The

OBSERVERVolume 2, Issue 2, February 2013 The Official Publication of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Editorial Board

Inside This Issue

The PUP Observer is a collaborative output of the

Publications Of!ice and the

Communication Management Of!ice

COVER STORIES

3 38,338 Hopefuls Take PUPCET 2013

4 OVPSS Upholds Implementa!on of Ci!zens’ Charter

5 CMO-PUP Spearheads Waste Audit

6 “Rehabilita!on of physical facili!es of the University, on target”

— PPDO

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

7 PUP Bataan BSA Students Win the 21st Philippine Sta!s!cs Quiz

— Provincial Elimina!on

7 CS Studes Win 2nd in Qwizzardy Compe!!on

8 CAL Faculty Takes Home UP Award

8 PUPSMBC Stude Wins Flair Compe!!on

9 PUP Wins Big at YMCA Congress

9 PUP Psych Team Grabs 4th Place in PAPJA 2013

UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS

10 PUP Spearheads the Na!on’s Celebra!on of the Na!onal Arts

Month

11 CHED Backs PUP Center for Crea!ve Wri!ng’s Mul!media

Workshop

11 NASAC 12th Trisectoral Congress Held at PUP

12 PUP Partakes in PASUC-NCR 2013 Na!onal Higher Educa!on

Research Forum

12 PUP Hosts PAFTE-NCR Teacher Educa!on Research Forum

13 PUP Joins Country and the World in ONE BILLION RISING

Campaign

14 PUP A"ends AACCUP 26th Annual Na!onal Conference, Dr. Ruiz

Takes a Seat on the Board

NEWS BITS

15 CCIS-DCS Par!cipates in the 2013 ICICN Singapore

15 CoEd and TOP Sponsor K to 12 Seminar

16 College of Computer and Informa!on Sciences Celebrates 27th

Founding Year

16 IRR for Psychology Board Exams Released

17 Ins!tute of Tech Alumni Work for Science Exhibit

18 Seminar on Copyrigh!ng Works for Educa!on and Research Held

18 PUP Medical Services Marks Na!onal Cancer Awareness Month

19 ITech Educators Judge STEP’s Division Skills Development

Compe!!on

19 PUP Bataan Holds Research Seminar-Writeshop

20 PUP Bataan Organizes Journalism and Radio Broadcas!ng

Seminar-Workshop

21 PUP Maragandon Celebrates 26th Founding Anniversary in “Wider

Dimensions and Brigther Horizons”

21 PUP-Maragondon Receives Buildings from Remulla and Cayetano

FEATURE STORY

22 Melba D. Abaleta’s Half-Century Affinity with PUP

Angelina E. BoricanAnna Ruby P. Gapasin

Manuel M. MuhiCONSULTANTS

Ma. Junithesmer D. RosalesEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kriztine R. VirayASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rafael Michael O. PazMANAGING EDITOR

Dan Esponilla DalacPrestoline Suyat

WRITERS

Jose M. AbatFlordeliza E. AlvendiaEdna Tormon-Bernabe

Juan C. BirionRomeo G. Castro

Dennis O. DumriqueMark Flores

Marvin Rey G. GarciaAgnes Y. Gonzaga

Michael Angelo JugadoRudolf Anthony A. Lacerna

Edgardo A. LatozaAriane Marie A. Leyte

Rolando P. Quiñones, Jr.Melvin C. Roxas

Lenis Aislinn C. SeparaCONTRIBUTORS

Christine Joyce S. BautistaEnrique C. Delgado

Jesusana S. DejitoLAYOUT ARTISTS

Roy Mark B. GerezHector B. Calma

James Brian K. OnaPHOTOGRAPHERS

Israel D. BalignasayEllen Grace Fallarcuna

PRODUCTION STAFF

The

OBSERVERVolume 2, Issue 2, February 2013

3

Cover Story

Volume 2, Issue 2|

38,338 Hopefuls Take

PUPCET 2013 Juan C. Birion / Edgardo A. Latoza

A total of 38,338 high school

graduating student-hopefuls

took the Polytechnic University

of the Philippines College Entrance

Test (PUPCET) in PUP Main vying for

slots in the Academic Year 2013-2014.

The first batch of examinees hurdled

the PUPCET on January 27 while the

second batch took their exams on

February 17. The Admission Services

announced the holding of PUPCET

in PUP’s 21 campuses and branches

across Luzon starting March of this

year.

The examination schedules in

the PUP campuses and branches

together with the number of expected

applicants are as follows: March 3 –

PUP Taguig (3,000); March 24 - PUP

San Pedro (1,000); March 10 - PUP

Sto. Tomas (3,000); March 24 - PUP

Sta Maria (1,500) and PUP Mulanay

(700); March 17 - General Luna (300);

March 18 - PUP Unisan (500); March

23 - PUP Ragay (1,000); April 6 - PUP

Sta. Rosa (2,500) and PUP Bansud

(400); April 7 - PUP San Juan (500);

April 14 - PUP Quezon City (more than

2,000) and PUP Bataan (2,400); April

21 - PUP Lopez (1,800); April 28 - PUP

Sablayan (600) and PUP Maragondon

(2,000); May 11 - PUP Cabiao (400);

May 18 - PUP Pulilan (400); May 19 -

PUP Calauan (700) and Biñan (2,000);

and, May 26 - PUP Paranaque (500).

Passing the PUPCET is an integral

requirement to make it to PUP, hence,

examinees should obtain scores that

will meet the cut-off mark set for the

upcoming school year.

This year’s revised “iApply” system

was expected to encourage more

talented candidates all over the country

to take the PUPCET since they do

not have to show up physically, skip

classes, or spend too much money

to travel to the Main Campus. The

Office of the Vice President for Student

Services headed by Vice President

Juan C. Birion, through its Admission

Services coordination with Dr. Marlon

M. Lim, Director of the Information

and Communications Technology

Center, and the officials and staff of

the Guidance, Counseling and Testing

Services, was indeed successful,

based on the number of examinees who

enlisted themselves in the “iApply”.

The new system requires applicants

to simply upload their pictures as part

of the registration procedure; payments

are made through the Landbank of the

Philippines; five working days after,

electronic copies of their ePermit are

sent to their registered electronic

mail addresses. Master lists issued to

examiners include the pictures of the

applicants for verification. Examinees

simply bring with them their school

Identification Cards or any other valid ID

in case they are not currently enrolled

or have lost their high school IDs. To

standardize the system, Vice President

for Branches and Campuses Joseph

Mercado will also adopt the same

system of application of PUPCET in the

PUP branches and campuses.

While PUP provides quality

college education accessible to most

Filipinos, it also gives special attention

to elementary school graduates

entering the secondary level. The PUP

Laboratory High School conducted its

entrance examinations for applicants

who came from different schools on

February 10 with 1,220 applicants.

