PRC: Engr. Rex Demafelis, 2013 Outstanding Chemical Engineer

Engr. Rex Demafelis’ excellence in the field of Chemical

Engineering was once again recognized as the Philippine

Regulations Commission (PRC) awarded him as the

Outstanding Chemical Engineer last June 10 at the Manila

Hotel.

Demafelis is currently a Professor under the Department of

Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-

Industrial Technology, at University of the Philippines — Los

Baños. He has contributed a lot in the chemical engineering

field especially in the biofuels, particularly bioethanol,

biodiesel and biogas.

It can be remembered that the Philippine Institute of Chemical

Engineers (PIChE) also recognized Demafelis’ achievement by

awarding him as the Outstanding Chemical Engineer

(Academe) during the 74th PIChE Convention in Legazpi City,

Albay.

What’s inside?

Davao 2

DOST 2

Bataan 3

Iligan 4

Laguna 4

Pampanga 4

Socsargen 5

Flour 6

Bagiuo-Benguet 7

MME 7

CDO 10

Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers

Official Newsletter

September 2013 Volume 5, Issue 1

The Distiller

The Philippine Institute of Chemical

Engineers (PIChE) will make history

as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary in

2014, a yearlong celebration which

will commemorate its glorious history

and at the same time look forward to

the challenges the future poses upon

the organization and the Chemical

Engineering profession in the

Philippines and the international

arena.

The Diamond Year Anniversary will

be participated by members from

more than 40 local chapters and

Chemical Engineering student

organizations and schools in NCR,

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

An opening parade to be held at

Roxas Boulevard will kick it off

on Sept 15, 2013 coinciding with the

8th National ChE Week. The parade

will start in front of Star City and will

end at the Philippine Trade Training

Center in Pasay City, where the

Diamond Year will be officially

launched. This will be followed by

chapter presidents meeting and an inter-

chapter Bowling Tournament dubbed as

Pineda-Benitez Cup at the SM Mall of

Asia.

To promote awareness on PIChE’s social

and environmental advocacies, a fun run,

which is open to all, will be held on Sept

22, 2013. PIChE Diamond Dash partici-

pants can join the 2.5K, 5K and 10K

categories and win prizes.

The highlight of the Diamond Year is the

75th National Convention to be held

on February 26-28, 2014 at the historic

Manila Hotel. We have invited

international resource speakers to talk

about relevant issues and emerging

trends in the field of Chemical

Engineering. PIChE will also recognize

outstanding Chemical Engineers and

Chapters and the pillars of PIChE.

PIChE turns 75 By: Engr. Albert Samuela

The Diamond Year Portrait to announce the various activities

PIChE has in stored for the year 2013—2014.

Chemical Engineer Rex Dimafelis, receipient of the

2013 Outstanding Chemical Engineer Award from Atty.

Teresita Mananzala, PRC Chairperson during the PRC

Awards Night

NEWS FROM THE CHAPTERS

PRESIDENT’s CORNER 8

FEATURE:

CHEMICAL ENGINEER, 11

UNIVERSAL ENGINEER

The Industrial Tech-

nology Development

Institute (ITDI), in co-

operation with the

Philippine Institute of

Chemical Engineers

(PIChE)-DOST Chapter,

brought together local

and international re-

searchers, scientists, and

technical experts in a

Science and Technology

Conference held last

July 2, at the DOST

Executive Lounge. This

one-day conference is

part of ITDI’s 112th

Founding Anniversary

celebration.

Consistent with this

year’s theme, “ITDI

@112: Moving Ahead

with Greater Prospects”,

the conference gathered

together well-respected

foreign experts who

presented the latest inno-

vations and prospects in

powerful analytical tools

lings together with mem-

bers and officers of PIChE

– Davao. Both students

and professionals enjoyed

not only the tree-planting

activity, but the priceless

view of a clean and beauti-

ful coastline as well. The

group decided to re-visit

the site after a year to

check on the progress of

the seedlings. The group

departed the site with

smiles on their faces after

sharing simple snacks. The

trip back was spent look-

ing at the pictures taken

and reminiscing on the

morning experience –

wonderful conclusion to a

memorable experience.

As stewards of Mother

Earth, PIChE – Davao

Chapter initiated a tree

planting activity last July

13, at the Pawikan Sanctu-

ary in Punta Dumalag,

Matina, Davao City.

The group started out

bright and early for the

tree planting site. A short

orientation on the im-

portance of mangroves to

our ecosystem was given

to the group by members

of Barangay Punta

Dumalag. About 50

student – participants from

JPIChE – Ateneo de Da-

vao University and ChESA

– University of Mindanao

planted mangrove seed-

ITDI partners with PIChE-DOST Chapter for the 2013 S&T Conference

PIChE–Davao for the Environment: A Tree-Planting Activity

Page 2

The Distiller

such as Transmission

Electron Microscopy

(TEM), X-ray Photoelectron

Spectroscopy (XPS),

Atomic Force Microscopy

(AFM), Thermomechanical

Analysis (TMA), and 3D

Characterization, during the

morning plenary session.

