquino and Engr. Vinci Nicholas
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Majority of the invited experts as well as members of Villaseñor deal with typhoon.
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the committee gratefully attended and discussed with one Technical Assistance for the DMAPS Committee
another the topics at hand. is also established by the PICE National Secretariat by
DMAPS’s main function is to develop and pre- appointing a Secretariat Support Group ready to provide
pare technical training, modules and materials for each assistance to the members of the committee in pursuing
type of hazard for volunteer evaluators. After which, ap- and implementing committee plans and programs.
plication of the formulated program is conducted as well
as the accreditation of volunteers after undergoing and
sufficing the established standards.
The DMAPS committee is composed of differ-
ent professionals from pool of experts of various sectors
such as universities and government agencies. Such insti-
tutions include the University of the Philippines – Dili-
man, De La Salle University, Xavier University – Ateneo
de Cagayan, Association of Structural Engineers of the
Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and others.

DMAPS meeting at the PICE Headquarters in Quezon City

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IASTE Invites Filipino youth

By Jafe Alyssa Aquino

I n celebration of the IASTE Day 2009 in the Philip-

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pines, faculty and students in Visayas and Mindanao

were invited to the “Students Congress on International
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Internship and Career Development Programs” with

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the theme, Becoming Globally Competitive: A Must in

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Today’s Work Place. It was held last September 19, 2009

from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Sacred Heart Center, Jako-
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salem Street in Cebu City.

International Association for the Exchange of
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Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is an or-

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ganization for the exchange of students at institutions

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of higher education wishing to obtain technical experi-

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ence abroad. Among the invited college courses were XU CE student delegates with foreign exchange student.
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Engineering, Computer related Courses, Business related

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Courses, Education and Arts. The objectives of the con-

gress were to establish professional contacts with fellow
students even still at university or college level, to provide
useful insights on cross cultural understanding - a must in
today’s global work place, to broaden one’s learning ex-
periences through learning and living in another country
and to actively participate in organized leisure activities in
the spirit of volunteerism.
The members had a chance to be elected as offi-
cers for the IASTE-Philippine Student Committee. They
took part in the implementation of the IASTE programs
and were recognized as ambassadors of cultural exchange
representing the country. There were also invited exhibi-
tors who joined and graced the event. An on-the-spot
poster and slogan making contest was organized to be
selected as the official design of IASTE-Philippines SY
2009-2010.
The event was a pure success and surely made a
difference with the students’ life and to all the Filipino
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XUERC joins University visit to Barangay Pigsag-an

By Catherine Lagat

S ince the heavy siltation of Iponan river and linked to

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the January 2009 flooding and landslide of the down-

stream lowland areas in the city, the Mines and Geosci-
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ences Bureau Regional Office No. 10 issued a Cease and

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Desist Order (CDO) to all irresponsible miners relative

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to responsible mining principles provided in Executive

Order 270 known as Policy Guidelines in the Revitaliza-
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tion of the Philippine Minerals Industry, the conducted

Information, Education and Communication Campaign.
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Prior to the conduct of the socio-economic survey, the

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IEC-SDMP Unit of MGB-10 conducted IEC on respon-

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sible mining practices and explain the objectives to key

XU Civil Engineering faculty, Engr. Lo, Engr. Apor and Engr. Haos
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persons and residents of the four hinterland barangays

and other XU Faculty members, together with the local residents of
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of the City, i.e. Taglimao, Tuburan, Pigsag-an and Tump-

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agon.
On September 21, 2009, the XU Civil Engineer-
ing Faculty Members: Gerardo P. Apor (Chairman), Dex-
ter S. Lo Joel Camilo M. Haos joined the University team
headed by Kinaadman Research Center to a reconaissance
survey at Brgy. Pigsag-an, located 30 km away from the
city proper. Faculty members from Biology and Agricul-
ture departments also joined the activity. In observance to
the occurrences and situation of the said barangay and as
part of the objectives, information was gathered in rela-
tion to the socio-economic status in the area to be used in
the formulation of community development programs,
specifically the identification of livelihood options to il-
legal small-scale miners.
Barangay Pigsag-an
The residents as well as their Local Government
Unit converged to fully understand the socio-economic
condition of their barangay and identify feasible social
programs for the locales. Moreover, the result of this
survey identified social programs that will ensure de-
cent lives for the miners when hydraulic mining that has
caused great damage to the natural environment be totally
stopped and provide alternative sources of livelihood for
the residents in the said barangay.
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Engr. Lo appointed as Land Use Planning Expert for RLUC-10

By Jim Croce Nabua

T he Regional Development Council – Region 10 In line with EO 770, RLUC appointed members
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(RDC-10) appointed XU Engineering Resource Cen- of the committee wherein two of the assembly should
ter (XU ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo as one of represent the private sector being Engr. Lo together with
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the land use planning expert to represent the private sec- Engr. Jose P. Gatus, President of Oro Habitat for Hu-
and Christine

tor. The presentation and confirmation of the appointees manity. Appointment of the two gentlemen came from a
and Christine

was included during the Regional Land Use Committee pool of nominees, and was chosen under criteria stipulat-
(RLUC) meeting last September 30, 2009 at the RDC-10 ed in Executive Order No. 770. Presentation, confirma-
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Main Conference Room, Cagayan de Oro City. Engr. Lo tion, and oath taking were conducted during the RLUC
was also tasked to give a lecture on “Disaster Risk Map- meeting and was part of the agenda. Other agenda of the
by Danniele

ping of Barangay Carmen: Flood & Fire”. The topic at meeting were a lecture on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk
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hand was part of Engr. Lo’s project which has already Reduction (DRR) in Development Planning subdivided
Design

been presented in various seminars and conferences, both into three parts; Introductory Lecture on DRR discussed
andby:

locally and internationally. by Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., OIC-Regional Director of NE-

