The WVCST Review Center headed by its director, Dr. John Eric V. Juaneza held a Send – Off Session for its LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) examinees. The exam which will be conducted on Sunday, September 29, 2013 will be participated in by 200 examinees from the Review Center. The total number of examinees is composed of first timers and retakers.

 

The said event intended to give encouragement, wishes and inspiring messages to the future teachers as they take the board examination on Sunday.

Dr. Juaneza emphasized that based on the pre board exam result, he believes that all these examinees will pass and assured them that the College of Education and most of all WVCST are very proud of them and looking forward to seeing their names on the top ten passers.

Likewise, Dr. Ma. Asusina Asuncion E. Echaveria, Dean of the College of Education expressed her heartfelt support to the future teachers as she calls them her “best children”. She advised them to “relax, pray, think positively and do your best this coming Sunday. Aim to pass and if possible be on top because setting high goals can be your driving force to work hard for it. Optimism is the springboard for you to bounce back to your most desired success in passing the board exam.” She emphasized that if a person is prepared, the chances of passing the exam is greater.

On his part, the College President, Dr. Luis M. Sorolla,Jr., coveyed that he is happy to see the examinees wearing happy faces as if this is the most exciting moment of their life much more exciting to the boxing fight between Mayweather and Camelo. This he believes is because of the help of the coaches in preparing the examinees as well as their own preparations. “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words and your faith stronger than your emotions.” Dr. Sorolla also confirmed that it is in the school policy that if there is a top notcher in any board exam, the school allocates Php 30,000 for the passer, which in turn made the examinees more excited and promised to do their best to be on the top 10.

However, the examinees also admitted that they have mixed emotions at this time. Others feel anxious while others are excited. All of these according to Prof. Sotero E. Fajarito, should be submitted to the Divine Providence. “You have already done everything for the coming board exam so all that you need to do is pray, pray and pray.”

Also present during the send off session were some of the coaches like Dr. Catherine Sumaculub, Dr. Carmen L. Cruzata, Dr. Merlinda T. Tucar, Dr. Georgia D. Demavibas and Mr. Jojit Castronuevo.

 

                WVCST Social Science Club together with the Student Republic held a Voters’ Education Forum entitled “Vote Wisely” in relation to the upcoming Baranggay Election in October 2013.

                Students flocked at the covered gym to listen and interact as representatives from MISSION-Iloilo and PPCRV explained important points on why we vote and the rights and responsibilities of each and everyone in choosing our government officials.

                According to Ms. Aurora Hugo, the representative of MISSION (Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies Thru Initiative Organizing and Networking), voting is important in our everyday life. “It is a sacred duty to perform such action for we are all children of our motherland and voting is our moral duty to take care of each other for our common good.” She added that voting does not simply mean choosing the brand of something that we buy or use but also we have to be responsible of what we choose. Ms. Hugo also reminded the audience that in business the power lies in the market while in the governance the power rests in the electorate. “If we want change in this decaying system of our government, we have to be vigilant members of this society.”

 

 

                On the other hand, Atty. Pearl Gauzon of PPCRV(Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting – the citizens right arm of the Commission on Elections), emphasized that as adults we can practice our privileges that go with responsibilities especially the responsibility to choose the right people to hold public office. As the “hope of the land”, the youth is expected to practice a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful election. PPCRV she said is accredited to educate voters on how to vote the right way. “Through the Voters’ Education Forum, the young generation can help achieve what kind of government officials should be put into office and what kind of government should we have.”

                The Voters’ Education was very interactive as students participated in the open forum where questions were answered by Atty. Gauzon.

                Dr. Susan Marie R. de la Cruz of the Office of the Student Affairs conveyed her appreciation to PPCRV thru Atty. Gauzon and Ms. Aurora Hugo of MISSION as well as the Social Science Club and the Student Republic for holding such event. She believes that this will help the students learn more in understanding their responsibilities in the coming election as well as their responsibilities as citizens of this nation.

 

 

 

WVCST is hosting ITSO Training on Patent Drafting I starting September 24 until September 27, 2013.

The 4-day training is being attended by 83 participants from different universities and government institutions in different regions. Some of these participants are from Samar State University, DOST Region 7, University of Eastern Philippines, West Visayas State University, University of San Carlos, UP Visayas, UP Cebu, Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas, Negros Oriental State University, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center(SEAFDEC), Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic College, Guimaras State College, Caraga State University, Central Philippine State University, Carlos Hildo Memorial State College, Capiz State University, Bohol Island State University , Western Visayas College of Science and Technology and Aklan State University.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Research and Extension, in his speech, encouraged the participants not just to focus on patent protection but also on research, writing and in reviewing related literature. “We have to see to it that technology is in the market, and that is being converted into money and as much as possible into dollars.” It is also important according to him that participants should practice what they learn after the training.