The PUPCET and PULHSEE

results will be released on March 15,

2013 in the PUP website. n

Cover Story

| The Observer4

OVPSS Upholds Implementation

of Citizens’ Charter

A workshop on the review of charters under various

units was facilitated by the Office of the Vice

President for Student Services on January 15, 2013.

The activity, led by Vice President for Student Services Dr.

Juan C. Birion, aimed at reviewing Republic Act No. 9485

“The Anti-Red Tape Act”. Rule IV of the Implementing Rules

and Regulations of the Act underscores the implementation

of a Citizens’ Charter (CC) to ensure the provision of the

best services to the stakeholders for their total development

in preparation for their activities and adjustments to the

University life.

The CC contains procedures in securing the services

needed, as well as the process in filing complaints when

necessary. The CC is now available in the PUP website.

Meanwhile, the topics discussed and persons-in-charge

in the workshop were: Accounting Services for Students

— Director Helen R. Alcantara; Food Services — Chief

Josephine N. Flores; Housing Services — Director Adriano

A. Salvador; International Student Services — Director Ma.

VP Birion with the OVPSS and its offices/units, and ancillary services officials and staff during the Workshop on Ci!zen’s Charter.

Teresa C. Villar; Medical and Dental Services — Dr. Helen

P. Almirante with Dr. Yanes, University Physician and Dr.

Jamandre, University Dentist; Multi-faith Services — Dr.

Flordeliza E. Alvendia; and, Safety and Security Services —

Chief Valentin T. Espina.

The Directors and Chiefs of the different offices made

their specific CC and presented it to the body. Their

presentation included their office’s description, name and

description of the services they render to the stakeholders,

fees, steps to follow and total processing time of services,

location of the office, and feedback mechanisms.

In his closing remarks, Assistant to the Vice President

for Student Services Dr. Edgardo A. Latoza synthesized

the outputs and emphasized the important role each office

will play in the realization of the goal of the University, in

particular, and the government, in general; that is, the

provision of quality services to the stakeholders in an

epistemic community. n

(JCB/EAL)

5

Cover Story

Volume 2, Issue 2|

Aware of the crusade for the protection of the

environment, around 500 student-volunteers from 12

colleges of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

collected almost a hundred large bags of garbage in the first-

ever Waste Audit launched by the task force led by the Office

of the Vice President for Administration, Communication

Management Office, National Service Training Program

Office, Sports Development Office, Campus Development

and Maintenance Office, Medical Services, General

Services Office, Safety and Security Services, and the non-

government group Eco-Waste Coalition.

The January 31 environmental activity at the Mabini

Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila focused on the collection and

segregation of assorted campus trash comprised mostly of

styro foam packs, disposable utensils, and plastic bags.

Erick John Evangelista from BSA I-36, a volunteer

assigned to round up the garbage around the school felt

the significance of what he did, “Kasi nakikita naman natin

talaga ‘na ‘yung mundo natin talagang endangered na. Itong

segregation pa lang, isang malaking tulong na ‘to para iligtas

‘yung Mother Earth natin sa kapahamakan… para maiwasan

na rin natin ‘yung mga floods.”

Francis Chiuco from BBRC IV-1D further commented

that there must be something each one of the PUPian’s can

do to in their own little ways to influence others to change.

He said, “I feel na this is a good start for us kasi by this, I feel

na maaring maapektuhan ang mga students kasi pwede sila

matutong magsegregate. Nakikita naman nila, kasi basura

din natin ‘to.”n

Dan Esponilla Dalac with Ariane Marie A. Leyte

CMO-PUP Spearheads Waste Audit

Cover Story

| The Observer6

“Rehabilitation of physical facilities

of the University, on target” — PPDO

Assistant to the Vice President for Administration

Larry M. Alfonso, together with the deans of different

colleges, led the ocular inspection of the newly-

renovated and refurbished classrooms on the 6th Floor of

the Main Building on January 24. The ocular inspection was

part of the Office of the Vice President for Administration’s

plan to solicit observations, comments, and suggestions on

how to renovate and improve the physical facilities of the

University.

It can be remembered that University President

Emanuel C. De Guzman announced last December, during

the flag raising ceremony that classroom rehabilitation and

renovation of other physical facilities of the University will

finally push through.

Meanwhile, Architect Sherwin Nieva of the Physical

Planning and Development Office (PPDO) announced that

the rehabilitation of physical facilities in the University is right

on target.

According to Architect Nieva, about 40 to 45% of

classroom rehabilitation in the Main Building is complete.

Aside from the classrooms, they also included the

improvement and refurbishment of faculty rooms and small

libraries, as well as the repair and maintenance of comfort

rooms.

On the other hand, the rehabilitation of the Andres

Bonifacio Hall, Alex Marteja Hall (above the Sampaguita

Canteen), and comfort rooms between the Sampaguita

Canteen and Charlie Del Rosario Building as of December 28

is 39.12% complete. More so, about 40% of the rehabilitation

and repair of the track oval, swimming pool, tennis court, and

fountain was recorded by the PPDO since January 2013.

The University is targeting a rubberized, tartan-made track

oval before the year ends.

PUP Lopez, Quezon’s Gymnasium is also about 55 to

60% repaired and rehabilitated.

Architect Nieva disclosed that the target date for the

completion of the renovation of the PUP Lopez Gymnasium

is on February 25. The Main Building is scheduled to be

finished by June 25 or after the opening of classes in the

First Semester of the School Year 2013-2014. Students and

other members of the academic community should expect

a renovated Alex Marteja Hall and comfort rooms near the

Sampaguita Canteen this March 27. n

(Prestoline S. Suyat)

Newly renovated and repainted classrooms,

comfort rooms, and hallways.

7

Academic Achievements

Volume 2, Issue 2|

CS Studes Win 2nd in Qwizzardy Competition

Romeo G. Castro

Jocel Bartolay, Vince St. Mesias, and Mark Joseph

Batas from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-

College of Science went home victorious as they dominate

the Qwizzardy Competition held at the University of the

Philippines-Manila on January 30. This year’s competition

has the theme “Beauty and Mathness”. It was participated

by several schools including the University of Santo Tomas,

University of the East, Pamantasan ng Lungson ng Maynila,

among others. The competition aimed to develop and harness

students’ abilities in the fields of mathematics, science, and

general information.

”Fortunately after facing those tough and tricky questions

from [the] different fields, we are very proud to say that we

made it to the top,” the PUP team quipped. “…Two teams,

UST and PUP got the same score in the final round of the

competition. A clincher which involved a set of five questions

from different categories with random difficulties was needed.

The team who had the best score out of the five questions

was announced as the winner,” the PUP team added.

The Qwizzardy 2013 ended with UST as the Champion,

PUP in 2nd Place, and UE in 3rd Place. n

In this photo: (from le%) Mr. Catalig M.Sc., the chairman of Qwizzardy

with Vince St. Mesias, Jocel Bartolay, Mark Joseph Batas

and a Facilitator from UP Manila.

