Jan march 2016 horizon

Official Community Newsletter of UP Los Baños

2016-01

January- March 2016

2 more UPLB programs get AUN accreditation

by Mark Jayson E. Gloria

ount: @devcom

and students, collaborative researches, and credit transfer among its members.

BSDC has shifted to a generalist curriculum in AY 2012-2013 “to develop well-rounded, critical, researchoriented development communicators.”

On the other hand, BSABE, formerly BS Agricultural Engineering, offers specializations in agricultural and bioprocess engineering, agricultural power and machinery engineering, structures and environment, and land and water resources engineering. (with information

official twitter acc

certification in November 2014.

CDC and CEAT went through the assessment procedures during the 36th AUN-QA Quality Assessment on Dec. 15-17, 2014. The AUN-QA Programme Level certifications of BSDC and BSABE are valid from July 14, 2015 to July 13, 2019, based on the certificates signed by Dr. Nantana Gajasensi, AUN executive director.

AUN harmonizes higher education systems and standards in the Region.

By doing so, it diminishes academic borders among member universities through mobility of faculty members

from www.aunsec.org, www.ceat.uplb.edu. ph, and www.devcom.edu.ph)

Int’l student center soon to rise in UPLB

Photo from CDC’s

UPLB now has three programs that are certified under the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) System with the BS Development Communication (BSDC) and BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) programs receiving their certificates recently.

BSDC is a program of the College of Development Communication (CDC) and BSABE, of the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT). The BS Biology program of the Institute of Biological Sciences received its AUN-QA-

by Mark Jayson E. Gloria

A NEW HOME FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS. UP President Alfredo E. Pascual and Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. (4th and 5th from right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Graduate School International Student and Cultural Center on Dec. 2.

With them are GS Dean Jose Camacho, Jr.; VC for Academic Affairs Portia Lapitan; and VP for Legal Affairs Hector Danny Uy (1st, 4th, and 9th from left). Top officials from Nagoya University were also present: (from left) Dean Kazuhito Kawakita of the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Satellite Campus Institute Director Fumio Isoda; President Seiichi Machuo; and Trustee Katsuya Ichihashi. Dr. Cristino Collado (rightmost), president of Nagoya U Alumni Association Philippine Branch, also participated. (Photo by KC Cadapan)

UPLB, PEZA to sign regist’n agreement

by Maribeth C. Jadina UPLB will sign the Registration Agreement for the Agro-Industrial and Information Technology (IT) Parks with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on March 4, 10AM, at the Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE).

This will pave the way for the Agro-Industrial and IT Parks to lease areas to locators who will be entitled to an income tax holiday of 4-6 years.

Locators in PEZA-accredited sites also enjoy other tax and non-fiscal incentives as provided under Republic Act No. 7916 (PEZA or BOI Accreditation for Philippine Business, 2016).

PEZA is a Philippine government agency tasked to promote investments,

extend assistance, register, grant incentives to, and facilitate the business operations of investors in export-oriented manufacturing and service facilities inside selected areas throughout the country.

UPLB and PEZA will be represented at the signing by Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. and Director General Lilia B. de Lima, respectively. Dr. Elvira A. Zamora, UP vice president for development; Prof.

Rex B. Demafelis, vice chancellor for research and extension; and Glenn N. Baticados, CTTE director will also be present during the signing of the agreement.

The PhP 72 million Graduate School International Student and Cultural Center Building will soon rise on a site near the Graduate School (GS). The groundbreaking ceremony for what is to become a modern hub for graduate students was held on Dec. 2. UP officials led by President Alfredo E. Pascual, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. and Nagoya University officials were present during the occasion, which served as a highlight of the GS’s 43rd founding anniversary.

Also present in the groundbreaking ceremony were UP Vice-President for Legal Affairs Hector Danny D. Uy, Graduate School Dean Jose V.

Camacho, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Portia G. Lapitan and Nagoya University top officials, namely: President Seiichi Machuo, Trustee Katsuya Ichihashi, Satellite Campus Institute Director Fumio Isoda, and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences Dean Kazuhito Kawakita.

They were also joined by Dr. Cristino M. Collado, president of Nagoya University Alumni Association Philippine Branch.

Past GS heads, namely: Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo, Dr. Rita P. Laude and National Scientist Dolores Ramirez, also witnessed the GS anniversary activities.

CHED names UPLB COEs for 2016-2018

by Jessa Jael S. Arana

Various program areas in UPLB have been declared centers of excellence (COE) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

CHED signed Memorandum Order No. 38 on Nov. 23, 2015, granting COE status to the following UPLB program areas: agriculture, development communication, biology, forestry, veterinary medicine, information technology, statistics, and environmental science.

A COE is “a department within a higher education institution

(HEI), which demonstrates excellence in instruction, research and publication, extension and linkages and institutional qualifications.”

The COE program is a provision in the Higher Education Act of 1994 that aims to sustain/ develop excellence of HEIs. CHED also named the UPLB chemical engineering program as a center of development (COD).

A COD refers to a department within an HEI that demonstrates a potential to become a COE in the future.

UPLB to mark 107th foundation day anniv - story on p. 8

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Partnerships

January-March 2016

UPLBHORIZON

UPLB GS to host Nagoya U Asian satellite campus

by Josephine M. Bo UP and Nagoya University (NU), through President Alfredo E. Pascual, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. and NU President Seiichi Matsuo have inked an agreement for the UPLB Graduate School to host the Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campus (NUASC).

This makes the Philippines the eighth country to host the NUASC, which will implement the Transnational Doctoral Programs for Leading Professionals in Asian Countries. This will enable Filipino doctoral candidates to enroll in NU doctoral programs without suspending their careers in the Philippines, as President Matsuo pointed out.

