Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Journalism student to participate in JIYI 2024

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:26:00 GMT

Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office

Sharona Nicole Semilla, a journalism student from the College of Communication, has been selected as a delegate for the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit 2024. The summit, scheduled to be held from April 17 to 19 in Tokyo, Japan, is renowned for bringing together young minds from across the globe to foster innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

Semilla’s essay, which highlighted her passion for journalism and commitment to addressing global issues, resonated strongly with the selection committee. Her advocacy for press freedom and her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices impressed the judges, earning her a spot among the summit’s distinguished delegates.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected to participate in the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit,” says Semilla. “This opportunity represents not only a personal milestone but also a chance to represent my country and my field of study on the global stage.”

In addition to her essay, Semilla’s extensive student leadership experiences played a pivotal role in her selection. As the Acting Managing Editor of The Communicator in 2023 and Vice President for Internal Affairs of the PUP Journalism Guild from 2023 to 2024, Semilla demonstrated a passion for driving positive change within her community.

“I believe that my experiences in student leadership have equipped me with the skills and mindset necessary to contribute meaningfully to the summit,” Semilla explains. “I am eager to collaborate with fellow delegates and explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing our world today.”

Beyond leadership roles, she was also recognized as one of the Merit awardees for the 2022 ASEAN-Korea Academic Essay Contest.

Through her participation in the summit, she hopes to gain deeper insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the dialogue surrounding their implementation and impact.

“Journalism is not just about reporting the news; it’s about giving a voice to the voiceless and fostering empathy and understanding,” Semilla said in an interview.

“I believe that by engaging with fellow delegates and sharing our diverse perspectives, we can cultivate a greater sense of global solidarity and drive positive change.” she added.

According to Semilla, delegates must also attend to a series online workshops prior to the Tokyo Summit.

View this article in PUPWebSite

Re-elected Univ President Muhi details infrastructure development plans for PUP

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:27:00 GMT

Joselle Bernard Fernandez, News, PUP Campus Journalists

Highlighting his infrastructure development plans, reappointed University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi outlined his visions for the campus as he begins another four-year term of office on Monday, March 24, at the oath-taking ceremony held at the University Avenue in the presence of various faculty members, staff, and students in attendance.

Also present in Muhi’s oath-taking were Executive Committee officials, with Prof. Alberto C. Guillo, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Planning and Finance, Rodrigo R. Quilingan, PUP Unyon ng Nagkakaisang Kawani (UNAKA) President, and John Andrew Dela Cruz, PUP Education on Wheels student, expressing their warmest greetings for the second term of President Muhi.

Among the infrastructure projects that Muhi plans for his next term are the construction of a new dormitory (Condotel Building B) at PUP Oval, a student center, and the installation of footbridges connecting the buildings to the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Sta. Mesa Station, which he believes will enhance the quality of education that PUP offers for students.

Improving infrastructures in PUP
Muhi, a civil engineer by profession, said that among the many plans of his administration for the whole PUP system is to prioritize infrastructure development across all PUP campuses.

“Isa sa mga programs natin is ’yong improvement ng mga facilities, mga laboratories not only on the main campus but also sa mga campuses na outside Sta. Mesa,” he said.

(One of the programs that we have is the improvement of the facilities and laboratories not only on the main campus but also on the campuses outside Sta. Mesa.)

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), seven projects are currently ongoing within the University, including the renovation of the main building in the Sta. Mesa Campus, which started its construction in 2021, and the construction of the Open University System (OUS) building, a four-story structure expected to be completed by July or August this year.

Ongoing works are also underway for the new extension of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) building, which would be located between the antique house and the current CEA building, consolidating all engineering, technology, and science courses.

“’Yang Engineering, Architecture [building] na ’yan, gagawin nating parang Science, Engineering and Technology Hub ’yan. Diyan na lang natin lahat sila pagsasama-samahin para andoon ’yong grupo ng mga researchers,” Muhi stated.

(The Engineering, Architecture [building], we will make them as a Science, Engineering and Technology Hub where we will put them together so researchers will be grouped there.)