PUP Bataan BSA Students Win 21st Philippine Statistics Quiz

— Provincial Elimination

Lenis Aislinn C. Separa

Kerry Christian Aglinao, a first year Bachelor

of Science in Accountancy (BSA) student of the

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bataan

Branch grabbed the top rank among six winners of the

21st Philippine Statistics Quiz—Provincial Elimination

sponsored by the National Statistics Office and the

Philippine Statistical Association, Inc. Together with

five other winners are also two freshman BSA students

of PUP Bataan — Angela Arrieta and Trixia Anne. The

other three students who made it to the elimination

are from Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU),

STI, and Maritime Academy of the Asia and the Pacific

(MAAP).

The contest was conducted at the BPSU Main

Campus in Balanga, Bataan on November 14, 2012

The winners received a medal, a certificate, and a cash

prize of P1,000 each. The PUP representatives were

trained and coached by Prof. Ligaya S. Vinteres. n

Academic Achievements

| The Observer8

CAL Faculty Takes Home UP Award

Newly-established College of Arts and Letters,

Polytechnic University of the Philippines, takes pride in an

award conferred to one of its youngest faculty members in

the Kagawaran ng Filipinolohiya, Mr. Romeo P. Peña. The

Outstanding Student for Exemplary Achievements in National

and International Competitions under the “Parangal sa Mag-

aaral Category” was awarded to Peña on February 19 in the

Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, University of the Philippines-

Diliman where he is currently finishing his Master of Arts in

Creative Writing.

Peña has received various national and international

awards including the Filipino Migration to Hawaii Centennial

Literary Prize in 2006, UNESCO and Goi Peace Foundation of

Tokyo, Japan International Writing Contest for Young People

in 2007, Gawad Komisyon sa Sanaysay ng Komisyon sa

Wikang Filipino 2010 and 2012, and the National Bookstore

Writing Contest in 2006. He has published fiction, poetry,

and different articles in the FATAQ-Tanglaw Journal based in

Australia, and in many other literary folios and magazines. He

is currently the President of the Philippine Society of Young

Educators of Languages and the Arts (PSYELA), Inc.n

(Rafael Michael O. Paz)

PUPSMBC Stude Wins Flair Competition

Joe Mari “Jom” Castillo, a senior Bachelor of Science

in Hotel and Restaurant Management student of the

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Maria,

Bulacan Campus was awarded Champion in the 4th Manila

Flair Open 2012. The competition was held at the World

Trade Center, Manila on December 21, 2012.

The Manila Flair is a bartending competition joined by

bartending professionals and enthusiasts. Each contestant

was given only seven minutes to showcase their flairing

and cocktails mixing skills in the competition.

Castillo won over 21 participants from various schools, hotels, and restaurants that joined the “battle of the bottles,”

He received Php10,000.00 cash prize and a trophy. Castillo was also declared Champion at the UFC (Utimate Flair

Champion) held at the SMX Convention Center in May 2012. Before he graduates this year, Castillo is eyeing to win

the GSM Flair Idol, a nationwide competition to be held sometime in February 2013. PUPSMBC Director Lualhati Dela

Cruz expressed her confidence that Castillo will win again. n

(Jose M. Abat)

Cas!llo proudly receives his plaque and championship trophy

9

Academic Achievements

Volume 2, Issue 2|

PUP Psych Team Grabs 4th Place in PAPJA 2013

A team of students from the College of Social

Sciences and Development, Department of Psychology

placed 4th in the Psychology Quiz Challenge in the 26th

Annual Convention of the Psychological Association

of the Philippines Junior Affiliates (PAPJA) held at the

SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia on January

18. This year’s theme revolved on “Building Hope

and Resilience”. The event aimed to showcase the

intellectual abilities of psychology students as well as to

empower them to triumph the obstacles in their chosen

field of study.

Mary Anne Portuguez, Ariel Ramirez, Jiezel Umali,

and Jan Erron Celebrado with their coach, Dr. Flordeliza

E. Alvendia, faced 143 universities and colleges all

over the country. University of Santo Tomas got the 1st

place, Far Eastern University on 2nd, and University of

the Philippines-Tacloban Campus on 3rd place. Other

universities that participated include St Louis University-

Baguio, Holy Angels University-Angeles, Pampanga,

Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Main Campus,

and Centro Escolar University-Mendiola. PUP is the

only State University in the National Capital Region that

made it to the top ten. n

Flordeliza E. Alvendia

PUP Wins Big at YMCA Congress Mark Flores

The PUP College-Y Club won big at the 37th Young

Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) National Congress of

College Students and 17th YMCA National Campus Advisers

Seminar-Workshop. The event themed “Kabataan: Pinoy Ka

Ba?” was held at the Senior Mess, Teacher’s Camp, Baguio

City, from December 5 to 9, 2012. It was attended by 230

participants from different colleges and universities around

the country, with 14 delegates coming from the Polytechnic

University of the Philippines.

The PUP delegation was composed of ten students:

Ralph Christopher Soneja, Jefferson Mendez, Jayson

Jimenez, Paula Camille Escamis, Juhairin Laguindab, Mark

Jason Flores, Nicolas Guillano Calpito, Jeric Palada, Zer

Jeuz Sim, Ma. Nieva Fatima Domingo, and Angeline Atol as

well as advisers Dr. Armando A. Torres, Mr. Robertito Roque,

Ms. Ann Clarisse C. Marzan, and Ms. Jonna Karla Bien.

During the event’s awarding ceremonies, Escamis, 3rd

year Bachelor in Broadcast Communication student, was

prized with the Outstanding Delegate Award. Meanwhile,

Jimenez, 4th year AB Philosophy student, won 1st prize in the

extemporaneous speaking contest. He was also recognized

for his definitive role as the Speaker of the House at the

Congress Plenary Session.

The PUP delegation was thus awarded the Outstanding

Delegation Award for their robust participation in the

Congress. n

University Highlights

| The Observer10

Rolando P. Quiñones, Jr. with Rafael Michael O. Paz

The largest state university in

the country, Polytechnic University

of the Philippines, launched the

local celebration of the National Arts

Month through music and cultural

presentations at the PUP Freedom

Park. The February 1 opening event

started with a parade of students and

faculty members from the College of

Arts and Letters (CAL), College of

Social Sciences and Development

(CSSD), Graduate School (GS), and

representatives from the University

Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA)

crooned by the well-acclaimed PUP

Banda Kawayan. This year’s theme

“Celebrating Icons” aims to showcase

the Filipino identity that can be traced

through songs, dances, and other

cultural activities.

With a program held at the Freedom

Plaza, newly-installed Dean of CAL,

Dr. Josefina U. Parentela, inspired

the audience through her message,

“February may be the shortest month

of the year but expect it to be brimming

with wonderful happenings through the

Philippine Arts festival.”

