Iloilo Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Elias Sandig.
The Weekly Centralian Link continues to feature many Centralian achievers, winners, movers, industrialists and entrepreneurs who are successful in their own careers both in public and private enterprises, institutions and industries. These alumni attributed their success to Central Philippine University.
One of those achievers is Elias V. Sandig, Jr. from Bitadton Sur, Culasi, Antique. He is Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office, and former Agricultural Development Officer since 2011 at ANIAD Foundation Program Management Office. Elias V. Sandig, Jr. is a CPU Graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Agronomy in 1978 and his Master of Science in Extension Education, University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna in 1989. He served CPU as instructor and farm research coordinator for the College of Agriculture in 1978-1980.
Other notable posts he has occupied include: CFMT-Agricultural Extension Coordinator, Philippine Cotton Corporation in 1980-1981; Agricultural Extension Specialist I at the Rainfed Agriculture Development (Iloilo) Project, Ministry of Agriculture and Food in 1981-1984; Graduate/Research Assistant, International Programme Management Office International Rice Research Institute in 1987-1991; Agricultural Development Officer, Antique Integrated Area Development Foundation, Inc. in 1991-1995; Supervising Agriculturist Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office in 1996-2011.
Sandig cultivated faith and dedication since his student days at the CPU College of Agriculture. He believes that there is money in agriculture if one is patient and industrious. His overarching desire to share the “bounty” of technical knowledge and operations he learned from CPU is what has made him a “cut above the rest.” He is admired by everyone in his department. The trust of his employer and co-workers is something he attributes to his training and education from Central Philippine University.
Mr. Sandig is married to Teresita Demafiles Baliguat of Bitadton sur, Culasi, Antique and they have seven children.
We appreciate Mr. Sandig as a Centralian for his outstanding performance in his field; we thank him for his help and support to the Agrifair 2017 program of CPU through their involvement at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Hon. Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, Mayor, City of Bacolod (center) with Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, CPUCA Alumni Negros Chapter President, Dir. Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association, alumni and guests at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.
University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with wife Angel led other Centralians on a trip to Bacolod City in support of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association’s Grand Alumni Homecoming celebration. They brought with them CPU’s best—the CPU Handbell Ringers, the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe, the U-Day Champion Barbershop Quartet, and Ms. Katchry S. Golbin, CPU AB English, Class 2016 and 3rd place winner of France Got Talent to perform at the Pavillon on October 20 in an affair dubbed “An Evening with Mayor Bing.”
The CPU Handbell Ringers was led by Dr. Mai Lynn Bermejo Jacar. Atty. Renecito S. Novero, Bacolod City Councilor welcomed alumni and guests to the City of Smiles. CPU Men+s Quartet U-Day Champions endeared alumni and guest with their musical number. Katchry S. Golbin serenaded alumni and guests during the cultural night. Mr. Dan P. Dorillo, CPUAAI President thanked the alumni for their presence in the reunion.
Aside from the CPU President, CPU Alumni Association President, Dan Dorillo and Vice President Isagani Jalbuena were also present along with the CPUAAI Board of Trustees. Also in attendance were CPUCA Alumni Association President, Larry Nacionales and other CPUCA Alumni Association officers. There were more than 60 delegates and personnel who came from CPU. Important attendees from Bacolod included Centralian Renecito Novero, a Bacolod City Councilor, who delivered a message on behalf of the Mayor and CPUCAAA Negros Chapter President Roberto Jalando-on, Jr. and officers. Centralian Judge Ramon Delariarte also made an appearance. All in all there were more than 300 Centralians and guests who attended the Cultural Night.
Dinner, courtesy of the City Government of Bacolod, was enjoyed by everyone as the celebration continued with the thrill of Bacolod’s famous Masskara Festival 2017. The Grand Alumni celebration of the CPUCAAA was, in fact, included in the line-up of events for the Masskara Festival.
When Mayor Bing Leonardia arrived a little while later, he was all praises for the Central Spirit. He made mention of some relatives excelling in their studies at Central Philippine University. A picture taking with Mayor Bing followed as he invited everyone to join the celebration of the Masskara Festival.
