PHilMech's 31st In-House RD&E Review

The 2-day 31st annual in-house research and development review of the newly rationalized PHilMech (Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, formerly BPRE or Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension) has been successfully completed today with a simple awarding rites for best papers and posters held at the PHilMech's Auditorium.

Fifteen papers were presented, with 5 of them dealing with coffee commodity. This year's additional research concerns include Food Safety and Mechanization, two added mandates for this newly rationalized agricultural R&D center.

Some of the leading researchers who participated in this year's review include Dr. Flor Lantican (UPLB), Dr. Orlino Mercado (RFU3-RIARC), Dr. Tim Aganon (CLSU), Dr. Raul Alamban (PCARRD), Dr Delfin Suministrado (UPLB), and several CLSU professors, among many others.

The following scientific papers were adjudged as outstanding:

1. Supply Chain Improvement of Arabica Coffee in the Cordillera Region
2. Biological Control of Aflatoxin Producing Fungi in Corn, and,
3. Assessment of Biological, Chemical and Physical Contaminations in Organically Grown Salad Vegetables in Benguet.

Poster on "Frequency of Occurence of Rainy and Cloudy Days as Basis of Allocating Grain Dryers" was voted as number one winner. (JSF Blogs)

It's PHilMech (pronounced as FilMek), not PH Mech

Yes, our friends, the correct acronym of the newly Rationalized BPRE (for Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension) is PHilMech (for Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization). This was announced by its Director IV Engr. Ricardo L. Cachuela in his welcome remarks today on the occasion of the 31st In-House RD&E Review held in its headquarters in CLSU, Munoz Science City (Nueva Ecija).

If written, such acronym should be spelled capital (upper case) PH, small (lower case) il, capital M and small ech; thus, PHilMech.

From now on, say PHilMech, not PHMech nor PH Mech. (JSF Blogs)

UPLB Extension Majors Reunited after 3 Decades

They called themselves Coralan42, having conducted their off-campus practicum in Extension in the then remote village of Coralan, Sta. Maria, Laguna. They were all 42 in the batch, who lived with the farmers and homemakers (otherwise known as foster parents) for half a semester as part of the University's immersion program.

In 1976 when the 42 senior UPLB students lived in Coralan, the barangay was so remote and backward, which from the mouth of our Practicum coordinator then, Ms. Perla Umale heard, "if you can survive in this barangay, then you can survive anywhere in the country".

Motivated by their unique experience in Coralan, some members of this class came to a reunion last Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the residence of a classmate Mrs. Fe Mallion-Ranola in Tuntungin in the vicinity of UPLB. Those in attendance includes:
Josue S. Falla, Victorio Rustia, Saturnino Manalo, Perla Atienza-Centenno, Pura San Valentin-Amoloza, Cerila Lanceta-Caramihan, Criselda Flores, Francisca Ofren-Tan, and Baby Pua. A special participant, one of their prominent professors then, Dr. Pura T. Depositario, joined the reunion.

Posted here are some of the old pictures (in black and white) taken in Coralan saved by one of the classmate, while the colored ones were taken during the reunion. (JSF Blogs)

Dr. Marilou Gilo-Abon Returns Home @ Exactly 55

Eminent state university president and sorority sister, Dr. Marilou G. Abon lost to a brief battle against cancer as recently diagnosed; brief enough, as it only takes around a month from the discovery of the dreaded disease when her body system gave up.

Sis. Malou as she is fondly called in the Gamma Epsilon circle died on her 55th birthday on April 23, 2010 at the NVSU-Manila Guesthouse shortly after she was discharged from the St. Luke's Hospital in Manila. She died "in action" as lady president of Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU) with main campus in Bayombong, N. Viscaya. Her remains were laid at the KC Hall, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Munoz, Nueva Ecija where she used to be connected with and where her husband, Dr. Carlos Abon, Jr., is currently working and residing. She is survived by her husband Caloy, son Riz and daughter Kay. Her body will be transferred to Nueva Viscaya on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 right after the morning Mass. As of this posting, there is no date yet of interment.

This blogger is close to Malou, we being classmates in Math 14 back in UP Los Banos in 1972. Right after our graduation in 1976, she worked at CLSU where served as adviser of the Gamma Epsilon for years and conferred as lifetime Honorary member along with other prominent CLSU professors like Dr. Marcelo Roguel, Prof. Marcial Estolano, and Dr. Renato Reyes, among others.

Malou and I were together in several Gamma Epsilon activities like annual anniversaries and inductions of officers. In one anniversary celebration of GE where this blogger was the keynote speaker, I remember it was she who made a truly pleasing introduction (of the speaker) which she did very professionally. She was the Keynote Speaker of the first-ever National Convention of the Gamma Epsilon in 2006 held at DA-ATI in Quezon City. It was so memorable because such Convention signaled the national revival of this fraternity/sorority after decades of hibernation.