Executive Vice President

Dr. Victoria C. Naval, CSSD

Dean Dr. Nenita F. Buan, GS

Dean Dr. Danilo T. Reyes, and

UCCA Director Dr. Segundo

C. Dizon graced the event.

The Opening Program was

organized in cooperation with

the Office of the Vice President

for Academic Affairs and the

Office of the Vice President

for Student Services. Cultural

presentations from various

PUP student organizations

like Tulos Baybay, Dulaang

SuhayFil, PUP Yoga Club,

Bagong Himig Serenata,

Maharlika Dance Artists, and

Contemporary Dimensions

were rendered.

This year’s celebration

highlights the much-awaited

NCR 7th Tanghal: National

Universities and Colleges

Theater Festival and

Conference in which theater

groups from different Universities in

the National Capital Region performed

PUP Spearheads the Nation’s Celebration

of the National Arts Month

their most applauded performances in

PUP. n

11

University Highlights

Volume 2, Issue 2 |

CHED Backs PUP Center for Creative Writing’s

Multimedia Workshop

The first-ever creative writing and

multimedia workshop conducted by

the newly established Polytechnic

University of the Philippines Center

for Creative Writing has obtained

endorsement from the Commission

on Higher Education according to the

young head of the center.

CCW Chief Prof. Merdeka C.

Morales said that CHED Chairperson

Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan issued a

Memorandum on January 29 enjoining

support for the workshop held every

Monday afternoon at the Charlie del

Rosario Hall in PUP.

The activity intends “to give voice to

those who are located in the margins”

whom some theoreticians have

branded as “incapable of speaking for

themselves,” Prof. Morales quoted Dr.

Licuanan.

Dr. Licuanan enjoined all heads

of public and private higher education

institutions to let their officials,

employees, and students participate in

the workshop facilitated by acclaimed

writer and artist Prof. Pedro Jun Cruz-

Reyes, Jr.

Prof. Cruz-Reyes assists the CCW

in his capacity as Consultant on Cultural

Affairs to PUP President Dr. Emanuel

C. De Guzman.

Meanwhile, interested individuals

who wish to join the second batch of

the CCW workshop which will start

in June and end in October may now

submit their application.

Prof. Morales disclosed that the

CCW is pleased with the support shown

by Dr. De Guzman. He noted that the

country’s largest state university –

home for a long time to literary giants

Rogelio L. Ordoñez, Ave Perez Jacob,

Bayani S. Abadilla, Rustica C. Carpio,

Dominador B. Mirasol, Cesario Y.

Torres, Gandhi G. Cardenas, Alfredo

O. Cuenca, Jr., Edel E. Garcellano,

Domingo C. De Guzman, and Cruz-

Reyes, to name a few – is fortunate

that the new administration’s quest

to transform PUP into an epistemic

community also promotes the

development of progressive literature

and creative arts. n

(DAN ESPONILLA DALAC)

NASAC 12th Trisectoral Congress Held at PUPAround three hundred civil,

religious, and private sector leaders

attended the National Social Action

Council (NASAC) 12th Trisectoral

Congress held on February 8 at the

country’s largest state university.

NASAC leaders who represented

over a hundred government

institutions and non-government

organizations convened at the Manila

Room of the PUP Hasmin Hostel

under the theme “NASAC and the

Challenges of the Times.”

An umbrella formation established

in 1969, NASAC is a consultative

body which promotes the “social,

economic and spiritual development”

of Filipinos through trisectoralism and

voluntarism.

Ecumenical figures like Sr. Eva

Fidela Maamo (Roman Catholic Church),

Bishop Pedro T. Maglaya, Jr. (United

Church of Christ in the Philippines),

and Patriarch John Florentine L.

Teruel (Apostolic Catholic Church)

were among the NASAC officials who

mingled with Director General Jose Mari

M. Oquiñena (Philippine Information

Agency), Undersecretary Rommel L.

Garcia (Dangerous Drugs Board), Dir.

Antonio C. Cintura (Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas), Chairman Leon G. Flores

(National Youth Commission), Gov.

Corazon Alma G. De Leon (Philippine

National Red Cross), Director Ma. Luisa

Agamata (Civil Service Commission),

Rep. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos

(Congress of the Philippines), amongst

other civil personalities.

Polytechnic University of the

Philippines President Dr. Emanuel C.

De Guzman, who was represented

by Executive Vice President Dr.

Victoria C. Naval, mentioned in his

message that NASAC’s composition

“augurs well of the peaceable

spirit, goodwill, and tolerance that

lead to revolutionary change”. Dr.

De Guzman also promised that

NASAC can always rely on the

PUP community to effect the social

transformation needed by the Filipino

people.

PUP Communication Management

Office Director Dr. Anna Ruby P.

Gapasin and PUP Student Services

Director Dr. Armando Torres served

as masters of ceremonies in the day-

long event which also featured the

PUP Banda Kawayan, PUP Bagong

Himig Serenata, and the PUP ROTC

Model Cadets. n (ded)

University Highlights

| The Observer12

PUP Hosts PAFTE-NCR Teacher Education Research ForumMichael Angelo Jugado

PUP Partakes in PASUC-NCR 2013

National Higher Education Research Forum Angelina E. Borican

The Philippine Association of State

Universities and Colleges-National

Capital Region (PASUC-NCR), with

its seven-member SUCs, jointly held a

research forum last February 13 and 14

at the Philippine Normal University. The

forum covered research undertakings

in teacher education/basic education,

engineering and technology, science

and mathematics, and social sciences,

business and policy research.

The Polytechnic University of the

Philippines, through the Office of the

Vice President for Research, Extension,

Planning and Development (OVPREPD),

actively participated in the said forum

and chaired several working committees:

review and screening of papers for Area

4 (social sciences, business and policy

research); documentation, and poster

exhibit. The University also took charge in

facilitating the parallel sessions in Area 4.

There were a total of 11 paper

presentations by faculty members from the

different colleges, research centers, and

campuses in PUP while 14 abstracts were

included for poster presentations.

Among the paper and poster presenters

in the two-day forum were:

1. Prof. Jacky Boy E. Atienza

2. Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte

3. Dr. Angelina E. Borican

4. Prof. Oscar M. Bumanglang

5. Prof. Liwayway Memije-Cruz

6. Prof. Zandro Estella

7. Dr. Marissa B. Ferrer

8. Prof. Rolan J. Malvar

9. Dr. Divina T. Pasumbal

10. Prof. Virgilio A. Rivas

11. Prof. Hilda Felipe-San Gabriel

12. Prof. Gecille C. Almiranez

13. Dr. Lourdes Alvarez

14. Prof. Jeffrey Bartilet

15. Dr. Edna T. Bernabe

16. Prof. Marc de Guzman Garvida

17. Dr. Rovelina B. Jacolbia

18. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal

19. Prof. Cherry C. Pebre

20. Prof. Aurea Rosal

21. Dr. Ma. Junithesmer D. Rosales

22. Prof. John Patrick Sta. Maria

The two-day event successfully

gathered researchers from other regions

in the country. PASUC-NCR intends to

hold this activity on a regular basis as

part of its commitment to promote and

support faculty research undertakings. n

More than 1,000 students from different

colleges and universities in the region

attended the Philippine Association for

Teacher Education-National Capital Region

(PAFTE-NCR) Teacher Education Research

Forum held at the Bulwagang Balagtas,

Polytechnic University of the Philippines on

February 14.