Design

RLUC’s birth emerged from the Letter of In- DA-10 and also acts as the chair of RLUC-10, followed
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struction (LOI) 1350 otherwise known as Providing the by Engr. Lo’s lecture, and Proposed Orientation on Main-
Institutional Framework for National Physical Planning streaming DRR for Development Planners again given by
which institutionalized land use and physical planning Dir. Dacanay. Next on the list is the endorsement of the
in the country. LOI 1350 gave birth to National Land Advocacy and Adoption of a Permanent Disaster Risk
Use Committee (NLUC) at the national level and RLUC Management Office jointly facilitated by the Office of
at the regional level. And to strengthen LOI 1350, Ex- Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Interior and
ecutive Order No. 770 was issued by President Gloria Local Government (DILG). Wrapping up the topics at
Macapagal-Arroyo to amend LOI 1350. EO 770 elevates hand is the discussion and presentation of Priority Ac-
NLUC into a National Economic and Development tivities for 2009-2010 presented by NEDA.
Authority (NEDA) Board. NLUC’s main function as a
NEDA Board is to draw recommendations concerning
with land use and physical planning issues and conflicts,
and address it to the President as well as with the NEDA
Board. On the other hand, RLUC operates with the same
function at a regional level with a replicated NB-RLUC
composition.

(right photo) Engr. Lo and Engr. Gatus taking oath as RLUC members

UDDT Design Competition and Launching
By Stiffany Caangay
C ontinuous depletion of the earth’s resources is con-
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sidered one of the most controversial issues nowa-
days. As a result, people continuously explore for solutions
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to address this dilemma and one of which was through
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the UDDT. The UDDT or Urine Diversion Dehydra-
and Christine
tion Toilet was organized by the College of Medicine in
coordination with the College of Engineering aiming to
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create awareness among students of the importance of
UDDT and in the process acquire designs for better and
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more economical UDDT’s.
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The program was launched last August 12, 2009
Design
at the AVR 5, SBM Building of Xavier University Main
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Campus. The event started with a lecture by Mr. Robert
Design
Gensch regarding the Sustainable Sanitation and how the
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UDDT can be very useful for the global fight for decent
sanitation. The mechanics for the UDDT design compe-
tition was also explained by him.
Subsequently, the design competition was com-
menced. The competition was divided into two catego-
ries: the Best Emergency UDDT Sanitation Solution and
the Best School UDDT Sanitation Solution. The former
focuses on the ease of construction in terms of natural
or man-made disasters wherein the materials needed for
construction are easy to obtain, while the latter focuses
on designs that are best suitable for schools and students
as the main users.
All students inside and outside the University
were invited to participate in the competition. Participants
competed in groups composed of 3-5 students where at
least one of the members is currently enrolled in Xavier
University. Participants were to submit designs on either
one of the category.
15
After the designs were completed, each group
was given a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes to defend
their work to the panel of judges. The panel of judges
included Dr. Robert J. Holmer, Dr. Gina S. Itchon, Mr.
Robert Gensch, Engr. Gerardo Apor, and Engr. Ermin
Stan Pimentel. Designs were evaluated according to the
following criteria: health and hygiene, environment and
natural resources, technology and operation, financial
and economic issues, and socio-cultural and institutional
aspects.
The Awarding Ceremony took place last Octo-
ber 10, 2009 at the Engineering lobby, XU Main Campus.
Participants, Engineering and Medicine students together
with some guests: Engr. Eliseo Linog - Dean of the Col-
lege of Engineering, Dr. Ruth Beltran - Dean of the Col-
lege of Medicine, Engr. Dexter Lo, Dr. Gina Itchon and
Dr. Robert Holmer witnessed the event. A Case study on
the Evaluation of the Engineering and Social Aspects of
an Implemented UDDT Project at the Lapasan National
High School was also presented during the ceremony.
The ceremony was concluded with the awarding
for the two categories. For the School Category: 1st Place
- Peter Andrew U. Gamones, John Jefferson A. Garcia,
Vandolph Q. Lozano, Joel M. Sabuero, Xinrex L. Clem-
ente, 2nd Place - Andre Lyle G. Alay, Eureka L. Alber-
astine, Gaszer O. Uson, Ralph Marion R. Marfa, and for
the 3rd Place - Vic Angelo G. Atilano, Timmy Ann N.
Baguio, Willes Niňo S. Hong, Mayo Cesar P. Magpulong,
Jessie M. Nangkil. For the Emergency Category: 1st Place
- Rholan C. Abasolo, Sheila Mae V. Tee, Shirlyn P. Dayyo,
and for the 2nd Place - Jim Croce B. Nabua, Lou Menard
M. Casero, Kerk Jay P. Montefalcon, Ariane Merk B. Suo-
biron, Michael John M. Rivera. After the awarding, the
 16

