Engineering students win 2nd and 3rd places in Electrical & Electronics Engineering quiz show

20160130 Engg - UP Quiz ShowThomasian representatives Zedisto Vivo Jr., Reymond Serafica, Hans Brian Go, and John Maverick Bade (Team B) and Joshua Borromeo, John Paolo Tuazon, Anna Carmela de Castro, John and Ivan Trujillo (Team C) landed on second and third place, respectively, in SquEEEze's 19th Annual National Intercollegiate Electrical and Electronics Engineering Quiz Show and uP Diliman, Quezon City.

This 2-day contest started with the elimination round on January 29 and the semifinals and finals on January 30. SquEEEze also celebrated its 19th year by introducing its first Regional Interhigh Electrical and Electronics Engineering Quiz Show.

The contest is hosted by the Circuit UP, an organization from UP Electrical and Eiectronics Institute. The contest was joined by EE and ECE students and covers topics about ECE, EE and Computer Engineering. Since 1998, SquEEEze is the only annual intercollegiate Electrical and Electronics Engineering Quiz Show which has been UP Circuit's project. It also aims to unite EEE students from different universities and colleges in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition. Also in 1998, The University of Santo Tomas was crowned as the champion of this contest.

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Psychology students place 2nd in inter-school quiz bee

Psychology students Rency Mae Silvestre, Ma. Corazon Divina Ortiz, and Emman Rumbaoa of the College of Science SECOND placed in the 2016 Inter-School Quiz Contest, held during the 29 TH  Psychological Association of the Philippines Junior Affiliates Annual Convention last January 22, 2016, at the SMX Center in Pasay Convenion City.

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RCNAS hosts lecture on copepods by Karanovic

The UST RCNAS Zooplankton Ecology, Systematics and Limnology (ZESL) invited the expert Dr. copepods Tomislav Karanovic to deliver his lecture entitled "Studies of Copepods in Dispersal Strategies Invasions and Habitat: Global, Regional and Microscale" last January 26, 2016 at the Theater Teresita Quirino, Benavides Building.

After the lecture, the graduate and undergraduate students have had an opportunity to ask questions and to also share their research interests to Dr. Karanovic Roque and the Laboratory of the UST Graduate School.

Dr. Karanovic is an assistant professor at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, and he is also the editor about free-living Copepoda for the ISI journal, Zootaxa. The lecture, sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences - College of Science, the Graduate School and the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, mirrors the University's commitment to foster internationalization and research collaborations with leading researchers in various fields of research.

Engineering officials visit NTUST and CYCU in Taiwan to establish partnership

Upon the invitation of Prof. Bernard Jiang, PhD, Vice-President of the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) or “Taiwan Tech,” Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, assembled an Engineering delegation and went to Taipei, Taiwan from 20-22 January 2016.

Collaborations in various areas in engineering, including joint Graduate Programs, faculty and student exchanges, and research projects of mutual interest, were discussed by the UST Team and the NTUST Team. The two parties reached understanding, and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding will take place in UST on the last week of February this year.

Aside from Dean Marcelo, the UST delegation was composed of Assoc. Prof. Joycelyn P. Poblete (Chair, Electronics Engineering), Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, PhD (Coordinator, Engineering ReSEARCh Program; Lead, Engineering Graduate Cluster), Asst. Prof. Patrick Ellis Z. Go, PhD (Supervisor, Electrical Engineering Laboratory), and Asst. Prof. Michael Francis D. Benjamin, PhD (Coordinator, Engineering International Relations and Programs).

Prof. Jiang’s NTUST Team included the Dean of International Affairs, Prof. Yu-Chen Ou, PhD, with two of his Office’s top-ranked officials, Vice-Dean of the College of Engineering, Prof. Yee-Wen Yen, PhD, with the Chairs/Vice-Chairs of the four Departments in the College, and the Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Distinguished Prof. Bohr-Ran Huang, PhD, together with the Chairs/Vice-Chairs of the three Departments in the College. The UST Team also had the opportunity to tour the NTUST Wireless Communication and Electromagnetic Compatibility Research Center, which is one of its kind in Taiwan.  The Team was hosted by Distinguished Prof. Chang-Fa Yang, PhD, the renowned Director of the Center.