Themed “The Architecture of

Assessing Learning Under the K to 12

Curriculum”, the seminar was hosted by

PUP through the Department of Elementary

and Secondary Education (DESED)

Chairperson Dr. Ma. Junithesmer D.

Rosales who is also a board member of the

PAFTE-NCR Chapter.

The schools that joined in the said

seminar include: PUP-Manila, PUP-

Laboratory High School, PUP Taguig, PUP

Bataan, PUP Camarines Sur, Our Lady

of Fatima University, Rizal Technological

University, National Teachers College,

Centro Escolar University, National College

for Business and Arts, Manuel L. Quezon

University, Universal College of Parañaque,

St. Mary’s College, Taguig City University,

San Beda Alabang, San Beda Manila,

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, Pasig

Catholic College, Olivarez College, Chiang

Kai Shek College, Philippine Christian

University, National University, and Global

Innovative College.

“Actually, we had a meeting last

January 8, and I was given the task to take

care of the venue. The choice of holding the

event in PUP was unanimous among the

PAFTE-NCER officers,” said Dr. Rosales.

Dr. Helen C. Parcon, PAFTE-NCR

Press Relations Officer delivered the

opening remarks while PUP Executive Vice

President Dr. Victoria C. Naval represented

the hardworking PUP President Dr.

Emmanuel C. De Guzman in delivering an

inspiring message.

The keynote speech was delivered

by Dr. Edgardo Dela Cruz of the Arellano

University as he discussed important and

varied ways of assessing learning in the

current Philippine educational paradigm

shift — K to 12.

Afterwards, the Students’ Research

Presentation followed. Student-researchers

from Olivarez College and Arellano

University presented research studies

about assessing students’ learning.

“Well, it was a successful event.

Everything was well executed by the

working committee,” added Dr. Rosales.

The DESED Glee Club serenaded the

jam packed crowd by rendering songs like

“The Warrior is the Child” and “Maghihintay

Sa’yo” since the event fell on Valentine’s

Day.

Dr. Reynaldo Cruz, PAFTE-NCR Board

Member ended the monumental event with

a closing remarks.

“This was indeed a rare opportunity. It

could not have been done without the help

of the faculty and students. Also, when you

are given a task, you have to deliver,” Dr.

Rosales said. n

13Volume 2, Issue 2 |

Prestoline S. Suyat

PUP Joins Country

CampaignThe Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the

largest state university in the country today joined the

nation and the world in launching One Billion Rising

(OBR), a global campaign to end all forms of violence

against women.

Through a flash mob dance and other cultural

presentations, PUP faculty members, administrative

employees, and students showcased their talents in

dancing, aikido, and other presentations that linked

with women and men worldwide saying “Enough! The

violence ends now.”

According to the organizers of OBR, one in three

women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her

lifetime. That’s one billion mothers, daughters, sisters,

partners, and friends violated.

In the Philippines, the highlight of this crusade

was the synchronous dancing of women on February

14 in factories, farms, schools, communities, and

many other places, to a unique Filipino rhythm and

choreography. Thousands of women, men and

children who are one with the struggle to uphold and

respect women’s rights, especially women from the

marginalized classes of the Philippine society, joined

the event.

Famous international personalities have

expressed their support to OBR like Anne Hathaway,

Jessica Alba, Sally Field, and Yoko Ono.

In the Philippines, some of famous Filipinos

who gave their commitment to the campaign were

Monique Wilson, Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis, Jennylyn

Mercado, Angel Aquino, Bibeth Orteza, National Artist

Bienvenido Lumbera, senatorial candidate Teddy

Casiño, Boy Abunda, movie director Carlito Siguion-

Reyna, and music artist Chicoy Pura. n

and the World in ONE BILLION RISING

University Highlights

| The Observer14

PUP Attends AACCUP 26th Annual National Conference,

Dr. Ruiz Takes a Seat on the Board Edna Tormon-Bernabe

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has

recently participated in the 26th Annual Conference of the

Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities

in the Philippines (AACCUP) held at Punta Villa Resort Hotel

in Arevalo, Iloilo City from January 28 to 31, 2013.

The PUP participants who attended the said event were

Quality Assurance Director Adela Jamorabo Ruiz, College

of Science Dean Dr. Theresita Atienza, College of Education

Dean Dr. Milagrina Gomez, College of Communication Dean

Dr. Edna T. Bernabe, College of Tourism, Hospitality and

Restaurant Management Dean Prof. Shiela Ganchero and

College of Engineering Dean Engr. Guillermo T. Bernabe.

The AACCUP Conference, with the theme “Realigning

Accreditation of SUCs to CHED Typology and Outcomes-

Based Quality Assurance” has the objectives to make all

the SUC members aware and appreciate the framework

on typology and outcomes-based quality assurance as

new policy and standard guideline set by the Commission

on Higher Education through CMO No. 46 s. 2012. The

conference was also conducted to obtain inputs for a

standard accreditation instrument that is responsive to the

requirements of the TOBQA, and to hold the election for the

new members of the AACCUP Board of Trustees for the

period 2013-2015.

PUP Director for Quality Assurance Dr. Adela Jamorabo-

Ruiz was nominated and elected as member of the AACCUP

Board of Trustees as lone representative from the National

Capital Region. The new Board elected their officers later

on February 13 with Dr. Luis M. Sorolla Jr. from Western

Visayas College of Science and Technology as President;

Dr. Evelyn C. Cruzada from Leyte Normal University, Vice

President; Dr. Rosana Grace B. Belo of Western Visayas

State University, Secretary; Dr. Mario S. Suba of Central

Luzon State University, Treasurer; Dr. Eduardo L. Bagtang

of Kalinga Apayao State College, Auditor. Members of the

Board of Trustees are Dr. Adela Jamorabo Ruiz of Polytechnic

University of the Philippines, Dr. Jeter S. Sespeñe of Palawan

State University, Engr. Ernesto A. Dela Cruz, Nueva Ecija

College of Science and Technology, Dr. Samson L. Molao of

Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, Dr.

Consorcio S. NamocoJr of Mindanao University of Science

and Technology and Dr. Nenita I. Prado of Central Mindanao

State University.

The conference which was attended by more than 600

participants composed of Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans,

Directors and Chairs of State Universities in the Philippines,

is hoped to bring about significant developments in the

academic performance of State Colleges and Universities.

Former Philippine Association of State Universities and

Colleges (PASUC) President Dr. Ricardo Rotoras in his

speech during the 2nd Day Plenary Session revealed that

progressive development through Quality Assurance is

expected to happen through the partnership of CHED and

the PASUC, and this somehow will affect the accreditation

performance of the state universities and colleges in the

county.