XU Engineering Faculty Members join SLP Orientation and Exposure

By Jim Croce Nabua

T he Xavier University Kristohanong Katilingban sa On October 21 and 22, a follow-up field exposure
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Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP- was also orchestrated. The two day event started with a
SIO) conducted an orientation about the Service Learn- visit to Barangay Bayanga followed by a river cruise along
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ing Program (SLP) for faculty members, with the theme: the Cagayan de Oro River and another site visit to Mapa-
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“Discovering the Ridge, River, and Reef Situation of Ca- wa Nature Park in Malasag. On the second day, there was
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gayan de Oro City”. The event kicked-off with a formal a field exercise at the Marine Sanctuary of the McKeough
orientation of the program at the AVR4 on October 17, Marine Center in Agutayan Island, Jasaan.
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2009. One of the invited speakers was XU Engineering The SLP for faculty was formed to expose faculty
Resource (XU ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo. Engr. members to environmental issues and make them stew-
by Danniele

Lo was tasked to talk about his personal experiences with ards of the environment. The SLP activities are designed
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their SLP activities regarding with the project which he to involve them to technical works in relation with social-
Design

headed on “Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen”. ly relevant issues supervised by the KKP-SIO. It leads the
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He was invited as one of the speakers of the event be- faculty members to the pressing needs of communities
Design

cause of the reason that not only he had the thesis for the by emersion on actual situations wherein their technical
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technical aspect, but he also personally engaged with the knowledge are tested and applied to propose and develop
community leading other proponents, such as engineer- solutions to community problems and demands. At the
ing students who were also doing their Final Year Project end of the program, they are expected to come up with
Study. Engr. Lo served as the mentor of the group and significant interventions and outputs that have meaning-
was mostly part of the activities performed. A concrete ful impact to the community.
instance that he shared was the actual flooding on the
January of 2009; where his team, together with other vol-
unteers, students and faculty members were deployed,
not only in Brgy. Carmen, but also at other flooded sites
in Cagayan de Oro City. The orientation was given to the
selected faculty members from the different colleges and
offices of the university; Engrs. Franklin Pacquiao (EcE),
Dondanon Bajarla (EE), Peter Daniel Akut (CE) and Ma-
ria Lourdes Abao (IE) joined the event.

XU Faculty members on a light moment during the SLP exposure at Mapawa

 17

HLURB tapped XU ERC for CLUP Guidelines Lectures

By Jim Croce Nabua

T he Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

“...GIS Mapping as a
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(HLURB) – Region 10, had organized a series of

seminars for the Advocacy on the Comprehensive Land
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practical tool for land

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Use Program (CLUP) and invited Engr. Dexter S. Lo to

and Christine

present a lecture about GIS Mapping as a practical tool

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for land use planning and integrating Disaster Risk Man-

agement. The said event was held at the Pearlmont Hotel, use planning and
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Cagayan de Oro City on two occasions: on October 22-

23, 2009 and October 29-30, 2009. Participants include
integrating Disaster
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representatives, planners and local leaders from various

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local government units of the provinces of Misamis Ori-

Risk Management”
Design

ental, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Region-10.

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The seminar on both schedules had tackled com-

Design

mon agenda. On the first day, the Advocacy Objectives

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and Mechanics were handed to the participant by Ms.

Judy G. Sumabat; followed by the presentation of Legal
Basis of CLUP and linkages with other plans presented
by Ms. Pilar J. Jamandre, HLURB-10 Regional Officer.
Wrapping up the topics of the day is the enhanced CLUP
Guidelines discussed by Ms. Evelyn Gatchalian. The first
day of session ended with an open forum followed by a
fellowship dinner.
On the second day, the forum started with Emma
Ulep, Head of ITG discussing about the GIS Guidebook
followed by Engr. Lo’s GIS Mapping Lecture. Engr. Lo’s
lecture showcased to the participants XU’s project on
Resource Speakers and Organizers of the CLUP Guidebook Advocacy Program
Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen. Later on,
Dir. Sabdullah Abubakar, Regional Technical Director
of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB-10) and
Dir. Dariu Miñoza of the Mines and Geosciences Bu-
reau (MGB-10), also delivered their lectures on Climate
Change, and Rain Induced Land Slides in Region-10, re-
spectively.
 18

XU ERC helps students from Balubal National High School reach the
World Wide Web
By Peter Andrew Gamones

O ne of the most important things that students

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must learn nowadays is to use the computer. More

equally important is the use of the World Wide Web to
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broaden the knowledge of the students.

