Chemical Engineering Performance Rate Lands at 64.55%; Kusuhara Ranks 6th

The University of Santo Tomas - Chemical Engineering Department (UST-ChE) garnered a satisfactory performance rate in the 2015 Chemical Engineering licensure examinations held last November 13-15.

According to the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Novermber 23, UST-ChE got a 64.55% passing rate, a percentage equivalent to 71 passers out of 110 examinees, which is not far from than last year’s 69.7%.

A screengrab from the official results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Results in full may be viewed here.

The University of the Philippines-Diliman topped the exam with an 93.90% passing rate in which 77 out of 82 examinees passed. The national passing rate was pegged at 52.32%.

The rules set by the PRC states that a university must have an 80% passing rate with at least 40 or more examinees to be included in the top performing schools.

One Topnotcher from UST-ChE

One Thomasian, Leo Ryuji Dua Kusuhara of Batch 2015, ranked sixth (6th) in the list of top ten examinees, having achieved a 82.90% score. Efforts from the UST-ChE Department to improve the passing rate include a faculty-peer group review project (ExChEl), improved integration course, and a voluntary mock board exam which was facilitated by the ChE Department.

UST-ChES Holds Environmental Awareness Seminar

news by Queen Desiree Dalisay, Darwin Eugenio, John Edward Dupaya

photos by Darwin Eugenio

In line with an increasing demand for environmental awareness and sustainability, the UST Chemical Engineering Society – Community Development Committee (UST-ChES ComDev) held an environmental awareness seminar last November 12 aptly titled “TRAVERSE: Transformation vs Environment - A Chemical Engineer’s Responsibility on Environmental Awareness”.

The event was conceptualized by its project heads, John Andre San Miguel of 5ChE-A and Sam Denielle Tugaoen of 2ChE-D, both members of the Community Development Committee of UST-ChES. The project heads successfully managed to invite five distinguished guest speakers coming from various environment-related government agencies. The seminar was held at the Engineering Conference Hall of the University of Santo Tomas.

Engr. Dolores Velasquez focused on the Clean Air Act

The Speakers and Their Topics

The first speaker, Engr. Dolores Velasquez, OIC, Chief – Air Quality Management System of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) discussed the Clean Air Act and its relevance to the chemical engineering profession. She mainly emphasized the role of chemical engineers in preventing or curtailing air pollution. Engr. She emphasized that chemical engineers are often in the managerial position in a process and, aside from the sanitary engineers, chemical engineers can also sign the Air Quality Status Reports. She also explained the different testing parameters for the quality of air.

Engr. Divine Camarao focused on the Clean Water Act

She was succeeded by her partner, Engr. Divina “Divine” Camarao who proceeded to discuss the Philippine Clean Water Act and how the chemical engineering profession can be of great use to the wastewater treatment industry. The two engineers served as the first batch of speakers for Topic 1: “Chemical Engineer’s Role for the Environment”.

A 4th-year student asking a question in the first open forum.

Before the first batch of speakers was given a token of appreciation, a short open forum was held. Afterwards, a short intermission song number was performed by Gio Castillo and Pauline Losaria of the UST-ChES Performance and Recreations Committee.

Gio Castillo (seated) and Pauline Losaria (standing, right) performing
an intermission song number.

John Andre San Miguel (center-back) awarding the certificates to the two engineers.

The two engineers were succeeded by the next speaker, Rasheilla Yanina T. Antasuda, an Environmental Management Specialist II of the DENR-EMB. She mainly discussed Hazardous Waste Management and how chemical engineers can help implement Republic Act 6969 - "Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990."

Ms. Rasheilla Antasuda discussing RA 6969

An open forum for Ms. Rasheilla Antasuda

A game was held as an ice-breaker before the last set of speakers were called.

After a brief open forum for students with inquiries directed to Ms. Antasuda, a short intermission game was held to lighten up the mood of the conference attendees. Game winners won prizes supplied by event sponsors M Lhuillier and Clothesline. Afterwards, the last batch of speakers whose topics cover Nuclear Awareness and Nuclear Environmental Applications was introduced by the emcees. Engr. Haydee M. Solomon of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) discussed the applications of irradiation to the wastewater treatment industry. Her senior partner, Dr. Vangeline Kinilitan Parami, Ph. D., discussed about nuclear energy and its distinctiveness compared to coal and oil-based energy.