PUP, on its part, is committed to improve academic

excellence by submitting to the AACCUP its programs

this year, starting off with those gearing towards achieving

the level 4 status - The Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast

Communication, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of

Arts in English, and Batsilyer ng Filipinohiya. n

15

News Bits

Volume 2, Issue 2 |

CCIS-DCS Participates in the 2013 ICICN Singapore

Two Bachelor of Science

in Computer Science Senior

students, Marvin Rey G.

Garcia and Hannah Roselle

B. Chan, together with their

advisers Prof. Benilda Eleonor

V. Comendador and Dr. Grant

G. Cornell, were invited to the

2013 International Conference

on Information and Computer

Networks (ICICN) to publish

and present their paper titled

“Smart Home Electricity

Management System Using

Cloud Computing”. It was held

at Quality Hotel, Singapore on

January 19 and 20 and was

organized by the International

Association of Computer

Science and Information

Technology (IACSIT).

The goal of the said

conference was for scientists,

scholars, engineers, and university students all around the world to present

ongoing research activities and foster linkages. It also provided opportunities

for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences face

to face, establish business or research relations, and find global partners for

future collaboration.

The paper presented by Garcia and Chan was published in the Journal

of Advances in Computer Networks (ISSN: 1793-8244 www.jacn.net), Vol. 1

No.1 January 2013 indexed by Engineering and Technology Library, EBSCO,

Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory, International Computer Science Digital Library

(ICSDL), Google Scholar, and Crossref.

The authors were privileged to meet other delegates from different

countries such as Norway, South Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Kuwait,

Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, California, Australia and

Malaysia. Companies such as Kuwait Oil Company and General Electric

also participated in the event. n

(Melvin C. Roxas and Marvin Rey G. Garcia)

CoEd and TOP Sponsor

K to 12 Seminar

Dennis O. Dumrique, CO-CoEd

The Polytechnic University of

the Philippines-College of Education

(CoEd) in partnership with the Teachers’

Organization of the Philippines (TOP)

spearheaded a one-day seminar on K

to 12 last February 12 at the Balagtas

Hall, Ninoy Aquino Learning and

Library Resources Center, PUP Main

Campus. The activity focused on the

theme “Retooling Teachers for K to 12

Implementation” which aimed to discuss

the big picture of K to 12 Curriculum

and update educators in the teaching

strategies and instructions that would

complement the new curriculum.

The CoED Dean and TOP-PUP

Chapter President Dr. Milagrina A.

Gomez formally opened the program

followed by the keynote address of

TOP Vice President for Luzon, PUP

Executive Vice President Dr. Victoria

C. Naval. Dr. Naval tackled the features

and updates of the K to 12 Curriculum.

Other highlights of the program

include the talks given by two equally

moving speakers, Dr. Carolina P.

Danao, TOP President, who delivered

a talk on the “Differentiated Instruction

to Complement the K to 12 Curriculum”,

and Chairperson of the Mathematics

Department of the Philippine Normal

University, Dr. Gladys C. Nivera,

who delivered a discourse on the

“Creative Teaching of Mathematics to

Complement K to 12.” At the end of the

program, Prof. Minna L. Comuyog gave

the synthesis of the day’s activities. n

News Bits

| The Observer16

College of Computer and Information

Sciences Celebrates 27th Founding Year

The College of Computer and

Information Sciences (CCIS), formerly

College of Computer Management

and Information Technology (CCMIT),

celebrated its 27th College Week from

February 11 to 15.

Various activities were attended

by its administrators Dean Rosita

E. Canlas, Chairpersons Aleta C.

Fabregas and Michael B. Dela Fuente,

faculty members, and students,

which commenced in a parade on the

University grounds on the first day of

the celebration. It was followed by the

3rd CCIS-Department of Computer

Science Research Symposium at

Bulwagang Balagtas which showcased

the best research projects of the Fourth

Year BS Computer Science Students on

subjects such as Artificial Intelligence,

Neural Networks, Natural Language

Processing, Networking, Hardware

Technologies, and E-learning systems.

The students also participated

by organizing several activities to the

enjoyment of the entire community.

Among these activities were Jail

Booth, DOTA and Counterstrike

Tournament, Jam Booth, Kinect 2013,

Scrabble Competition supported by the

National Association for Scrabble in

the Philippines, and the CCIS Amazing

Race 2013.

The freshman students of CCIS

also showcased their talents in the

CWTS Cultural Presentation. All 11

sections performed various cultural

dances, songs, and practices of Luzon,

Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, The CCIS Student

Council organized the Sports Festival

on basketball and volleyball that was

participated by several teams from

the BSIT and BSCS programs. The

Council also organized the Battle of the

Bands, and the Mr. and Ms. CCIS which

highlighted the skills and talents of the

students. The Talent’s Night was held

on February 15 while the Coronation

Night of the Mr. and Ms. CCIS will

culminate the Founding Anniversary on

March 1. n

IRR for Psychology Board Exams Released

Certified counseling psychologist

Prof. Rodrigo Lopiga of the PUP-College

of Social Sciences and Development

attended the Psychology Board

Examinations Implementing Rules

and Regulations (IRR) first briefing

at the University of the Philippines on

January 29. The Psychology Bill’s IRR,

that was passed as a law in 2009 and

was released on January 8.

The briefing consisted of the

planning for the first board examinations

for psychometricians and psychologists

that will is tentative slated sometime in

October or November of 2013.

The IRR briefing was facilitated by

Dr. Miriam Cue, Chairman of the PRBP,

and Dr. Grace Dalisay, Chairman of the

Department of Psychology of UP.

Meanwhile, Prof. Lopiga also

attended a workshop on “Mindfulness-

Based Psychotheraphy” last February

2. The workshop was facilitated by

Lauren Jerrat, an Australian Licensed

Psychotherapist. n

17

News Bits

Volume 2, Issue 2 |

Institute of Tech Alumni Work for Science Exhibit Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna

From a total of 682 pioneer

graduates of the Institute of Technology

(formerly College of Technology),

nine Computer Engineering

Management Technology (CEMT)

plus one Information Communication

Management Technology (ICMT)

graduates created computer programs,

graphics, multimedia, and interactive

educational materials for the Nido

Fortified Science Discovery Center in

the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The alumni include Erwin M.

Bo, Joshua I. Calabia, Mel Morris A.

Cerbito, Fleener Lemon A. dela Cruz,

Mark Anthony S. Jaray, Maureen Ann

R. Martin, Rjay C. Nobesteros, Isidro

Julius A. Leonor III, Joshua M. Sanchez,

and Jimbo R. Suarez.

Major works of the group of

Institute of Technology alumni include

Augmented Reality, a real-world

environment in which graphics are

augmented by computer-generated

sensory input; Periodic Table of

Elements in touch screen where

information about a selected element

will flash in the projected area; and,

Body X-Ray, an interactive screen that

follows the movements of humans

that it detects to project the skeletal

and muscular systems. Other related

interactive materials about Science in

Basic Education made by the alumni

are also worthy of highlighting.

