Archives for March 7, 2018

An Institutional Sustainability and Adaptability through Technologies Utilization (ISAT U) Program  was created for  promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the university particularly on renewable energy and resource management.

Dr. Nehema K. Misola, Vice President for External Affairs, spearheaded the initiative as part of her output in Community Engagement Workshop in Centre Des Congres de la Gespesie at Carleton Sur Mer and study visit on Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Waterloo-Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Energy, Waterloo, Canada.

With the support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (VPRE) and the Planning, Development and Auxiliary Services (PDAS) Office, a number of university professors were tapped to conduct researches, develop projects and make recommendations relative to climate action and UNESCO-UNEVOC greening TVET institutions initiatives.

The five areas of ISAT U program with corresponding project components are the Energy Management Systems, Renewable Energy, Water Demand Management Program and the Greening and Climate Resiliency Advocacy, and Advocacy Campaign and Curriculum Development.

The group headed by Dr. Roger P. Balderas will frame The Energy Management Systems program.  It seeks to utilize and maintain effective use of energy throughout the institution, reduce energy costs/wastes without sacrificing the school’s entire operation and ensure reliable, efficient and safe power system.

The Water Demand Management Program is undertaken by Engr. Rewil R. Tornalejo and his group. It proposes the ISAT U Institutional Water Audit Project that will establish a baseline data and other critical information requirements for institutional water demand requirements.  Specifically, it promotes water demand management as a response to water shortage and climate change, develop water impounding systems, increase water security using sustainable and resilient approaches/ innovation and integrate water demand management principles into the plumbing code for old and new structures compliant to Green Building Code.

The researchers for Renewable Energy led by Dr. Renerio S. Mucas are working on a project model:  Design and Installation of a Tie Grid Solar Power System to the N-Building. The project is designed not only for school’s consumption but also for income generation.  The group targets to develop a system that will sell sun-generated power to local power service provider in case of excess in the supply for the school facility.

On the other hand, the group of Prof. Rossana R. Dureza that works on Greening and Climate Resiliency Advocacy proposes a Hydrologic Study: Basis for Water Management and Flood Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation. The study aims to identify natural source of water at the university site and the surrounding communities, assess flooding due to precipitation and propose water impounding and water catchment facilities.

 

The ISAT U Industry, Linkages and Development Office (ILDO) and the Guidance Office  held a Career Education Program and Job Fair for graduating students of the different ISAT U campuses at the Multi-purpose Gym on February 27, 2018.

Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Director for National and International Affairs, laid down the objectives of the activity. “This is an opportunity for students to get better orientation from various companies to better understand the needs and future development in the workplace. You will be guided in making smart choices as you move forward to the work life.”

Emphasizing that quality education prepared them for employment, Dr. Raul F. Muyong reminded students to stay competitive by equipping themselves not only with hard skills but also with soft skills. Hard skills give them opportunity to be employed and soft skills which include good human relations, communications and leadership and the attitude of being a team worker keep them employed. As to their career path, the university president  steered the minds of the students by quoting the line of the song, “Do you know where you’re going to?”

The guest speakers for the career education were Mr. Danny S. Leonor and Mr. Jean Lito Isapol from the Philippine Statistics Authority and Ms. Glenn Mar C. Padios, DOLE Labor Employment Officer III. Mr. Leonor and Mr. Isapol explained the implications to job applications of common errors in the Civil Registry and its remedies as well. The trend in the demand in the job market was also discussed. Mrs. Padios, on the other hand, talked and gave tips on pre-employment, during employment, post- employment stage and the entrepreneurial engagement of a worker. She likewise emphasized on the rights and privileges of a worker and the responsibilities and obligations of an employer.

Thirteen companies including the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection gave orientation on their company’s profile, services and the compensation package they offer.

Dr. Remia L. Doctora, ILDO/PESO Director, said that her office plans more career education fora in the future. “We will spend more time to educate the graduating class to make them prepare as they step out of the university.” Seeing the current plight of Overseas Flipino Workers (OFWs), she mentioned of inviting the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “The students’ skills should be complemented with awareness of their protection when they work abroad, “ Doctora added.