The agreement was signed at the Executive Conference Room in BM Gonzalez Hall on Dec. 2. According to Chancellor Sanchez, the partnership has strengthened the long standing

and mutually beneficial relationship of UPLB and NU. President Pascual affirmed this, saying that the partnership is a culmination of a fruitful history of collaboration between UP and NU. Also present were Katsuya Ishihashi, trustee of NU; Fumio Isoda, director of the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute of NU; Kazuhito Kawakita, dean of the NU Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences (GSBS); Akira Yamauchi, professor at GSBS and director of the International Cooperation Center for Agricultural Education; Sanae Ito, dean of the Graduate School of International Development (GSID); Takeshi Higashimura, professor at the GSID; Editha C. Cedicol, professor and director of the NU Asian Satellite Campus-Phils; Sayuri Watanabe and Yuko Odake, both administrative staff of NU; and Watanabe Haruka, administrative staff of the NUASCPhils.

KC Cadapan)

ALC II focuses on graduate educ & research best practices

by Mark Jayson E. Gloria More than 200 tenured and on tenure-track assistant professors participated in the Academic Leadership Conference II (ALC II) on Jan. 22-25 at the Montevista Villas-Mimosa Golf & Country Club in Clarkfield, Pampanga.

ALC I was held in 2015 for senior faculty members.

Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs, said that ALC II covered crucial points that aimed to guide junior faculty members in pursuing UPLB’s tripartite functions and to attain the University’s vision of being a globally competitive graduate and research university contributing to national development.

In his message during the opening program, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. said that ALC II is a way to “retool” the participants with new knowledge and make them reflect on changes happening in the academe.

He also encouraged them to “Adapt and Leave (their) Comfort (zones),” which he coined as another meaning of ALC. Distinguished education leaders, scholars, and innovators from the UP System, the government, and international institutions talked about topics covering university pedagogy, research and publishing, trends, reforms, and challenges.

Benchmarking, intensifying research, improving faculty profile Dr. Natarajan Varaprasad, partner and principal consultant of the Singapore Education and Consulting Group and adjunct professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) challenged UPLB to compete beyond

the ASEAN. Dr. Varaprasad, who is a former deputy president of NUS, highlighted the need to benchmark against top universities, to “connect with them, invite their faculty, look at their ASEAN University Network (AUN) assessment, and attend their programs.”

Dr. Alyssa P. Alampay, UP assistant vice president for academic affairs and curricular matters, encouraged accreditation and assessment because “it assures stakeholders that you are in the process of self-reflection and selfimprovement.”

Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, UP vice president for academic affairs, expressed appreciation for UPLB’s key research strengths. “UPLB is very important, particularly its thrusts in agriculture and livestock, forestry, environment, food, and biotechnology,” she said, as she issued the challenge for the University to help address food security, productivity and selfsufficiency.

Dr. Concepcion also emphasized the need for UPLB to increase international publications in order to communicate new knowledge and boost its international ranking.

Using ICT in teaching Dr. Varaprasad shared to the participants the current information and communication technology (ICT) use of students, which should be considered in implementing new teaching methods. The use of ICT in teaching was discussed in the talk on “blended learning” of Dr. Patricia B. Arinto, dean of education of the UP Open University.

Nagoya U, UPLB to hold graduate education int’lization conference

What does it take to internationalize education in a regional setting?

How have academic and research institutions responded to the call for ASEAN integration in education and research? These issues, among others, will be tackled during the international symposium on “Internationalization of Graduate Education in the Context of the ASEAN” jointly organized by the Nagoya University (NU) through its Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) and UPLB. The Symposium will UPLB-NAGOYA U SATELLITE CAMPUS ESTABLISHMENT. UP and Nagoya University entered into an academic cooperation to establish the Nagoya University Satellite Campus in UPLB. Present during the signing of the agreement on Dec. 2 at the Office of the Chancellor were (seated from left to right) NU Director of the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute Fumio Isoda; Nagoya University president, Seiichi Machuo; UP President Alfredo E. Pascual; Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr.: and Dean Jose Camacho, Jr of the Graduate School. Looking on are Atty. Florinida Blanca, OIC of the Legal Office, and other UPLB staff. (Photo by

According to her, blended learning does not need teaching and learning to be synchronized by time and space and allows knowledge resource sharing. She reminded the participants, however, to still put pedagogy first before technology.

Dr. See Diu Seng, solution consultant on intellectual property and science of Thomson Reuters, encouraged UPLB to take advantage of Thomson Reuters’ online research tools.

Public service Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, UP vice president for public affairs, who led the discussion on the topic said that public service is the reason why UP was created.

Dr. De Vera said that public service is a global phenomenon with leading universities in the world expanding their mandate on it. He emphasized the importance of documenting public service efforts that the UP Padayon does to have a complete picture of the public service culture in the entire UP System.

Rommel A. Daya and Katrina Ross Tan, faculty members of the College of Development Communication and of the Department of Humanities, respectively, enjoined the participants to volunteer in public service programs of the University. Tan is also the director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. The participants saw an opportunity to do this after listening to Dr. Dina S. Ocampo, a professor at the UP College

of Education and undersecretary for programs and projects of the Department of Education, who encouraged them to help train incoming senior high school teachers who will be teaching subjects that are similar to UP’s GE offerings.

Imparting inspiration and commitment Dr. Jose Florencio F. Lapeña, Jr., a faculty member of UP Manila, shared to the audience insights from his experience in mentoring students at the College of Medicine. According to Dr. Lapeña, mentors should be humble enough to surrender to their mentees in order to establish a good relationship with them. Mentors should accept their mentees, including their weaknesses, in order to facilitate genuine sharing of thoughts and experiences with them.

He further said that the mentors should be able to win the mentee’s trust so that advice, feedback, and support would truly impact the life of the latter.

Dr. Lapeña also said that extending, or empowering mentees and allowing them to “spread their wings and fly” while inspiring them, should be one of the goals of mentoring.

Faculty members who had been recipients of the UPLB Outsanding Teacher Award also talked about inspiring teaching and mentoring practices in panel discussions facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Jerry R. Yapo of the Department of Humanities.

ALC II ...next page

Partnerships

UPLBHORIZON

January-March 2016

3

UPLB, CIAT agree to collaborate on programs

by Joseph Lydio R. Roble III

be on March 8 at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang.

