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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. LoXUERC DirectorPrem Center, Chiang Mai15 May 2010

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Presentation entitled “GIS-based Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen: Flood, Fire and Earthquake” last May 12, 2009 at AVR 5, SBM Building of Xavier Univer-sity Main Campus. In an attempt to analyze disaster risks in Barangay Carmen, an area currently experiencing rapid urbaniza-tion, outputs of the research such as maps, analyses and recommendations were presented by Engr. Dexter S. Lo, XU-ERC Director and one of the two lead researchers of the project along with Engr. Mark Alexis O. Sabines. Pleased and grateful of the project, leaders and representatives from Barangay Carmen, Office of Civil 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-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

XUERC hosts Project Output Presentation on Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay CarmenBy Haifa Carina Baluyos

methodologies for wider participation of other stake-holders, the Bureau of Fire Protection was also pleased that “fire” was included in the project since it is one of the most frequent causes of disaster in the city. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau was not pres-ent at the presentation but has been one of the technical reviewers of the project and was pleased that this XU-ERC project compliments their various efforts related to disasters.

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Lo discussing the outputs of the research

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request of the Local Government Unit of the Mu-nicipality of Villanueva, conducted a Community Lecture and Information Campaign on “GIS Mapping as a Tool for Crisis Management” and “Ecological Sanitation Phi-losophy and Concepts” last May 28, 2009 at the Munici-pal Hall of Villanueva. Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Director of the XU Engi-neering Resource Center (XUERC), shared his experi-ences and expertise in Disaster Risk Mapping using Geo-graphic Information Systems (GIS). With this approach, maps are generated to help the local officials analyze the disaster risks of an area before proposing new programs and infrastructures for that area. The local community of 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.

Lo and Gensch hold lectures on ways to control disaster and food crisesBy Hasheen Honey Kim S. Culango

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Lecture on “GIS Mapping as a Tool for Crisis Management” and “Ecological Sani-tation Philosophy and Concepts” attended by the local government leaders of the Municipality of Villanueva

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Lo presents paper at the 2009 Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) National Midyear ConventionBy Margaret Macatol

Primary and leading PICE members of 96 chapters belonging to foremost government departments,

agencies and offices, construction companies, consulting firms, colleges and well known universities from all over the country, ranging from Cagayan down to Sulu were festively invited to participate the Midyear Event last June 25-27, 2009 at Bacolod City, Pavillion Resort Hotel. Xavier University with great pride and honor is also very proud to proclaim that their very own Engr. Dexter S. Lo’s paper entitled “The Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen: Flood and Fire” was accepted by the Inter-Specialty Group for the convention. He valiant-ly presented his paper during the much anticipated event. Engr. Lo is currently the Director of the XU En-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.

Engr. Lo stated, “The main objective of the proj-ect is to generate Disaster Risk Maps due to the com-mon floods and fire usually occurring in Barangay Car-men. Barangay Carmen is currently experiencing rapid urbanization with exponential population growth, bullish infrastructure increase and not to mention its greatly sig-nificant function to the region. However, these develop-ments may also trigger negative impacts especially at the event of a disaster, unless constantly monitored and as-sessed.” In addition he also added, “Through these maps a graphic representation of the critical ar-eas within Barangay Carmen may be clearly viewed in order to assess the level of risk against flooding 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.”

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

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as a significant endeavour of a scholarly univer-sity, the College of Engineering conducted a seminar on research enhancement. This was to address the rapid changing forms of research in science and technology and engineering. The seminar was held last May 28, 2009 at the AVR 5 of the SBM building. This was well attended by faculty members of the College of Engineering, repre-sentatives from the Kinaadman Research Center and the Master of Engineering Program students.Engr. Eliseo B. Linog, Jr., Dean of the College of Engi-neering, gave the opening remarks. This was followed by the lecture of Ms. Caroline Rubio of KRC, on the Xavier 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.