 Engr. Haydee Solomon (top) and Dr. Vangeline Parami Ph.D (bottom)

The last open forum for the third batch of speakers was held afterwards. A group photo was taken before the event was formally closed by the singing of the UST hymn.

A photo collage of the events that transpired during the last open forum session.

Reaction of the Project Heads

Being quite an environmentalist herself, Sam Tugaoen of 2ChE-D, one of the two project heads, is optimistic that the seminar instilled a lot on the minds of her fellow chemical engineering students just as much as it did in hers. She hopes that the seminar left an imprint on the minds of the attendees, take what they heard and put it into action, for they will primarily be agents of the environment.  She also said, “As chemical engineers, dapat tumutulong tayo sa mga ways [to reduce pollution], yung knowledge natin, dapat gamitin natin to help our environment and our country.”

John Andre San Miguel of 5ChE-A, one of the two project heads, expressed immense gratitude to all the people, friends and co-members of ChES, who helped in the event. “[Thank you so much] to my supportive friends na nagpromise umattend kahit busy sila[,] to all those who attended the seminar. [Hindi] talaga ako makapaniwala napuno yung [Engineering] Conference Hall.” he said in social media.

Throughout the entire seminar, plenty of advice and explanations about the need of awareness in the environment was given to future chemical engineer majors. The main overarching theme, giving importance in protecting the environment, was successfully discussed by the three batches of speakers.

UNSEEN: UST ChES Holds Grand Acquaintance Party 2015

news by Jardine Bonifacio

The UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES) held its annual acquaintance party last October 29, 2015 at Elements at Centris in Quezon City—an anticipated event, with the theme, “Blacklight Party”, where students were asked to wear something that will glow under the UV light.

Despite the heavy traffic jam in the metropolis, the students were still able to attend the party, which began at 6 o’clock in the evening. The program was graced by an invocation led by Carlaine Cruzado and JP Tagapan, followed by the national anthem and to officially start the event, all students warmly welcomed Carla Rae Evaristo, the Senior Internal Vice President of UST-ChES, proudly announced in her opening remarks that this year’s grand acquaintance (GA) party had left a mark in UST ChE’s history for having all the tickets sold out and was even asked to produce more. The party had been even more entertaining with the presence of the ChE Department professors; some were even up for song and dance numbers which made the whole ChE crowd in the mood for more.

Members of the ChE Faculty having fun with the ChE Students’ Grand Acquaintance Party

Photo Credits: Carl Rosales (UST-ChES Memdoc)

The party never went dull with the presence of the two jubilant hosts, Jerrod Rivera and Aldjon Yap, who helped the organizers bring life to the activities prepared for the students. There were three activities prepared for everyone: the Lights Camera Act Song, Categorical Order and Sing-A-Zoo, which kept everyone active before the buffet table were opened for dinner.

Before dinner, the first intermission number of the night was performed by the ChE Chorale members, Carlaine Cruzado, Jericho Zacarias and Jaymarie Aera Baquiran. For a better ambience while having dinner, 6 song numbers were prepared by some ChE students, namely, Ervin Jayag and Pauline Losaria with John Raphael Manuel playing the guitar; Nickole Codico with Ariane Shayne Arenas playing the piano; Jay Russell Avendaῆo, who made the crowd go wild with his rendition of Night Changes; Aliquot, a band consisting of 4 members: Judge Bradley Chua, Ronald Ryan Noriega, Vincent Clark Padrigon and Anthea Bettina Fresnoza; the Jacket Club and lastly, the Baltimore, where Harvey Lechago and Mark Jed Dela Cruz and Patrick Dela Cruz are its members. Thereafter, Engr. Emile Punzalan, the department chair, together with the Jacket Club, had prepared a piece entitled “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 that made the audience sang along with him.

Engr. Mark Emile Punzalan, ChE Department Chair, with some ChE students, performing Maroon 5's "She will be loved"

Photo credits: Jobie Tuscano  (UST-ChES Memdoc)

The dinner was followed by the pageant kick-off that had been divided into two parts, particularly the lights-off ramp and the introduction of candidates. All sections and year levels cheered for their different bets for the upcoming ChE Pageant 2016.