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The Xavier University Engineering Resource

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Center (XU ERC) has conducted an engineering com-

pass survey at Balubal National High School (BNHS) last
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October 29, 2009 to locate the proposed site of BNHS’

ICT Laboratory Satellite Dish for its internet connection.
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The compass survey determined the exact positioning of

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the satellite dish with respect to its bearing and angular

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position. The XU ERC team was spearheaded by its Di-

andby:

rector, Engr. Dexter S. Lo and was assisted by Peter An- Peter, Dexter and Jim at the Balubal National High School
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drew U. Gamones and Jim Croce B. Nabua, both senior

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Civil Engineering students. The BNHS received 30 units

of desktop computers from the Cagayan de Oro City
Government. Its internet connection was also provid-
ed by the government. Ms. Lerio A. del Puerto, BNHS
School-in-Charge, was excited knowing that students can
finally learn, enjoy, and experience the internet. After the
completion of the compass survey, the students eagerly
started the concreting of the base footing for the satellite
dish.
It is expected that after the installation of the
satellite dish, the students of BNHS will broaden their
learning through the internet. Not only they will expand
their learning, but they also get to experience the World
Wide Web. XUERC team with locals in locating the proposed site for the satellite dish
 19

IASTE launches in XU opened the event, and Ms. Lalaine Rotas gave the ratio-
By Jafe Alyssa Aquino nale. A video presentation of the 60 glorious years of
IASTE was presented. The first speaker was Mr. Ed-

X avier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) in part- mundo Casiño, MPA, a board member of the Philippine
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nership with International Association for the Ex- Computer Society, Inc. He discussed about enhancing
change of Students for Technical Experience (IASTE) work competencies and discipline through internship
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Philippines - Pearl of the Orient Educational and Career abroad. Ms. Cherry May Rotas-Palacio, MAEd, Director
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Consultancy International, Inc. (POEC) held the “1st for Student Exchange Programs POEC Consultancy In-
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Student General Assembly on International Internship ternational, Inc., was the second speaker who talked about
and Career Development Programs in Mindanao” with IAESTE as an “International Organization of Dynamic
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the theme, Becoming Globally Competitive: A Must in Individuals: Its Impact to Globalization for Tertiary Stu-
Today’s Work Place last November 21, 2009 at 8:00am to
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dents”. The third speaker was Ms. Roda Cabuga, Deputy

4:00pm at the Nursing Amphitheater of the CIT Build- Administrator of STI-College who shared about hosting
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ing, Xavier University campus. and sending exchange students through POEC. The last
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The host event consultants for this activity were speaker, Ms. Vanessa Noel Alliance Abroad Group, L.P.,
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Lalaine B. Rotas (POEC National Secretary), Joji Lou O. discussed the Cultural Exchange Program.
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Suminguit (Students and Career Consultant, POEC Con- Mr. Dong Van Hieu from Le Quy Don Vocation-
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sultancy), Elisabeth B. Enerio (XU Office of International al Training School, Vietnam in Philippines, Ms. Rhodora
Cooperation and Networking-Director), and Engr. Dex- Rodriguez 5th year BS Industrial Engineering Xavier Uni-
ter S. Lo (XU Engineering Resource Center-Director). versity, Philippines in Singapore, and a video presentation
Among the participating schools were Joji Ilagan of Mr. Lorenzo Ponce BS Hotel and Restaurant Manage-
Career Foundation Inc.(Davao City), STI-College(General ment-Culinary Arts De La Salle College of St. Benilde,
Santos City), AMA Computer College(General San- Philippines in USA shared their OJT experiences abroad.
tos City), Northern Mindanao State Institute of Sci- There were also fun activities and an IASTE dance num-
ence and Technology(Butuan City), Central Mindanao ber, an official entry for the IASTE dance competition,
University(Valencia, Bukidnon), Misamis Oriental State participated by the students.
College of Agriculture and Technology(Claveria, Misamis
Oriental), Iligan Computer Institute(Cagayan de Oro
City), MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology(Iligan City),
Lyceum of Iligan Foundation Inc.(Iligan City), La Salle
University(Ozamis City), and Xavier University-Ateneo
de Cagayan(Cagayan de Oro City).
The student volunteers of XU facilitated the ar-
rival and registration of the visitors. Mrs. Elisabeth Enerio
welcomed the guests while Ms. Karen Cuenca (CHED
Education Supervisor II, OIC for Office of Student Af-
fairs) XU Eng’g student participats at the IASTE Student Genereal Assembly
 20

Student Service Learning Program at Cala-Cala

By Margaret Macatol

T he College of Engineering in cooperation with the

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Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana - Social

Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), proudly launched its
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first ever Student Service Learning Program (SLP) last

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November of 2009.
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As a sensible alternative, it was proposed that a

number of graduating students were to undergo their on-
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the-job-training (OJT) sited in Barangay Macasandig, Si-

tio Cala-Cala, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
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During the series of terribly devastating past

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floods in Cagayan de Oro earlier in January 2009, it was

Design

significantly observed that one of the most heavily hit

andby:

areas in Cagayan de Oro is barangay Macasandig. Due to

Design

this, the project aims to examine and determine the level Engr. Lo, Engr. Akut and some student apprentices
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of flood and disaster risks more specifically at Sitio Cala-

Cala.
The on-going project is mainly headed by Engr.
Peter Daniel S. Akut, Team Leader; and Engr. Dexter S.
Lo as the rousing mentor. The student apprentices are
namely Michael G. Corre, Shirlyn P. Dayyo, Dennis Fer-
nan E. Pagapulaan, Joel M. Sabuero, Darrell M. Taboada,
and Kristian O. Flores.
The program aims for both faculty and student
development. The challenge is for the students to directly
apply their talents and learning insights front line in real
life in order to serve as soon to be men and women en-
Mr. Taboada describes the above chest -level height of the flood waters in Sitio
gineers for others not only inside school grounds, but as Cala-Cala
well as for real people in true need even outside school
bases.
 21