At NTUST, with Prof. Bernard Jiang, Ph. D., (center) – VP of NTUST, and Prof. Yu-Chen Ou, Ph. D. (2nd from right) – Dean of Office of International Affairs

At NTUST, with the Officials of the College of Engineering, led by Prof. Yee-Wen Yen, Ph. D. (5th from left) – Vice Dean of the College of Eng’g.

At NTUST, with the Officials of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (CEECS), led by Prof. Bohr-Ran Huang, Ph. D. (4th from right) – Dean of CEECS.

At NTUST, with Prof. Chang-Fa Yang, Ph. D. (3rd from right) – Director of Wireless Communication and Electromagnetic Compatibility Research Center

While in Taiwan, the UST Team also visited the Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) in Taoyuan City.  They were hosted by Prof. Danny Wen-Yaw Chung, Ph. D., Director of the Electronics and Information Technology Center, and his Research Team, and Assoc. Prof. Ta-Chin Wei, PhD, Associate Dean of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Education, and his CYCU International Team and his Research Team at the CYCU R&D Center for Membrane Technology.  The University has an existing Memorandum of Understanding with CYCU, and the UST Engineering Team rekindled the partnership by visiting Engr. Angelito Silverio, Ph. D. (candidate), who currently works with Prof. Chung for his doctoral dissertation.  Engr. Silverio is due to graduate next academic year. During the visit, the UST Team and the CYCU Team planned for the conduct of collaborative research works, a number of which will commence upon the return of Engr. Silverio to UST.

At CYCU, with Prof. Danny Wen-Yaw Chung, Ph. D. (5th from left) – Director, Electronics and Information Technology Center

At CYCU, with Ms. Yan Wu (2nd from right) – Project Manager, Office of International and Cross-Strait Education

UST and Curtin University launch joint MS in Chem. Eng’g. Program; Curtin professor gives inaugural lecture

The UST Department of Chemical Engineering, through the Graduate School (GS), launched the M.S. in Chemical Engineering with specialization in Metallurgical Engineering Program last 18 January 2016 at the USTGS Board Room. The dual degree Program is offered jointly with the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) of Curtin University on a “1+1” platform, i.e. the M.S. ChemE students study in UST on their first year and in the WASM for the M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering Program on their second year.

The two Institutions forged a partnership to offer this Master’s Program with the objective of promoting responsible and sustainable mining practice in the Philippines. It is aimed at producing experts in this area, not only for the Philippines but also for the Asia-Pacific Region, by sharing Australia’s well-established technology and practices in sustainable Mining through Instruction and mutually beneficial Research works and innovations. 

To mark the launch of the Program, Prof. Steve Hall, Ph. D., the outgoing Director of WASM and the incoming Executive Director of Mining Education Australia (MEA) gave the Inaugural Lecture. In his lecture, Prof. Hall emphasized the importance of sustainable mining and the various ways by which this can be achieved through “A globally connected Mining School for the 21st Century”.

Prof. Steve Hall, PhD delivering the inaugural lecture.

The UST and Curtin attendees pose for a souvenir photograph.

In attendance were the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Maribel G. Nonato, Ph. D., the Regent and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., and Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, Ph.D., who gave the Invocation and Welcome Remarks, respectively, and the Dean of the UST Graduate School, Prof. Marilu Madrunio, Ph. D., who gave the Closing Remarks. 

Also in attendance were Assoc. Prof. Don Ibana, Ph. D., former Chair of the WASM Department of Metallurgical and Minerals Engineering, and Dr. Richard A. Alorro, the current DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist, also from WASM. Also present were Mr. Mark Flores and Ms. Kina Santillan-Pascua, the Deputy Director and Senior Project Officer of the Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development Facility (PAHRODF), Ms. Nelia C. Halcon, the Executive Vice-President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines who was invited as member of the Advisory Committee for the Program, DOST-PCIEERD officers led by Engr. Katrina Batang-Landicho, and Assoc. Prof. Karen S. Santiago, Ph. D., Associate Director of the Office of International Relations and Programs.