Before the shindig had started, everyone was simply surprised for the outstanding performance showcased by the ChE Dance Crew, which turned all the students to groove on the dance floor as the beat dropped signalling that the party had already begun. The rave, which started around 9:30 in the evening, ended at 12 midnight. The ChE students all conveyed the same message about their acquaintance party—it was indeed an amazing night to remember.

The UST-ChES Quality Assurance Committee served as the main facilitator of this year's grand acquaintance party.

UST-ChE Department Holds Mock ChE Licensure Examinations

news by Darwin Eugenio and Dana Pineda
photos by Merryl Marquez (The Reaction Photojournalist)

In line with its efforts to improve the performance of the university in the licensure examinations, the UST Chemical Engineering Department along with the UST Chemical Engineering society – Student Affairs Committee hosted a three-day mock Chemical Engineering Licensure Examinations last October 20 to 22.

Originally scheduled to start as early as October 19, the mock licensure exams were delayed by a day due to the suspension of classes in the university during the onslaught of Typhoon Lando (Koppu). The three day examination pushed through on October 20, Tuesday. The examination was held in the General Chemistry Laboratory (Lab 9) and was primarily facilitated by designated Chemical Engineering students with an hourly shifting.

Examinees from ChE Batch 2015 during Day 2 of the
mock board exams

On the first day of the examinations, fifty-eight (58) out of sixty-five (65) registered examinees took the exam. The first day of the examination covered Physical and Chemical Principles, and lasted for five hours. On the second day of the examinations, fifty-five (55) registered examinees took the exam. Unlike Day 1, the second day of the examination lasted for a full ten hours as the coverage included core Chemical Engineering questions. On the final day of the examinations, fifty-nine (59) examinees took the exam which lasted for five hours and covered General Engineering principles and problems. In order to fully emulate the actual ChE licensure exams, examinees were required to use Mongol #2 Pencil and were required to eat their lunch or snacks inside the examination room as exiting the room except for lavatory reasons is prohibited.

Engr. Noel Sabarillo, a member of the ChE Faculty, oversaw the smooth facilitation of the three-day examinations. He led the checking of the exam papers an hour after the Day 3 Examinations ended. When asked about the results, Engr. Sabarillo said on Saturday that the results will be released in due time. (The Reaction correspondent got a peek of the results but was asked not to reveal any information.)

Engr. Sabarillo noted that some examinees who pre-registered failed to take fully all three exams due to many reasons. “Yung iba may klase, ‘yung iba may interview. May conflict sa iskedyul kaya ‘di nakapunta.” he said. He also noted the difference of the mock ChE board exams compared to the Integrated Course (ChE600) – a two-unit course offered to 5^th-year students in the second semester, saying “May mga ibang subjects kasing kasabay ang [Integrated Course], kaya di maka-focus ang mga estudyante. Hindi pa sila arál na arál. Ito kasing [ChE Mock Board Exams], tinatayang nakapag-aral na [para sa boards] ang mga estudyante.”

The 2015 November ChE Licensure Examinations will be held on November 13 to 15, 2015.

In 2014, the USTChE program garnered a 69.12% overall passing rate in the ChE licensure examinations.

UST-ChE Students Showcase their Sports Talents

news by Ezekiel Escoto and Patrick dela Cruz
photos by Bessie Mae Jose, Rica Glen Marchan, Erika Torres, Lara Lampano (UST-ChES Memdoc)

The Performing Arts and Recreations Committee organized a two-part event entitled “DRIVE: The ChE Varsity Tryouts 2015” held on September 11 and 18 at the Bombers Court Sampaloc, Manila that seeks to manifest the skills of Chemical  Engineering Students in basketball and volleyball.

Due to the exit of the senior players, respective teams in both volleyball and basketball need to fill the gap in order for them to compete in the next tournaments. In lieu of this, the feisty young aspirants, who are ready to take their game to the next level, lit their own fire as they show off their athletic side. Players who will be effective in the system will crack a spot on the team.