Convenient and accessible infrastructures
Muli also added his plans to establish a new dormitory (Condotel Building B) on the oval grounds of PUP Main Campus, which has an ongoing market study on the PUP Student Information System (SIS) as of writing, to get the student’s insight in the planning and actual construction of the proposed project.

Muhi said that this initiative aims to enhance the convenience and accessibility for students attending classes at the campus in the coming years.

Moreover, he also plans to renovate the old PUP Condotel located near the CEA building once “issues with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have been settled.”

Also, he sees the creation of a new six-story student center that would cater to all student services.

Furthermore, Muhi said he is also studying the plan to create linkages that would be accessible to its workers and students—connecting the buildings up to the PNR Sta. Mesa Station through footbridges.

“Actually isang plano ko pa ay ang interconnectivity of the buildings so yung West wing ay ikokonekta sa gagawin nating Union ng mga Mag-aaral (Student Center),” he added.

(Actually, one more plan I have is the interconnectivity of the buildings, so the west wing will be connected to the Student Center we will make.)

High hopes
Muhi said he will be closely monitoring the progress of these infrastructure projects and that he expects them to be completed and constructed during his term.

“I am hoping that during my second term, ay matapos lahat ng ito (these projects will all be completed),” he said.

As hybrid learning is still ongoing due to the lack of classrooms and facilities at the University, he believes that these projects will not only address this issue but also significantly enhance the quality of education for students.

Additionally, he mentioned that funds had already been allocated for the projects, and some are still in the process of seeking funding. “Ginagawan natin ng paraan pero yung iba meron ng [nakalaan].”

(We are finding ways, but some of it were already allocated)

“Marami tayong kailangang gawin, gustong gawin para makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon para sa mas maraming kabataan na gustong mag-aral sa ating Sintang Paaralan… Sa tulong ng bawat isa, kayang-kaya natin makamit ang mataas na antas ng tagumpay,” he said.

(We have a lot of things to do to give a quality education to each student who aspires to study on this beloved campus… We can achieve a higher level of success with each other’s help.)

View this article in PUPWebSite

1,488 students march for Mid-year graduation

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:24:00 GMT

Angela Domingo, News, PUP Campus Journalists

1,488 graduates from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines marched during the Mid-year Commencement Exercises for the Academic Year 2023-2024 on Friday, March 22, at the PUP Oval.

Tanglaw ng Bayan Awardee, Hon. Philip A. Varilla, also the Assistant Secretary for the Infostructure Management Department of Information and Communications Technology, was the event’s guest speaker.

Varilla addressed his life after graduating, his hardships, and how he overcame the obstacles he encountered.

“Thirty-seven years ago, I was in the same place as you are about to graduate in my undergraduate course. We were happy and excited to enter the workforce”, he quipped.

“I failed and failed. But I believed that I just needed to try and try,” Varilla said.

Declaring fulfillment
The honorable academic awardees and their parents received their medals and certificates distributed by the University’s President Dr. Manuel Muhi.

Leading the graduating batch, Paula Grace Ann Barrientos Belista, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, left an aspiring speech for the graduates.

“These black gowns not only symbolize our academic pursuit, but also the personal growth and transformation we have undergone,” Belista said. “Sintang Paaralan, our beloved institution, has been the catalyst of growth, the harbor of our dreams, and the bedrock of our education.”

“Let us be torchbearers, lighting the way for the future generations of PUPians. Indeed, Mula sa ’yo, para sa Bayan,” the Magna Cum Laude graduate added.

This was followed by Muhi leading the conferment of diplomas to over (number) of graduates, assisted by the Executive Vice President, Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors, University Registrar, and Chairpersons of PUP.

Success amidst long-time struggle
Belista, along with other graduates, expressed their sincere sentiments and overall experiences as an Iskolar ng Bayan who completed their college endeavor.

“I’ll quote, ’gamitin ’yong karunungan mula sa Sintang Paaralan para sa Bayan’, dahil tayo, as a scholar, hindi lang tayo nandito para tuparin ang mga pangarap natin, naririto tayo for a greater good,” Margarette Montejo stated.

