CEIT celebrates silver anniversary

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), headed by Engr. Renato B. Cubilla, celebrated its 25th founding anniversary on 22-23 September 2010 with the theme “CEIT @ 25: Sustaining Commitment towards Academic Excellence.”

Parade, fun games, academic and socio-cultural contests and an ecumenical thanksgiving were conducted on the first and second day, respectively. Student achievers and loyal faculty and staff were also given recognition by the college dean. He was accompanied by the University President, Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, and the Vice – President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lorna L. Penales, in awarding the certificates of recognition. Dr. Hernando D. Robles, Vice – President for Administrative Support and Services was also present during the recognition program.

CEIT students, faculty and staff showcased their talents in their respective variety shows on 23 September 2010. A short party for the students of the college followed the faculty and staff variety show. (GMCastillo)

DAFE profs perform at CEIT variety show

CEIT faculty and staff displayed their talents in a variety show during the 25th year anniversary celebration of the college on 23 September 2010 at the University Gymnasium. Students cheered intensely on their instructors while watching them throughout the presentations of each department and unit of the college.

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) profs spoofed Bear Brand’s Choco na Gatas on their commercial presentation. Dr. Marilyn M. Escobar, Dr. Leyma L. Cero, and Engr. Liezl R. Montaron along with Ms. Editha Depano of the Department of Information Technology (DIT), participated in the evolution of dances presentation by dancing Madonna’s Like a Virgin. Mr. Gerry M. Castillo, played as one of the Kanto Boys together with Mr. Noel M. Digma, Mr. Michael Jeffrey Añonuevo, and Mr. Marlon Cruzate , from DIT by dancing Backstreet Boys’ As Long As You Love Me. Engr. Jaykie Homer P. Hernandez and Engr. Ervin F. Papa together with faculty members from other departments danced Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.

Prof. Jaime Q. Dilidili, serenaded everyone in the gymnasium by singing a medley of love songs by Frank Sinatra and Rey Valera. He also made everyone dancing by singing Pinoy Ako of Orange and Lemons. DAFE’s “Equation Boys” consisting of Engrs. Jaykie Homer P. Hernandez, Ervin F. Papa and Mr. Gerry M. Castillo, also serenaded everyone by singing love songs of Jericho Rosales, David Cook, and Richard Marx. They also danced Hagibis’ Katawan which was heavily applauded by the audience. (GMCastillo)

CvSU holds Agricultural Engineering alumni homecoming

The Cavite State University (CvSU) held a Grand Alumni Homecoming for its Agricultural Engineering graduates at the University Quadrangle on 10 September 2010.

The homecoming was part of the 25th Founding Anniversary of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT). It was participated in by CvSU graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, mentors and guests.

It was a whole-day affair and consisted of following activities: motorcade around the town of Indang, merienda and kapihan, business meeting, cocktail dinner, games and raffles.

During the program, Dr. Marilyn M. Escobar gave the invocation followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Engr. Lani S. Rodis. Prof. Renato B. Cubilla, Dean of CEIT, welcomed the guests and participants and Dr. Leyma L. Cero presented the brief history of the College which started as the Department of Agricultural Engineering 25 years ago, as one of the four departments of the Don Severino Agricultural College (now CvSU).

In her message as guest of honor and speaker, Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, CvSU President, recalled her memories when she was one of the teachers of the alumni of agricultural engineering program.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, President of CvSU Alumni Association, Inc., shared also his message about the program. It was followed by messages from selected faculty members of the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE).

In the afternoon, an orientation program was conducted followed by a business meeting wherein the Agricultural Engineering Alumni Association was organized and its officers were selected.

The whole day was spent for bonding of the participants wherein various games were held and several raffle prizes were awarded. Souvenir pictures by batches and by the attendees were also taken. (EFPapa)

JQD serenades AE alumni

Cavite State University (CvSU) - Agricultural Engineering Group headed by Dr. Ruel M. Mojica and Engr. Sally Pelle, held its first grand alumni homecoming on 10 September 2010 at the University Quadrangle. The activity was celebrated as part of the 25th year founding anniversary of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) on 22 – 23 September 2010.