The Basketball team, led by team captain John Philip David and coach Nico Sardea, took out the gas from the cagers as they work on their drills to school their conditioning and fundamentals (shooting, dribbling, passing & etc.). Group workouts and scrimmages were done to promote communication and chemistry between the players on and off the court. Being a former hoopster of the team, Coach Sardea instigated the players that will push them to ball harder. ”Mahalaga ang disiplina sa bawat laro, kailangan tapusin niyo ang drills nang maayos, kung dito pa lang di niyo na magawa paano kapag actual game na.”, he stated.

After the successful 2 day tryouts, a 20-man training pool was screened from the hopefuls. The twenty (20) fortunate members include eight (8) players from last year’s roster and twelve (12) rookies.  Remarkable players stood out from the crop with their uncanny ability in each aspect of the game that will definitely help the team grab some W’s. Known as the team that lacks outside shooting, Gio Castillo and Kaile Miralo showed some brilliance by splashing a number of triples. Denzel Soliaban, Angelo Orallo and Toffee Paddayuman can pull off the run and gun with their speed and leaping ability. Nursing the paint with their size and post offense were Biel Dar and Alec Cortez. RJ Loring and Miguel Gloria slashed their way to the basket by being crafty with the ball which may attract defense away from the outside shooters. The 12-man lineup will be picked rigidly after a series trainings and evaluation.

Volleyball team

For volleyball, the torch was passed on to the triumvirate of Ian Micaller, Jerina Pangilinan and Daljit Singh; all of which are fifth year students. Their experience and volleyball IQ will surely help in leading the team. When asked about the performance of this year’s players, co-captain Ian Micaller said “Mas bonded, more improved, magagaling yung mga bata.”

Twelve (12) students tried out for the team. Notable potential recruits include: Eloisa Sariño and Dan Taplacido, known for their offence and defense skills, Thomas Mercado who possesses tremendous vertical leap and Trisdale Wong who has the potential to be one of the team's primary setters. This year's Engineering women's volleyball team captain, Renzi Barotac, also showed interest in joining the team, her being on the team this year will mean a solid lineup. Add the fact that the team will have regular training; and there the Chemical engineering department may have a title contender.

A ChES graphical announcement on the results of the tryouts.

Volleyball and Basketball final squads will represent the Chemical Engineering Department in the annual Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineering Olympics (PiChElympics) and Engineering Sportsfest. Athletes who will land a spot on any team will be acknowledged through the UST ChES Page.

UST Chemical Engineering Dance Crew Finds New Talents

by Mary Mae Buensuceso

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew (ChEDC) conducted an audition for aspiring members of troupe at the Laboratory 10 of Roque Ruano Building from September 11-12.

Various alumni and current members of ChEDC judged the applicants. The final decision rested on Rochelle Louise Sampaga and Crystel Quijano, co-captain and captain of the dance crew, respectively. Candidates were obliged to perform their own routine as a requirement for audition.

Results Released on September 18

A ChES graphical announcement listing the names of the new members of the ChEDC.
(Graphics by: Logistics and Multimedia Committee, UST-ChES) 

On September 18, the dance crew officially announced that nine Chemical Engineering students, namely Jethero Abesamis, Jude Billiones, Sentiniel Canlas, Kristofer Allan Castro, Celine Cruz, Irvin Famatiga, Jonan Garcia, Joshua Solomon and Nina Ytturalde, passed the auditions.

Quijano said on Thursday that she is expecting new members to show dedication by attending trainings and meetings, and hopes to help them not just on dancing but in academics as well.  "Sana ma-feel nila na ang DC ay family sa bawat training namin. Lastly, welcome sa ChEDC family!” she said.

Meanwhile the two captains of the dance crew who finalized the decision stated they had a hard time choosing new members because the applicants were all good.

“It was because of the chemical engineering students who stepped up to share their talents to bring pride to the ChE community”, Sampaga said on the success of the said activity.

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew is the only dance crew representative of the UST Chemical Engineering Department. In the UST Faculty of Engineering, the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was the champion during the Ultimate Dance Revolution 1 (A.Y 2011 – 2012), Ultimate Dance Revolution 3 (A.Y 2013 – 2014), and the Ultimate Dance Revolution 4 which was held in October 2014. 