The event was jointly organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, led by the Chair, Engr. Mark Emile H. Punzalan, and the Graduate School through Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, D. Eng., Lead, Engineering Cluster.  Graduates and undergraduate ChemE students, ChemE faculty members including the former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Alberto A. Laurito, as well as other officials in the Faculty of Engineering were also in attendance. It was hosted by Asst. Prof. Michael Francis D. Benjamin, Ph. D. and Engr. Ayesha Duavis of the Engineering International Relations and Programs.

De Veyra, Sabayton discuss use of political satire in raising awareness

Lourd de Veyra Jun Sabayton and share their ideas.

5 TV personalities Lourd Ernest De Veyra and Rodolfo "Jun" Sabayton discussed the role of satire in politics last February 26, 2016 (Tuesday) at the Sycip-Velayo Multi-Purpose Hall. Veyra and noted that Sabayton

satire is not just a tool to ridicule but it aims to raise awareness, especially to the young voters. The Political Science Forum headed the seminar entitled "Political Satire: Ironic Explanation of Philippine politics."

"Because 'the dineretso too, eh not biting. [So] should maybe have 'pautot' for a little laughter to those, at least, to issue a recall, "said De Veyra. "You do not have to solve, but at least, I love the fact that you are thinking about it is a big step."

Original report:  The Flame's Website

Event photos:  The Flame's Facebook page

Santo Tomas e-Service Providers complex blessed

On January 27, 2016 (Wednesday), the new office and data center of the Santo Tomas e-Service Providers (STePS) was blessed by the Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Winston F. Cabading, O.P. The new complex fuses the previously separate operations area and data center in a newly constructed site at the back of the Central Seminary.

 

The STePS, which began as the University Computer Center, takes charge of all the University’s computing needs, developing and maintaining the needed software for the efficient operations of UST.

 

#ThomasianResourceManagement #ICTinUST

De Guzman of Commerce presents paper in Oregon

Mr. Jommar de Guzman of the College of Commerce and Business Administration presented a paper entitled "Economy of Giving in Simbahayan Community Development Program" in a session of the 12th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability under the theme "Economics of Sustainability and development ". The conference was held at the Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA from 21-23 January 2016. It was organized by the On Sustainability Knowledge Community. Mr. de Guzman is a regular member of the Knowledge Community, which is brought together by a common concern for sustainability in a holistic perspective, where environmental, cultural, economic, and social concerns intersect. It provides a forum to meet others in the field, share ideas, and publish their works.

The research was funded by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Attendees of the conference include leaders in the field, as well as emerging scholars, who travel to the Conference from all corners of the globe, representing a broad range of disciplines and perspectives.

Tan Caktiong, ChE alum and Jollibee founder, honored by Pres. Aquino

Jollibee Foods Corporation founde Tony Tan Caktiong, a BS Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, was awarded the Gawad Mabini with the rank of Commander (Great Commandments) distinction by President Benigno S. Aquino III, in a simple ceremony last January 17 , 2016 (Sunday) at Malacanang Palace. The recognition was borne out of Tan Caktiong's contributions for being the Co-Chairman of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and Entrepreneurship Working Group.

# ThomasianExcellence  # ThomasianAlumni

First reported in:  http://www.interaksyon.com/business/122758/aquino-confers-gawad-mabini-on-tony-tan-caktiong-for-abac-apec-roles

First of three Philippiniana Sacra golden anniversary issues released

The January – April 2016 issue of the Philippiniana Sacra is already available. It is the first of three Golden Anniversary issues of the said research publication.

 

The first issue tackles the founding of the Order of Preachers as well as trailblazing Dominicans in the Philippines. It also features an article on Dominican iconography and an annotated bibliography of publications.

 

 

The Philippiniana Sacra is a Category A-2 journal, as recognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

 

#ThomasianPublications #OP800 #CatholicChurch

UST becomes first Philippine university to be a full member of EUHOFA International

Last January 13, 2016, the University of Santo Tomas became the first Philippine member of EUHOFA International, a non-profit association of hotel school directors and deans of hospitality colleges and universities who meet and work continuously to ensure the highest quality of education in their institutes.