The afternoon program was

divided into three parallel

sessions that highlighted the

latest ITDI technologies and

innovations (Session A),

research works of the recent

ITDI MS and PhD graduates

(Session B), (cont’d on

page 9) PIChE—DOST together with the foreign experts who presented in the

Science and Technology Conference.

Chemical engineers from all over Bataan united

once again for the 2013 PIChE-Bataan Chapter

General Assembly and Elections last June 13, at

the Petron Bataan Refinery Auditorium. They

gathered to elect a new set of PIChE-BC board

of directors, welcome new members, witness

how far the organization has become, and have

a glimpse of the Chapter’s future endeavors

and activities.

PIChE-BC Board of Directors Election

A new set of Board of Directors was elected

with 11 candidates winning out of the 22 who

expressed their willingness to serve the organi-

zation. The 2013 PIChE-BC Board of Directors

is composed of President-elect Vallan Joseph

Velasco together with John Edrian Atendido

(Vice President), Rachelle Manalo (Secretary),

Theresa Artuz (Treasurer), John Philip De Jesus

(Auditor), Jomelyn Kay Almosara (P.R.O.),

Maria Ivona Climaco (Editor-in-Chief), Cyma

Edel Alba (Education Head), Lisaer Carlo

Pineda (Membership Head), Jan Nemrick Ma-

ligaya (Socio-Civic Head), and Glenmon

Libo-on (Ways-and-Means Head). John Philip

De Jesus came from Orica Philippines while

Jan Nemrick Maligaya is from PPI (Philippine

Propylene Inc.). The rest of the officers came

from Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR).

Fresh Faces

The General Assembly served as an avenue for

the new chemical engineers to get acquainted

with their fellow engineers and for them to

understand the organization’s current stature in

the community as well as its visions. They

enjoyed videos/reports on past activities and

were also involved in the election of the new

set of officers.

To date, there are about 309 members of PIChE-

BC and 138 of them actively participated in the

general assembly. Majority of the new chemical

(cont’d on page 9)

schools across Bataan. The event was composed of two major

activities: Science and Engineering Career Orientation and

Bataan Peninsula Science Bowl.

In the morning, three notable speakers shared their knowledge

during the career orientation; Mr. Emerico Rasing, Guidance

Counselor of Student Wellness Center, De La Salle University-

Dasmarinas discussed career options based on individual

personality and interests. Engr. Fra Olalem Cinco of Chevron

Geothermal Services shared insights regarding science and tech-

nology professions especially Chemical Engineering.

Ms. Angelita Maglaqui, retired director of the Research and

Development Office, Bataan Peninsula State University, in-

spired the teachers and coaches in her talk on Science Teaching.

The event was also graced by PIChE National Vice-President

for Luzon Arjames T. Balgoa and Petron Bataan Refinery

Assistant Vice-President and PIChE-BC Senior Adviser Na-

thaniel R. Orillos who provided further inspiration to the stu-

dents on taking up the Chemical Engineering profession.

(cont’d on page 9)

With the goal of inculcating to high school students the

importance of Science and Engineering to the country’s

development, the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers –

Bataan Chapter (PIChE-BC) celebrated its annual affair,

Bataan Peninsula Science and Engineering Congress (BPSEC)

last August 24, 2013 at Petron Bataan Refinery Auditorium.

BPSEC 2013 is the grandest BPSEC to date gathering 156

junior and senior high school students from 26 participating

Above and Beyond: The 2013 PIChE-Bataan Chapter General Assembly and Elections By: Aaron Joseph J. Peñano

PIChE-BC Launches Biggest BPSEC, 26 schools vie for Science Bowl By: Engr. Maria Ivona F. Climaco & Engr. Raymond V. Albuero

Page 3

Volume 5, Issue 1

Group Pictorial of PIChE—Bataan Chapter after the concluded General Assembly and Elections.

The Champions of the 2013 Bataan Peninsula Science Bowl

June 16, 2013 is not only

special to Iligan City because

it celebrates its Charter day

but also to PIChE-Iligan Bay

Chapter for their double cele-

bration, Fellowship and

Induction of Officers.

The activity was held at

Roseville Beach House

owned by the inducted chap-

ter President Roselyn V.

Tagupa located at Kalanga-

han, Biga, Luga-it, Misamis

Oriental. Twenty three (23)

active members including

Engr. Bobby Sajonia, former

VP-Manufacturing of Holcim

Cement Corp. graced the

affair.

Inducting Officer and Guest

speaker was Hon. Celso Re-

gencia, the newly elected

Mayor of Iligan City who

challenged PIChE to work

with him specially on solid

waste management and water

quality management. Msgr.

Jemar Vera Cruz of the dio-

cese of Iligan on the other

hand, gave the inspirational

message.

Other officers inducted were

the following: VP-Industry

Francisco Nejarda; VP-

Academe Edmark Icalina;

Secretary Juvelyn Canaveral;

Treasurer Eugenia Santiago;

Auditor Catherine Acibar;

PIO Agnes Escabarte; Board

of Directors: Erlinda Yape,

Guillerma Avila, Genara

Labaja, Eulalio Creencia,

Belcesar Bontuyan; Board of

Advisers Rose Balacuit, An-

drew Pancho, Nestor Molleda

and past Presidents.