UST-ChE Department Joins 30th International Coastal Cleanup

by Nickole Jean Codico (September 21, 2015)

As part of the requirements of their Environmental Engineering Course, fourth year-level UST Chemical Engineering students accompanied by some members of the faculty participated in the 30^th International Coastal Cleanup held on 19 September 2015 in Lemery, Batangas.

A group photo of the participants. (Photo Credits: Kyle Linus de Guzman)

The volunteers were mainly composed of fourth-year level chemical engineering (ChE) students and some members of the ChE faculty. After passing through farm lands, many volunteers were puzzled to find that the coastal area was only half covered with trash and debris, since some parts of the coast were already cleaned up by the locals living in the surrounding area. It was not as bad as the group thought it would be, as Danielle Evangelista of 4ChE-B said, “I actually expected lots of trash. I thought that the beach would be full of garbage and would have a foul smell”. Even with the seemingly sparse trash, students from 4ChE-A and 4ChE-B gathered a total of 140.7 kg and there were still a lot left to pick up in order to make the coastal area clean and free of trash.

A "jumpshot" of the seven faculty members who participated. (From left to right: Engr. Emile Punzalan, Asst. Prof. George Chao, Assoc. Prof. Bernadette Duran, Prof. Edna Quinto, Prof. Evelyn Laurito, Assoc. Prof. Lani Pestaño, Engr. ER Rivera; Photo Credits: Kyle Linus de Guzman) 

The students were accompanied by seven members of the ChE faculty, the latter also contributed in clearing the trash on the beach. Prof. Evelyn Laurito, an Environmental Engineering Course instructor, expressed delight at what appears to be a successful endeavor. “Okay naman. Maraming nagawa [habang nasa Lemery] dahil nagkaroon din ng tree planting activity. Mostly two hundred (200) seedlings of mangroves were planted.” she said. (“[The activity] was fine. Many things were accomplished since a tree planting activity [was also done in which around] two hundred seedlings of were planted.” she said.) After clearing the trash, the fourth year students planted Mangrove saplings that would eventually grow and serve as the breeding ground for organisms and further prevent coastal erosion.

Photo Credits: George Chao 

Photo by: Jobie Tuscano

Photo by: Kathleen Kay de Regla

Since the purpose of the activity is to raise everyone’s awareness on the conservation of the environment, students were later asked what this activity has taught them and what they felt afterwards. A student named Denzel Soliaban of 4ChE-B answered, “I got relieved, just by the fact that even that we cleaned a teeny-weeny part of the beach, that teeny-weeny part could mean some difference between a cleaner and a dirtier environment. Our efforts seem small, but I felt like I made a big difference in saving our surroundings.” Even though a lot of students gave a positive realization after the activity and some even answered jokingly that they felt the sunburns afterwards, there are still some students that felt like they have not done enough like what Ariane Arenas of 4ChE-B said, “I feel dissatisfied after the cleanup. I know it didn’t make much difference. I know simple things count, but I think we could’ve done better”.

Planting Mangrove Seedlings (Photo Credit: George Chao)

The seedlings. (Photo Credit: George Chao)

Many students told The Reaction correspondent that they enjoyed the activity because they believe that through their little way, they contributed to the conservation of the ocean and all the life that depends on it. Some said that it should not stop with a one-day activity because every day is an environmental conservation day and this activity is just the start of a lifelong advocacy to save the environment.

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is one of the world’s largest and one-day volunteer efforts to clean up the marine environment. It is primarily spearheaded by Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit non-government organization based in Washington, D.C., United States. The cleanup is held annually every third Saturday of the month of September, in which millions of volunteers worldwide gather near large bodies of water to remove trash and record information on the debris collected. The Philippines officially joined the ICC in 1994. Since 2012, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) serves as the national coordinator between ICC Philippines and the Ocean Conservancy.

Baual Elected ChES President

Independent Candidates Dominate Top Positions

by Darwin Eugenio (June 10, 2015)

Independent candidates dominated the three highest positions of the Executive Council of the Chemical Engineering Society Academic Year 2015 – 2016 after winning the recent elections held last March 29, 2015 at the Unit Operations Laboratory.

