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.