Research Enhancement SeminarBy Miguel Karlo Macariola

(photo above) Engr. Eliseo Linog, Jr. giving his opening remarks

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

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A Visit to the Proposed Bioethanol Plant SiteBy Joanna Ross Galgao

The Xavier University – College of Engineering, through the XU Engineering Resource Center (XU-

ERC) together with the Xavier University Research and Social Outreach Cluster (XU-RSO), and the media visited barangays Bayanga and Mambuaya to look over the said location of the proposed Bioethanol Project last July 11, 2009. According to the Kagay-an Watershed Alliance (KAWAL) a coalition composed of academic institu-tions, civil society and peoples’ organization, the project is a 100,000L per day Bio-Ethanol Plant by Alcantara and Sons Consolidated Resources, Inc. It is a 2.1 billion peso project located within 16 hectares of barangays Mambuaya and Bayanga which has a target production of 33,000,000 liters of bioethanol per year. This project 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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Selected XU Engineering students who visited Barangays Bayanga and Mambuaya

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Engr. Lo presents seismic risk mapping during the 29APAMSBy Hasheen Honey Kim S. Culango

The 29th Annual Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering Meeting and Symposium

(29APAMS) was hosted by the Ateneo de Manila Univer-sity (ADMU) last July 13-15, 2009, with the theme “Link-ing Science & Engineering to Development.” Scientists, engineers and researchers who are in-terested in promoting the advancement of science and technology or are engaged in research and development (R&D), were invited to participate. In line with the theme and objectives of the 29APAMS, the organizers encour-age presentations that uphold collaboration to address the areas of R&D focus. For one, Engineer Dexter S. Lo, Director of the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU - 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.

Lo presents his talk at the 29th Annual Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering Meeting and Symposium held at ADMU

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ADMU Chemistry Department Faculty, XU Chemistry Department Chair Faus-tino Tarongoy and Engr. Dexter Lo

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Proposed MAGDAS station in XUBy Rose May Igdon

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, risk mitigation, weather satellite reading, and other practi-cal applications which will contribute a lot to disaster risk reduction and awareness and other related studies.

The Space Environment Research Center (SERC)is concerned with the global monitoring of the earth’s

magnetic field which is important in exploring the dynam-ics of the earth’s interior and its surrounding space envi-ronment. The instrument that SERC is using is called MAGDAS (MAGnetic Data Acquisition System); it is a ground-based monitoring system.SERC has already installed a magnetometer in Davao City in cooperation with the Manila Observatory of which Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, president of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan is affiliated with. In line with this, a SERC representative has decided to visit Cagayan de Oro City last July 2, 2009. Professor Kiyohumi Yumoto, Executive Director of the Space Environment Research 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. 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.

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Prof. Yumoto with XU Administrators and Faculty Members

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Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) ForumBy Rose May Igdon

The Presidential Executive Order No. 137 assigns the month of July as the National Disaster Conscious-

ness Month which aims to increase public awareness on disaster prevention; July 2009’s theme was: “Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro”. This month-long celebration includ-ed a regional forum on disaster risk reduction which was held last July 31, 2009 at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City. It was jointly sponsored by the Regional Develop-ment Council (RDC) and the Regional Disaster Coordi-nating Council (RDCC). The forum aims to discuss issues and concerns related to disaster that are besetting the region and the recommended mitigation measures.Lectures were presented by experts from the Office of 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.

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Participants of the Regional Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction

Engr. Lo accepting the plaque from Dir. Lupo of OCDRDDC and Dir. Dacanay of NEDA-RDC

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ern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture Re-sources Research and Development) In-house Review of the College of Agriculture was held at the Xavier Univer-sity Audio Visual Room 1 (AVR 1) presenting remarkable papers and researches on relevant issues emerging in the country especially in Northern Mindanao. Engr. Dexter S. Lo, the Director of the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center, was awarded “Best Paper” in the development category on his project Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen: Flood and Fire. Together with Engr. Mark Alexis Sabines, Megan Magallona, Dax Rey Cahanap, Sherwin Gulde and Jayson Macarat of the College of Engineering and the Agricul-tural Engineering Department, the project determined the relative level of risk of flood and fire in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Through GIS-based disaster risk maps, the re-searchers were able to gather the critical points for flood in Carmen, the most populated barangay in Cagayan de Oro City. Issues of inefficient and poor maintenance of drainage systems were also considered to contribute and 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