​President-elect and independent candidate Ann Christine Baual got 305 votes (76.25%), securing the coveted presidential position. Despite being the lone candidate, the election rules require her to garner at least sixty percent (60%) in order to be proclaimed President.

​Taking the position of Internal Vice President is another independent candidate, Carla Rae Evaristo, with 349 votes (87.25%), way above the minimum requirement of 60% as set by ChESElect Committee.

Graphics by UST ChES-LMAC (Logistics and Multimedia
Committee)

​Independent candidate Justin Timothy Vinluan garnered 343 votes (85.75%), and will assume the position of External Vice President. Outgoing ChES secretary Erwin Jayag will assume the position of Junior Vice President after garnering 302 votes (75.5%). Outgoing ChES Assistant Secretary Janille Constantino of the Triple Point Party will take the position of Secretary this academic year, after getting 205 votes against Big Hero 8 secretarial bet Rich Espinosa, the latter getting 155 votes.

Big Hero 8 bets Kaye Suing with 191 votes, Raniella Coronado with 270 votes, Hannah Gohing with 195 votes, Janssen Peñaflor with 221 votes, Ronald Reveche with 206 votes, and Jorge Ochoa with 179 votes will assume the position of Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, and Public Relations Officer, respectively.

​The Chemical Engineering Society Election Bureau calculated a 61.82% voter turnout with the participation of 400 student-members.

The veracity of the election results were approved by Joanne Sasondoncillo and Ian Kenneth Micaller, Administrator and Deputy Administrator of ChESSelect, respectively.

​

Chemical Engineering Community Hunts for Magnum Codes

By Christelle D. Navarette (February 23, 2015)

As an annual tradition of the Chemical Engineering Society, the organization launched a quiz quest titled, "Magnum: The Chemical Engineering Puzzle Hunt Game" last January 23 at the left wing of the Roque Ruaño building. This new and improved gaming scheme uses the power of technology and is definitely a leap from the customary pen-and-paper system of the Dvρ (D-v-rho, a pun on “’di biro”) quiz hunt.

The game uses an external application from Play Store and App Store called NeoReader, in order to process the QR codes scattered around Chemical Engineering rooms, laboratories and corridors. Players, who may play individually or may group up to five members, are to find codes, answer the trivial questions corresponding to each code and submit their answers online. During the hunting period, internet connection is not a necessity.

A group from 5-ChEA, including Christine Bonquin, Charise Cariño and Sharmaine Sta. Ana, emerged as the winning team among the six clusters who participated in the puzzle hunt. They were able to answer 12 out of the 14 questions and were awarded with cash prize and gift certificates from sponsors.

ChES crowns ChE Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress 2015

As part of the series of events prepared by the Chemical Engineering Society for the UST-ChE community, Voluminous: “The Search for the Next Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress” was held at the Education Auditorium, Albertus Magnus building last January 22 with the goal of building self-confidence and personality among the candidates.

                The candidates of the pageant were formally introduced to the Chemical Engineering community during the ChES Grand Acquaintance Party held on January 14 at Le Pavilion Hall, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City. Two pairs energetically represented each batch in the course of their primer.

                On the day of the coronation, the candidates were at their best conditions as they wittily jived to the beat of a song by American singer-songwriter Fergie and showed their best moves to the crowd. They showcased various classic video game characters and the ChE community applauded to the extent of the participants’ costume creativity. They also sashayed through the stage with their casual and formal wears.

Special awards were given to some of the contestants before announcing the top 5 finalists. Best in Formal and Creative Wear were awarded to Ms. Jenny Bacani and Mr. Tonee Nakanishi, having been tied with Mr. Jeremiah Villanueva as Best in Formal Wear; Best in Casual Wear to Ms. Francheska Ignacio and Mr. Ross Christien Cruz; Mr. and Ms. Photogenic to Mr. Ranel Simon Rey and Ms. Claudette Oñate; and People’s Choice Award to Mr. Karlo Matias and Ms. Claudette Oñate. The titles, Chemical Engineering Ambassador and Ambassadress, were given to Mr.Jervin Valorozo of 2ChEA and Ms. Jenny Bacani of 4ChEB. The winners will represent the department on the next year’s search for the Thomasian Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress.