(I’ll quote, ’use the knowledge from Sintang Paaralan for the Nation’, because us, as a scholar, we are not just here to accomplish our dreams, we are here for the greater good.)

Looking back on their lives as PUPians, the graduates wholeheartedly expressed their messages for those who are aspiring to be among the Iskolar ng Bayan.

“Sa mga gustong pumasok sa Sintang Paaralan, bukod sa mag-aral nang mabuti, maging mulat tayo sa sistema na nakapaloob sa pamantasan pati sa labas nito,” Paula Magpantay said.

(To those who want to enter Sintang Paaralan, aside from studying well, let us be open-minded to the systems instilled inside, and even outside, of the university.)

The midyear commencement event was concluded with a Thanksgiving Message from Dr. Edmond Fuertes Clemente, Doctor in Educational Management of the Open University System.

A community of accomplished graduates pledged their loyalty and sang the PUP Hymn that ended the ceremony.

View this article in PUPWebSite

OUS Celebrate Women's Triumphs in "Unveiling Herstory" Project

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:39:00 GMT

Dr. Jerielyn V. Reyes, News, PUP Open University System

The PUP Open University System’s (PUP-OUS) Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, in celebration of Women’s Month, held the “Unveiling Herstory” project, honoring the inspiring tales of triumph and resilience of women within the PUP community.

This activity, initiated by the Executive Director of the PUP-OUS, Dr. Carmencita L. Castolo, aimed to highlight and honor the remarkable stories of women who overcame adversities and demonstrated unwavering resilience in their lives.

PUPians, students and faculty alike, were invited to submit stories about women who left a significant impact on them, accompanied by visual submissions that display a narrative of triumph and resilience. The submitted pieces showcased the indomitable spirit of women and a powerful testament to their strength and determination in overcoming challenges.

The awarding of the best articles took place on March 27, 2024, with Debbie D. Gadon clinching the 1st place and the title of best visual submission. Sheena C. Merdejia and Madeline A. Guarana secured the 2nd and 3rd place respectively, while Dr. Hemmady S. Mora was recognized as the OUS favorite.

Prior to the awarding, esteemed guest speaker Ms. Lynda Garcia, President of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippines, delivered an empowering message emphasizing the importance of celebrating women’s perseverance and achievements.

Then, Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, the Vice President for Research, Extension and Development (VPRED) and the GAD Focal Person of the University, delivered an inspirational message detailing the transformation of women from mere decision-takers to brave, systematic, and decisive individuals.

The “Unveiling Herstory” project not only celebrated the resilience and triumphs of women but also fostered empowerment, solidarity, and support among PUPians. It served as a reminder of the incredible strength and courage that women possess, inspiring all to continue uplifting and honoring the stories of women in their pursuit of a more inclusive and equal society.

View this article in PUPWebSite

LAMP grads recognized in April flag raising ceremony

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:26:00 GMT

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Institute of Continuing Professional Development (ICPD) and the Quality Assurance Center (QAC) honored the first batch of graduates of the Leadership and Management Program (LAMP) during the University’s monthly flag raising ceremony last April 1.

The graduates, who began their studies from September 2021 until October 2023, were awarded a plaque of graduation for their excellent completion of the said course. LAMP intends to guide “current and emerging executives who are expected to lead the PUP towards the realization of vision, mission, goals, and objectives guided by its philosophy.”

Graduates are as follows: Ann Clarisse M. De Leon and Joanna Marie A. Liao from the Office of the President (OP); Soliman A. Santos, Sally C. Mua, and Marianito C. Gallego, Jr. from the Office of the Executive Vice President (OEVP);, Hemmady S. Mora, Benilda Eleonor V. Comendador, Rafael Michael O. Paz, Mary Jane G. Mendoza, Lorraine Charmayne S. Manansala, Norie L. Maniego, and Ma. Cristina Q. Trinidad from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA); Florinda H. Oquindo, Ana Liza Publico, and Rodrigo Lopiga from the Office of the Vice President for Students Affairs and Services (OVPSAS); Meleah P. Monsura, Jomar G. Adaya, Hazel DR. Samala, Rolan J. Malvar, Ireneo C. Delas Armas, Jr., Romeo P. Peña, and Ryan V. Labana from the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and. Development (OVPRED).