About 100 participants from the Philippines and Japan will attend the symposium whose keynote speakers are NU President Seiichi Matsuo and UP President Alfredo Pascual. The other speakers are from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, UPLB, Nagoya University, and Kyoto University. (UPLB-NU ASCI release)

UPLB, Maejo U renew MOU

by Joseph Lydio R. Roble III & Rajee S. Florido UPLB renewed a Memorandum of Understanding on Feb. 11 with Maejo University (MJU) in Chiang Mai, Thailand to jointly implement academic and research programs, as well as enhance opportunities for student and faculty development. MJU was represented by its president, Dr. Chamnian Yosraj and Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Yongyooth Srigiofun while UPLB was represented

by Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. and Dr. Simplicio M. Medina, director

of the Office of Institutional Linkages.

Other UPLB officials who were present were Dr. Sue Liza C. Saguiguit, director of the Office of Alumni Relations and Dr. Myrna G. Carandang, University Registrar.

MJU is the first educational institution in agriculture in Northern Thailand, and was founded in 1934. Its president, Dr. Yosraj earned his masters and doctoral degree in UPLB in 1979 and 1983, respectively, and was one of UPLB’s Distinguished Alumni in 2011.

UPLB signs MOU with Kyoto U, meets Kobe U officials

AN UNDERSTANDING OF GRADUATE UNIVERSITIES. KU-GSE Dean Takekazu Iwamoto and UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. shake hands after the signing of MOU between the two institutions. Looking on are (from L-R): Dr. John Lambino, GSE assistant professor; Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Shuji Hisano, GSE director of international programs; Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, UP vice president for academic affairs; and Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, asst. vice president for academic affairs and director of the Office of International Linkages. (Photo by Arlene Boro)

MOU SIGNING. Dr. Dindo Campilan, Asia regional director of CIAT and Dr. Portia Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs witness the signing of the MOU by Dr. Ruben Echeverria, CIAT director general. (Photo by KC Cadapan)

UPLB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to collaborate in programs, projects and related activities in education, training and research, and in the exchange of scientific materials, publications, and information.

CIAT was represented in the signing by Dr. Ruben Echeverria, CIAT director general, while UPLB was

by Mark Jayson E. Gloria UPLB officials led by Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyoto University Faculty and Graduate School of Economics (KU-GSE) on Feb. 7-11 to formally establish the academic cooperation between the two.

The MOU will lead to exchange of faculty, researchers, students, academic information and materials; collaborative research projects; and conferences, lectures, and symposia.

KU-GSE was represented by Dr. Takekazu Iwamoto, dean of KUGSE, and Dr. Shuji Hisano, director of international program.

Also present were Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, UP vice president

UPLB establishes biodiversity park for trees UPLB, UPLB Foundation, Inc. and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) established the UPLB-EDC Binhi Biodiversity Park, a repository park that will secure the gene pool of endemic, endangered, and critically endangered tree species of the Philippines.

The Binhi Biodiversity Park, located in the CFNR campus, is equipped with facilities for conservationists and tourists. Among the seedlings that were planted during the Park inauguration were “dalingdingan,” “kaladis narig,” “kamagong,” “malabayabas,” “manggachapui,” “narek,” “Philippine teak,” and “tindalo.”

The Park is consistent with the environmental advocacy of Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez of EDC that has been implementing “BINHI: A Greening Legacy” to rescue and secure the gene pool of indigenous and endangered trees through park projects. In his message, Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. called for everyone’s cooperation in conserving and maintaining the forests, including the new Park. Chancellor Sanchez and CFNR Dean Willie Abasolo awarded Certificates of Partnership to five CFNR student organizations as a symbol of their commitment to help maintain the Park.

represented by Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Dindo Campilan, Asia regional director of CIAT and Dr. Portia Lapitan, vice chancellor for academic affairs. CIAT is an international research organization under the Consultative Group for International Agriculture Research dedicated to creating new knowledge that helps improve small hold farmers’ crop production, resource management and incomes.

for academic affairs; Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, asst. vice president for academic affairs and director of the Office of International Linkages; Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, UPLB vice chancellor for academic affairs.; and Graduate School Dean Jose V. Camacho, Jr. The UP contingent also attended an exploratory meeting with KU vice presidents and deans of agriculture, forestry, and Southeast Asian studies to discuss further academic cooperation.

This time joined by College of Agriculture Dean Enrico P Supangco and Associate Dean Tonette P. Laude, the groups also visited Kobe University and met its officials led by its president, Dr. Takeda Hiroshi.

by Mark Jayson E. Gloria

A PARK FOR BIODIVERSITY. UPLB, UPLB Foundation, Inc. and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) inaugurated the Binhi Biodiversity Park at the CFNR on Dec. 4. Representing EDC were (from left to right) Tracy Peralta, CSR head; Noel Luna, HR manager; and Arturo Valdez, independent director. On the right side are Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., CFNR Dean Willie Abasolo, Associate Dean Ronniel Manalo, and former dean, Dr. Ramon Razal. (Photo by KC Cadapan)

ALC II focuses on graduate educ & research best practices.... from p. 2

ALC II CLASS 0f 2016. The ALC II participants, resource persons and organizers pose for their class picture (Photo by LH Torio)

Adrian Augusto M. Sumalde, Gemalyn H. Lozano, and Ivy Amor F. Lambio, assistant professors in electrical engineering, European languages, and biology, respectively, emphasized the importance of establishing rapport in large classes, involving students in the instruction process, relating field experiences to classroom topics, and using ICT properly in instruction.

Workshops Two workshops were conducted

during the Conference. The first, facilitated by Professor Rolando Panopio, director of the UPLB General Education Program, elicited suggestions regarding changes in the University, in the curriculum, improving infrastructure and facilities, and forging and strengthening linkages.

The second workshop, facilitated

by Asst. Prof. Romeo dela Cruz, Jr. of the Department of Humanities, focused on how the participants think UPLB can become globally competitive.

Suggestions included holistic resource development, use of emerging concepts and digital technologies in instruction.

Faculty welfare and development issues were discussed in a separate session with Dr. Lapitan.