"The Reaction" Goes Online

In line with its efforts to cope with technological innovation in the digital age, "The Reaction - The Official Newsletter of the Chemical Engineering Society" launched its new simple website portal last 20 February 2015.

The blogspot website of the reaction was already set up as early as January 11, 2015 but uploading of articles was deferred until Managing Editor Darwin Eugenio received Ches President Vincent Almeda's blessings to initiate the project. Almeda lauded the initiative of the administrators of The Reaction on February 1, 2015 and subsequently gave the go signal to have the news articles uploaded. Incumbent Editor-in-Chief Bob Castrence believed that it's already due time for "The Reaction" to evolve with the current technological trends. "Ako naman masaya. we have to embrace change" he said.

The Reaction's Managing Editor Darwin Eugenio admitted that the webpage maybe transferred in case that the UST Chemical Engineering Society will launch its own website. "As of now, may koordinasyon naman kami ni [Internal Vice President] Allen 'Seph' Baluyot tungkol sa website. Siya rin po nagbigay ng go signal nang pinakita namin 'yung burador o draft ng blogspot website ng 'The Reaction'. Kung ililipat ang laman nitong website, go lang naman po kami." Eugenio said.

Articles with Publication Materials/Posters

To visit the article regarding the event, click the event's poster: 

Food Innovation Seminar

Biomedical Seminar

Polymers Symposium

Book Scholarship Drive

ChE Chorale

Exit Exam

Community Leadership Seminar

Summer ChEARS

UST ChES holds a Biomedical Seminar

by Christelle Navarette

The University of Santo Tomas Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES) held a biomedical seminar last October 8 at the Education Auditorium, Albertus Magnus Building titled “Leveraging Diverse Medical Science to Fortify Humanity.” The seminar have four series of sessions that aimed to instill knowledge about the Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Industries and to showcase the influence of these subjects to the human health security through the years.

The first topic was discussed by Mrs. Marie Cris Mizal-Merz, UST Bioanalytical Laboratory Head of Center of Excellence in Drug Research and Evaluation and Studies. She discoursed about the validation of bioanalytical methods in the production of quality medicine. On the other hand, Dr. Arturo V. Estuita, a Co – Founder, first President and Chairman of Philippine College for the Advancement of Medicine (PCAM), discussed about the beauty and advantages of a new found technology called the cardiovascular chelation therapy as cure for Hepatitis B.

After a break, Ms. Zenaida M. de Guzman, the current Chairman of the Development of Philippine National Standard on Food Irradiation talked about the radiation sterilization of medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. And lastly, the Country Safety Lead for Safety Evaluation and Reporting, Worldwide Safety and Regulatory and Worldwide Research and Development of Pfizer, Inc., Mr. Byron Webb A. Romero, disclosed the reality behind drug safety.

The said seminar was attended primarily by Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Graduate School students of the University of Santo Tomas.

UST-ChE Performs Better in November 2014 Licensure Examination

Three Thomasians Make it to the Top 10

by Bob Chaervin S. Castrence (December 27, 2014)

The passing rate of ChE batch 2014 in the recently held Licensure Examination for Chemical Engineers had improved with three included in the top 10 ranking. Joseph John Liwanagan led the Thomasian passers at 2^nd place (83.40%), followed by Francis Jessy Liggayu at 7^th place (82.80%) and William Macasero, Jr. at 9^th place (82.50%).

From left to right: Francis Jessy Liggayu (7th place), Joseph John Liwanagan (2nd place),
and William Macasero Jr. (9th place) 

Based on the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), USTChE improved its numbers with a 69.12% overall passing rate, wherein 96 out of 136 examinees successfully passed the examination compared to last year’s 58.97% wherein 69 passed out of 117 examinees.

Despite the breakthrough, USTChE still did make it to the Top 3 performing schools. University of the Philippines- Diliman dominated the licensure examination having an overall passing rate of 91.76%, followed by University of the Philippines- Los Banos (86.27%) and Batangas State University (81.03%).

USTChE is moving forward to improve its overall passing rate by means of programs that can gauge candidates’ and students’ preparedness and confidence for licensure examinations such as InDEX, an exit exam for higher years and LEChE Plan, an in-house microreview programs facilitated by faculty members of UST Chemical Engineering Department.