Highlight of the program is

the awarding of Outstanding

Chemical Engineer to Engr.

These activities were done in prep-

aration for their task as the tech-

nical arm of the City government

in its environmental and water

quality programs.

Officers of the chapter went to

Cagayan de Oro City last July 8

and 19 to visit the Department of

Environment and Natural Re-

sources (DENR) Regional Office

and arranged a schedule on Basic

and Advance Course on conduct-

ing Environmental Impact As-

sessment (EIA). Their effort did

not go futile as they set the semi-

nar/workshop last Aug 9-10, for

the basic course and on Aug 16 -

17 for the advanced course.

Meanwhile, they also visited the

Laboratory of Mindanao Univer-

sity for Science & Technology

(MUST) to benchmark their

laboratory testing of potable

water quality.

2013 PIChE – Iligan Bay Officers Inducted

PIChE-Iligan conducts Lakbay-Aral

Page 4

The Distiller

PIChE—Iligan Bay Chapter and their newly-inducted officers.

Nestor V. Molleda, 3-time Presi-

dent of the chapter and responsi-

ble for its 1st Outstanding PIChE

Chapter Award during his term as

President.

Strategic planning and fellowship

follows after a sumptuous lunch

courtesy of the host.

Prof. Yosikawa conducts Waste to Energy

Seminar

Fifteen PIChE and almost one hundred JPIChE was fortunate

to be visited by Prof Yosikawa of Tokyo University to talk

about Conversion of Waste to Energy.

This is the 4th Technical Session spearheaded by the chapter

this year.

The seminar was conducted on June 20, 2013 at the Engi-

neering amphitheater of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

Safety & Health Seminar for

Chemical Engineers

Past chapter President Joel Handugan of Western

Minadanao Power Corp. conducted a seminar on Safety

& Health to chemical engineers and chemical engineer-

ing students at MSU-IIT last July 20, 2013. Lakbay-Aral at MSU-IIT Laboratory

Philippine Institute of Chemical

Engineers (PIChE) - Socsargen,

in coordination with General

Santos City Environment and

Natural Resource Office

(CENRO), culminated the Envi-

ronment Month with a tree plant-

ing Activity along the river

banks of Silway River in Gen-

eral Santos City last June 30,

2013. This is in support of CEN-

RO’s Riparian Zone Reforesta-

tion Program.

The aim of the chapter is to

adapt a three-pronged approach

to tree planting: soil conserva-

tion, carbon sink, and livelihood.

The bamboo, especially the spe-

cies B. vulgaris is known for its

effectiveness in conserving soil

and water along the riparian zones.

The woven root system of bamboo

acts as a sort of cohesive for col-

loidal particles making the plant a

suitable protector of rivers. In ad-

dition, bamboo trees convert car-

bon dioxide into oxygen, making

it a carbon sink. The bamboo trees

also provide raw materials for

making furniture and other handi-

crafts.

“The tree planting signify the

chapter’s strong commitment in

ensuring sustainable environ-

ment,” says Engr. Remie Tamesis,

PIChE — Socsargen Chapter

President.

ship was made more fun with

good food, drinks, raffle with

exciting prizes and of course

good music, brought to the

audience by an acoustic

band from UPLB featur-

ing some of the officers

and members of the chap-

ter who jammed with the

band.

June 14, 2013 - The current

members and officers of

PIChE Laguna Chapter meet

the pioneers and the people

who revived the local PIChE

Chapter. Twenty five mem-

bers from the industry, aca-

deme, government institu-

tions and various fields

joined the event. The fellow-

PIChE Socsargen celebrates Environment Month

PIChE-Laguna’s Fellowship Night

Page 5

Volume 5, Issue 1

Group photo of PIChE—Socsargen Chapter during the

tree planting activity

Pampanga’s 2nd Quarter

General Assembly held

The Philippine Institute of Chemi-

cal Engineers – Pampanga Chapter

held its Second Quarter General

Assembly last May 10, at

Alejandro’s Garden in Balibago,

Angeles City.

The activity’s highlights were the

presentation of the chapter’s board of

directors, officers, and advisers, oath

taking of new members, team build-

ing games, president’s report, treas-

urer’s report, and a talk about Engi-

neers and Scientists for Global Re-

sponsibility.

Engr. Ines M. Basaen, an accom-

plished chemical engineering alumna

of St. Louis University, Baguio City

Members of PIChE-Pampanga with Engr.

Ines M. Basaen during the chapter’s 2nd

Quarter General Assembly

encouraged the attendees to be

globally responsible engineers by

being mindful of the effects of the

decisions they are making on their

professional and personal lives.

She also gave a glimpse about the

International Network of Engi-

neers and Scientists (INES) for

Global Responsibility, an organi-

zation that focuses on disarmament

and international peace, ethics in

science, responsibilities of scien-

tists and the responsible use of

science and technology, and sus-

tainable development.

(cont’d on page 9)

The Philippine Institute of

Chemical Engineers - Fluor

Chapter (PIChE-Fluor) held its

general assembly on June 10,

2013 at the Asian Star Building in

Muntinlupa City.