Engr. Lo bags Best Paper in the NOMCARRD Regional Review by Krizzia Demetilla

Review presented and evaluated researches. According to Razalo and Lofranco of NOMCARRD, the sympo-sium aims to “promote interaction between and among researchers, extension workers, the local government, and other clientele; provide a venue for the discussion of the state-of-the-art R&D activities in the region; estab-lish future directions in agriculture, natural resources and environment and provide a venue to present PCARRD’s Science and Technology Based-Farm project results.” It was held on August 6-7 at the Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City. Once again, the distinguished Engr. Dexter S. Lo presented their project in the symposium gaining top prize in the development category under non-agriculture, forestry, and natural resources studies. Engr. Guadalupe Calalang also represented Xavier University in NOM-CARRD, with her paper achieving in the Best Research Project Category in the In-house Review. The researches were relevant and presented cur-rent issues. Antoinette Royo-Fay, the Vice President for Research and Social Outreach acknowledged that Xavier University’s commitment to produce quality research is

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

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Micro-controller Training and Workshop: Enhancing Faculty and Students’ Response to the Modern Technological Era

The Micro-controller Training and Workshop was held on August 20-21, 2009 at the Instrumentation

Laboratory in CIT building, Xavier University. Aiming to unveil emerging technologies that have rapidly contrib-uted to the advancements of state-of-the-art facilities in the field of Engineering, the Micro-controller workshop introduced various modern applications. The workshop was significantly addressed to the Engi-neering faculty for them to be able to keep updated with latest and innovative technologies to competently educate and train their students. Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU-ERC) in partnership with Xavier University College of Engineering Parents and Faculty Association (XUCEPFA) spearheaded the activity. The 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.

By Krizzia Demetilla

Workshop attended by senior ECE students as well as the Faculty members of the Electronics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Departments.

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Engr. Pabiliaran giving the certificate and token to the Engr. Pascua

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The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) has appointed XU Engineering Resource Center (XU

ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo as member in the Disaster Mitigation Adaptation and Preparedness Strat-egies (DMAPS) National Committee. The said appoint-ment had also positioned the university a seat in the said special program of PICE nationwide. In line with this, Engr. Lo was called for a meeting at the PICE National Office in Quezon City last August 25, 2009. The agenda focused on planning and developing a 1-day training ma-terial for each type of the hazards specifically fire, land-slides, tsunami, and typhoon using the Disaster Quick Re-sponse Program (DQRP) Training Materials as reference. Majority of the invited experts as well as members of the committee gratefully attended and discussed with one another the topics at hand. DMAPS’s main function is to develop and pre-pare technical training, modules and materials for each type of hazard for volunteer evaluators. After which, ap-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.

The team is headed by Dr. Benito M. Pacheco and Dr. Jaime A. Pacanan, chairperson and co-chair re-spectively. Three other members appointed together with Engr. Lo were – Engr. Aser S. Mallari, Engr. Nerio L. Ronquillo, and Engr. Ruben A. Sy. The DMAPS commit-tee is also sub-divided into smaller units in accordance with the specific types of hazard. Engr. Emmanuel M. Arrozal and Engr. Rolando M. Bandilla, Jr. tackle on is-sues about fire; Dr. Danilo C. Terante and Dr. Eric Cruz handle topics on flood; Dr. Benjamin R. Buensuceso and Dr. Mark Zarco focus on landslides; Engr. Rolando S. Ison and Dr. Eric Cruz work on tsunami; and Engr. Ron-waldo Emmanuel R. Aquino and Engr. Vinci Nicholas Villaseñor deal with typhoon. Technical Assistance for the DMAPS Committee is also established by the PICE National Secretariat by appointing a Secretariat Support Group ready to provide assistance to the members of the committee in pursuing and implementing committee plans and programs.

XU ERC Director given a seat in the DMAPS CommitteeBy Jim Croce Nabua

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DMAPS meeting at the PICE Headquarters in Quezon City

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IASTE Invites Filipino youthBy Jafe Alyssa Aquino

In celebration of the IASTE Day 2009 in the Philip-pines, faculty and students in Visayas and Mindanao

were invited to the “Students Congress on International Internship and Career Development Programs” with the theme, Becoming Globally Competitive: A Must in Today’s Work Place. It was held last September 19, 2009 from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Sacred Heart Center, Jako-salem Street in Cebu City. International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is an or-ganization for the exchange of students at institutions of higher education wishing to obtain technical experi-ence abroad. Among the invited college courses were Engineering, Computer related Courses, Business related 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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XU CE student delegates with foreign exchange student.