SMART SWEEPs up new technology with XU-ECE students

By Christine May Creayla

T he Simulation Laboratory, formerly known as the

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Communications and Logic Laboratory, located at

the Center of Industrial Technology (CIT) building was
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filled with Electronics and Communications Engineering

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(ECE) students as the Smart Wireless Engineering Edu-

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cation Program (SWEEP) was held last November 26-28,

2009.
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SWEEP provided training and lectures on the lat-

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est development in wireless technology that will improve

the level of technology and engineering education in the
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country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Com-

Design

munications Engineering.
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Lectures about an overview of communications

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systems, introduction to broadband technologies, basic

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computer and internetwork, wireless LAN technology, Engr. Eliseo Linog Jr. , Dean of the College of Engineering, with Smart Teleco-
munication’s resource speaker, Engr. Jake Ocampo
virtual private network and IP video technology were
conducted by Engr. Jake Ocampo, the resource speaker
from Smart Telecommunications. The students appreciated and enjoyed the training
more because of the hands-on activities that were pro-
vided right after every lecture. The activity involving cre-
ating a virtual network with wireless access points making
use of the canopy antennae served as the highlight of
the said event. The materials and equipment used were
provided by SMART Communications for the school.
At the end of the training, a certificate and token
of appreciation was given to the speaker by Engr. Eliseo
Linog, Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering, together
with Engr. Dexter Lo, Director of the XU Engineering
Resource Center and Engr. Lory Liza Bulay-og, member
of the faculty of the Electronics and Communications
Engineering Department and coordinator for Smart-re-
lated activities.

Engr. Ocampo with ECE students and Faculty

 22

A lecture for the environment: an Archdiocesan Forum

By Prences Mae Sierra

A n archdiocesan forum happened last November

“Kinaiyahan
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28, 2009 at the Fr. Patrick Cronin Hall, Cagayan

de Oro Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro
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Pangalagaan,
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City. The forum was all about the awareness of the

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current situation of the environment with regards to

climate change and disasters brought by it caused by

Katalagman
ghastly earth dwellers. The said forum has a theme;
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“Kinaiyahan Pangalagaan, Katalagman Panganda-

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man.” Local leaders from various barangays in CDO,

Pangandaman.”
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health workers, media men, and concerned citizens

were there to be part of the said event.
Design

Dr. Gina P. Itchon, the Chair of the Preven-

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tive and Community Medicine Department of Dr.

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JP Rizal School of Medicine and Engr. Dexter S. Lo,

the Director of Xavier University Engineering Re-
search Center were the lecturers of the said forum.
Dr. Itchon, primarily talks about the topic entitled
“Climate Change: The Rule of 3’s”. The problem re-
garding the disasters brought by climate change was
tackled by Engr. Lo, with a title, “Disasters 101: Cli-
mate Change Perspective”.
The said forum was a half-day session and
aimed to educate and encourage people to take care
of the environment. Archdiocesan Forum participated by local leaders from various
barangays in CDO, health workers, media men, and concerned
citizens.
 23

Soft Launch of E-Waste Program

By Miguel Karlo Macariola

T he Xavier University - Junior Integrated Electronics

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and Communications Engineers of the Philippines

(XU-JIECEP) gave a soft launch on the E-Waste (Elec-
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tronic Waste) Program last November 28, 2009 at the

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AVR 5, SBM Building.

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The program was to help strew solid waste man-

agement through the leaderhip of the XU-JIECEP.
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As an introduction, Keith Magsayo, a fourth year ECE

student talked on what E-Waste was all about. Engr. Dex-
by Danniele

ter S. Lo, Director of the Xavier University Engineering

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Research Center, gave the initiatives behind the cam-

Design

paign. He also spoke about the university-wide plans for

andby:

the Solid Waste Management Program. The University al- Soft launching of the E-Waste Program sponsored by the Xavier University - Junior
Integrated Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines
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ready has a fitted solid waste management program which (XU-JIECEP)

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is harmonized by the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pag-

pakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) and
the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU-
ERC); however, this was soon launched by the school.
With the keenness to pursue the full implementa-
tion of this program, John Leonard Bernal, a fifth year
ECE student and President of XU-JIECEP, talked about
the fine points for instituting the E-Waste Program for
XU. This much awaited institutionalization will be led by
XU-JIECEP in possible partnership with SM Cagayan de
Oro which also has an existing E-waste project.
 24

XUERC conducts Solid Waste Management Orientation

By Prences Mae Sierra

O n the 5th day of December 2009, Xavier Uni-

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versity Engineering Resource Center (XU ERC)

conducted an orientation regarding solid waste man-
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agement at The Mission House, Brgy. Pualas, Baun-

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gon, Bukidnon. The event was sponsored by the Al-

varez Family represented by Ms. Chona R. Alvarez,
daughter of Mr. Alvarez, the owner of Rio Verde.
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The said orientation was headed by Engr. Ma-

by Danniele

ria Isabela R. Dumlao and Engr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan,

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assisted by the 5th year Chemical Engineering stu-

dents. The orientation lasted for two Saturdays. The
Design

speakers primarily focused on the effects and benefits Engr. Paclijan presiding the orientation
Designandby:

of having proper solid waste management programs

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in the said place, as well as on practical technologies

and tailor-made systems to support solid waste man-
agement practices.
The orientation ended with giving of certifi-
cate of appreciation to Ms. Chona Alvarez. It aims
to promote the proper solid waste management in
the community of Brgy. Pualas, Baungon, Bukidnon,
the workers of the Alvarez mansion and its estate.
(right photo) Participants of the Solid Waste Management
Orientation with Ms. Alvarez

“...aims to educate and encourage

people to take care of its
environment.”