The event was attended by 84

members and was graced by the

presence of PIChE National Exec-

utive Vice-President Albert

Samuela, who presented the up-

coming activities for the celebra-

tion of the Diamond Year of

PIChE. He also provided answers

to questions from the chapter

members regarding

various issues, such as

the implementation of

the Continuing Profes-

sional Development re-

quirements.

To officially kick off the

General Assembly,

Engr. Corazon Almirez,

Process and HSE

Department Manager

and PIChE — Fluor

Adviser, gave an

inspirational message which

focused on the role of chemical

engineers in giving back to the

community. She discussed a

future program wherein process

engineers from PIChE — Fluor

will help chemical engineering

students with their plant design

courses in the college level.

PIChE — Fluor President Engr.

Lexter Gimenez gave an overview

of the milestones of the chapter

during its first year of existence,

beginning with the chapter’s

inauguration on August 30, 2012.

Other activities of the newly-

formed Fluor chapter include its

participation in the 2012 National

Chemical Engineering (cont’d on

page 9)

members from the Manila office and 8

members from the Cebu office.

Today, the chapter boasts 130 members

from both the Manila and Cebu offices

as more Chemical Engineers join Fluor

Philippines, which continues to expand

its operations in the country.

The chapter had its first election for the

Board of Directors in April 2013. The

chapter officers and board of directors

for 2013 are Lexter Gimenez

(President), Catherine Guevarra (Vice-

President), Miguel Carlo Hipolito

(Secretary), Duane Lemuel Galang

(Treasurer), Jenn Lusther Mutia

(Auditor), and Arsenia Ramona Carmen

Juanillo, Ena Jane Javier and Franz

Adrian Sy (Directors).

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engi-

neers (PIChE), the official professional

organization of chemical engineers in the

Philippines, now has a chapter at Fluor

Philippines.

The PIChE-Fluor Chapter was inaugurat-

ed on August 30, 2012 at the Vivere Hotel

in Manila. The event was attended by the

Manila Management Team, including the

Vice President and General Manager of

Fluor Philippines, Dan Spinks and the

Process and HSE Department Manager

Corazon Almirez, who gave inspirational

messages to the founding members of the

chapter.

PIChE National President Ferdinand Za-

panta formally inducted the members into

the PIChE-Fluor Chapter. The by-laws of

the new chapter were ratified by 100

Fluor Chapter holds General Assembly 2013 By Engr. Franz Adrian Sy

From roots to branches, PIChE-Fluor keeps growing

Page 6

The Distiller

PIChE—Flour Chapter and its newly-inducted Board of Directors

during their 2013 General Assembly

With over 100 members from the Manila and

Cebu offices, PIChE-Fluor is currently the second

biggest chapter of PIChE.

Chemical engineers from various departments of

Fluor Philippines take their oath as members of

the newly-formed PIChE-Fluor Chapter.

The PIChE Metro Manila East

(MME) Chapter held its fourth

general assembly last March 8,

2013 at the GHD Training

Room in Alphaland Southgate

Tower, Makati. A total of

twenty-eight (28) chemical

engineers attended with three

speakers from various parts of

the PIChE network. Dr. Car-

mel Gacho, PIChE Nation-

al VP for Metro Manila

started off with news from

PIChE National followed

by the MME Chapter

president and financial

reports. The highlights

of Ms. Gacho’s open-

ing remarks include

the updates regarding

the Continuing Pro-

fessional Education (CPE)

requirements, announcements

on scholarships from the De-

partment of Science and

Technology at the postgradu-

ate level,

and

news

about

PIChE’s

diamond

anniver-

sary.

Outgoing chapter president Mr.

Benjie Gregorio delivered the

president’s report

which

focused on

Metro Manila East Chapter holds fourth general

assembly and elects new officers

Page 7

Volume 5, Issue 1

PIChE Baguio-Benguet Chapter holds 1st Midyear Symposium By: Engr. Susan A. Mamitag

The first Midyear Symposium sponsored by the

Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers

(PIChE), Baguio-Benguet Chapter, with the

theme “Convergence in Engineering towards

Environmental Care” held on August 8-9, 2013

at Pines View Hotel, Baguio City, was a

resounding success.

As expected, not only the resource speakers

came from diverse fields of engineering, also,

almost each field of engineering is represented

by the participants to the symposium. Equally

important is the positive response of the local

executives of Baguio City and Benguet Prov-

ince to the Institute’s invitation.

In their message, it is evident that both are sup-

portive of the theme of the symposium. Their

awareness of the active presence of our institute

in their respective areas of jurisdiction is of

much significance. Some of the extension

programs of our institute may be in line with

the existing programs of their administration. In

such manner, program implementation may be

facilitated by partnership or coordination.

On the other hand, the good number

of participants from the diverse

fields of engineering may be

suggestive of how other fields of

engineering are supportive of their

institute’s efforts towards environ-

mental care. Ours is an Institute

whose efforts are integrative and

coordinative in approach. Ours is a

thrust anchored on chemical

concerns that transcends barriers

towards environmental, cultural and

social concerns. It is hoped that this

symposium has become an eye

opener to other engineering

institutes for them not to focus only

on the welfare of their members but

also the welfare of the environment and society

as a whole.