In his talk on academic freedom, Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, dean of the UP College of Law, said that it is being able to determine: (a) the institution’s aims and objectives and how to attain them free from interference; (b) who may teach; (c) what to teach; (d) how

to teach; (e) who will study; and (f) how to discipline students. At the end of the Conference, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Graduate School dean, asked the participants to write down their individual professional commitments that would contribute to the goals of the University. These were collected and given during a ceremonial turnover to Chancellor Sanchez. (with reports from

Aldo T. Lim)

2016 Outstanding Personnel, Research and Extension Teams Andrew D. Montecillo

vachel gay v. paller

Outstanding Teacher, Biogical Sciences (Junior Category)

A “giant” demystifying a micro world

His commitment and competence as a teacher makes him a giant in the profession, in demystifying a world that is invisible to the naked eye – microbiology. A “techie” teacher is how students describe Andrew D. Montecillo, assistant professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences-College of Arts and Sciences (CAS-IBS).

But how he ensures that students understand microbiology is beyond the use of technology.

His excellence in teaching is evidenced by his reputation as a popular choice for an adviser and his

high student evaluation ratings. He also became a graduate faculty at a relatively young age.

His teaching has been enriched by his involvement in research. He is a project leader for a genome sequencing and genomic analysis component of a UP research grant project and a study leader of a UPLB basic research on alkaliphilic bacteria.

Montecillo is also involved in the implementation of the award-winning UPLB Bee Program.

Why microbiology and bees?

He said that it is important to have

Promoting a balanced approach to teaching and learning

an understanding of the roles of microorganisms, especially beneficial, in the health, ecology and pathology of bees in order to preserve their diversity.

A graduate of BS Biology, magna cum laude, and ranked among the top graduates of his class when he finished MS Microbiology in UPLB, Montecillo is truly a “giant” not only as a mentor but also among his peers.

There is balance in everything, between parasites and their host organisms – humans, animals and the environment. Dr. Vachel Gay V. Paller aims to emphasize this balance through “environmental parasitology,” a special topic she has developed for a graduate course in zoology.

Dr. Paller, Associate Professor VI and UP Scientist I at the Institute of Biological Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS-IBS), applies the principle of balance in ensuring

(Juan Paolo A. Aquino)

John lorenzo a. yambot

Training up learners to win

Outstanding Teacher, Physical Sciences (Junior Category) Students have found a friend and a mentor in John Lorenzo A. Yambot, Instructor 1, at the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). He constantly creates a stimulating and fun learning environment for his students. He also encourages them to pursue academic excellence through appropriate reinforcement and rewards.

He ensures that his students understand their lessons by providing realistic, familiar and timely examples.

It is no wonder therefore that he has consistently received excellent positive

JEFFERSON A. ARAPOC

feedback from his students for the past three years that he has been teaching.

A dedicated teacher and statistician, Yambot extends his knowledge beyond the four walls of the classroom, first as a trainor to UPLB students who compete in contests in statistics and have consistently emerged as champions, and second, as a resource person in training programs offered by government agencies such as the Philippine Statistical Research Institute.

Gary jay s. montemayor

The name of Dr. Ma.Victoria O. Espaldon has been associated with climate change studies.

It is not only because of the previous positions she held, such as being the dean of the School of Environmental Science and Management and the vice chancellor for research and extension of UPLB; but mostly because of her enthusiastic commitment to lead and initiate climate change adaptation and mitigation programs.

Dr. Cumagun, Professor 12 and UP Scientist III at the Crop Protection Cluster-College of Agriculture, is known for his work in identifying, controlling and managing plant pathogenic fungi in both tropical and temperate conditions, particularly those caused by Fusarium graminearum and Magnaporthe oryzae. Having reached the apex of a UP faculty’s career, Dr. Cumagun is showing no signs of slowing down on the quest to generate new knowledge in plant pathology.

service, Arapoc coordinates the National Service Training Program for CEM and has been a resource person for training programs in economics, cooperatives and research.

His involvement in research and public service on top of his teaching duties make him the quintessential teacher of a university like UPLB. (Kristine E. Araguas)

Outstanding Researcher, Social Sciences (Senior Faculty Category)

One example is the on-going nationwide program and DOSTfunded Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (Project SARAI) – a pioneering work that reflects her advocacy to help improve the resiliency of the agriculture sector and communities to climate change.

Dr. Espaldon, Professor 12 and UP Scientist I, has published 58 journal articles, 19 of which are ISI publications. She is also one of

the authors of the award-winning book “Changing Philippine Climate: Impacts on Agriculture and Natural Resources.” With her energy and commitment, there is no stopping this champion for climate change resilience from gaining more victories in research and public service. (Kristine E. Araguas)

A scientist of a global caliber

His expertise in molecular plant pathology and breeding, fungal population genetics, mycotoxins, and biological control of fungal diseases, has gained for him the respect of national and international science communities. He is a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men award of the Philippine Jaycees, Inc. and a young scientist affiliate and alumnus of The World Academy of Sciences based in Italy.

Dr. Cumagun has produced 40 research publications, earned close

laura j. pham

to 500 citations in world-renowned Scopus and Thomson Reuters ISI Web of Knowledge, and is listed among Google Scholar’s top 150 Filipino scientists. He has also served as a reviewer to high impact journals such as Phytopathology (American Phytopathological Society) and Plant Pathology (British Society for Plant Pathology) and has edited the book Plant Pathology written by distinguished researchers from 10 countries. (Mark Jayson E. Gloria)

The lady designs and tailors fats and oils

Outstanding Researcher, Natural Sciences (Senior REPS Category)

Outstanding Teacher, Social Sciences and Humanities (Senior Category)

Asst. Prof. Montemayor maintains his openness and humility. He goes beyond the call of duty by advising students not only on their theses, but also on time management, activity prioritization, and effective study methods. He is a prolific researcher and has shared his knowledge on science communication, organizational communication, communication research, environmental communication, and knowledge management to various audiences and

Jadina)

Outstanding Researcher, Natural Sciences (Senior Faculty Category)

A mentor worth emulating

Garry Jay S. Montemayor, assistant professor, is a mentor deeply motivated by his need for excellence to mark his outputs and accomplishments. From being a consistent achiever from grade school to graduate school (and a back-toback Best Thesis award recipient in his BS and MA), he has emerged as an inspiring teacher and role model to his students at the College of Development Communication (CDC).