One of the activities of the event is the variety show wherein each batch showcased their talents mostly in singing. After the batch presentations, Prof. Jaime Q. Dilidili, faculty member of DAFE, serenaded the AE alumni through Moonlight Serenade by Frank Sinatra and followed by a medley of love songs by Rey Valera. He also encouraged everyone to dance as he sang Pinoy Ako by Orange and Lemons. Lastly, JQD inspired AE alumni on his talk which focused on four major commitments in life according to priority: (1) commitment to God; (2) commitment to family; (3) commitment to work; and (4) commitment to social network. (GMCastillo)

CAP participates in iSchools SPW Training of Trainors

Dr. Camilo A. Polinga, a faculty member of DAFE, participated in iSchools Project Sustainability Planning Workshop - Trainers’ Training for Project Managers held on 12 -15 August 2010 at the Brentwood Hotel, Baguio City. The training was hosted by Benguet State University and funded by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT). It was attended by the iSchools Project Managers from the 32 SUC partners of CICT nationwide.

The workshop objectives were the following:

•To review Sustainability Planning concepts and principles;

•To provide the participants with the methods in conducting Sustainability Planning Workshops for PHS; and

•To draft the plan for the conduct of the National SPW Training Workshops. (CAPolinga)

CAP and JQD attend “Methane to Market” Trainors’ Training

Dr. Camilo A. Polinga and Prof. Jaime Q. Dilidili, faculty members of DAFE, participated in the Trainers’ Training on Methane Capture and Use held on 17 - 20 August 2010 at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Tagaytay City. The training was conducted in connection with the project entitled “Capacity Building for Methane Recovery and Use for Agro-Industries in the Philippines” which aims to promote methane recovery and utilization in the agro-industries sector.

The training focused on “Biodigester Development for Pig Farms in the Philippines” with emphasis on CDM methodologies and tools accepted by the world carbon market. Foreign experts provided by United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) were the trainors. Methane to market project is a partnership between World Bank and the US Environmental Protection Agency. It is implemented in the Philippines by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology. The training was participated by biogas experts and researchers both from the government and private sectors.

The other participant from CvSU was Mr. David Almazar of the CvSU-AREC. (CAPolinga)

DAFE participates in tree planting activity

A total of 500 kaong (Arenga pinnata) plants were planted in two barangays of Indang, Cavite, namely Alulod and Bancod, during the tree planting activity sponsored by the National Service Training Program (NSTP) on 14 August 2010.

The activity was conducted as part of the environmental protection program, one of the minimum standards for the NSTP common and specific modules by the Commission on Higher Education (CED). According to the new Implementing Rules and Regulations of NSTP, all first year students are required to undergo the 25-hour common module phase in NSTP 1 subject before undertaking their preferred program, CWTS or ROTC.

The event was participated in by the students of Criminology and General Engineering programs headed by Mr. Emmanuel Magdaong and Mr. Carlos Rodil, 14 ROTC officers, and 10 from the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) including Dr. Marilyn M. Escobar, the Dean of Office of Student Affairs (OSA) who is also the over-all head of NSTP program. Other participants were the barangay officials headed by Hon. Natalio Escalante of Brgy. Bancod and Hon. Telmo Rosarda of Brgy. Alulod. Kaong seedlings were provided by the University “Kaong” Research Development Program under the supervision of Dr. Lorenzo C. Lapitan. (JHPHernandez)

DAFE profs defend R and D program proposal

The en banc proposal evaluation committee of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) conducted an evaluation of the STARDDEC’s endorsed program proposal entitled, “R and D Program for Small-Scale Integrated Coffee Processing System”, on 29 July 2010 at PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna. The evaluation aimed to review and assess the significance and relevance of the proposed R and D program on the regional thrust of enhanced development and improved productivity of the small-scale coffee processing industry and its vital contribution to the sustainable productivity and competitiveness of the coffee industry in the country.

The group who defended the proposal includes Drs. Ruel M. Mojica, Camilo A. Polinga, David L. Cero and Edna dA. Vida. Dr. Marilyn C. Elauria of the University of the Philippines Los Baños is also part of the project. The proposed PhP 7.8 million program proposal consists of four main projects namely:

Project 1: Development and Testing of Microcontroller-Based Coffee Postharvest Machines for Village-Level Operation;

Project 2: Development of Waste Management System for Coffee Processing Wastes and By-Products;

Project 3: Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment of Postharvest Machineries for Coffee; and

Project 4: Establishment of Commercialization Center for Coffee Processing Technologies.