It was a full house during the College of Agriculture Grand Alumni Reunion.
Highlighting the theme “CPU Agri Alumni Soaring High Towards Global Agri-preneurship,” the CPU College of Agriculture invited Centralian alumni to share their expertise in agriculture and entrepreneurship at the College of Agriculture Alumni Grand Reunion held at The Bacolod Pavillon Hotel on October 20, 2017.
According to Director Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association, the seminars are part of the college’s support for helping the agricultural industry, “We want to continue our advocacy of developing communities and helping farmers by sharing our expertise and skills. Through the seminar, we can gather our farmers and they will be able to learn from our pool of experts to improve their agricultural practice.”
Simultaneous seminars took place in two venues.
Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, CPUCA Alumni Negros Chapter President, Engr. Manuel C. Palada, member, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Rex Alocilja and Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications with College of Agriculture alumni at The Ruins, in Silay, Bacolod. Reminiscing the years – College of Agriculture alumni pose for a group picture.
At Seminar Area No. 1, Mr. Tim Arandela, the Coffee Coordinator of the Provincial Agricultures Office and a 1987 graduate of Agronomy from the CPU College of Agriculture, lectured about GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) in coffee production and cost and return analysis for the first seminar. He gave pointers on how to plant, manage, and harvest coffee. He also encouraged participants to invest in coffee because it is a sought-after commodity, “Coffee is the second largest commodity next to crude oil. Investing in coffee is also better if you sell your coffee directly to consumers for immediate consumption or by investing in a coffee shop.”
Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, CPUCA Alumni Negros Chapter President thanks alumni and committee members for the success of the alumni grand reunion. Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, CPUCA Alumni Negros Chapter President and Dir. Larry Nacionales, President of the CPUCA Mother Chapter, led the ribbon cutting signifying the start of the College of Agriculture Grand Alumni Homecoming. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Dr. Larry Nacionales, President of the CPUCA Mother Chapter awarded Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, CPUCA Alumni Negros Chapter President a certificate of appreciation for his leadership in spearheading the reunion. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlighted the Central Spirit and Faith as the bond that ties CPU alumni. Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto, owner of Ephrathah Farms, and member of the CPU BOT talked about entrepreneurship during the seminar. Alumni and guests listen to Rev. Amsil P. Alubog during the devotional. Rev. Amsil P. Alubog led the devotional during the first day of the reunion. Together Again – The College of Agriculture Batch 1979 reunites at the alumni grand reunion.
The second speaker, Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES), talked about native chickens. He highlighted the growing demand of chicken products in Western Visayas and showcased, through a video presentation, the CPU chicken farm in Leon, Iloilo managed together with the Department of Agriculture. In his talk, Dr. Cabarles shared GAP regarding chicken production. He also underscored the grow-out production of organic native chicken, “We want to commercialize native chicken here in Western Visayas. There is still a lot of challenges in achieving this, but we are currently researching ways and methods to commercialize native chicken.”
The last speaker, Engr. Ed Cañuto, owner of Ephrathah Farms, talked about entrepreneurship. Engr. Cañuto attributed the success of this farm to hard work and, above all, faith and obedience to the Word of God, “Ephrathah is the old name of Bethlehem and it means ‘to be fruitful.’ In our farm, we uphold stewardship in everything that we do. Every Monday, to start the week right, we encourage our 75 workers to attend a Bible study. We don’t just want to earn, but we want to transform lives and communities.” He also talked about proper farm operation management, improving the efficiency of farm operations, monitoring of production and cost, and the supply chain.
Meanwhile, at Seminar Area No. 2, valuable knowledge and ideas on agriculture were presented by two Centralian Agriculturists and a Packaging Engineering Faculty.