In spite of his achievements,

manual, including one for an animal parasitology course. On top of these, she heads the Animal Biology Division of IBS. After earning BS Zoology, Dr. Paller started teaching at UPLB in 1991. She earned her MS Zoology from UPLB in 1997 and her Doctor of Science in Parasitology from Kobe University, Japan in 2008. (Maribeth C.

Champion for climate change resilience

christian joseph r. cumagun

The quintessential teacher

intermediate macroeconomic theory, and has been entrusted to lecture on human resources economics, money & banking, and intermediate microeconomic theory.

Arapoc has led the PCAARRDfunded project “Ex-Ante Analysis of the Industry Strategic S&T Plans for Native Chicken” and has served as a co-researcher for EEPSEA-funded “Impact of and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Events: An Intra-household Perspective.” He published an article in the Journal of Global Business and Trade in 2014. In the area of public

that her students will really learn. That is why aside from various teaching strategies inside the classroom, she brings her students to laboratories, symposia, and actual research settings.

Dr. Paller also strives to strike a balance in performing her roles as a faculty member. As a researcher, she has led six projects, published 18 scientific and technical publications, and authored a book chapter, monograph, and laboratory

ma. victoria espaldon

Yambot’s selfless service to the University is also manifested in his research and administrative duties.

He is a consultant for the web-based information system component of the nationwide project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (Project SARAI) and chair of the INSTAT Scholarships and Awards Committee. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

Outstanding Teacher, Social Sciences and Humanities (Junior Category) Jefferson A. Arapoc, assistant professor at the Department of Economics-College of Economics and Management (DE-CEM), represents a quintessential teacher of a university that is mandated to perform research, instruction and public service roles.

He has handled various undergraduate courses since 2011, his teaching competence honed by his BS and MA Economics degrees from UPLB (2009) and UP Diliman (2013), respectively.

He has handled the recitation courses for general economics and

Outstanding Teacher, Biological Sciences (Senior Category)

venues.

Now that he is the chairperson of CDC’s Department of Science Communication, and with a string of awards to his name, such as CDC’s Most Outstanding Junior Faculty, Most Inspiring Mentor, and Best Thesis Adviser, Montemayor is surely a perfect example for students to emulate as they strive for excellence.

(Joseph Lydio R. Roble III)

Yes, you are reading this right, her lifework involves designing and tailoring – not in the world of high fashion but in the world of food, fats and oils. Dr. Laura Pham, University Researcher IV at BIOTECH, has worked on different projects to redesign, restructure and tailor fats and oils into specialty oils that are healthier and can be used for high value products.

Dr. Pham has made it the essence of her scientific career to identify and know the functional properties of sources of fats and oils from resources that abound in the country, and design processes and ways to efficiently extract and to

restructure, enhance and improve their properties.

Perhaps one of her most important contributions in the field is the restructuring of fats and oils from pili nut and pulp, moringa, okra, jatropha, and most especially, coconut through lipase catalyzed mediation. Her work is pioneering in the Philippines, and has significantly helped in further commercial development of specialty oils, and in revitalizing the country’s coconut and pili industry.

Dr. Pham has done groundbreaking work on the commercial production of animal probiotics and protein-enriched

copra meal. She helped develop and establish the process of incorporating probiotics into animal feeds and commercializing the end results.

Together with other BIOTECH researchers, she established the process of protein-enriched copra meal (PECM) using microbial strains by solid state fermentation. PECM, once commercialized, will help alleviate the country’s need for imported proteinrich feed ingredients by providing a practical, localized ingredient source of quality protein that can boost the production of livestock and poultry.

(Albert Geoffred B. Peralta)

6

January-March 2016

UPLBHORIZON

2016 Outstanding Personnel and Research and Extension Teams

Building communication channels for biodiversity Outstanding Extension Personnel conservation florante a. cruz The enthusiasm and passion for public service of Florante A. Cruz, or Flor to his colleagues, has provided the Museum of Natural History (MNH) the much-needed boost to fulfill its mandate in promoting biodiversity conservation education.

When he joined the MNH as a University Extension Specialist II in 2013, he created the MNH website and social media accounts; updated and formalized the MNH Visitors Program, Internships and Volunteer Program, and facilitated the holding

of the Biodiversity Seminar Series; coordinated exhibits; and managed the Museum’s new journal. Since then, MNH has received a higher number of visitors, elevated its online presence, and increased its income. Flor’s allaround multimedia communication skills has really changed the face of MNH. When Flor was still working at OVCRE, he created the following websites: UPLB Research and Extension, the Interdisciplinary Studies Centers and the UPLB Journals

Online. He also collaborated with the Office of Public Relations to create the UPLB website. At OVCRE, Flor also facilitated the holding of exhibits that promoted the University to 20,000 visitors.

Flor’s passion for his work and his outputs truly make him an asset wherever he works. At MNH, he has proven to be a very strong ally for biodiversity conservation education.

(Maribeth C. Jadina)

marie angelica a. dayaoAngel Outstanding Artist

Angel, as she is called by friends, could be called a real-life angel for livening up the UPLB music scene by founding, organizing and mentoring student musician-members of the Harmonya – The UPLB String Ensemble. Today, Harmonya is very much integrated into the fiber of the UPLB music scene – holding a successful concert and performing for dignitaries and during events. One would wish that it would make regular “lightning” performances at public spaces in UPLB and make campus life even more textured than it is today.

Angel has come a long way from her breakthrough win in

the UPLB centennial theme tilt as an undergraduate student in Communication Arts. Since 2006, she has composed and arranged for over 20 musical productions. Aside from being a scorer in productions, she has directed a concert (In Die Luft – a UPLB Choral Ensemble Concert in 2010) and managed a production (Pagbulas ng Sibol, directed by fellow Outstanding Artist awardee Dennis Gupa, in 2007). Every year, she also serves as the conductor and arranger for the UPLB Commencement Exercises.