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers

(PIChE), despite being small in number, has

initiated the laying of foundation of

convergence in engineering which bigger

engineering institutes may have overlooked. In

the future, our Institute will be laying a post,

then eventually a complete structure of conver-

gence in engineering towards environmental

care in a narrower perspective and towards

societal care in a broader perspective.

PIChE-BB during their 1st Midyear Symposium

the developments since the

third general assembly on

September 21, 2012.

An audio visual presenta-

tion by Mr. Albert Samuela,

PIChE National EVP, the

followed which highlighted

exciting moments during

the 74th National Conven-

tion and a glimpse of the

forthcoming Diamond

Year Celebration. Mr.

Rey Esguerra then pre-

sented some key materi-

als from the last nation-

al convention in

February, particularly

the Philippine Quali-

fication Framework

and PRC’s

Roadmap of the

Chemical Engineering Pro-

fession. (cont’d on page 9)

(www.ptc.org.ph).

This year’s ChE Week will be on September 15 – 21, and I do

hope that all of the chapters nationwide will actively partici-

pate. The Code of Technical Standards for Sugar Milling and

Raw Sugar Manufacturing will be launched during our 2013

ChE Week opening on September 15 at Philippine Trade and

Training Center, Pasay City. On this day, we will induct the

officers of the Metro Manila Academe Chapter and the newly

formed PIChE - JGC Chapter. The PIChE – Boysen Chapter

officers will be inducted on a later date since their President

elect will be out of the country on September 15. I would also

like to welcome to the PIChE family, the PIChE – DENR

Chapter whose set of officers, I inducted last April 2013.

I would like to thank all the Chapters who invited me to come

for their General Assembly and induction of officers.

Congratulations also to JCL for their 2013 General Assembly

and Induction of officers, it was indeed an honor for me to be

their inducting officer. Congratulations to the PIChE – CDO

Chapter for hosting the International Scientific & Engineering

Forum 2013.

Last August 18, I together with Engr. Lydia Tansinsin attended

the Asian Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering

(APCChE) meeting at Coex, Seoul, South Korea. During the

board of directors meeting, as APCChE director representing

the PIChE I presented our Bid to host the 2017 congress. We

lost our bid over Hongkong. There were five PIChE members

registered for the 2013 APCChE congress. Our former

President and College of Fellows (COF) member Engr. Abet

Laurito was one of the presenters.

Warm Greetings to everyone!

First of all, I would like to congratulate Engr. Nathaniel P. Dugos

and thank all of those who contributed for coming up with the first

issue of “The Distiller” during our term as National Board of Di-

rectors (NBOD). Since The Distiller’s first issue in 2008, it has

served as tool for all Chemical Engineers and other readers to be

updated on our profession.

As your President, I am happy to share with you what the 2013-

2014 PIChE National Board of Directors (NBOD) has accom-

plished since March of this year. During our planning/meeting last

March 16 at Linden Suites, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, the

NBOD agreed that the monthly meetings will be a face-to-face

meeting to have more effective planning and efficient implemen-

tation.

At present, PIChE is in the process of completing the documents

needed by the Professional Regulatory Board for the renewal of

accreditation as one of the Accredited Professional Organization

(APO). As an APO, we are also a member of the Philippine

Technological Council (PTC). On July 17 of this year, the PTC

was able to acquire the Washington Accord (WA) provisional

membership. As PTC member, all chemical engineering schools

will have the chance of being accredited by WA. The audit will

be on 2015, but at present PTC is conducting Certification and

Accreditation System for Engineering Education (CASEE) semi-

nars with Engr. Cezar dela Cruz as one of the main trainer. Fur-

thermore, all Chemical Engineers are encouraged to register as

ASEAN Engineer. Chemical Engineers who have less than seven

(7) years of work experience can apply as an Associate ASEAN

Engineer, while for those with seven (7) years or more, can apply

as ASEAN Engineer. The form is available in their website

Page 8

Newsletter Title

2015 Cityland 10 Tower 2

154 H. V. de la Costa Street

Makati City

Phone: (632) 753-5192

Website: www.pichenet.org

Our Vision

PIChE is the organization that is committed

to the continual development of all its

members in order to make them globally

competitive.

Our Core Values

As professional chemical engineers,

we adhere to the following core values:

1. Excellence 3. Integrity

2. Commitment 4. Service

The President’s Corner

ENGR. SUSAN C. BENITEZ National President

“When the going gets tough, the

tough gets going.”

As Chemical Engineers, we are strong and

we don’t give up on challenges, we just

work hard.

and advanced materials test-

ing technologies for the semi-

conductors, electronics, and

other advanced materials or

products (Session C).

Posters of the ITDI-research

and developed technologies

were also displayed at the

lobby of the DOST Executive

Lounge. Several sponsors

from the industry also

brought some of their

machines/equipment which

gave the participants and

guest some hands-on experi-

ence on their latest products.