I have still many good memories of Sis. Malou, but may be I can write those in the future, hoping to immortalize her good deeds to the academe, her peers, community and country and to this fraternity/sorority (Gamma Epsilon).

Meanwhile, posted here are some photographs during GE/GLE first national forum in 2006 where she was the keynote speaker. As the Epsilonians say, pax et bonum! (JSF Blogs)

STCC-KFCI's Vacation Bible School 2010 : Photo Gallery

A collage of pictures during STCC-KFCI Daily Vacation Bible School, held at Brgy. Magtanggol, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, April 19 to 24, 2010. Activities include general assembly and community singing, sectional classes based on age group of the pupils, merienda, games, craft-making, etc. (30)

Welcome to this Wonderful World, Baby Chloe Althea!

20 April 2010, Cabanatuan City - This blogger's daughter-in-law, Dr. Princisita Miranda-Falla of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, has just delivered at dawn (1:30 AM) today a healthy baby girl at the IC Medical Center in this city. She was with her husband, Dr. Joshue Ian B. Falla throughout the day, expecting that their going to that hospital was just a routine rest/consultation, as the couple expected to have the baby next month yet. Despite short of a month maturity, the baby whom they named Chloe Althea, appeared strong and healthy. Yet, she was subjected to incubation as standard procedure for pre-mature babies. Baby Chloe is the 2nd child of the couple, the firstborn is Joshue Benjamin who is now four years old.

The couple, both registered veterinarian, operates a Drug Store and Agrivet Supply in Rizal, Nueva Ecija. Princess manages their business while Ian works with I-Feeds, Philippines, a Korean feed and related veterinary products company, as technical sales manager.

Baby girl Chloe is the 3rd grandchild/first grand-daughter of this blogger. Here's praising the Lord Jesus for another blessing in our life. All for His glory. (JSF)

PHMech Hosts 17 College Students’ On-the-Job Training Program

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHMech, formerly BPRE) is hosting 17 senior agriculture and computer science students’ OJT program as required by their schools. The program aims to immerse the graduating students into the world of professional R & D workers, and document such experience as requirement for graduation. Among agriculture OJTs, the program is in lieu of the thesis as partial requirement for graduation, where practicum students must complete at least 360 hours work in the Center.

The 17 OJTs are : From Bicol University, College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), major in agricultural engineering – Lynet R. Cruzat, Leandro N. Lee, Ramon Lumen and Rene Pabilonia. They are assigned at the Agricultural Mechanization Division (AMD). From Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA), major in agricultural engineering – Lord R. Aquino, Freida F. Abalos, Steve C. Pascua, Carlo P. Martin, and Brenda Alberto. They are assigned at AMD and at Bio-Process Engineering Div. (BPED)

Those coming from CORE Gateway College, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija are taking-up commerce, major in accounting – Jessette O. Guinto and Laiza C. Ignacio, while those taking-up computer science are Rhea L. Bautista, Janice M. Ignacio, Josielyn L. Alcantara and John Patrick D. Enopia. The lone OJT from CLSU-CTC Foundation is Durriel Gregorio who is taking up Windows Application course. They are assigned at the support units like Human Resource Mgt., Accounting, Cashiering, Property, Info-Tech unit and Office of the Director. Most of them started their program on April 12 until May 24, 2010 to complete the total time required in their curriculum. (30)

STCC’s Summer Bible School for Children is On

With this year's theme, "Studio Go!", an annual Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) organized by Sto. Tomas Church of Christ (STCC), Nueva Ecija, will kick-off tomorrow, April 19, 2010 at the residence of Bro. Hilario Pajo in Brgy. Magtanggol, Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija. This was disclosed at Sunday worship celebration today at the CLSU Interfaith chapel through Sis. Imelda Salazar, deaconess and this year’s DVBS supervisor.

In coordination with deaconess Sis. Rose Falla and STCC minister Bro. Miguel Nad, Jr., the team of DVBS teachers for this year came from the KFCI (Kids for Christ, International), a global ministry focused on children’s Christian values education. They are (see photos) Cristina A. Sanites, Marinel P. Religioso, Celestino G. Paralejas and Rolando B. Mendoza. They are also senior students of theology at the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) in Antipolo City.

DVBS 2010 will run from April 19 to 24, 2010 with classes from 8:00 – 12:00 AM. Daily merienda shall be provided by selected families of STCC while the meals of the faculty shall be sponsored by the Falla and Anog families. Other expenses like transportation of teachers (from Antipolo to Nueva Ecija and back) and honorarium of the teachers will be shouldered by the KFCI. STCC shall pay for the materials needed in this bible school. (JSF Blogs)

Photo Gallery Of "Salamat, Paalam" Tributes to 19 BPRE Retirees