XU ERC Responds to the Problems of Water Scarcity and Sanitation
By Peter Andrew Gamones
T he Xavier University Engineering Resource Center
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(XU ERC) and the Community of German Doctors
Health Workers through a group of senior civil engineer-
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ing students conducted a community forum regarding
and Christine
water supply distribution system and community sanita-
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tion for the residents of Sitio Igpit. The sitio lacks access
to clean water making the residents vulnerable to varied
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health problems. Also, residents of the sitio do not have
proper sanitation facilities adding gravity to health prob-
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lems.
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Sitio Igpit is a remote community situated in the
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mountainous terrains of Barangay Luz Banzon, Munici-
andby:
pality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. Access to Sitio Igpit
Design
is through a winding, rocky, and muddy road extending
Layout andLayout
several kilometers away from the national highway. Sitio
Igpit boasts a land area of approximately 300 hectares
with varied topography. Population inventory revealed
that the sitio has currently 452 residents in 80 households.
Means of livelihood is primarily agricultural, particularly
corn, cassava, and banana.
The senior civil engineering students who con-
ducted the forum were Peter Andrew U. Gamones, Van-
dolph Q. Lozano, and Joel M. Sabuero. XU ERC Direc-
25
tor Engr. Dexter S. Lo also joined the said forum. The
forum was conducted last December 07, 2009. Among
the participants were Sitio Igpit group leaders and health
workers. Ms. Carmen Absin, incumbent Sitio President,
opened the forum by discussing the current plight of the
sitio regarding water scarcity and inaccessibility. The stu-
dents then presented a way to address the problem of
water scarcity by designing a water distribution system
which will cater to the daily demands of the community.
Also discussed was the location of the water source to be
used for the water system. The group also presented the
design of the innovative Urine Diversion Dehydration
Toilet (UDDT) to help solve the sanitation problems in
the community. UDDTs promote minimal water use and
also stores human wastes to be used as plant fertilizers.
Six units of UDDTs were proposed to be constructed for
the entire community.
With the implementation of the water supply sys-
tem for the community, it is expected that residents of Si-
tio Igpit will no longer waste time and effort just to fetch
water and become more productive instead. Also, the
UDDTs will significantly eliminate sanitation concerns as
well as boosting the community’s agriculture in order for
the community to progress.
(left photo) Mr. Gamonez explains to the residents the proposed water supply water
system
 26

Research Paper Writing Made Easy

By Danniele Sihay

O ne of the difficult things a student faces in his col-

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lege life is thesis writing. And somehow, fine points

must be considered to be able to produce a good one.
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That is why the XU Engineering Resource Center in part-

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nership with Kinaadman Research Center, organized a

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Research Writing Workshop last December 9, 2009. The

event was made possible to instill those students having
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their Final Year Project Study on having an excellent re-

search paper. The 3-hour workshop was held at the Nurs-
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ing Amphitheater, CIT Building. The workshop was open

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for all those interested individuals and was encouraged to

Design

bring the drafts of their FYPS paper. Participants of the workshop eagerly listening to the discussion

“...nakatabang sa ako
andby:

Agaton T Panopio Jr MD, MHPEd, guest speaker

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of the workshop talked about having a style on writing,

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creative, clear and concise – as what he emphasizes. Co-

herence and logical representation must be present in the
thesis. Also, important parts of a research paper were
ang seminar. Wala nako
discussed such as the title, literature review, conceptual
framework, results and discussion, conclusions, bibliog-
nalibog kung unsaon
raphy, etc.
At the later part of the activity, there was an open
discussion wherein the students were given the chance to
pagsulat...”
ask questions directly to the speaker. It was indeed a suc-
cessful event. It somehow lessened the confusions fre-
quently experienced by the students regarding their thesis
paper. A student admitted, “nakatabang sa ako ang semi-
nar. Wala nako nalibog kung unsaon pagsulat.”.

Dr. Panopio receiving a certificate from Engineering Faculty Members

 27

ECOSAN: Atong Pahimuslan The said activity was organized because it was observed
By Jan Vincent Sabelita that residents do not have their own toilets. Currently,
there is one UDDT established in upper Palalan; how-

T he College of Nursing, in collaboration with XU- ever, the residents do not use it often. Some residents are
Creayla
Creayla

Engineering Resource Center and Dr. Jose P. Rizal reluctant in using the UDDT because aside from having
School of Medicine organized an information drive on difficulties in using the UDDT itself, they do not get the
MayMay

UDDT (Urine Diversion Dehydration Toilet) to the res- idea why there is no need to flush it with water.
and Christine

idents of Upper Palalan, Brgy. Lumbia CDOC. Engr. Through this activity, the residents were enlight-
and Christine