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XUERC joins University visit to Barangay Pigsag-anBy Catherine Lagat

Since the heavy siltation of Iponan river and linked to the January 2009 flooding and landslide of the down-

stream lowland areas in the city, the Mines and Geosci-ences Bureau Regional Office No. 10 issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) to all irresponsible miners relative to responsible mining principles provided in Executive Order 270 known as Policy Guidelines in the Revitaliza-tion of the Philippine Minerals Industry, the conducted Information, Education and Communication Campaign. Prior to the conduct of the socio-economic survey, the IEC-SDMP Unit of MGB-10 conducted IEC on respon-sible mining practices and explain the objectives to key persons and residents of the four hinterland barangays of the City, i.e. Taglimao, Tuburan, Pigsag-an and Tump-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.

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.

XU Civil Engineering faculty, Engr. Lo, Engr. Apor and Engr. Haos and other XU Faculty members, together with the local residents of Barangay Pigsag-an

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Engr. Lo appointed as Land Use Planning Expert for RLUC-10By Jim Croce Nabua

The Regional Development Council – Region 10 (RDC-10) appointed XU Engineering Resource Cen-

ter (XU ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo as one of the land use planning expert to represent the private sec-tor. The presentation and confirmation of the appointees was included during the Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) meeting last September 30, 2009 at the RDC-10 Main Conference Room, Cagayan de Oro City. Engr. Lo was also tasked to give a lecture on “Disaster Risk Map-ping of Barangay Carmen: Flood & Fire”. The topic at hand was part of Engr. Lo’s project which has already been presented in various seminars and conferences, both locally and internationally. RLUC’s birth emerged from the Letter of In-struction (LOI) 1350 otherwise known as Providing the Institutional Framework for National Physical Planning which institutionalized land use and physical planning in the country. LOI 1350 gave birth to National Land Use Committee (NLUC) at the national level and RLUC at the regional level. And to strengthen LOI 1350, Ex-ecutive Order No. 770 was issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to amend LOI 1350. EO 770 elevates NLUC into a National Economic and Development 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.

In line with EO 770, RLUC appointed members of the committee wherein two of the assembly should represent the private sector being Engr. Lo together with Engr. Jose P. Gatus, President of Oro Habitat for Hu-manity. Appointment of the two gentlemen came from a pool of nominees, and was chosen under criteria stipulat-ed in Executive Order No. 770. Presentation, confirma-tion, and oath taking were conducted during the RLUC meeting and was part of the agenda. Other agenda of the meeting were a lecture on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Development Planning subdivided into three parts; Introductory Lecture on DRR discussed by Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., OIC-Regional Director of NE-DA-10 and also acts as the chair of RLUC-10, followed by Engr. Lo’s lecture, and Proposed Orientation on Main-streaming DRR for Development Planners again given by Dir. Dacanay. Next on the list is the endorsement of the Advocacy and Adoption of a Permanent Disaster Risk Management Office jointly facilitated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Wrapping up the topics at hand is the discussion and presentation of Priority Ac-tivities for 2009-2010 presented by NEDA.

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(right photo) Engr. Lo and Engr. Gatus taking oath as RLUC members

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UDDT Design Competition and LaunchingBy Stiffany Caangay

Continuous depletion of the earth’s resources is con-sidered one of the most controversial issues nowa-

days. As a result, people continuously explore for solutions to address this dilemma and one of which was through the UDDT. The UDDT or Urine Diversion Dehydra-tion Toilet was organized by the College of Medicine in coordination with the College of Engineering aiming to create awareness among students of the importance of UDDT and in the process acquire designs for better and more economical UDDT’s. The program was launched last August 12, 2009 at the AVR 5, SBM Building of Xavier University Main Campus. The event started with a lecture by Mr. Robert Gensch regarding the Sustainable Sanitation and how the 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.

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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

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XU Engineering Faculty Members join SLP Orientation and ExposureBy Jim Croce Nabua

The Xavier University Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-

SIO) conducted an orientation about the Service Learn-ing Program (SLP) for faculty members, with the theme: “Discovering the Ridge, River, and Reef Situation of Ca-gayan de Oro City”. The event kicked-off with a formal orientation of the program at the AVR4 on October 17, 2009. One of the invited speakers was XU Engineering Resource (XU ERC) Director – Engr. Dexter S. Lo. Engr. Lo was tasked to talk about his personal experiences with their SLP activities regarding with the project which he headed on “Disaster Risk Mapping of Barangay Carmen”. He was invited as one of the speakers of the event be-cause of the reason that not only he had the thesis for the technical aspect, but he also personally engaged with the community leading other proponents, such as engineer-ing students who were also doing their Final Year Project Study. Engr. Lo served as the mentor of the group and was mostly part of the activities performed. A concrete 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.