The first speaker was Dr. Manny Palada, who shared his famous research on moringa (malunggay) and his presentation and output on medicinal-aromatic herbs. He generously imparted his experience and insights on the agricultural production practices in Florida, stressing on the “possibility of increasing production of local herbs such as garlic, ginger and lemon grass.” Dr. Palada added, “They are sustainable here in our country as we have the same tropical climate like the Virgin Islands, which is conducive to aromatic health herbs. Dr. Palada is of the Batch 1966 of the CPU College of Agriculture. He earned his master’s degree from UP Los Baños, and his doctorate degree from the University of Florida. Dr. Palada is the Coordinator of Agricultural Experimental Project at the University of Virgin Islands, which includes areas of St. Thomas, St Croix, and St. John Islands. He is currently a Visiting Professor at CPU.
The second speaker was Dr. Isagani G. Catedral, who lectured on mushroom culture and production. He believes in the potential of mushrooms to provide Filipinos with a good income and healthy food. “Mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals,” according to Dr. Catedral. He presented how he got good business out of oyster mushrooms, which can be grown and harvested anytime of the year. His success in mushroom production grew out of his perspective on the essential mushroom farm which he now operates in Tanauan City, Batangas. Determination and industry are needed to succeed in the mushroom production, according to Dr. Catedral. Dr. Catedral is of the Batch 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. He earned his master’s degree in Agronomy and his Doctor of Philosophy from UP Los Baños in 1972 and 1984, respectively. He is a former Executive Director of the Philippine Cotton Development Administration.
The third speaker was Engr. Bernie Cangrejo who gave a talk along with Engr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo. Engr. Cangrejo and Engr. Dionaldo presented ideas on how farmers could market their products with good packaging and smart marketing strategies. The talk was not only informative. Engr. Cangrejo entertained the farmers with his “fast talk,” animated discussion, and colorful video presentation. The up-to-date presentation of products and actual areas of concerns were particularly explained, with strategic solutions. Engr. Bernie Cangrejo graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Batch 1993, and his master’s degree is from Michigan State University-Online. Meanwhile, Engr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering, Batch 2015.
Engr. Cangrejo’s presentation also included discussions on the Packaging Engineering course being offered at CPU—the only one being offered in the whole of the Philippines. Packaging Engineering, according to Engr. Cangrejo, is a specialized field dealing with packaging problems, including study of products, packages, materials and containers, structures, methods, machinery, and transportation. Scientific and engineering principles are used to solve problems in design, production, and preparation of packaged farm products for distribution. The Packaging Engineering School was initiated by the Dr. Lejo C. Braña, forerunner of the BS Packaging Engineering Course in CPU.
The College of Agriculture alumni and guests exchange conversations and smiles during the Grand Alumni Reunion.
October 20, 2017—Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences alumni from all around the globe gathered in the City of Smiles to celebrate their Alumni Grand Reunion held at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, Bacolod City.
Kick starting the reunion was a caravan of 30 cars around Bacolod City starting from the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel to the Bacolod City New Government Center and then back to the hotel. The famous La Carlota City Pasalamat Drum Beaters joined the caravan and performed their mardigras-inspired beat aboard a truck. Afterwards, there was a short opening program where the CPU Agriculture Alumni Association President, Dir. Larry Nacionales welcomed all the participants. He was followed by the Negros Chapter President, Roberto “Francis” R. Jalando-on, Jr. who thanked God for giving a short window of fine weather so that they could have the caravan, and for the Iloilo delegation to cross the seas.
A favorable weather – the College of Agriculture Alumni enjoyed the sunshine during the caravan, the rain only arrived after the caravan was finished. College of Agriculture Alumni Association Negros Chapter President Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. led the parade. Centralian smiles – College of Agriculture alumni enjoyed sharing conversations about their CPU days and rekindling their Central Spirit. College of Agriculture Alumni Association Negros Chapter President Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. together with the prime movers of the CPU AA Negros Chapter, Mr. Goldwyn Nifras and Mr. Edgar Alcazaren. Go for green – College of Agriculture alumni wear green for environmental protection and awareness.