ChES Conducts a Seminar about Food Innovation

by Bob Chaervin Castrence (October 29, 2014)

ChES conducted a seminar titled, ChEF (Chemistry of Food): Discovering the recipe for food innovation last October 23 at the Beato Angelico AVR. The seminar tackled about the current trends and innovation in the food industry and an overview about venturing into food industry.

The guest speakers were Engr. Jose Victor Saqueton of Dole Philippines, Engr. Rodolfo Domingo of Mondelez Philippines and Ms. Rosemarie Reyes of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Cavite Plant. Engr. Saqueton talked about Asceptic Processing Technologies and High Pressure Processing (HPP), which is one of the modern alternative food processing methods. He also discussed the advantages of accepting processing over conventional canning. Engr. Domingo tackled about the importance of food innovation in our society, the ethical considerations in food manufacturing and the role of Chemical Engineers in the food innovation. Ms. Reyes recalled the basics of food chemistry and introduced the applications of Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in their plant.

The seminar was made possible by the ChES Student Affairs committee spearheaded by Lea Gilliane Delica. 

Ultimate Dance Revolution: ChEDC Defends Crown Once Again

by Darwin Eugenio (December 26, 2014)

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew retained the championship status of the department during the Engineering Student Council’s General Assembly titled “Neon Generation ‘Let Your Color Define You’” held on October 19, 2014 at Circuit Makati. Similar to previous competitions, the Ultimate Dance Revolution competition was fought among dance crews representing a particular department in the Faculty of Engineering and the newly-established Institute of Information and Computing Sciences.

(Photo from Ust Ches Facebook account)

The fifteen-member Chemical Engineering Dance crew wowed the audience with their dance performance consisting of hiphop, ballet, contemporary dance and isolation elements mixed together. In terms of ranking, the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was preceded by the Information Technology, Civil Engineering, and Electronics and Communications Engineering dance crews, respectively. According to Crystel Quijano, captain of the Chemical Engineering Dance crew, fifteen out of nineteen members of the dance crew were able to participate in the competition.

Rochelle Louise Sampaga, the Co-Captain of the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew, jubilantly described how challenging yet fun it was to work on retaining the championship. “Actually kasi, noong practice namin nahihirapan kami sa routine namin. Siyempre, lahat naman ninanais yung titulo. Tsaka [bilang isa sa mga lider], napepressure ako, kasi defending kami. Siyempre nag-eexpect din ang mga tao lalo na yung [Chemical Engineering Department]. Kaya ginawa namin lahat nang makakaya namin at marami kaming naisakripisyo. Nang bandang huli pagkatapos namin sumayaw, naisip ko masaya ako [para sa lahat] kahit [hindi pa sinasabi kung sino ang nanalo]. Kasi yun naman talaga dahilan kung bakit kami sumali. Gusto namin sumayaw, para ipakita sa lahat yung talento na binigay ni Lord samin. Para rin makapag-inspire kami [at] hindi para makapagyabang. Sa kahulihulian, masaya kami at napagbigyan kami dahil na rin sa mga dasal at pagpursigi ng bawat isa.” she said.

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was the champion during the Ultimate Dance Revolution 1 (A.Y 2011 – 2012) and Ultimate Dance Revolution 3 (A.Y 2013 – 2014). The dance crew was the first runner up during Ultimate Dance Revolution 2 which was held on 2012. 

UST ChE Makes Stronger Bonds with Polymers

by Roxanne Mae G. Suyu

The Chemical Engineering Society (ChES) conducted a polymer symposium titled “Linking Up”, at UST Beato Angelico AVR last August 20, 2014. The event was organized with a purpose of fostering Chemical Engineering students’ knowledge about polymers and the materials’ significance to the industry. Two discussions from polymer specialists, Dr. Christina A. Binag and Engr. Rolando Marasigan became the highlight of the event. Dr. Binag discussed about the updates on producing polymers as she laid an emphasis on the present situation of modernized and highly technology-oriented processing in light weight plastics and rubbers. On the other hand, Engr. Marasigan lectured about the current situation of the polymer industry. He stressed out the significance of polymerical fields including research, development and production. A participative open forum among the audience followed the consecutive discussions.