On October 21 and 22, a follow-up field exposure was also orchestrated. The two day event started with a visit to Barangay Bayanga followed by a river cruise along the Cagayan de Oro River and another site visit to Mapa-wa Nature Park in Malasag. On the second day, there was a field exercise at the Marine Sanctuary of the McKeough Marine Center in Agutayan Island, Jasaan. The SLP for faculty was formed to expose faculty members to environmental issues and make them stew-ards of the environment. The SLP activities are designed to involve them to technical works in relation with social-ly relevant issues supervised by the KKP-SIO. It leads the faculty members to the pressing needs of communities by emersion on actual situations wherein their technical knowledge are tested and applied to propose and develop solutions to community problems and demands. At the end of the program, they are expected to come up with significant interventions and outputs that have meaning-ful impact to the community.

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

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HLURB tapped XU ERC for CLUP Guidelines LecturesBy Jim Croce Nabua

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) – Region 10, had organized a series of

seminars for the Advocacy on the Comprehensive Land Use Program (CLUP) and invited Engr. Dexter S. Lo to present a lecture about GIS Mapping as a practical tool for land use planning and integrating Disaster Risk Man-agement. The said event was held at the Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City on two occasions: on October 22-23, 2009 and October 29-30, 2009. Participants include representatives, planners and local leaders from various local government units of the provinces of Misamis Ori-ental, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Region-10. The seminar on both schedules had tackled com-mon agenda. On the first day, the Advocacy Objectives 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 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.

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la “...GIS Mapping as a practical tool for land use planning and integrating Disaster Risk Management”

Resource Speakers and Organizers of the CLUP Guidebook Advocacy Program

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

One of the most important things that students must learn nowadays is to use the computer. More

equally important is the use of the World Wide Web to broaden the knowledge of the students. The Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU ERC) has conducted an engineering com-pass survey at Balubal National High School (BNHS) last October 29, 2009 to locate the proposed site of BNHS’ ICT Laboratory Satellite Dish for its internet connection. The compass survey determined the exact positioning of the satellite dish with respect to its bearing and angular position. The XU ERC team was spearheaded by its Di-rector, Engr. Dexter S. Lo and was assisted by Peter An-drew U. Gamones and Jim Croce B. Nabua, both senior 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.

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XUERC team with locals in locating the proposed site for the satellite dish

Peter, Dexter and Jim at the Balubal National High School

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IASTE launches in XUBy Jafe Alyssa Aquino

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) in part-nership with International Association for the Ex-

change of Students for Technical Experience (IASTE) Philippines - Pearl of the Orient Educational and Career Consultancy International, Inc. (POEC) held the “1st Student General Assembly on International Internship and Career Development Programs in Mindanao” with the theme, Becoming Globally Competitive: A Must in Today’s Work Place last November 21, 2009 at 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Nursing Amphitheater of the CIT Build-ing, Xavier University campus. The host event consultants for this activity were Lalaine B. Rotas (POEC National Secretary), Joji Lou O. Suminguit (Students and Career Consultant, POEC Con-sultancy), Elisabeth B. Enerio (XU Office of International Cooperation and Networking-Director), and Engr. Dex-ter S. Lo (XU Engineering Resource Center-Director). Among the participating schools were Joji Ilagan Career Foundation Inc.(Davao City), STI-College(General Santos City), AMA Computer College(General San-tos City), Northern Mindanao State Institute of Sci-ence and Technology(Butuan City), Central Mindanao University(Valencia, Bukidnon), Misamis Oriental State 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)