Members from the Office of the Vice President for Administration (OPVA) include Michelle Kristine D. Saraum, Ernesto C. Salao, and Christopher Mantillas; Abigail M. Dela Cruz from the Office of the Vice President for Finance (OVPPF); and Numeriano S. Magpantay, Minerva D. Ferranco, Marilyn F. Isip, Liza Marie B. Nuevo, Arman DC. Santos, Demelyn E. Monzon, Jonathan A. Marquez, Mary Grace B. Mulawin, and Leine S. Alcaraz from the Office of the Vice President for Campuses (OVPC).

LAMP is a development program aimed to develop PUP’s middle-level managers, honing them into effective leaders and supervisors that will guide the University in the future, whilst maintaining the culture of excellent leadership of the Sintang Paaralan. This will help propel the institution one step closer towards its goal of becoming a National Polytechnic University.

View this article in PUPWebSite

PUP earns recognition for its various academic programs

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:44:00 GMT

Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) continues to excel in academic quality, receiving accolades for its programs.

Recently, PUP was honored as the 3rd Top Performing University by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). This marks the 7th consecutive year of recognition for PUP in rigorous accreditation processes.

Additionally, PUP Bansud and PUP Sablayan received Six Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) from CHED MIMAROPA, further demonstrating PUP’s dedication to high standards.

The MS Information Technology and Master in Library Science programs of the PUP Graduate School and College of Education were also recommended for COPC issuance.

PUP now boasts a total of 179 COPCs issued by CHED NCR, CHED Region 3, CHED Region 4A, and CHED MIMAROPA.

Furthermore, the PUP Open University System (OUS) programs were found to be fully compliant during a recent assessment by CHED, reinforcing PUP’s quality education delivery.

Looking ahead, PUP is preparing for accreditation visits for 64 programs. 10 workshops are also to be conducted for the Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (ACBET) and Philippine Computer Society (PCS) Information and Computing Accreditation Board (PICAB) applications.

PUP is also set to take part in the forthcoming ASEAN University Network- Quality Tier 1 Training in Bangkok, Thailand. This participation aims to ensure membership and enhance its quality assurance training efforts.

View this article in PUPWebSite

Santa Rosa Campus receives award for its reading program

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:42:00 GMT

Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office

PUP Santa Rosa’s reading program in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa Library, has been awarded by Santa Rosa City the title “Best Social Inclusion Activity for Children and the Youth.”

Dubbed as “Halina’t Matutong Magbasa”, this initiative which has been running for its second year has also received accolades from The National Library of the Philippines for its community-relevant and cost-efficient reading program activities. The project’s aim is to foster literacy among children and youth in Santa Rosa, providing them with essential skills and opportunities for personal growth.

Through various engaging activities and resources offered at the City of Santa Rosa Library, the program has successfully reached and impacted numerous young minds. PUP Santa Rosa and the City of Santa Rosa Library looks forward to continue promoting education and social inclusion among the city’s younger population.

View this article in PUPWebSite

QC campus partners with GFPI for PWD livelihood project

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:30:00 GMT

Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office

PUP Quezon City and the Grain Foundation Phils (GFPI), Inc., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and distributed grants to 30 PWD families through the Sintakabuhayan Extension Project. The event took place on February 27 at Hisbeans Cafe.

The chosen 30 PWD beneficiaries, representing Barangay Commonwealth and Barangay Pasong Putik PWD Associations, were selected to receive funds from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA Philippines) under its KOICA Livelihood Program.

The MOU signing between PUP Quezon City and GFPI signifies their commitment to supporting PWDs and fostering inclusive development initiatives. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to enhance the livelihood opportunities and socio-economic well-being of PWDs and their families.

The grant distribution ceremony not only provided financial assistance but also encouraged continuous investment in their livelihood projects.

This collaborative effort reflects the shared vision of PUP Quezon City and GFPI to promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life for PWDs, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable communities.