Approximately 50,000 pre-

elementary, elementary and secondary

student-excursionists from different

schools in Luzon visited the science

exhibit since it was launched in

September 2012.

The Institute of Technology alumni

are connected with the Multimedia

Interactive Technology Experts (MITE)

Asia Enterprise, the contractor of SM

Mall of Asia for the project of Nido

Fortified Science Discovery Center,

which provides different interactive

and multimedia services. The success

of these alumni is one indication that

the Institute of Technology achieved

its vision of providing globally-skilled

workforce in a technology-driven

culture. n

News Bits

| The Observer18

Copyrighting Seminar for Education and Research Held

PUP Medical Services Marks National Cancer Awareness Month

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Medical

Services Section observed the National Cancer Awareness

Month 2013 in January with lectures, consultations, breast

,and digital rectal examination.

According to Dr. Felicitas Bermudez, a total of 95 female

students, faculty members, and employees availed of the

free breast examination while five males benefited from the

free digital rectal examination conducted last January 21-

31.

The January 22 lecture on “Gross Breast Examination

with Actual Demonstration” by Dr. Ma. Liza T. Yanes at the

PUP Institute of Technology and Dr. Cara Narra’s lecture on

“Tete-A-Tete on Tits & Tits” at the PUP College of Engineering

on January 24 drew a total of 303 participants. n

(DAN ESPONILLA DALAC)

The Office of the Vice President for Research,

Extension, Planning and Development (OVPREPD) through

the Intellectual Property and Commercialization Office

sponsored a seminar on “Copyrighting Works for Education

and Research” last January 23 at the Accenture Audio-

Visual Room.

The seminar, which was held in cooperation with the

Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) and the

Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), discussed

mainly how to copyright works and what practicability

copyrighted works bring to the University.

Mr. Leonardo P. Bernabe, Jr., Division Chief of the

Research and Publications Office of the National Library

of the Philippines was the invited resource speaker of the

seminar. Coincidentally, Bernabe was a fresh graduate of

PUP Open University last December 2012 where he finished

his Master’s in Public Administration.

Bernabe admitted in his talk that their work in the National

Library is by nature ministerial, but he stressed that they can

assist in ironing out problems and controversies regarding

copyright.

He also encouraged everyone to practice copyrighting

their works to protect the products of their hard-earned

writings and researches.

During the Open Forum, Dr. Racidon Bernarte, Director

of the Research Management Office, explained that theses

and dissertations must also be copyrighted to protect their

authors. He also opined that theses are basically owned by

the students, though faculty members serve as their advisers.

When pressed about the issue of co-ownership between

the students and faculty member who serves as adviser,

Bernarte pointed out that there must be an agreement

between the two parties.

Bernarte also added that instructional materials, including

PowerPoint presentations could also be copyrighted. He,

however, stressed to acknowledge the original authors as

sources used in these kinds of presentations just like any

other kind of research material.

Prof. Elmer G. De Jose, Chief of the Intellectual Property

and Commercialization Office delivered the Closing Remarks

of the seminar. n

(Prestoline S. Suyat)

Dr. Ma. Liza T. Yanes talking about “Gross Breast Examina!on”

at the Ins!tute of Technology, spearheaded by the Physician-in-Charge

Dr. Karpal Singh.

19

News Bits

Volume 2, Issue 2 |

ITech Educators Judge STEP’s Division

Skills Development Competition Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna

PUP Information Technology (IT) educators were invited

by the President of the Division of City Schools Technology

Education Services of Manila, Mr. Rodrigo G. Natividad, to

participate in the 11th Student Technologists Entrepreneurs

of the Philippines (STEP) Division Skills Development and

Competition in secondary schools with the theme Upgrading

Skills, Improving Lives on January 25 at the Sergio Osmeña

High School, Manila.

Two Institute of Technology (ITech) faculty members,

Prof. Josephine M. dela Isla, Chairperson of the Computer

Secretarial Department, and Prof. Raquel G. Salazar, IT

instructor, judged the Keyboarding Competition participated

by 25 public secondary schools in the Division City Schools

of Manila.

STEP, as a program and as an organization, highlights the

relevance of skills development in the areas of Edukasyong

Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP), Technology and

Livelihood Education (TLE), and Technical-Vocational

Education (TVE). The Department of Education (DepEd)

authorizes the conduct of the School Year 2011-2012 STEP-

Skills Development and Competitions (SDCs) in school,

district, division, and regional levels. n

PUP Bataan Holds Research Seminar-WriteshopLenis Aislinn C. Separa

Keeping attuned with the University’s strategic agenda of

embedding a culture of research, Polytechnic University of the

Philippines Bataan Branch faculty members participated in the

second of three parts of the Seminar-Writeshop on Research last

January 30 at the PUP Bataan Library.

Dr. Gloria S. Santos, Branch Head for the Academic Programs,

facilitated the conduct of the seminar. The faculty members were

also clustered according to their specialization that same day.

Each group worked on different samples of abstracts in applying

the research concepts discussed in the first part of the seminar

held on November 28, 2012. A representative was then assigned

to share the research critique of the group to the other faculty

members.

The last part of the writeshop in which participants are expected

to present research proposals related to their specialization is

scheduled before the semester ends. n

News Bits

| The Observer20

PUP Bataan Organizes Journalism

and Radio Broadcasting Seminar-WorkshopLenis Aislinn C. Separa

The official student publication of PUP Bataan, The

Marker, in cooperation with the Education College Council,

conducted a two-day seminar-workshop dubbed as “Going

Deep in the World of Journalism” on February 7 and 8 at the

Enrique “Tet” Garcia Hall.

Invited participants were the Editorial Board of different

high school student publications in Mariveles and selected

Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English students

of the Branch.

Topics discussed during the first day were “Basic

Newswriting” by Ms. Raquel Castillo, the school paper adviser

of Llamas Memorial Institute; “Common Grammatical Errors

in News Writing” by Prof. John Andrew Monroe, an English

Instructor at PUP Bataan; “Photojournalism” by Prof. Lenis

Aislinn C. Separa, The Marker Adviser; and “Photo Editing

Using Adobe Photoshop” by Prof. Dennis Concepcion, an

Information Technology Instructor at PUP Bataan.

Mr. Joey Silva, the school paper adviser of Mariveles

National High School-Poblacion, discussed the “Essentials

of Radio Broadcasting” during the second day of the seminar.

Participants created their own Filipino and English versions

of radio broadcasts during the workshop. n

21

News Bits

Volume 2, Issue 2 |

PUP Maragandon Celebrates 26th Founding Anniversary

in “Wider Dimensions and Brighter Horizons”The Polytechnic University of the

Philippines Maragondon Campus

celebrated its 26th Founding Anniversary

though a week-long line-up of activities

from January 21 to 29. The highlight

of which was the Convocation and

Awarding Ceremonies held on January

29 with Hon. Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III

as the Keynote Speaker, represented

by Ms. Jodi Sta. Maria.

In her speech, Sta Maria, who

was warmly welcomed by the PUP

Community, extended the support of

the Revilla family to PUP Maragondon

by providing more facilities to be

used by the students of the campus.