opened the event, and Ms. Lalaine Rotas gave the ratio-nale. A video presentation of the 60 glorious years of IASTE was presented. The first speaker was Mr. Ed-mundo Casiño, MPA, a board member of the Philippine Computer Society, Inc. He discussed about enhancing work competencies and discipline through internship abroad. Ms. Cherry May Rotas-Palacio, MAEd, Director for Student Exchange Programs POEC Consultancy In-ternational, Inc., was the second speaker who talked about IAESTE as an “International Organization of Dynamic Individuals: Its Impact to Globalization for Tertiary Stu-dents”. The third speaker was Ms. Roda Cabuga, Deputy Administrator of STI-College who shared about hosting and sending exchange students through POEC. The last speaker, Ms. Vanessa Noel Alliance Abroad Group, L.P., discussed the Cultural Exchange Program. Mr. Dong Van Hieu from Le Quy Don Vocation-al Training School, Vietnam in Philippines, Ms. Rhodora Rodriguez 5th year BS Industrial Engineering Xavier Uni-versity, Philippines in Singapore, and a video presentation of Mr. Lorenzo Ponce BS Hotel and Restaurant Manage-ment-Culinary Arts De La Salle College of St. Benilde, Philippines in USA shared their OJT experiences abroad. There were also fun activities and an IASTE dance num-ber, an official entry for the IASTE dance competition, participated by the students.

XU Eng’g student participats at the IASTE Student Genereal Assembly

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Student Service Learning Program at Cala-CalaBy Margaret Macatol

The College of Engineering in cooperation with the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana - Social

Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), proudly launched its first ever Student Service Learning Program (SLP) last November of 2009. As a sensible alternative, it was proposed that a number of graduating students were to undergo their on-the-job-training (OJT) sited in Barangay Macasandig, Si-tio Cala-Cala, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. During the series of terribly devastating past floods in Cagayan de Oro earlier in January 2009, it was significantly observed that one of the most heavily hit areas in Cagayan de Oro is barangay Macasandig. Due to this, the project aims to examine and determine the level 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-gineers for others not only inside school grounds, but as well as for real people in true need even outside school bases.

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Engr. Lo, Engr. Akut and some student apprentices

Mr. Taboada describes the above chest -level height of the flood waters in Sitio Cala-Cala

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la The Simulation Laboratory, formerly known as the Communications and Logic Laboratory, located at

the Center of Industrial Technology (CIT) building was filled with Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) students as the Smart Wireless Engineering Edu-cation Program (SWEEP) was held last November 26-28, 2009. SWEEP provided training and lectures on the lat-est development in wireless technology that will improve the level of technology and engineering education in the country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Com-munications Engineering. Lectures about an overview of communications systems, introduction to broadband technologies, basic computer and internetwork, wireless LAN technology, 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.

SMART SWEEPs up new technology with XU-ECE studentsBy Christine May Creayla

Engr. Eliseo Linog Jr. , Dean of the College of Engineering, with Smart Teleco-munication’s resource speaker, Engr. Jake Ocampo

Engr. Ocampo with ECE students and Faculty

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de Oro Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City. The forum was all about the awareness of the current situation of the environment with regards to climate change and disasters brought by it caused by ghastly earth dwellers. The said forum has a theme; “Kinaiyahan Pangalagaan, Katalagman Panganda-man.” Local leaders from various barangays in CDO, health workers, media men, and concerned citizens were there to be part of the said event. Dr. Gina P. Itchon, the Chair of the Preven-tive and Community Medicine Department of Dr. 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.

A lecture for the environment: an Archdiocesan ForumBy Prences Mae Sierra

“Kinaiyahan Pangalagaan, Katalagman

Pangandaman.”

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Archdiocesan Forum participated by local leaders from various barangays in CDO, health workers, media men, and concerned citizens.

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Soft Launch of E-Waste ProgramBy Miguel Karlo Macariola

The Xavier University - Junior Integrated Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines

(XU-JIECEP) gave a soft launch on the E-Waste (Elec-tronic Waste) Program last November 28, 2009 at the AVR 5, SBM Building. The program was to help strew solid waste man-agement through the leaderhip of the XU-JIECEP. As an introduction, Keith Magsayo, a fourth year ECE student talked on what E-Waste was all about. Engr. Dex-ter S. Lo, Director of the Xavier University Engineering Research Center, gave the initiatives behind the cam-paign. He also spoke about the university-wide plans for the Solid Waste Management Program. The University al-ready has a fitted solid waste management program which 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.

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Soft launching of the E-Waste Program sponsored by the Xavier University - Junior Integrated Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines (XU-JIECEP)

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XUERC conducts Solid Waste Management OrientationBy Prences Mae Sierra

On the 5th day of December 2009, Xavier Uni-versity Engineering Resource Center (XU ERC)

conducted an orientation regarding solid waste man-agement at The Mission House, Brgy. Pualas, Baun-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. The said orientation was headed by Engr. Ma-ria Isabela R. Dumlao and Engr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan, assisted by the 5th year Chemical Engineering stu-dents. The orientation lasted for two Saturdays. The speakers primarily focused on the effects and benefits of having proper solid waste management programs 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.