Mojica said the program was proposed to help strengthen the ailing coffee industry in the country. Major beneficiaries of the program includes coffee farmers, small-scale processors, machine fabrication shops, technopreneurs, and those who wanted to engage in coffee processing business.

The group is scheduled to present the same proposal before the Director’s Council of PCARRD on 21 September 2010 for approval. (RMMojica)

Cero talks about climate change

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) conducted its fourth topic of its seminar series entitled, “Seminar on Climate Change: Panahon ng Pagbabago sa Nagbabagong Panahon”, on 24 July 2010 at the CEIT Conference room. This most attended topic of the DAFE seminar series was participated by the students and faculty members of the College of Engineering and Information Technology headed by Engr. Renato B. Cubilla.

Dr. David L. Cero, DAFE faculty member and the CEIT Research and Extension coordinator, served as the resource speaker of the said topic. Dr. Cero, also an environmentalist had already attended several conferences and trainings regarding on climate change. He was also involved in a collaborative research project entitled, “Enhancing the Climate Change Adaptation of LGUs and Scientists in the Philippines.”

Dr. Cero discussed the various issues on climate change as the world’s major environmental problem today. He also talked about the changes in the Philippines and the potential circumstances in the succeeding years if climate change could not be controlled. An open forum followed after the discussion. Engr. Cesar C. Carriaga, DAFE chair, also encouraged the faculty participants to share their expertise and be one of the resource speakers of the DAFE seminar series. (GMCastillo)

CAP attends recognition for Top Ten Next Wave Cities 2010

Dr. Camilo A. Polinga, a faculty member of DAFE, represented the University President, Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, during the recognition ceremonies of the Top Ten Next Wave Cities 2010 held at the Sinulog Ballroom, City Sports Club, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City on 22 June 2010. The Next Wave City project is a collaboration of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) in support to the Philippine Cyber Corridor program of the government. The next wave cities have all the facilities required by the IT-BPO industry players, and is ranked by BPAP. These cities will be the next destination of IT-BPO players that are looking for sites as location of their business center. This year, Metro Cavite ranked 5th among the cities evaluated by BPAP nationwide.

The event was one of the highlights of the Cebu and BPO Conference organized by Cebu Education Foundation for IT (CEDFIT) in celebration of the ICT month.

The invitation of Dr. Chavez was made for being the President of the Cavite ICT Council.

Dr. Polinga is the Project Manager of the CvSU-CICT Projects. (CAPolinga)

DAFE Profs attend MPEX consulting training

Dr. David L. Cero, Prof. Conrado M. Baltazar and Mr. Gerry M. Castillo, faculty members from the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) attended the Training of Local Experts in the Region for Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Consulting on 23 – 25 June 2010 at Splash Mountain Resort and Hotel, Los Baños, Laguna. The training was sponsored and facilitated by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST – CALABARZON). Engr. Gilberto S. David, faculty member from the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies (CEMDS), also participated in the training.

This activity aimed to develop local experts for MPEX program in coordination with TAPI and DOST – CALABARZON to assist the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector to attain higher productivity. (GMCastillo)

Hernandez, DAFE’s new faculty member

Engr. Jaykie Homer P. Hernandez is one of the fifteen (15) newly hired faculty members of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) this Academic Year 2010 – 2011. Engr. Hernandez is a licensed Agricultural Engineer and graduated in this university as cum laude in 2009. He worked previously as a research assistant and operations planner in this university and Monterey Foods Corporation, respectively.

Currently, Engr. Hernandez is a full-time Mathematics instructor under the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE). He is teaching College Algebra, Differential Calculus and Differential Equation. (GMCastillo)

CEIT orients new students and faculty

“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

With its theme stated above, the CEIT Orientation on 16 June 2010 for students, faculty and staff was a success to the organizers, officials and participants of the event. The one-day activity covered two parts: students’ orientation in the morning and orientation for faculty in the afternoon. Highlights of the students’ orientation were the presentation of the retention policies (qualifying and comprehensive examinations); students’ code of conduct and OJT policies and guidelines. An open forum was also conducted with majority questions on room assignment, schedule, and the college wherein a particular subject is being offered. Some of the freshmen have shown their talents through intermission numbers but the crowd was truly energized when the CEIT Pep Squad performed their outstanding cheer dance.