As a teacher, she has inspired students to pursue arts. She extends

The Plant Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory (PCTCL), one of the laboratories of the Institute of Plant Breeding of the College of Agriculture, can be likened to a cell – it is small yet it is the basic unit of UPLB in ensuring food security in the country, not only today but in the future as well.

Since its establishment in 1975, PCTCL has never stopped improving crops through biotechnology. In fact, the Laboratory has continued to introduce and mass propagate disease-free and virus-free planting materials of mango, banana, garlic, abaca, and orchids. These superior planting materials have reached

many farmers and agriculturists, whose challenge to produce more has become harder to attain amid extreme weather conditions and various diseases.

Some of PCTCL’s success undertakings are the survival of the ex vitro-grafted ‘Carabao’ mango after typhoons Yolanda and Glenda; the virus-free garlic planting materials from meristem culture combined with other procedures that have been brought to Ilocos Norte and Iloilo farmers; and the virus-free banana produced through tissue culture and serology.

Presently, the PCTCL team is working on vegetative propagation of coconut through somatic embryogenesis.

2016 Outstanding Personnel, Research and Extension Teams joselito c. villena Master equipment fabricator

her arts and teaching duties at the Department of Humanities of the College of Arts and Sciences beyond the classroom by mentoring students, advising music-based student organizations, and conducting workshops and performances.

She recently earned a certificate in Karawitan (Indonesian traditional music) at Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia. She is an advocate of traditional South East Asian music, as evidenced by her speaking engagements, media appearances, and performances in Indonesia in 2014 and 2015, including one for Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Joseph Lydio R.

Roble III)

Helping build the basics of food security

With the guidance of National Scientist Ramon C. Barba and the leadership of Prof. Lilian F. Pateña, and the commitment of young researchers and experienced technicians, the PCTCL will continue to work for food security in the country. (Mark

A 10-year-old laboratory equipment might raise the need for replacement to many but in BIOTECH, Engineer Joselito “Joel” C. Villena has repaired a 33-year old equipment at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. This is just an example of Joel’s ingenuity that has enabled him to generate PhP300,000 in savings for the University and one of the reasons for him to be recognized as an outstanding administrative personnel for 2016 Engr. Villena’s 25 years of service to BIOTECH has been nothing short of excellent as proven by his high peer

lolita o. averion

instead of more than P100,000 that would have been needed for it. He also fabricated an electrophoresis gel tank for BIOTECH’s PCR-based Salmonella detection kit, spending only PhP 1,500 instead of more than PhP20,000.

He fabricated a mini tube mixer from acrylic glass and scrap materials, for PhP1,040 that would have required PhP50,000 for a branded unit.

Engr. Villena tirelessly applies his ingenuity and skills towards better and more efficient services of BIOTECH. (Christine Keith B. Tercias)

More than your average supervisor

Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Supervisor Category) Behind the recently named Center of Excellence in statistics education by the Commission on Higher Education – the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) – is a powerhouse team of faculty and staff who each played a role for INSTAT to earn this honor. At the helm of providing administrative support services is a keen, analytical, and knowledgeable administrative supervisor who has helped transform INSTAT from a small department to what it is today. She is Lolita Averion, Administrative Officer IV.

perseveranda g. tubig

Calling Lita a treasure of INSTAT is no exaggeration. Her dedication to her work, keen and quick eye, and her knowledge of administrative and financial matters ensure INSTAT directors that important documents are well prepared and processed on time.

These are desirable qualities of an average administrative services head.

Lita, however, is more than average.

She can be relied upon to help make important decisions because of her dependability, experience, institutional memory, and knowledge.

In fact, she has complemented her

commerce degree with a Master in Management from UPLB. Lita goes beyond the expected parameters of her job. She once assumed the administrative officer’s position at CAS Dean’s Office and did so without extra compensation while fulfilling her duties at INSTAT. Indeed, she is more than the average supervisor. (Remy Alyssa I.

Tubig)

Perseverance defines her

Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Office Personnel Category) Filing inventories, organizing documents, coordinating events – these are the usual tasks of an administrative aide. These have constituted the duties and responsibilities of Perseveranda G. Tubig, Administrative Aide IV at the Institute of Agroforestry (IAF) of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, and are forms of wholehearted service she has been offering the University for 22 years now.

Very much true to her name, Perseveranda or Persie, has worked with much dedication and perseverance and gives her best to the tasks she is given.

Thus, Persie has contributed much to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of IAF, an award-winning research and extension unit of CFNR. She has come up with a user-friendly file management system, carefully conducts inventory of office supplies, and coordinates the internal and external activities of the office.

She does all these while still performing the duties of an administrative assistant.

Persie further serves through committee works such as those involving the resolution of cases filed against administrative personnel and the holding of College-wide socials.

Indeed, there is no doubt that she lives up to the essence of her name – perseverance. (Remy Alyssa I. Tubig)

The man who sparks “aha” moments

Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Technician Category)

Spreading sustainable Outstanding Extension Team

farming practices

Meet Hermogenes “Hermie” Lapitan, a laboratory technician who has sparked many eureka moments at BIOTECH in laboratory operations, particularly in developing, modifying, and validating methods of analysis.

In an Institute dominated by scientists and researchers, Hermie’s ingenuity shines through.

Hermie’s commitment and dedication to his job has led him to excel in his craft. Years of rigorous training at BIOTECH have also

conservation farming villages

Farming and sustainability. “Ne’er shall the twain meet,” we despair. However, the Conservation Farming Villages (CFV) Program based at the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) has demonstrated a means to protect the uplands while improving the economic conditions of farmers. Since its launch in 2008, the CFV has encouraged many farmers to take up sustainable farming techniques.

The CFV did this by setting up

reviews and recommendations. For more than two decades, Engr. Villena has been manning the University’s Scanning Electron Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, and the institute’s power generator that has allowed massive reduction in expenses and continuous energy supply, respectively.