“...aims to educate and encourage people to take care of its environment.”

Engr. Paclijan presiding the orientation

(right photo) Participants of the Solid Waste Management Orientation with Ms. Alvarez

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XU ERC Responds to the Problems of Water Scarcity and SanitationBy Peter Andrew Gamones

The Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XU ERC) and the Community of German Doctors

Health Workers through a group of senior civil engineer-ing students conducted a community forum regarding water supply distribution system and community sanita-tion for the residents of Sitio Igpit. The sitio lacks access to clean water making the residents vulnerable to varied health problems. Also, residents of the sitio do not have proper sanitation facilities adding gravity to health prob-lems. Sitio Igpit is a remote community situated in the mountainous terrains of Barangay Luz Banzon, Munici-pality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. Access to Sitio Igpit is through a winding, rocky, and muddy road extending 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-

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.

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(left photo) Mr. Gamonez explains to the residents the proposed water supply water system

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Research Paper Writing Made EasyBy Danniele Sihay

One of the difficult things a student faces in his col-lege life is thesis writing. And somehow, fine points

must be considered to be able to produce a good one. That is why the XU Engineering Resource Center in part-nership with Kinaadman Research Center, organized a Research Writing Workshop last December 9, 2009. The event was made possible to instill those students having their Final Year Project Study on having an excellent re-search paper. The 3-hour workshop was held at the Nurs-ing Amphitheater, CIT Building. The workshop was open for all those interested individuals and was encouraged to bring the drafts of their FYPS paper. Agaton T Panopio Jr MD, MHPEd, guest speaker of the workshop talked about having a style on writing, 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 discussed such as the title, literature review, conceptual framework, results and discussion, conclusions, bibliog-raphy, etc. At the later part of the activity, there was an open discussion wherein the students were given the chance to 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.”.

“...nakatabang sa ako ang seminar. Wala nako nalibog kung unsaon pagsulat...”

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Participants of the workshop eagerly listening to the discussion

Dr. Panopio receiving a certificate from Engineering Faculty Members

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ECOSAN: Atong Pahimuslan By Jan Vincent Sabelita

The College of Nursing, in collaboration with XU-Engineering Resource Center and Dr. Jose P. Rizal

School of Medicine organized an information drive on UDDT (Urine Diversion Dehydration Toilet) to the res-idents of Upper Palalan, Brgy. Lumbia CDOC. Engr. Dexter Lo was invited to be one of the guest speakers along with Mr. Sohaili Laguindab, a senior medical stu-dent. The first part of the talk was by Engr. Lo con-cerning the engineering aspect; he spoke about the de-sign of the UDDT and the process involved so that hu-man waste can be beneficial to the environment. Also, he spoke about the advantages of using the UDDT com-pared to water-sealed type and emphasized why such de-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 the miniature UDDT which really got the interests of the participants.

The said activity was organized because it was observed that residents do not have their own toilets. Currently, there is one UDDT established in upper Palalan; how-ever, the residents do not use it often. Some residents are reluctant in using the UDDT because aside from having difficulties in using the UDDT itself, they do not get the idea why there is no need to flush it with water. Through this activity, the residents were enlight-ened with the proper use of the UDDT as well as made knowledgeable of the personal and environmental ad-vantages the UDDT brings. This was also a venue for the XU-ERC and Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine to gather more information on how the residents view the concept of the ecological sanitation and the improve-ments that can be made in this technology.

“...human waste can be beneficial to the environment...”

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Engr. Lo and Mr. Laguindab with XU Nursing students

Residents of Upper Palalan, Brgy. Lumbia CDOC

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GPS Field Validation Survey for PUVePBy Margaret Macatol

The College of Engineering takes the lead head-on in the Global Positioning System (GPS) Field Vali-

dation for the Xavier University - Research and Social Outreach Cluster’s (RSO’s) very own Periurban Vegetable Project (PUVeP). A collection of CE321-B2 Higher Surveying Civ-il Engineering students were purposely chosen to con-duct the specified field validation activity situated near the vicinities of the Research Office and Demonstration Area of Manresa last 17th of December, 2009. The se-lected students are namely Nestor Yanto,Jr., Karl Andrei Peñaranda, Marion Arlo Piquero, Adrian Mainit, Aizel Gwen Mendoza, Arjay Pacatang, Melvin Ando and Krist-offer Gadian. 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.