Some of the topics in the training are Patentable Subject Matter, Novelty, Industrial Applicability, Sufficiency of Disclosure, Unity of Invention, Patent Process, Inventive Step and Main Points and Objects of Patent Application.

Speakers for this training are Atty. Bayani B. Loste, President, Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc.,Partner, Fortun Narvasa Salazar; Dr. Benjamin Chan, Chairman, Education/ Training,Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc., Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Ateneo de Manila University; Mr. Caezar A.E. Arceo, Head, Research Evaluation and Monitoring Section , Research Development and Management Division , National Research Council OF THE Philippines, DOST and Engr. Arlene U. Prudenciado, VP-Externals, Association of PAQE Professionals Inc., IP Consultant, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose Law Firm.

Dr. Saul M. Muyco of the College of Arts and Sciences of WVCST was adjudged 2^nd runner-up in this year’s PASUC VI 4^TH Regional Extension Symposium in the Extension Project- Education and Humanities Category, held on September 12, 2013 at Punta Villa Resort, Arevalo, Iloilo City.

In his research “Skills Enhancement for Teachers and Review Classes in Mathematics for Grade VI Pupils,” Dr. Muyco explained that he was able to carry out the criteria adopted by PEN making him qualify and win 2^nd runner-up. He reiterates that he was able to come up with a research that has innovativeness, efficiency, sustainability, effectiveness and significance.

According to him, his project which involves the teachers and the Grade VI pupils of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School, was very challenging. He was able to witness a big difference after implementing recommendations for improvement based on his study.

Participants from different places in Western Visayas joined in the Poster Presentation as well as the Extension Project Presentation in different categories such as Agriculture/Fisheries/ Forestry; Education and Humanities, Livelihood/Entreprenuership and Health and Environment.

PASUC or Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges conducts this yearly extension symposium to provide a venue for interactive sharing of experiences and best practices of extension, identify and analyze constraints and opportunities in extension works, create and strengthen collaboration among PASUC VI extensionists and to strengthen the extension capability of PASUC VI extentionists.

Ten faculty members of the College of Engineering and Architecture as well as the College of Industrial Technology participated in the two-day training on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Industrial Electronics conducted by the State Alliance Enterprises Inc.

The training which is a part of the after sales services of the said company was held last September 13-14 at the Sweep Laboratory after the procurement of the Mechatronics and Industrial Electronics Laboratory Equipment. Engr. Don Deveraturda of the State Alliance Enterprises Inc., conducted the training.

On the other hand, the procurement of the said laboratory equipment was based on CHED Memorandum dated July 15, 2013 on the Accelaration Program-Infrastructure and Facilities Upgrade. A Php 7M budget was allocated for the project. However, the equipment was procured from the winning bidder , State Alliance Enterprises Inc., at Php 6.2M.

Western Visayas College of Science and Technology together with the Department of Social Welfare land Development launched today the “Skills Training Program for the Transitioning of Pantawid Pamilya Beneficiaries to Livelihood Opportunities” (Enhancement of 4P’s Program through Science and Technology-ESAT). This training includes Commercial Cooking, Residential Building Wiring, Carpentry and Beauty Care.

The objective of this training is to assist residents of local communities to improve their skills and must be able to convert these skills into livelihood projects that will bring money to their homes. In such way, they will be able to use the financial assistance that is provided by the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. On the part of WVCST, they will provide the venue and the proper training through the expertise of the trainers and facilitators coming from the college. The training runs for 10 days within September 20 until November 30.

In his speech, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Research and Extension and also one of the Consultants for this training, emphasized that “It is not just about learning but also earning because this is the main goal of this program. The money from the government will be worthless as well as wasted if after all the training you won’t be able to turn your skills into money.”

The trainers for these skills training program are Dr. Alma C. Palabrica, Dr. Frisian Y. Causing, Dr. Merlinda T. Tucar, and Prof. Maria Arlyn B. Jimenez for Commercial Cooking; Dr. Rene L. Celda and Engr. Pablo N. Minerva for Residential Building Wiring ; Dr. Pacifico N. Senador and Mr. Ronald D. Robles for Carpentry and Mrs. Jennifer D. Que and Prof. Maria Arlyn B. Jimenez for Beauty Care. The Facilitators are from WVCST headed by Engr. Corazon C. Corbal, Director, WVCST-ESD and also from PDO II, DSWD headed by Mr. Darryl V. Alfuente , PDO II- Cluster Head, DSWD.

Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr.,WVCST College President, Dir. Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre , Director IV, DSWD Region VI, Dr. Nehema K. Misola, VP for Admin and Finance and Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Research and Extension are the Consultants for this training program.

The Western Visayas College of Science and Technology in La paz, Iloilo City was recently chosen as recipient of the first Science and Technology Academic and Research Based- Openly Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region VI Western Visayas.

 

The inception of WVCST as recipient of the first STARBOOKS in Region VI was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by and between WVCST President Luis M. Sorolla and DOST Region VI Director Engineer Rowen Gelonga. The signing of the memorandum was held on September 18 at the Audio Visual Room of the WVCST Library. It was witnessed by the library personnel headed by Dr. Nida M. Gomez, CollegeLibrarian and other key officials of WVCST. The signing of documents was followed by a comprehensive orientation on how to use the STARBOOKS.

 

 

 

According to Ms. Annie Lyn Bacani, Research Specialist II of DOST and Admin Coordinator of the project, STARBOOKS is being implemented through the department’s Science and Technology Information Institute or STII.

 

“STARBOOKS is the first Science Digital Library in the Philippines launched under the auspices of DOST,” Ms. Bacani said.

 

She further added that STARBOOKS containsthousands of digitalized science and technology resources in various format-text, video/audio. These information are placed in specially designed pods set in a user- friendlyinterface. Its features include Encyclopedia Britanica, Filipiniana Collection, Investigatory Project Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos and many others.

 

“It is a stand-alone information kiosk, therefore information access is possible even without internet connection. STARBOOKS was created to encourage Filipinos to gain interest in the field of science and technology and at the same time develop new ideas on inventions and innovations as well as entrepreneurship and research” Bacani further added.

 

 

 

During the turn-over ceremony, DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, lauded the efforts of Dr. Nida Gomez, WVCST librarian and Dr. Luis M. Sorolla WVCST President, in personally requesting for the installation of STARBOOKS at the WVCST library.

 

“I am happy that WVCST through Dr. Gomez and President Sorolla requested for STARBOOKS. I believe that WVCST will benefit much out of this innovation because the institution is into science and technology. It is also expected that the college will enhance its part in promoting development by sharing the latest researches in technology, thus making WVCST not only a user but also a contributor of STARBOOKS as well” Dir. Gelonga declared.

 

For his part, President Luis M. Sorolla expressed his elation and gratitude to DOST for the opportunity.

 

 

 

“STARBOOKS will become very beneficial to the students of WVCST, from laboratory school to the various colleges, even to those taking their post-graduate studies. As the College will soon become the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), it has on its shoulders the task of being at the forefront of science and technology, “ President Sorolla told the audience.

 

The WVCST President also affirmed that the College will not just become a recipient and user of STARBOOKS but through such innovation, will also become a major contributor in the field of science and technology.

 

In closing, Dr. Sorolla, likewise assured the audience that all the satellite campuses of the WVCST namely: SIPC Campus in Miag-ao, Iloilo, LNCA Campus in Leon, Iloilo, PDMC Campus in Dumangas, Iloilo and DJSMNC Campus in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo will soon have their own STARBOOKS stations. (By: Prof. Pedro H. Fontonalgo and Lucille Jaspe)

 

The activity entitled Government Express at the Mall, started on September 9 and finished on September 12 at SM City Activity Center. Western Visayas College of Science and Technology being a government institution was given the opportunity to put up an exhibit featuring courses offered by the College. Also featured in the exhibit were the Robots created by WVCST students.

In its commitment to serve, WVCST was invited to join the Phillipine Civil Service Commission in its celebration of its 113th anniversary with the theme Tatak Lingkod Bayani: Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki at Ipagbunyi.

Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., College President also graced the celebration on its opening program . In his speech he emphasized that government servants working for the Filipino people to the best of their ability is a great opportunity. They have to realize that the citizenry is the reason for their existence in government service. On the other hand, to the Filipino citizens this is also the chance for them to know that the government is working for them and that there are still government employees who are true to their commitment to serve the people. However , they also have to be aware of their rights, the welfare they can get from each government service and most of all to be able to avail of the services that are designed to help every Filipino.

One of the highlights of the Government Express at the Mall is to give honor awards and recognition to different government agencies/employees who in their own way demonstrated quality service to their clients like Dr. Dennis S. Mas, PhD. URP, Regional Vice President , PhilHealth VI, Iloilo City and Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog for the Lingkod Bayan Category and Maricel M. Bechayda of LGOO VI.