Dexter Lo was invited to be one of the guest speakers ened with the proper use of the UDDT as well as made
along with Mr. Sohaili Laguindab, a senior medical stu- knowledgeable of the personal and environmental ad-
Sihay Sihay

dent. vantages the UDDT brings. This was also a venue for
The first part of the talk was by Engr. Lo con-
by Danniele

the XU-ERC and Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine

cerning the engineering aspect; he spoke about the de- to gather more information on how the residents view
Danniele

sign of the UDDT and the process involved so that hu- the concept of the ecological sanitation and the improve-
Design

man waste can be beneficial to the environment. Also, he ments that can be made in this technology.
andby:

spoke about the advantages of using the UDDT com-

Design

pared to water-sealed type and emphasized why such de-

Layout andLayout

sign is appropriate for the Sitio. The second part of the

talk was by Mr. Laguindab addressing the medical aspect
- about health implications of using the UDDT. After the
speakers shared their knowledge, an open forum was con-
ducted to give the participants the opportunity to voice
out their concerns, especially on the reasons why it is still
not widely utilized by the residents. Another highlight of
the said event was the demonstration of Engr. Lo using
Engr. Lo and Mr. Laguindab with XU Nursing students
the miniature UDDT which really got the interests of the
participants.

“...human waste can

be beneficial to the
environment...”
Residents of Upper Palalan, Brgy. Lumbia CDOC
 28

GPS Field Validation Survey for PUVeP

By Margaret Macatol

T he College of Engineering takes the lead head-on

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in the Global Positioning System (GPS) Field Vali-

dation for the Xavier University - Research and Social
MayMay

Outreach Cluster’s (RSO’s) very own Periurban Vegetable

and Christine

Project (PUVeP).
and Christine

A collection of CE321-B2 Higher Surveying Civ-

il Engineering students were purposely chosen to con-
Sihay Sihay

duct the specified field validation activity situated near

the vicinities of the Research Office and Demonstration
by Danniele

Area of Manresa last 17th of December, 2009. The se-

Danniele

lected students are namely Nestor Yanto,Jr., Karl Andrei

Design

Peñaranda, Marion Arlo Piquero, Adrian Mainit, Aizel

andby:

Gwen Mendoza, Arjay Pacatang, Melvin Ando and Krist- Selected Civil Engineering students conducting the specified field
validation activity
Design

offer Gadian.
Layout andLayout

Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Donah Marie Achas, and

class adviser Engr. Jonathan V. Gomez mainly headed
the groups in performing their specified tasks, as well as
ensure the safety and integral development of all the stu-
dents.
The prominent project’s main endeavor is to con-
firm the areas and dimensions of the particular terrain
provided. The plot is allegedly intended for the upcom-
ing renovation of the area on behalf of the forthcoming
Xavier University Sustainable Convergence Area and the
College of Medicine’s Medical Student Board Project.

6 XU Engineering Faculty Members with Master’s Degree
By Stiffany Caangay
L ast March 2009, Engr. Eliseo B. Linog, Jr, the present
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Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Glenn B.
Paclijan, Chairman of the IE Department, Engr. Lory L
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D Bulay-og and Engr. Ian Giovanni R. Pabillaran of the
and Christine
ECE Department graduated with their Master of Engi-
and Christine
neering Degree, followed by Engr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan of
the ChE Department and Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Director
Sihay Sihay
of XUERC, in April 2009.
The present Dean of the College, Engr. Eliseo
by Danniele
B. Linog, took his Master of Engineering at Xavier Uni-
Danniele
versity with a thesis on Electrical Safety Knowledge and
Design
Practices: Its Implication to Fire Hazards. The study aims
andby:
to uncover whether observance of safety practices is in-
Design
fluenced by knowledge on electrical safety and utilization
Layout andLayout
of electrical appliances. Using a survey research design,
a probability sample of 400 households was selected
from 40 urban barangays of Cagayan de Oro City. Find-
ings of the investigation show that level of knowledge
about electrical safety is high; moreover electrical con-
cepts like “short circuit” and “faulty wiring” are popu-
larly known. As a result, indexes of safety practices and
level of knowledge are related to household size, educa-
tion of household head, household monthly income, and
number of appliances owned. The findings of the study
generate recommendations on the areas of advocacy and
service delivery. Engr. Glenn B. Paclijan, Chairman of the
“...continuous training
of faculty members is
necessary...”
29
took his Master of Engineering also in Xavier University
with a thesis on Development of Spreadsheet-based sup-
plementary instructional material for Production Plan-
ning and Control. The study addresses the need for In-
dustrial Engineering students to be competent in the use
of spreadsheet software in dealing with problems related
to the core topics of the subject. It aimed to develop a
prototype of a supplementary spreadsheet-based instruc-
tional material which was then subjected for evaluation.
Results of this study showed that the developed supple-
mentary instructional material acquired a positive rating
of 92.4% in the area of quality of content, potential ef-
fectiveness as a teaching-learning tool and usability. Dur-
ing his schooling, Engr. Paclijan was also a Commission
on Higher Education – Higher Education Development
Program (CHEd-HEDP) scholar.
Engr. Ian Giovanni R. Pabillaran also took his
Master of Engineering at Xavier University with a the-
sis on Measurement and Evaluation of Sound Emission
from Coin-Operated Videoke Machines in Nazareth and
Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. The study focused on the
gathering of the different sound levels from different es-
tablishments with varying distances, then evaluating and
comparing the results to the standards provided by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Presi-
dential Decree 856. Results showed that sounds emitted
by videoke machines, either on open or curtained videoke
establishments, does not conform to the standards. Con-
sequently, communities exposed to this kind of environ-
ment are vulnerable to risk on human health specifically
the hearing capability. Recommendations as to how to re-
solve this problem were detailed by the researcher at the
end of the study. Engr. Pabillaran had his study under
the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Thesis
 29