 

This recognition comes on the heels of the twin declaration of the hotel and restaurant management and travel management (tourism)  programs of UST as Centers of Excellence by the Commission on Higher Education.

 

#ThomasiansLeadingTheWay

Leachon, MD 1985, appointed PhilHealth director

Anthony C. Leachon, MD, of Medicine Class 1985, has been appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III as a director of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) board, the Department of Health revealed last January 19, 2016 (Tuesday).

Dr. Leachon will serve as the representative of the Monetary Board. In UST, he is the immediate past president of the UST Medical Alumni Association, Inc.

First reported in Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/nation/119530-anthony-leachon-philhealth-director)

Jose of Archives speaks in symposium on Philippine heritage churches

Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, Archivist of the University of Santo Tomas, was the first speaker in the International Symposium entitled “Seismic Retrofit of Unreinforced Masonry Heritage Churches in the Philippines,” held from January 13-14, 2016, at the National Museum of the Philippines.

 

Jose, who helped work on the restoration of the collapsed heritage churches in Bohol during the aftermath of the 2013 earthquake, presented a “Brief Overview of Bohol and Philippine Church Architecture and Construction Technology: Typology of Churches, Towers, and Convents.”

 

#ThomasiansConservationists #ThomasiansForCulture #ThomasianArtists

Fr. de la Rosa appointed to Spem Miram Internationalis

Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P., Dean of the Faculty of Sacred Theology and Director of the Office for Grants, Endowments, and Partnerships in Higher Education, was appointed last January 13, 2016 (Wednesday) to the Spem Miram Internationalis, for a three-year term.

 

Spem Miram Internationalis continues the tradition of offering financial support for scholarships, programs, and projects rooted on the Dominican values: preaching, education, human development, and advocacy for human rights. The organization promotes solidarity for the Order of Preachers by supporting and advancing the charism entrusted to St. Dominic and his followers, who have been tasked to give themselves to “the proclamation of the Word of God, preaching the name of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world (Pope Innocent III).”

 

#ThomasiansLeadingTheWay

Maningas wins 2016 Newton Fund fellowship

Assoc. Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas, PhD, of the Biological Sciences department has been selected as one of the recipients of the 2016 Newton Fund for the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship program of the Royal Academy of Engineering in the United Kingdom.

The Royal Academy of Engineering will host a training course of technology commercialization starting in February 2016, and it will bring together the most successful and talented engineers to advance excellence in engineering and innovation both in the UK and globally.

#ThomasianExcellence #ThomasianResearchers

Naguit of Medicine elected president of student election management group

Raymond John Naguit, a junior from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, was elected as the inaugural President of the Philippine Association of School, College, and University Student Election Managers (PASCUSEM) last January 13, 2016, at the University of Santo Tomas.

 

First reported in The Varsitarian: http://varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20160115/med_junior_named_president_of_student_election_mgmt_group

 

Naguit, the vice-chairman of the UST Central Commission on Elections, is the executive director of the Aktiboto Voter Education Program.

 

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10 BS Computer Science seniors win at the Philippine Programming Challenge

A team of ten (10) senior BS Computer Science from the Institute of Information and Computing Sciences won first prize in the Philippine Programming Challenge 2015. The competition the software developer tool Proxor, developed by Gurango Software Corporation, the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communication Technology Office, and the Philippine Software Industry Association. The results were announced last January 16, 2016 (Saturday).

 

The team members were:

Manrick Capotolan

John Chester Martinez

Joshua Francis Roman
Rochelle Marie Ciriaco
Kyle Anthony Martin
Darlo Miguel Ilagan
Jann Skyler Teng
Frances Anne Barroga
Julian Allen Valondo

Gabriel Angelo Sandoval

 

Recognizing the work of the UST team, DOST-ICTO Deputy Executive Director Monchito Ibrahim had this to say: “…ang galing ng ginawa nung nanalo ung naging Number 1 ung University of Santo Tomas…medyo malayo sila dun sa ibang winners.” UST bested six (6) other teams from different schools.

 

The news was reported in the following blog: http://hoshilandia.com/2016/01/philippine-programming-challenge/

 

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