The afternoon was devoted to orientation of newly hired faculty members and staff and reorientation of old members. The program started with an invocation led by Ms. Jo-Anne Nuestro followed by a welcome remarks given by Engr. Marcelino A. Dagasdas and an inspirational message from Engr. Renato B. Cubilla, the Dean of CEIT. All faculty members and staff were introduced by respective department chairs. Topics discussed were the college organization structure, academic guidelines and policies, grading system, code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, prohibited acts and transactions/statements and disclosures, duties and responsibilities of instructors, registration advisers and other concerns; and duties and responsibilities of research advisers and technical critics. Finally, Ms. Marivic G. Dizon gave her closing remarks. Mr. Roscios G. Amante served as the master of ceremony with Mr. Jilo B. Maniago in the students’ orientation. (JPHernandez)

Mojica receives post doctoral research fellowship

Dr. Ruel M. Mojica has the rare honor of receiving University of the Philippines—Natural Sciences Research Institute (UP-NSRI) and Department of Agricultural – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) Post Doctoral Research Fellowship that will support his study entitled “Influence of Roasting on the Chemical Attributes and Antioxidant Activity of Philippine Coffee”. He will investigate the effect of roasting on the antioxidant properties of coffee using two antioxidant activity methods. He will also determine the toxic elements such as Cd, Pb, Hg and Cu present in different coffee samples.

As a UP-NSRI/DA-BAR Post Doctoral Fellow, Dr. Mojica will be given a generous monthly stipend and a research grant amounting to PhP 500,000.00 to cover expenses such as purchase of equipment and supplies and travel costs. He will be mentored by his host scientist Dr. Leni L. Quirit, a professor of Institute of Chemistry at UP Diliman.

Mojica earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering degree in 2009 from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna under the SEARCA Scholarship. He received numerous best paper awards for his studies on coffee roasting machines. Dr. Mojica is the first faculty member of the University to receive post doctoral research fellowship grant. (RMMojica)

CAP attends PCARRD seminar-workshop

Dr. Camilo A. Polinga, a faculty member of the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) attended a Seminar-Workshop on Integrated Swine Waste Management on 27 May 2010 at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Los Baños, Laguna. The activity was organized and conducted by PCARRD. The seminar aims to: a) identify and discuss current developments and concerns on integrated management of swine wastes in relation to environmental security and sustainable development; b) document and package information that can be developed into a publication for the promotion of current technological developments and best practices on swine waste management system; c) identify and formulate appropriate policy recommendations to be advocated with the policy makers and regulatory authorities.

The seminar-workshop was attended by experts from University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), LGUs, Federation of Hog Raisers Association of the Philippines (FHRAP), and other industry players.

The invitation was in recognition of CvSU’s efforts and experiences in integrated waste management, particularly on biogas technology wherein Dr. Polinga is an expert. (CAPolinga)

Congratulations!

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) congratulates the following faculty graduates of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT):

 Ms. Aileen A. Ardina, Master in Management major in Human Resource Management, Cavite State University;

 Ms. Charlotte B. Carandang, Master of Science in Information Technology, De La Salle University;

 Ms. Jo-Anne C. Nuestro, Master in Professional Studies major in Public Administration, Cavite State University; and

 Mr. Marlon R. Pereña, Master in Information Technology, Technological University of the Philippines.

AE students and prof bag awards at PSAE convention

Nine incoming fourth year students represented the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers - Pre-Professional Group (PSAE-PPG) of the Cavite State University during the 8th International Agricultural Engineering Conference and Exhibition and 60th PSAE Annual National Convention at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet on April 21-23, 2010.

The students won in the following contests:
3rd place, Quiz Contest (Loriel Yala, Analyn Sagana and Kelvin Michael Crystal)
2nd place, Tractor Rodeo Contest (Vennus Florence Vicedo)
1st place, Mr. PSAE (Jan Darlo Besa)
2nd place, Mr. PSAE (Loriel Yala)
2nd place, Ms. PSAE (Analyn Sagana)
3rd place, Ms. PSAE (Angeli-Mae Velasco)

Loriel Yala was elected Vice President of the PSAE-PPG National Chapter.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ruel M. Mojica won the Best Paper Award in the Allied Fields category of the technical session for his paper "Socio-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Microcontroller-based Coffee Roasting Machine". He also presented a paper on "A Response Surface Methodology Approach in the Optimization of a Coffee Roasting Process".

Dr. Mojica, DAFE Chair, headed the CvSU delegation with Drs. David and Leyma Cero, Dr. Marilyn M. Escobar, and Engr. Cesar C. Carriaga.