After which, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications led the morning devotional with Rev. Amsil Alubog as speaker. Rev. Alubog emphasized that if we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we can claim that the Lord is our Light, our salvation and our strength, and as such we will not be afraid to face any challenges in life. Engr. Vitini Idemne was song leader while Pastor Jec Dan Borlado was the instrumentalist.
An exhibit was also opened featuring the products and produce of local farmers and entrepreneurs.
This year’s College of Agriculture Alumni Grand Reunion was spearheaded by the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association led by its President Director Larry Nacionales and hosted by the Negros Chapter headed by Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. President, Mr. Dan Dorillo, and the members of the CPUAAI came over to support the event.
The opening program was a rekindling of the friendships and a reunion of the Central Spirit as the alumni reminisced their days in the university and shared their present joys and testimonies.
The Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences is ready for its 2017 Alumni Grand Reunion to be held on October 20-21, 2017 at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, Bacolod City.
Highlighting the theme “CPU Agri Alumni Soaring High Towards Global Agri-preneurship,” this year’s grand reunion will feature exhibits, seminars, and other exciting events.
According to Director Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association, alumni and guests alike can look forward to a fulfilling two-day activity. “This will probably be our biggest grand reunion yet. The Negros Chapter of the CPU Agriculture Alumni Association headed by Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. will be hosting the event in Bacolod City. We have planned a lot of exciting and learning-filled activities for our alumni and guests.” CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel Bedona; the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. President, Mr. Dan Dorillo; and the members of the CPUAAI will be coming over to support the event.
Director Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association talks about the activities during the COA Alumni Grand Reunion.
On the first day, outstanding alumni will showcase their expertise in simultaneous seminars. Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Dean of CPU CARES, will discuss about native chickens; Mr. Tim Arandela will lecture about GAP Production of Coffee cum Cost and Return Analysis; and Engr. Ed Cañuto will talk about Entrepreneurship. On the other hand, Dr. Manny Palada will talk about Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs for Improved Health Nutrition, Dr. Isagani Catedral will lecture on Mushroom culture and production, and Engr. Benie Cangrejo will share his expertise in Packaging Technology.
In the evening, a cultural affair entitled, “An Evening with Mayor Bing,” will showcase CPU’s finest talents. Performers will include Katchry Jewel Golbin, 3rd Place Winner, France Got Talent; the CPU Hand Bell Ringers; the U-Day Champion of the Men’s Barbershop Quartet; and the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe.
The second day will feature an excursion around Bacolod City’s historical and tourist sites and the “Governor’s Night”—a gala dinner together with Negros Occidental Governor, Gov. Alfredo G. Maranon, Jr. CPU Professors and Instructors who have taught at the College Agriculture will also be honored and recognized in the same dinner. The oath taking of newly elected officers will then follow.
Dir. Nacionales shares that the event is CPU’s commitment to creating a pool of connected alumni that strengthens and contributes their skills and talents in the agricultural industry. “We want to continue our advocacy of discovering new skills and sharing them with other fellow agriculturists. We want to continue to grow and to promote Centralian education especially in agriculture.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles met with S/Supt. Biñas at the CPU Administration Conference Room.
Centralian Police Senior Inspector Henry F. Biñas, newly assigned Director for Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), visited CPU last September 25, 2017. S/Supt. Biñas paid a courtesy call on the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, at the Board of Trustees Conference Room at 2:00 PM. S/Supt. Biñas expressed his gratitude for the education and training he received in CPU. He said that without Central Philippine University, he would not have graduated from college, achieved a lot, and served the people. Furthermore, S/Supt. Biñas recounted his experience as a work student at CPU and how it prepared him for success.
S/Supt. Biñas first enrolled in the CPU College of Agriculture, before he studied at the Philippine Military Academy. Later, he was also admitted to the Philippine National Police Academy. His admission to PNPA changed his career in public service. He was first assigned as a police officer to Negros Occidental where he diligently worked on duties. In fact, instead of going out with friends for fun and drinks, he chose to spend his evenings studying Law at a nearby college. He went on to pass the Bar Exams and as a consequence, he became efficient in working on police-criminal cases.