ITDI partners with… from page 2

Volume 1, Issue 1

engineers are those recently

hired in PBR as pre-requisite

to its RMP-2 expansion pro-

ject. The companies affiliated

with PIChE-BC are Petron

Bataan Refinery (PBR), Phil-

ippine Polypropylene, Inc.,

Orica Philippines, Nalco: An

Ecolab Company, NPC Alli-

ance Corporation, Dunlop

Slazenger Philippines, Inc.,

Bataan 2020, Department of

National Defense – Arsenal,

Essilor Manufacturing Philip-

pines, Inc., Philippine Resins

Industries, Inc. – Arsenal,

San Miguel Energy, DJ

Roque Const. Co. Inc.

Gearing up for the Dia-

mond Year

The event was also graced by

Engr. Albert A. Samuela,

PIChE National Executive

Vice President, as he an-

nounced that the PIChE Na-

tional 75th year celebration is

at the works already. Last

year, PIChE-BC was hailed

as an Outstanding PIChE

Chapter. For the PIChE dia-

mond year, PIChE-BC gears

up to maintain its winning

legacy as they also celebrate

the milestone of their 30th

founding anniversary.

Above and Beyond… from page 3

In the afternoon, the most

brilliant high school students

of Bataan competed in the

science bowl. They faced

challenging questions focus-

ing on earth and space sci-

ence, biology, chemistry and

physics. Bataan Christian

School, first time to partici-

pate in BPSEC, emerged as

the Champion while

Mariveles National High

School-Poblacion and BEPZ

Multinational School placed

1st runner up and 2nd runner

up respectively.

The event was spearheaded

by PIChE-BC Vice-President

John Edrian Atendido, PIChE

-BC Education Committee

Head, Engr. Cyma Edel Alba

and PIChE-BC Socio-Civic

Head, Jan Nemrick Maligaya.

PIChE—BC launches… from page 3

On his report, PIChE-

Pampanga President Engr.

Joseph M. Rafael said that

the membership status of the

chapter increased from 82

members last November

2012 to 91 members as of

May 2013. The target chap-

ter membership for this year

according to Engr. Rafael is

100. Activities such as semi-

nars, plant visits, sports and

recreation, and outreach are

lined-up for this year. He

also announced that the chap-

ter would be busy supporting

National Board of Directors

(NBOD) on its preparation

for the 75th Year Anniversary

of PIChE.

The current members of the

Board of Directors of PIChE-

Pampanga are Engr. Joseph

Rafael (President), Engr. Jor-

dan Rotea (Vice-President),

Engr. Grace Joy Bonus

(Secretary), Engr. Dianne

Alberto (Treasurer), Engr.

Jessamae Grate (Auditor),

Engr. Grace Sotto-

Payongayong (Director), and

Engr. April Mae Labiano

(Director).

Pampanga’s 2nd Quarter… from page 5

Week celebration and the

74th PIChE National Con-

vention. Outgoing Treasurer

Engr. Lawrence Sumera then

presented the current finan-

cial status of the chapter. The

induction of the new set of

chapter officers and Board of

Directors followed after-

wards, led by Engr. Samuela.

The new members of the

chapter were also formally

inducted by Chapter Secre-

tary Engr. Miguel Carlo Hip-

olito. Chapter Vice President

Engr. Catherine Guevarra

discussed the planned activi-

ties and goals of the organi-

zation for 2013-2014, which

include community outreach,

plant tours and various semi-

nars. Finally, amendments to

the chapter by-laws were

voted upon and approved by

the PIChE-Fluor members

who were present in the gen-

eral assembly.

The newly elected Board of

Directors for PIChE-Fluor in

2013, who were formally

inducted during the assembly

are Engr. Lexter Gimenez,

President, Engr. Catherine

Guevarra, Vice President,

Engr. Miguel Carlo Hipolito,

Secretary, Engr. Duane

Lemuel Galang, Treasurer,

Engr. Jenn Lusther Mutia,

Auditor and Engr. Ena Jane

Javier, Engr. Arsenia Ra-

mona Carmen Juanillo and

Engr. Franz Adrian Sy,

members of the Board of

Directors.

Flour Chapter holds… from page 6

A total of 13 new members

were inducted during the

assembly, after which new

officers of the MME Chapter

board of directors were nomi-

nated and elected. The newly

elected seven-member board

includes Ernie Dela Cruz,

Ezra Barboza, Sheila Bocobo

-Erilla, Raquel Digo, Junisse

Mercado, Manny Altarejos

and Mani Gloria. Position

appointments were subse-

quently concluded during the

board meeting held on May

16, 2013. Congratulations to

the new MME Chapter mem-

bers and the new board!

Metro Manila East Chapter… from page 7

Page 9

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Cagayan de Oro

Chapter overwhelmingly concluded the success of the ISEF

(International Scientific and Engineering Forum held on July 17-19,

2013, at Pearlmont Hotel and Restaurant, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan

de Oro City, Philippines with the theme: “Fostering Research and

Innovation in Engineering & Technology.”

The two-day registrations came up with 138 participated actual

registrants including the officers and Staff from Mindanao

University of Science and Technology — College of Industrial and

Information Technology (MUST-CIIT) headed by Dr. Con-

sorcio Namoco Jr., Dean, CIIT

Department.

The program proper started at 9:30

in the morning on July 18,

2013, with an invocation

premiered by Sanghimig Cho-

ral group of MUST, followed by

the welcome address presented by

Honorable City Mayor Oscar S.