Selected Civil Engineering students conducting the specified field validation activity

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6 XU Engineering Faculty Members with Master’s DegreeBy Stiffany Caangay

Last March 2009, Engr. Eliseo B. Linog, Jr, the present Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Glenn B.

Paclijan, Chairman of the IE Department, Engr. Lory L D Bulay-og and Engr. Ian Giovanni R. Pabillaran of the ECE Department graduated with their Master of Engi-neering Degree, followed by Engr. Shierlyn S. Paclijan of the ChE Department and Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Director of XUERC, in April 2009. The present Dean of the College, Engr. Eliseo B. Linog, took his Master of Engineering at Xavier Uni-versity with a thesis on Electrical Safety Knowledge and Practices: Its Implication to Fire Hazards. The study aims to uncover whether observance of safety practices is in-fluenced by knowledge on electrical safety and utilization 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

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

“...continuous training of faculty members is necessary...”

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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 study is done to provide an overview of the reasons why there is no connectivity of wireless link connection be-tween these campuses. It is expected that the evaluation will help in finding solutions either for re-commissioning the wireless link or re-designing the link so that the Uni-versity Administration will have a better guide in plan-ning a reliable link among campuses. The first part of the study involved an actual surveying of the sites, evalu-ating of the line of sight path and knowing the equip-ment specifications. The second part involves the analysis and evaluation of the data gathered. The findings of the study are the following: there is no line of sight between the two antennas because of the obstruction on signal path, the available received signal level is less than the re-ceiver noise threshold and the link reliability is below the required minimum reliability for data communications system. Respective recommendations were provided at the end of the study. Engr. Bulay-og was given assistance from the ECE Department for her schooling. A system study on the filling and packing of filled milk powder at a large food manufacturing company was 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.

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 Micro-Scale: The Case of Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. The study developed a tool for quantifying the Seismic Risk Index (SRi) of a community at micro-scale. The SRi is taken as a function of various parameters in-cluding the severity of earthquake occurrence in the area, the population density, and several other factors. As a re-sult, it is made known that three (3) zones were consid-ered to be at high risk in terms of level of disaster risk against earthquakes. Recommendations were enumerated at the end of the study to improve the barangay. Engr. Lo graduated with High Distinction and was a scholar of the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE). The XU College of Engineering believes that to competently par, in terms of quality education with lead-ing universities, continuous training of faculty members is necessary. Advanced or graduate degrees will expose the faculty members to specialized trainings and rein-force their research skills which will enable them to work with other experts in their fields. As a result, many of the College’s faculty members are either on formal graduate school or on short modular trainings.

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Donna Marie Achas’s “BALIK SCIENTIST” Program in Xavier UniversityBy Margaret Macatol

Donah Marie “Maple” D. Achas is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

from Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Philippines. She triumphantly finished her International Masters Degree in Geomatics at Hochschule Karlsruche – University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe, Germany. To top that off, she actually ain’t just your ordinary faculty staff in the College of Engineering.At first glance, your first impression of her would most probably be the sweet, loving and friendly type of lady. Well, actually she is. However, with her cheerful and youthful charm, you would never have been able to guess that she’s already had tons of experience in the industry and that’s not just here in the Philippines but in other well known countries as well such as in Bruchsal, Karlsruhe, Germany, and many more. 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.

As the newly appointed GIS Coordinator, the gutsy Miss Achas will now be responsible for setting up a GIS facility, as well as conduct trainings and workshops for Xavier University’s faculty members and personnel in order to capacitate them to incorporate GIS applica-tions into subjects of relevant courses as well as to ap-ply GIS applications in corresponding research and social outreach programs most particularly upon risky areas of disaster management, groundwater and sanitation. The program highly supports the professional integration of university graduates and experienced con-noisseurs from developing, emerging and transitioning countries who have accomplished their training in Ger-many and are greatly interested in returning to their moth-er country. The focus is on introducing professionals to areas of particular relevance to development policy.

Ms. Donah Marie “Maple” D. Achas