At home in Central – S/Supt. Biñas shares his Centralian memories.
He proceeded to the Alumni Affairs Office for an afternoon coffee and conversation with some alumni, classmates and friends, where he spent more time recalling fond memories, especially with the faculty and staff of the College of Agriculture. His visit was facilitated by the Security, Safety, and Discipline Office Head, Jonathan Tumalay and CPUAAI President, Dan Dorillo.
For the U-Day celebrations, the ICPO Director registered himself with twenty policemen from the Iloilo City Police Office to join the RCJC Homecoming Run in CPU on September 29, 2017. He assured everyone that he was doing his best to sustain peace and order in the City, and possibly extend a program to support the security at CPU and its surrounding communities.
S/Supt. Biñas is a CPUAAI awardee at the Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, September 30, 2017.
It will be a special night on October 20, 2017 as Central Philippine University Cultural Affairs Office brings the CPU Handbell Ringers, CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe and the University Day Champions — together with Ms. Katchry Golbin (France Got Talent winner) to perform in “An Evening with Mayor Bing” at the Pavillon Resort Hotel, Bacolod Cityat 6:00 PM. The cultural presentation will also include a surprise number of “The Singing Centralian Kagawads”, Atty. Joshua Alim and Atty. Renecito Novero from Iloilo and Bacolod City, respectively.
The CPUCA meeting in Bacolod City in preparation for their Grand Alumni Homecoming.
Dir. Larry Nacionales, CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association President, and Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. Negros Chapter President will be heading the welcoming party of those who will be attending the Grand Reunion of the CPU College of Agriculture. President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who will deliver an Inspirational Remarks, and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty Von Lovel Bedona will also be present during the event. Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia will be greeting everyone on behalf of Bacolod City “the City Smile.”
Katchry Golbin and the singing Iloilo City Councilor Joshua Alim during a concert at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The duo will reprise their number on October 20, 2017.
The Global Alumni Homecoming is organized by the CPUCA, in partnership with the CPU and CPUAAI, and in collaboration with the City Government of Bacolod City.
The College of Agriculture Alumni Association continues to meet in various places in Negros to prepare for the Grand Reunion of the College of Agriculture alumni on October 20-21, 2017 at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel with the Theme “CPU Soaring High Towards Global Agripreneurship.”
On June 10, 2017, the officers of CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association Negros Chapter and some alumni went to Kabankalan City for their meeting. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Geovani Gatoc at DMAX Restaurant. The updates were given by the officers led by Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr., the chapter president. In that meeting, the group was surprised when an elderly gentleman came into the restaurant. He said his sister in Capiz told him to join the alumni meeting in Kabankalan. She got the message from a text from the CPU Office of Communications. Because of the Central Spirit, Mr. Eliseo “Boy” Elumba who is already more than 70 years old came all the way from La Castellana. He has been attending meetings from then on.
The organizers of the College of Agriculture Grand Reunion are distributing the tarps to strategic areas in Negros announcing the event.
After the meeting, the group decided to pass Hinigaran and visit an alumnus who is sick. The group had the opportunity to pray for Rolando Tupas. The prayers and visit brought a radiant smile from him. His wife, Lory Causing-Tupas attended two more meetings after the visit and will soon be hosting an alumni meeting at their home on July 29, 2017. The group is looking forward to having Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, the CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, as the guest of honor.
CPUCA Alumni Meeting in La Carlota City last June 12,2017.
Two days later, on June 12, the group once again had a fellowship lunch in La Carlota City at the residence of the Negros Chapter’s President, Mr. Roberto R. Jalando-on, Jr. It seems that the Grand Reunion is the culmination of a series of mini-reunions from Pavia, to the CPU Campus and many parts in Negros.
CPUCA Alumni Meeting in Kabankalan City.
Last July 1, 2017, the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association Negros Chapter met at Nena´s Manokan near Bacolod Doctor´s Hospital. This is the place where they hold their monthly fellowship. The elderly alumni are enthusiastic and faithful attendees. One alumnus quipped “The Central Spirit is thicker than blood.” In this meeting, the group was visited by the President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc., Mr. Dan Dorillo.