Engr. Lory Bulay-og took her Master of En-
gineering at Xavier University with a thesis on Evalua-
tion of Xavier University Data Communications System
Wireless Link between Main and Pueblo Campuses. The
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Likewise with Engr. Paclijan, Engr. Dexter S. Lo
had his Master of Science in Civil Engineering Major in
Structural Engineering at De La Salle University. His the-
sis was about the Development of Seismic Risk Index at

study is done to provide an overview of the reasons why Micro-Scale: The Case of Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de
Creayla

there is no connectivity of wireless link connection be- Oro City. The study developed a tool for quantifying the
May

tween these campuses. It is expected that the evaluation Seismic Risk Index (SRi) of a community at micro-scale.
May
and Christine

will help in finding solutions either for re-commissioning The SRi is taken as a function of various parameters in-
and Christine

the wireless link or re-designing the link so that the Uni- cluding the severity of earthquake occurrence in the area,
versity Administration will have a better guide in plan- the population density, and several other factors. As a re-
Sihay Sihay

ning a reliable link among campuses. The first part of sult, it is made known that three (3) zones were consid-
the study involved an actual surveying of the sites, evalu- ered to be at high risk in terms of level of disaster risk
by Danniele

ating of the line of sight path and knowing the equip- against earthquakes. Recommendations were enumerated
Danniele

ment specifications. The second part involves the analysis at the end of the study to improve the barangay. Engr. Lo
and evaluation of the data gathered. The findings of the graduated with High Distinction and was a scholar of the
Design

study are the following: there is no line of sight between Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE).
andby:

the two antennas because of the obstruction on signal The XU College of Engineering believes that to
Design
Layout andLayout

path, the available received signal level is less than the re- competently par, in terms of quality education with lead-
ceiver noise threshold and the link reliability is below the ing universities, continuous training of faculty members
required minimum reliability for data communications is necessary. Advanced or graduate degrees will expose
system. Respective recommendations were provided at the faculty members to specialized trainings and rein-
the end of the study. Engr. Bulay-og was given assistance force their research skills which will enable them to work
from the ECE Department for her schooling. with other experts in their fields. As a result, many of the
A system study on the filling and packing of filled College’s faculty members are either on formal graduate
milk powder at a large food manufacturing company was school or on short modular trainings.
conducted by Engr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan while taking her
Master of Engineering, Major in Industrial Engineering at
De La Salle University. The study addresses the problem
of the company regarding the average efficiency which
was found below the target resulting to additional cost
of production. Critical factors affecting the performance
efficiency were identified and recommendations to mini-
mize cost of production were proposed at the end of the
study. Engr. Paclijan completed her graduate schooling
as a Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources,
Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD) scholar.
 30

Donna Marie Achas’s “BALIK SCIENTIST” Program in Xavier University

By Margaret Macatol

D onah Marie “Maple” D. Achas is a graduate of As the newly appointed GIS Coordinator, the
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Bachelor of Science in Information Technology gutsy Miss Achas will now be responsible for setting up
from Mindanao University of Science and Technology, a GIS facility, as well as conduct trainings and workshops
MayMay

Philippines. She triumphantly finished her International for Xavier University’s faculty members and personnel
and Christine

Masters Degree in Geomatics at Hochschule Karlsruche in order to capacitate them to incorporate GIS applica-
and Christine

– University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe, Germany. tions into subjects of relevant courses as well as to ap-
To top that off, she actually ain’t just your ordinary faculty ply GIS applications in corresponding research and social
Sihay Sihay

staff in the College of Engineering. outreach programs most particularly upon risky areas of
At first glance, your first impression of her would most disaster management, groundwater and sanitation.
by Danniele

probably be the sweet, loving and friendly type of lady. The program highly supports the professional
Danniele

Well, actually she is. However, with her cheerful and integration of university graduates and experienced con-
Design

youthful charm, you would never have been able to guess noisseurs from developing, emerging and transitioning
andby:

that she’s already had tons of experience in the industry countries who have accomplished their training in Ger-
Design

and that’s not just here in the Philippines but in other well many and are greatly interested in returning to their moth-
Layout andLayout

known countries as well such as in Bruchsal, Karlsruhe, er country. The focus is on introducing professionals to
Germany, and many more. areas of particular relevance to development policy.
She is the former Information Management Head
Officer of Ateneo de Cagayan - Xavier University back
in 2005; handled the College of Agriculture’s very own
Periurban Vegetable Project for Asia IT&C back in 2006;
and earned much of her experience back in Germany
upon handling the HIWI Job – BIODATE Project back
in 2007-2008, as well as managing the operations in the
Intern Cartography Department of GfK Geomarketing
just lately back in 2009.
After joining Xavier University’s Engineering Resource
Center (XUERC) last 1st of December, 2009 under the
CIM Returning Experts Program, as well as a lengthy
period of waiting for final approval, she at this instant
proudly affirms that she’s back in action in her “Balik Sci-
entist” Program at Xavier University.

Ms. Donah Marie “Maple” D. Achas