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)