On July 22, 2017, 3:00 pm the La Carlota City CPU Alumni Chapter will meet at the residence of Mr. Ed Castaneda. Everyone who is in the area is invited to attend.
The organizers of the October reunion will print the final program by the end of July. Two places for field trips are already identified: Campuestohan and Mambucal for the Second Day while on the first night, the main attraction is “CPU´s Finest” featuring the winners of the U-Day 2017 and some of the CPU Cultural Groups like the Cultural Center of Philippines´ accredited artist, the CPU Handbell Ringers.
For more information about the Grand Reunion, please contact the following persons: Delma Umadhay – 09205190506, Roberto R. Jalando-on – 09203268505, Stergein May Gico-Aurelio – 09124742389.
The new PhD title holder, Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa (center) with committee members, professors and guests after the defense.
Münster, June 2, 2017 – After getting a private message in social media from Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, an Associate Professor of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES) Central Philippine University (CPU), that she would be going to Germany soon for her PhD defense, I rushed immediately to my laptop to buy a train ticket to meet up with her at the city of Weimar in the eastern part of Germany. The trip from the very west of Germany, my city Münster, took around eight hours of travel, a bit tiring but, nevertheless, my heart palpitated because of the excitement to meet up with a fellow alumnus, a fellow Ilongga and a good friend. I arrived on May 18, 2017 and met her for breakfast at our cozy hostel which was at the city center of Weimar. I had the impression that very morning that Ma’am Aries seemed to be well prepared for her PhD dissertation defense because I have not seen any signs of pressure on her face. We caught up a lot of things while having our breakfast, and talked about our beloved Central Philippine University, the people and institutions who made her PhD journey possible, the things that had to be done prior to her defense and what we are going to do after the occasion.
(L-R) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft and the PhD graduate, Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa with her symbolic “doktorhut”.
Two Centralian supporters came to her PhD defense. Apart from me, who graduated AB Mass Communications in 2014 and is currently studying here for a Master’s Program at the Westfaelische-Wilhelms University, Engr. Klaus Hanuschke, a Centralian by heart and former Development Advisor to CARES, also came from Frankfurt. Ma’am Aries and Engr. Klaus jointly developed the Diploma in Environmental Resource Management and Technologies major in Solid Waste Management (ERMAT-SWM) for the enhancement of professional education in solid waste management in the Philippines for more than three years.
Dr. Engr. Romallosa and yours truly after the defense and awarding.
The defense of Ma’am Aries started on time at 10:45 in the morning. Her PhD dissertation entitled “Briquette Production by the Informal Sector: The Case of UCLA in Iloilo City, Philippines” was co-financed by CPU, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
The defense took around 3 hours to finish which comprised of presentation, questions and discussions, and recommendations of each panel member to the Committee. After internal discussions, it was announced that Ma’am Aries passed the oral defense and received her PhD degree “cum laude.”
The Centralians during our celebration hosted by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft.
It felt great to see a Centralian here in Germany and to exchange experiences with people who also pursue a career in the academic field. I was really inspired by the challenging work Engr. Romallosa had to put through especially that she is also working full-time in CPU while undertaking her individual PhD course. The research that took her around 5 years to finish made a significant contribution for the informal sector of Calajunan dumpsite in Iloilo City, as shown during her defense. Because she had an international audience, I felt that the research was transparent to the world. It makes it more appreciative to look at for Europeans who do not experience real poverty and problems that surround the issue discussed in her dissertation work. After the defense and brief closing program, the Chair of the Department of Biotechnology in Resource Management who is also her mentor/adviser, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft invited us for a small celebration at the city.
It was a long yet fulfilling day and the Lord blessed us with a warm sunny weather and a Gelatto to munch on.
The trip to Weimar let me realize many things, one of them is, if you have a dream, go for it, no matter how long it would take. I hope to finish my Master’s Degree here sooner and help humankind with my research too.
Alumni Updates 