His innovativeness and passion for his work has earned for him the respect and praises from his coworkers in BIOTECH. Among Engr.

Villena’s innovations is a set of heaters for Chemical Oxygen Demand Set Up for which he spent PhP4,392

hermogenes a. lapitan

Jayson E. Gloria)

7

Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Professional Category)

of the UPLB music scene

plant Cell and tissue culture laboratory Outstanding Research Team

January-March 2016

UPLBHORIZON

excellent examples of science and technology-based “model farms” from which farmers could learn and copy better land management techniques. In the past nine years, CFV has taken up three projects, two of which are still ongoing. From October 2008 to December 2011, the CFV collaborated with other state universities to help implement the National Program for Sustainable Farming through the Establishment of Barangay Sagip Saka (Conservation Farming Villages) under NEDA and PCAARRD. Through this collaborative program, 16 CFVs were established in Quezon, Albay, Ifugao, Negros Oriental, and Davao del Norte, reaching over 500 farmers who were practiced in sustainable upland farming technologies.

CFV has also empowered farmers by helping them organize themselves to better negotiate with other LGUs,

NGOs, and academic and research institutions. The CFV’s training programs and researches have also provided upland communities more livelihood opportunities, enhanced agricultural productivity, and helped them become resilient to climate change. If awards were a gauge of effectiveness, CFV has proven this when it became a finalist in the 2014 Galing Pook Local Governance Programs for its La Libertad, Negros Oriental site.

The CFV Program is led by Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, project leader, and supported by its project staff, namely: Dr. Wilfredo M. Carandang, For. Jing F. Astejada, Dr. Vida Q. Carandang, Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña, Catherine C. de Luna, Bernardino C. Aguilon, Geralyn V. Magno, Jeofrie A. Astrera, Mary Jean Aumentado, and research associates Michelle N. Ojeda and Genevieve A. Galapia. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)

victor a. maas

equipped him with necessary knowledge and skills in analytical chemistry and have earned him a license as a chemical technician from the Professional Regulation Commission.

Hermie has assumed crucial roles in BIOTECH. He is one of the signatories in the Certificate of Analysis of BIOTECH’s Central Analytical Services Laboratory (CASL) when it became an ISO/IEC 17025:2005-accredited laboratory.

A creative and ingenious worker

Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Blue Collar Category) A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Victor Maas, Administrative Aide III at the Dean’s Office of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) probably believes this as he creates reasons for staff, students, visitors and passersby to feel joy when they go to the CPAf building.

He maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the CPAf building, facilities and surroundings and applies

artistry to his job. Pass by the CPAf building and you will see the refreshing landscaping that is done on its lawn.

Attend a CPAf seminar or conference and you will be impressed by the stage and floral arrangement in the venue. All of these are products of his craftsmanship.

Known for his creativity, Vic, as he is fondly called, is the person behind CPAf’s eco-friendly and award-

winning lanterns in the Parolan since 2010. But even after the holidays, Vic’s star shines bright because his attitude radiates to the beauty of his handiworks. He is also a conscientious worker who reports to work early and is always willing to work beyond office hours. He refuses to leave the building when the dean is still around. Truly, he has proven that creativity matched with sincerity can make one radiate above the rest. (Rajee S. Florido)

He also supervises the procedures on stabilization and solidification of chemical wastes – a procedure that has already been adapted by other UPLB units. He also maintains and troubleshoots common laboratory equipment. His work already keeps his hands full but he is happy to be always available to help clients and students and colleagues who are each looking forward to their “aha!” moments in BIOTECH. (Rajee S. Florido)

8

Student and Staff Welfare

January-March 2016

UPLB to mark 107th foundation day anniv All is set for celebration of the 107th Foundation Day anniversary of UPLB, with the theme “Steering through the pathways to a globally competitive graduate and research university” to kick off with the signing of the Registration Agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority on March 4, 10AM, to establish the UPLB Agro-Industrial and Information Technology Parks. The signing will be held at the Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship.

This will be followed by the Convocation and Awarding Ceremony, 1 PM, at the Makiling Ballroom, Student Union Building. Every year, UPLB recognizes its outstanding teachers, administrative staff, artist, and research and extension personnel and teams during the Foundation Day

by Jessa Jael S. Arana

anniversary celebration. The guest of honor during the awarding ceremony is Brian Levey, Education Office Director of USAID/Philippines.

Levey was formerly assigned as a Desk Officer in Washington, DC working on concerns in relation to the Philippines and the Pacific Islands.

The College of Agriculture (CA) will have its traditional college-level Foundation Day festivities on March 6 with the theme “CA family: Transforming Philippine agriculture through academic excellence and public service.” CA is the precursor to UPLB, which was renamed and became the first autonomous UP campus in 1972. UPLB has since expanded into nine colleges and two schools.

CA will hold the traditional commemoration ceremony at 6 AM at

the Pook Pinagtatagan, where Dean Edwin Copeland and the pioneering students of CA first held their classes using tents in June 1909. It will be followed by a motorcade to the campus and the groundbreaking of the Philippine Carabao Center’s Milka Krem of the South at 8AM. CA will also recognize its outstanding personnel and teams at the Agronomy-Soils-Horticulture (ASH) Lobby at 9 AM. In the afternoon, it will hold its Family Day. On March 8, the Graduate School will spearhead the Symposium on the Internationalization of Graduate Education in the Context of ASEAN at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City at 1 PM. The event is a joint collaboration with Japan’s Nagoya University (NU) through its Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI).

UPLB officials train on building a disaster-resistant university

by Jessa Jael S. Arana

UPLB officials joined 22 representatives of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) from 10 countries in the Workshop on Building Disaster-Resistant Universities at the International Research Institute on Disaster Science (IRIDeS) of Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan on Feb. 2-4.

The workshop was a project of the APRU-IRIDeS Multi-Hazards Program.

Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.; Dr. Marish Madlangbayan, vice chancellor for planning and development; and Prof. Genaro Cuaresma, assistant to the vice chancellor for community affairs, were

among eight representatives of UP at the workshop who trained on safety against natural disasters such as earthquakes.

The workshop topics included disaster planning, preparing an emergency response, and the importance of establishing an emergency operations center.

Participants also made a site visit to Sendai, which was the hardest hit by a tsunami during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE).

Since its creation, IRIDeS has been conducting action-based research in order to mitigate or prevent losses

caused by natural disasters.

According to Prof. Cuaresma, IRIDeS has already applied its research in its structures and has prepared itself by creating more earthquake-resistant buildings, designating and securing uninhabitable disaster-prone areas, preparing evacuation areas, and creating relocation sites for displaced citizens. He said that UPLB is currently in the pre-disaster planning stage and that Chancellor Sanchez had asked him to prepare a proposal to create a permanent office for disaster risk reduction and management in UPLB.

Alumni Matters

UPLB officials meet with alumni in Maejo U

MEETING WITH ALUMNI IN CHIANG MAI. Chancellor Sanchez (seated, 5th from left) pose for a photo with UPLB alumni in Maejo University led by MJU Vice President Weerapon Thongma. The meeting took place after UPLB and Maejo University formalized an MOU for academic and research cooperation (story on p. 3). (Photo courtesy of Dr. Sue Liza C. Saguiguit)

Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr, together with Dr. Sue Liza C. Saguiguit, director of the Office of Alumni Relations; Dr. Myrna G. Carandang, University Registrar, and Dr. Simplicio M. Medina , director of the Office of Institutional Linkages, visited Maejo University (MJU) to renew the MOU between the two universities, as well as to touch base with UPLB alumni in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The delegation was met by MJU Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, Dr. Weerapon Thongma, who finished his Ph.D. in Extension Education and Development Management in UPLB in 2001. Its current president, Dr. Chamnian Yosraj earned his MS and Ph.D. in Animal Science (1990) in UPLB. Former MJU president Dr. Ahnon Tiangtrong earned his BS degree in Agriculture in UPLB in 1966 and received the UPLB Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1993.

(JLR Roble III)

Dr. Virginia Cardenas is the new CPAf dean

by Albert Geoffred B. Peralta The UP Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Virginia R. Cardenas as dean of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) at its 1314th meeting on Jan. 29.

Dr. Cardenas, Professor 12, is a faculty member of CPAf’s Institute for Governance and Rural Development. She has dedicated her career to the advancement of participatory, community-based rural development and extension education. Dr. Cardenas has served as UPLB vice chancellor for community affairs from Nov. 2006 to Oct. 2011 and as deputy director for administration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) from 2012 to 2015.

Editor-in-Chief: Josephine M. Bo • Associate and Managing Editor: Mark Jayson E. Gloria • Writers: Juan Paolo A. Aquino, Kristine E. Araguas, Jessa Jael S. Arana, Josephine M. Bo, Mark Jayson E. Gloria, Maribeth Jadina, Albert Geoffred B. Peralta, Joseph Lydio R. Roble III • Contributors: Rajee S. Florido, Beverly R. Pabro, Christine Keith B. Tercias, Remy Alyssa I. Tubig Layout: Ray Angelo P. Nasino • Photographs: Karl C. Cadapan, Leonilo H. Torio, Mar Maningas, Arlene Boro, Dr. Sue Liza C. Saguiguit, BIOTECH, CDC, CPAf • Circulation: Marissa D. Borromeo, Avelino B. Palivino

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UPLBHORIZON

Faculty train on basic student facilitating skills

by Jessa Jael S. Arana

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) held the Faculty-Student Relations Officer (FSRO) Seminar Workshop on Jan. 11 at the Makiling Ballroom of the Student Union for 43 FSROs and the third batch since 2013. The workshop was designed to be part of a series of training sessions aimed to equip the FSROs with skills in handling students with various psychosocial needs.

The workshop resource persons were Dr. Nina M. Cadiz, OSA director, who gave an overview of the FSRO program and described the functions and responsibilities of an FSRO; Gonzalo H. Amante, Jr. RGC, a Guidance Services Specialists (GSS) who covered the topics on basic facilitating skills and attitude; and Dr. Erick Vernon Y. Dy, RGC, who led a role-playing activity on responding to various scenarios. Zenaida S. Loberiza, a retired guidance counselor of OSA discussed the characteristics of students who are at risk and the interventions to be extended to them.

According to Janett A. Dolor, RGC, Counseling and Testing Division head, this project aims to give immediate positive response to students who seek guidance and advice from instructors and professors. OSA has already trained 95 faculty members and will conduct a follow-up seminar workshop in the second semester of AY 20152016.

ILC installs new learning hubs

by Beverly R. Pabro Learning materials are now more accessible to students starting this semester through the recently installed Interactive Learning Center (ILC) hubs at the Women’s Dormitory, the New Dormitory, and at the Learning Resource Center on the first floor of the Student Union Building.

ILC hubs serve as repository of faculty members’ lecture materials and learning objects in multimedia forms, such as PowerPoint presentations, podcasts, and vodcasts. ILC hubs have also been established at the Learning Commons of the University Library and at the ILC headquarters on the third floor of the CAS Annex 1 Building.

Campus roads and bridges up for improvement

by Jessa Jael S. Arana University constituents can look forward to improved roads and mobility with the inclusion of various infrastructure projects in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2016.

The projects that were given budget allocations are the following: Rehabilitation of Existing Asphalt Pavement of IPB Road and Two Bridges (PhP55 million); Construction of a road and a bike lane on Pili Drive and the construction of Rambutan Road; Construction of a 2-Lane RCDG Bridge including Pier and Soil Erosion Mitigation Protection (PhP 67 million); and Completion of the APEC Road (PhP 24.70 million) connecting the IPB Road to the Gov. F.T. San Luis Road in Bay, Laguna.

DPWH also allocated PhP10 million to construct the UP Corps of Cadets building. DPWH offices have already surveyed and visited the sites to prepare the projects’ preliminary detailed engineering design.