Moreno represented by Atty. Jose

‘Egay’ Uy and Engr. Susan C. Beni-

tez, President PIChE National. Then,

Engr. Romela B. Ratilla, VP-

Government, PIChE-CDO Chapter

made an introduction to the Keynote

Speaker, Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra ,

Chief Science Research Specialist,

Environment and Biotechnology

Division, Industrial Technology

Development Institute. The awarding of

Plaque of Appreciation was conducted by

Engr. Gemalyn J. Badilla, Forum Chair,

after the captivating message of Engr. Es-

guerra realizing the economic growth which which highlight-

ed the statement that fostering research and innovation practically

means to promote the growth or development of or encourage the con-

tinual application of these items in engineering and technology.

The Plenary Lecture 1 was introduced by Engr. Jocel B. Dimacutac,

VP-Academe, PIChE-CDO Chapter, Plenary Speaker Dr. Hyun-You

Chang, Professor, Korea National College of Agriculture and

Fisheries, South Korea, on the topic: “The Modern Technology of

Mushroom Cultivation”. The parallel sessions follow - on to three

different rooms consecutively with a total of 43 parallel speakers.

At 6:30 in the evening, a Fellowship Program was held which started

with an inspiring message from one of the PIChE-CDO Chapter

Adviser, Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas, followed by a welcome dance by

the Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe of MUST. The essence of

camaraderie has done through trivia and raffles with memorable gifts

from sponsors. Finally, the night was concluded with a cultural

dance in Filipiniana of the same group.

The third day was a continuous program on Plenary 2, 3, 4 and 5,

introduced by the PIChE-CDO Officers and started with Ple-

nary Speaker Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, Dean, Col-

lege of Engineering and Architecture,

MUST on “Potentials and Prospects of

Renewable Energy in the Philip-

pines.”, Engr. Daniel D.

Jimenez, US Fulbright

Scholar, Massachusetts Insti-

tute of Technology, USA,

on the topic: “Alternative Con-

struction Technologies for

Reinforced Low Cost Housing,

Utilizing Bamboo in the Philip-

pines”, Engr. Jack Aguilar,

District Sales Manager, National

Instruments, Philippines on “Using

Software-Defined Instrumentation,

Data Acquisition, and Control

Approach to Accelerate Research

and Innovation”, and with Dr. Rex

B. Demafelis, Professor, UPLB,

Laguna on the topic: “Potential of

Fuel Ethanol Production from Sweet

Sorghum in the Philippines.” The

open forum, awarding of plaques,

and parallel sessions have followed.

After the parallel sessions by cluster again, Engr. Albert A. Samuela,

EVP-PIChE National gave us a short message on the PIChE

Diamond Year activities, highlighting the Diamond Anniversary of

PIChE, on February 26-28, 2014 at Manila Hotel, in which he en-

couraged and invited everyone to attend the said event.

The closing ceremony was made with a message of thanks by the

PIChE-CDO, President Engr. Mary Lyn C. Tabasan; a warmest

thanks and felicitation was rendered to the people behind the

activities, especially to the PIChE National, PIChE-CDO Officers,

Advisers and Sponsors, MUST-CIIT students and faculty,

presenters and plenary speakers, the City of Cagayan de Oro

government personnel and participants from different industry

(especially to the Bukidnon Chapter headed by Engr. Cleotilde

Gubaton), for making PIChE-CDO ISEF 2013 event a memorable

one.

International Scientific and Engineering Forum (ISEF) 2013

Page 10

The Distiller

Announcement: 6th Mindanao PIChE Chapter Joint Plant Tour on October 25, 2013 Hosted by: PIChE-CDO Chapter

A Filipino Chemical Engineer working in the Middle East

for years wrote: “Our Filipino engineers are declining and

some switch to Nursing. I am a chemical engineer but I am

very much not fortunate enough to practice my profession in

full blast due to lack of

opportunities in our chemi-

cal industries in our locali-

ty. An engineering student

must be exposed to train-

ing and should have an

actual OJT (on-the-job-

training) in the industries

as a pre-requisite to gradu-

ate from the college of engineering. I had applied

at different companies but I am so not lucky. For

every one chemical engineer needed in

Companies, 30 or 40 applied but only one is

lucky specially if you are a board placer. Now

my career path is on Safety in a Construction

Company, constructing a

Petrochemical plant here in

the Middle East. I still

believe and wish that

someday as a Chemical

Engineer by heart, I will be

given a chance to be

employed in a chemical

plant as a practicing process engineer, operations engineer or a

QC lab analyst in water treatment and even without a salary but

just to gain knowledge on these fields. Any one there could

help me? Wish lang.”