PSAE Region IV Chapter partially supported the participation of the CvSU PSAE-PPG and of Drs. Leyma Cero and Marilyn Escobar as officers.

The convention with the theme, "The Evolving Agricultural Engineers: Spearheading Global Economic Development", highlighted the 21st celebration of the Agricultural Engineering Week.

Ceros attend climate change forum

Drs. David and Leyma Cero participated in the Climate Change Technical Experts Forum at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City on April 7-8, 2010. The forum with the theme, "MECO-TECO Strengthens Partnership in Addressing Climate Change through S&T Cooperation", was attended by experts from the line agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and Taiwan.

The plenary sessions were divided into three categories, namely: Climate Change Observation, Monitoring and Scenario Projection; Climate Change Adaptation; and Climate Change Mitigation. Resource persons from RP and Taiwan alternately presented papers on the different concerns. Focus group discussions followed after the presentations to discuss current initiatives of the participants and areas for future collaboration.

Dr. Josefina Rint, VP for Research, Extension and Continuing Education and Training Services of Cavite State University, also attended the forum.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office through DOST and the National Science Council of Taiwan sponsored the event.

CEIT faculty challenged to publish papers

Dr. Leyma L. Cero talked on Technical Writing for Publication on March 31, 2010. The faculty and staff of the College of Engineering and Information Technology attended the seminar which is the third of a series of seminars sponsored by the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) in 2010.

"Writing a paper for journal publication is for self-satisfaction, promotion and communication of knowledge to others", said Dr. Cero. She also explained the various steps from choosing a journal to writing and submitting the paper for publication.

Dr. Cero is a professor of DAFE and associate editor of the CvSU Research Journal.

Mojica qualifies for outstanding research in industry and energy

The research paper of Dr. Ruel M. Mojica entitled “Development, Optimization and Socio-Economic Evaluation of a Micro-Controlled Coffee Roasting Machine” was one of the qualifiers in the search for the outstanding research in industry and energy sponsored by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research Development (PCIERD) - Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Mojica presented his paper during the Luzon Cluster Competitions held on 25 February 2010 at the FNRI Training room, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City. This year’s competition highlights the various innovations in research particularly in industry and energy. More than 90 researches were short-listed into three cluster competitions (NCR, Luzon, and Visayas/Mindanao). Ten outstanding researches were chosen per cluster. As a qualifier, Dr. Mojica received a certificate of recognition and PhP10,000.00 cash incentive. He was accompanied by his DAFE family and Dr. Edna dA. Vida, CvSU Director for Research, during the competition.

The following researches are the winners of the Luzon Cluster Competitions: Development and Commercialization of Locally Designed Wood Moisture Meter by Ms. Marina A. Alipon from the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (1st Place); First and Second Generation Bioethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum Using Locally Isolated Micro-organisms by Ms. Prima Fe R. Franco from Mariano Marcos State University (2nd Place); and Bamboo Veneer Lathe Technology Innovation for Commercialization by Engr. Belen B. Bisana also from the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (3rd Place). The winners received certificate of recognition and a cash prize of Php125,000.00, PhP100,000.00, and PhP75,000.00, respectively. They will compete in the National Competitions together with the winners of NCR and Visayas/Mindanao clusters for the title of the Most Outstanding Research in Industry and Energy in 16 March 2010. (GMCastillo)

CEIT faculty receives service award

Cavite State University (CvSU) celebrated its 12th Foundation day on 11 February 2010 with a theme “Strengthening Foundations for Continuing Leadership in the Region.” Hon. Juanito Victor Remulla served as the guest speaker during the recognition program for faculty, employee and student awardees. Among them, four (4) service awardees were from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT).

Prof. Conrado B. Baltazar, 25 years service awardee, received a certificate and CvSU ring together with his wife and daughter during the ceremony.

Engr. Renato B. Cubilla, CEIT dean received a certificate and a CvSU ring for rendering 20 years of service in the University. Engr. Cesar C. Carriaga also received a 20 years service award in-absentia. Engr. Carriaga is a DAFE faculty member and currently the research coordinator of the college.