View this article in PUPWebSite

Eng'g students clinch championship in the annual Engineering Congress

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:20:00 GMT

Melanie Jimenez, News, Communication Management Office

A team of four engineering students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) clinched the championship title at the prestigious Annual Engineering Congress held at UP Los Baños on March 23-24, 2024.

Competing against participants from various engineering institutions, the PUP team excelled in problem-solving throughout the competition’s three rounds.

Guided by their coach, Engr. Aldrin Lumbang, Aldean Gem De Guzman, Sam Robertson Pelegrino, and Prince Edrow Dela Cruz demonstrated outstanding performance in engineering analysis, aligning with the theme “Flowing Forward: Forging a Path towards an Integrated Sanitary and Water Resources” to contribute in addressing pressing issues in water sanitation.

In addition to PUP, Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite and Far Eastern University emerged victorious in their respective categories. All winners were awarded cash prizes in recognition of their achievements.

The Annual Engineering Congress, organized by the Civil Engineering Executive Organization from UPLB, serves as a national platform for engineers to exchange ideas, showcase innovation, and address contemporary engineering challenges.

_{Photo source: Executives' Challenge 2024 has now officially ended! (2024, March 25). Engineering Congress Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringCongress/posts/pfbid02RRTnun7bFMmhgUP2Rnb4AtQALQjajyvmobZGBeYUhA6GYDxnhSakYEtUW7TeYxoql}

View this article in PUPWebSite

PwC/Isla Lipana & Co. conducts meet and greet with PUP scholars

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:20:00 GMT

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines welcomed further collaborations with PwC Philippines/Isla Lipana & Co through an Exploratory Meeting and a Meet & Greet with the students at the University last March 20.

The meeting was centered on the overview of the PwC in the Philippines and its relationship with PUP, PwC’s role, and commitment to building new talents and making future ready, and exploratory talks between the two parties.

Attending this event include the Executive Committee led by University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi and PwC officials headed by Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC Philippines Roderick Danao, Acceleration Centers Leader of PwC Hari Kumar, and Consulting Acceleration Center Leader of PwC Sanjeev Duta.

After the gathering, a Meet & Greet between PwC and the Iskolar ng Bayan commenced at the Bulwagang Bonifacio which gathered an estimated hundred participants from different programs such as Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA), Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE), and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT).

“You might ask, why are we here? We are here because we want to help you achieve those dreams. Very soon, we’re going to offer more opportunities for PUPians and you will be part of the global workforce.” Danao, a PUP alumnus from the College of Accountancy and Finance (CAF), said.

Kumar stated in his talk titled “Leading with courage, Leading with values; importance of acquiring advanced skills to succeed in the new world” that there is no shortcut for hard work and urged the students to have confidence, believe in themselves, be relentless in the pursuit of knowledge, and learn from every direction possible.

“Don’t stop yourself. It is very important that you are a sponge. You soak in everything you can. Soak in every information. You have 4 years in college, but it goes fast. It goes very fast. So please, be a sponge,” he remarked.

When talking about courageous leadership, he told the audience that a great leader should be like a swan or someone that leads well under pressure, saying “A leader is like a swan. Peace, calm, and serenity. Just floats around the water. Have you thought about looking below the water? It is paddling feverishly. It’s a bird that paddles feverishly in the water and that is a leader.”

Meanwhile in his inspirational message, Consulting Acceleration Center Leader of PwC Sanjeev Duta emphasized the importance of having the desire, hunger, and versatility as it will become the catalyst in achieving success.

“You have all the knowledge in your palm, you can find any answer. But I do think that what’s going to make a difference will be your hunger and your ability to adjust to change”, he relayed to the students.

After the talk from the three main figures of PwC, an Open Forum was conducted to address the concerns and questions of the attending PUPians. In addition, the PwC Development Center (formerly PUP BPO Center) located at Pureza St., Sta. Mesa, Manila was toured as it was nearing completion. The said Center is one of the fruits of the ongoing partnership between PUP and PwC/Isla Lipana Co.

View this article in PUPWebSite