University President Emanuel C. De

Guzman, Vice President for Branches

and Campuses Dr. Joseph Mercado,

and Maragondon Mayor Mon Andaman

also graced the event.

PUP-Maragondon Receives Buildings from Remulla and Cayetano

Activities lined-up for the celebration

were geared towards testing the skills,

abilities, and competencies of students

in different areas such as the PEP-

Squad and Sports Competitions,

Academic and Cultural Contests,

Research Presentation, Search for Mr.

& Miss PUP-MC, and the Maragondon-

traditional street dancing competition

known as the “Dagundong Festival.”

In addition, the Gawad Parangal,

Thanksgiving Mass, and Exhibits were

also attended by the faculty, students,

and employees.

This year’s theme, PUP-MC@26:

“Wider dimensions…Brighter horizons.”,

is a manifestation of PUP Maragondon’s

26 years of service in providing quality

education to the ”Iskolar ng Bayan”, 26

years of establishing and maintaining

linkages with different institutions

and industries, and 26 years of great

partnership with the government and

non-government organizations that will

continue in more years to come. On its

pledge of lifetime commitment to the

studentry, the “Sintang Paaralan” will

serve as a book of knowledge to attain

Wider Dimensions and as a torch to

light the path for Brighter Horizons of

learning for the “Iskolar ng Bayan”.

The week-long celebration was

made possible through the combined

efforts of the administration, faculty,

administrative staff, and students.

This year’s Founding Anniversary was

chaired by Prof. Agnes Y. Gonzaga and

co-chaired by Prof. Cherry E. Angeles.

n

Agnes Y. Gonzaga

Two newly-constructed buildings

were formally turned over to the

Polytechnic University of the

Philippines Maragondon Branch on

January 29 during the celebration

of its 26th Founding Anniversary.

The first is a 1.6 million-worth multi-

purpose building which is convertible

to two classrooms. The said

building is through the generosity

of Congressman Jesus Crispin C.

Remulla, Representative of the 7th

District of Cavite. The second is a

2.5 million-worth two-classroom, two-

storey building which is a project of

Senator Allan Peter Cayetano through

the efforts of Mr. Gilbert Remulla,

another supportive stakeholder of

PUP Maragondon and Managing

Director of Island Cove Hotel and

Leisure Park.

Mr. Remulla graced the ribbon

cutting ceremony representing his

brother, Congressman Remulla, and

his friend, Senator Cayetano. He

spoke before the PUP Maragondon

community and pledged his continuous

support to the Institution. Meanwhile,

PUP President Dr. Emanuel C. De

Guzman and Vice President for

Branches and Campuses Dr. Joseph

Mercado witnessed the event and

formally thanked Mr. Remulla in behalf

of the PUP System. In her acceptance

speech, PUP Maragondon Campus

Director Prof. Denise Abril expressed

her gratitude to Senator Cayetano and

to the Remulla Brothers. She mentioned

that the said buildings will surely be

beneficial to the growing number of

students in PUP Maragondon.

Feature Story

| The Observer22

Melba D. AbaletaÊsHalf-Century Affinity with PUP

DAN ESPONILLA DALAC

23

Feature Story

Volume 2, Issue 2|

The country’s largest state university, the trailblazing

Philippine College of Commerce of yesteryears, has

produced countless civil servants. One of them is

Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Registrar, Prof.

Melba Dado-Abaleta, who has been serving the University

for the past four decades.

Melba traces her roots to Bicol, the land of Daragang

Magayon and Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. She was born

on May 2, 1948 in Legaspi City to parents Fermin Abaleta

and Guadalupe Dado. She has three siblings. She finished

her basic education as Salutatorian at the General Roxas

Elementary School in Quezon City, the urban center which

once served as the country’s capital.

A true-blooded PUPian, Melba spent her high school at

the Philippine College of Commerce Laboratory High School

from 1961 to 1965. The then fledgling PCCLHS which was

established in 1954 had for its home the PCC campus along

Lepanto Street in Sampaloc, Manila.

Melba pursued her tertiary education at PCC where

she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Commerce major

in Marketing/Management degree in 1969. A consistent

scholar from grade school to college, she was among the

ten outstanding students of the year. She and her fellow

student leaders were cited for their exemplary service to

PCC which, to the dismay of then President Ferdinand E.

Marcos, was a popular bastion of youth activism. The PCC

Class of 1969 included the now renowned religious leader

Eduardo C. Villanueva and noted election lawyer Romulo B.

Macalintal.

An active campus figure, Melba was elected treasurer

of the Supreme Student Council in her senior year. She also

served as president of the Junior Marketing Association,

auditor of the Student Catholic Action, and member of the

KATAGA honor society.

Melba belonged to the very first batch of new graduates

– the lone female in the group – invited by the charismatic Dr.

Nemesio E. Prudente to teach at PCC. She started teaching

full-time at the age of 20, and has since handled Marketing,

Management, Advertising and Cooperatives subjects as an

associate professor. She was among those who witnessed

the conversion of PCC into the Polytechnic University of the

Philippines in 1978 when the country was still under the grip

of martial rule.

The establishment of the PCC Consumer Cooperative in

1969 is credited to Melba who also served as its first General

Manager. Melba also had the distinction of being the longest-

serving treasurer of the PCC Faculty Club.

A conscientious educator, Melba was the Chairperson

of the Department of Marketing and Advertising at the PUP

College of Business in the first half of 1992, the very year Dr.

Prudente left the academe to run for a Senate seat under

the Liberal Party tandem of Senators Jovito Salonga and

Aquilino Pimentel. Prudente’s retirement left a presidential

crisis at PUP which involved the court-backed Dr. Isabelo

Crisostomo and the Malacañang-picked Dr. Jaime Gellor.

Both Crisostomo and Gellor designated Melba as Chairperson

of the Marketing and Advertising Department.

Melba was appointed head of the Office of the University

Registrar in July 1992 by the first lady president of PUP, the

self-effacing Dr. Zenaida Olonan. She has since served

under the succeeding administrations of Dr. Ofelia Carague,

Dr. Samuel Salvador (officer-in-charge), Dr. Dante Guevarra,

Atty. Estelita Wi-Dela Rosa (officer-in-charge), and the

present University President Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman.

Several innovations were introduced under her term

as Registrar of the University. Most of these were changes

pertaining to the PUP College Entrance Test which draws

thousands of applicants every year. Melba’s stint resulted

in the following achievements: production of scannable

PUPCET application forms, scanning of PUPCET answer

sheets, computerization of PUPCET applications, and

posting of PUPCET results in the Internet.

A devout Roman Catholic and member of the global Opus

Dei organization, Melba is about to retire from government

service. She will leave her work contentedly, bringing with

her more than half-a-century of fond memories from PCC

and PUP. Melba is truly an accomplished leader, teacher,

official, and alumna.

Ms. Abaleta was awarded for her exemplary services to PCC.