Lastly, Dr. Ruel M. Mojica already served the University for 10 years received the service award certificate and a CvSU pin. Dr. Mojica, DAFE chairman, is active in coffee-related researches. (LRMontaron)

CEIT students top academic and cultural contests

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) students topped the recently held Academic and Cultural Contests during the Student Hours of the 12th Foundation day celebration of Cavite State University (CvSU) on 11 February 2010. The contests were participated in by selected students from different colleges and satellite campuses of the University.

The winners are as follows: Jessica Mae A. Angeles (1st Place – Oration); Rodney Javier (1st Place – Poetry Interpretation); Emil Dilidili and Richiel Villas (1st Place – Likhawit); Jewel S. Sanchez (1st Place – Math Quiz Bee); Jhunlyn J. Lorenzo (2nd Place – Science Quiz Bee); and John Resurreccion Bacuna (2nd Place – Tipa at Tugtugan).

Meanwhile, the CEIT Pepsquad bagged the championship trophy of the Provincial Cheerleading Competition last 23 February 2010 held at the Gov. Ayong S. Maliksi Gymnasium, Trece Martires City. Engr. Edison E. Mojica, CEIT faculty member, coaches the Pepsquad. (GMCastillo)

Dean Nuestro talks on TOS

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) conducted its second topic of DAFE Seminar Series entitled “Table of Specifications” on 18 February 2010 at the CEIT Conference room, with Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, dean of the College of Education, as the resource speaker. It was attended by faculty members from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biochemical Sciences (CVMBS).

Table of specifications is a chart that represents the subject matter content and type of behavior and mental ability the test intends to obtain. Constructing a table of specifications is important before preparing a test questionnaire. It is also necessary as supporting document in the AACCUP accreditation of CvSU academic programs.

Dr. Nuestro demonstrated the steps in constructing a table of specifications. She also provided an exercise in constructing table of specifications and the illustration of a multiple choice questions that measures behavior in cognitive domain. (EFPapa)

Fenol joins enrolment campaign for students in Batangas

Ms. Sheryl D. Fenol, DAFE faculty member, recently conducted student enrolment campaign in various high schools in Batangas on 24 February 2010. She was with the Task Force on Enrolment headed by Ms. Edna Roderos, University Guidance Counselor, from the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The primary objective of this activity is to inform prospective students about Cavite State University particularly on its course offerings, fees, facilities and scholarships and to increase the number of enrollees for the next academic year as well.

The team visited and conducted campaigns in the following: Calatagan National High School; Luksuhin National High School; Bauan National High School; Lian National High School; Batangas National High School; Batangas West National High School; Balayan National High School; and Malvar National High School. (SDFenol)

DAFE conducts research planning workshop

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) started its two-day research planning workshop last 18 January 2010 at the CEIT Conference room. The workshop was conducted particularly to strengthen the faculty research performance of the department. It was exclusively attended by DAFE faculty members headed by Dr. Ruel M. Mojica. The first day of the workshop was consumed into a brainstorming activity which actively participated by everyone in the department. The research thrust of the University was identified and clearly elaborated as well as of CHED’s research thrust. Agencies like Cavite State University – Research Center,Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) were also considered as possible sources of funds for each research proposal once it was approved.

The following research topics were identified on which faculty members will center their proposal: Coastal Resource Management; Climate Change; Pollution Control; Taal Lake Watershed; Waste to Energy Conversion; Coffee Roaster; Assessment of Existing Upland Mechanization; Indigenous Renewable Resources; Disaster Risk Management; Forecasting; Water Resource Management; Food Safety and Security; FPGA Controller; and Municipal Water System. The second day of the said workshop is tentatively scheduled on 04 March 2010 wherein each faculty member is expected to present a capsule research proposal. (GMCastillo)

DAFE facilitates seminar series

The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) revived its Seminar Series after it has been dormant for years. Currently, Engr. Ervin F. Papa, DAFE faculty, served as the coordinator of this year-long activity. The first topic of the seminar series was AACCUP Terms of Reference for Evaluation Task Forces and AACCUP Evaluation Process. It was held at the CEIT Conference room on 14 January 2010 with Dr. Marilyn M. Escobar, dean of the Office of Student Affairs and an active AACCUP accreditor as resource speaker.

The talk was divided into the following topics: Accreditation Process; New Accreditation Approach and Functions of Internal Assessment Body; and Terms of Reference for Evaluation Task Force. On the first part of the talk, Dr. Escobar discussed the concepts and basic principles as well as the stages, policies, and legal basis of accreditation process. The second part of the talk featured the master survey instrument, rating system, clustering, and program performance profile. The functions of Internal Assessment Body (IAB) in the accreditation process and the composition of task forces from overall coordinator down to area coordinators and members were also discussed. She also provided list of documents necessary for each area of evaluation that will serve as reference in the preparation of AACCUP documents. (SDFenol)

CEIT students avail thesis grant

Three CEIT students and their advisers were awarded a thesis grant by the Cavite State University under its Faculty and Students Research Capability Enhancement Program. The program primarily aims to provide direction and guide for the conduct of faculty and student’s research. Each year CvSU is giving a maximum of PhP25,000.00 for each study provided that it is in line with the research thrust of the University. The awardees, advisers and the titles of their studies are as follows:

• Sabrata dela Cruz (BS Agricultural Engineering student)– Dr. Ruel M. Mojica “Development and Evaluation of a Mechanical Dryer for Dragon fruit Flower”.

• Jared Paul L. Gomez and Charles Jimbo P. Peji(BS Computer Engineering students)- Ms. Marivic G. Dizon/Dr. Ruel M. Mojica “Development of A Multi-Purpose Microcontroller-Based Time and Temperature Monitoring Device”.

The studies are part of Dr. Mojica’s project entitled “Development of Post Harvest Equipment for Dragon Fruit”. Dr. Leyma L. Cero served as staff for this project.

Since its implementation on 2004, a number of CvSU students received thesis grant under this program.(RMMojica)

Mojica presents paper at international conference

Dr. Ruel M. Mojica, assistant professor and chairman of the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, presented a research paper at the 2009 International Agricultural Engineering Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand on 07-10 December 2009. The main objective of the conference was to provide a forum for discussion and information transfer of current developments, achievements and practical applications in all areas of agricultural engineering. The four-day conference brought together faculty members, scientists, researchers and agricultural engineering practitioners from different countries worldwide.

Titled “Participatory Development, Evaluation and Optimization of a Microcontroller-Based Mechanical Coffee Roaster for Small-Scale Roasting”, the paper investigated the combined influence of time, temperature and initial moisture content of beans to the product quality of coffee. It also explored respondents' perceptions about the roasting technology. The paper abstract was published in the conference proceedings.

Mojica is the only Filipino participant in the conference. His travel was made possible through the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

A member of the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE) and World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET), Dr. Mojica is now the fourth Filipino member of the Asian Association for Agricultural Engineers (AAAE).

CvSU welcomes a Filipino hero

During the “Paskuhan sa CvSU” celebration on 17 December 2009 at the University Quadrangle, Dr. Divinia C. Chavez, CvSU president, together with other administrators, faculty members, employees and students welcomed the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Mr. Efren G. Peñaflorida, Jr., who served as the guest speaker of this annual event. As every CvSUan know, Mr. Peñaflorida is a product of Cavite State University. He earned his degree of Bachelor in Secondary Education and graduated in 2006 in one of its branch campuses located in Cavite City.

It was short but a very remarkable day to CvSU. It also served as a homecoming for Mr. Peñaflorida. He was warmly appreciated by the CvSU family after he delivered his speech and presented some video footages of the recent “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. "Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need,” Mr. Peñaflorida said in his acceptance speech. (GMCastillo)

CEIT celebrates Paskuhan 2009

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) celebrated its Paskuhan 2009 at the ITC lobby on 16 December 2009. It was participated by the faculty members and staff of the college headed by Engr. Renato B. Cubilla. The event was started with an invocation led by Engr. Leonardo B. Ruiz followed by a Christmas message from the dean of the college. Exchange gifts, games, raffles and presentation of different departments and units highlighted the event. The opening program was followed by dance presentation from each department and unit. The Department of Civil Engineering (DCE) together with the Physical Planning Unit (PPU) used puppets in their presentation while the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) did the LA walk. The combined Dean’s Office and University Computer Center (UCC) presented their number using various hip-hop songs. They also did some funny comic acts. Other remaining departments like the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering (DCEE), Department of Information Technology (DIT) and Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology (DIET) also used various hip-hop songs in their performances respectively. Dinner was served after the dance presentations of the six groups. It was followed by parlor games participated by the members of each department/unit. Exchanging of gifts followed after the DCE – PPU was awarded as the winner in the dance contest. Mr. Roscios G. Amante and Mr. John Mark Abanes hosted the program. (LRMontaron)