A Filipino Chemical Engineer working in the Philippines

responded: “It’s difficult to accept but let’s face it. The

experience you just shared is a reality. Not all are lucky to

practice Unit Ops, unit process, Kinetics…(Name it all in the

Chemical Enginering syllabus) in the Industry. You know

what? The basics we learned in Math/Chemistry/Physics

provide the foundation to carry out whatever task entrusted to

us in our work area. This is enough. Like in the academe’s

sense of fulfillment in echoing what had been learned to

aspiring engineers-to-be, delivering the expectation of our

responsibility is a motivation to go on. Perhaps we just take it

lightly but are of good cheers that even in establishing a policy

in the use of a ladder by a Chemical Engr who is the Safety

officer saves lives of fellow workers. Look inside your heart

and you’ll feel and see that a Chemical Engineer at Heart is the

Engineer who really cares. Forget about Psychrometry. If what

we need now is the knowledge from it that staying long in high

Chemical Engineer, the Universal Engineer By: Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas

Volume 5, Issue 1

FEATURE

temp and low humidity will cause dehydration. Forget about

Heat Exchange LMTD if what is more important is the

attainment of the right temperature and processing of the final

product. The point is that the purpose of being is more

important than the reason

for being. We, Chemical

Engineers, who feel to be in

the wrong place, must

remember that we can al-

ways make a difference by

giving and applying what

we have to impact

business, those people work-

ing around us and to those people paying for us.

After all, people don’t care how much we know

until they know that we care.”

From the points of the two Engineers working in

two different places—one in abroad and the other

in our homeland. We can

site the scope of practice

of a chemical engineer.

Republic Act No. 9297,

Article 1, Section 4, Scope

of Practice—Professional

chemical engineering ser-

vice shall embrace the

following similar services

in relation to industrial

plants: 1) Consultation requiring chemical engineering

knowledge, skill and proficiency; 2) Investigation;

3) Estimation and/or valuation; 4) Planning; 5) Preparation of

feasibility studies; 6) Designing; 7) Preparation of specifica-

tions; 8) Supervision of installation; 9) Operation, including

quality management; but excluding chemical analysis and oper-

ation of the chemical laboratory; and 10) Research and develop-

ment.

Constructing an industrial plant initially involves the design and

the foundation of the process equipment that is crucial for its

installation. The Chemical Engineer working abroad is therefore

within our scope of practice. And not only in the aspect of

installation but also in the supervision of the safety aspects and

the implementation of the safety factors that are very essential

in this stage. As the Universal Engineer, our scope of practice is

very broad in the sense that we can be flexible in practicing our

profession anyhow and anywhere.

Page 11

The Distiller

Call for Papers

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, Inc. (PIChE) National Board of

Directors and the College of Fellows (COF), are pleased to welcome you to an

important milestone for the PIChE – its Diamond (75th) Anniversary, to be held in Manila, Philippines at the historic Manila Hotel from February 26 -28, 2014.

The PIChE Diamond year’s convention will be the largest technical event of all

chemical engineers in the country and from around the world. It provides a stimulating forum for scientists, engineers, educators, environmentalists, entre-

preneurs and students from all over the Philippines and neighboring countries

to disseminate their new research findings and exchange information on current and emerging areas of research and technologies. It also creates a pleasant envi-

ronment for the participants to meet old friends and make new friends who

share similar research interests.

Scope

Topics in the following areas will be considered:

Environmental Technology

Nanotechnology

Biomedical Engineering

Biotechnology &Biochemical Engineering

Biofuels

Optimization, Instrumentation and Control

Green Chemistry

Chemical Sensors and Biosensors

Industrial and Process Safety and Hygiene

Renewable energy

Carbon Capture and Storage

Natural Products

Petroleum Engineering

Packaging Technology

Food Safety, Production and Technologies

Food Production, Security and Technologies

Aerospace Engineering

Environmental Policies and Governance

Chemical Engineering Education

Disasters- Impacts and Management

Climate Change and Adaptation

Quality Engineering

Marketing and Market Analysis

Human Resource Management in Industries

Submission of Abstracts and Full Papers

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUTHORS Intending authors are invited to submit abstract of 300 words in MS Word

format on topics within the scope of the convention. The abstract should state

clearly the purpose of the work, significant results and conclusions. A maxi-mum of 5 key words should be included in the abstract. Abstract must be pre-

pared on single side, single column (margins should be set to 3 cm (left), 1.75

cm (right), 2.5 cm (top and bottom), single space typewritten form and must include author’s address, affiliation, telephone, email and fax numbers. Use 16

-point for the title, 10-point for the affiliation and references and 12-point for

the rest of the text. Except special symbols and units, Times New Roman font is preferred.

The abstract will be reviewed by the conference’s technical committee. The

authors will be then required to submit a full paper once the abstract is accept-ed. The final acceptance will be based on the content of the full paper. For

general inquiries, please contact the Technical Coordinators, Dr. Carmel C.

Gacho at carmelcg@yahoo.com or Dr. Nathaniel Dugos at nathan_dugos@yahoo.com.

All papers accepted for oral and poster presentation will be incorporated in the

conference proceedings. The abstract should be submitted online

at carmelcg@yahoo.com or nathan_dugos@yahoo.com cc pichediamon-

dyear@gmail.com. Upon receipt of your submission, you will receive an

acknowledgement.

Important Dates

Call for abstracts starts August 1. 2013

Deadline for abstract submissions: October 15, 2013

Notification of acceptance of abstracts: December 1, 2013 Deadline for submission of final papers: December 15, 2013

Technical and social program: February 26-28, 2014

75th PIChE National Convention

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

To all PIChE Chapter Presidents and members,

“The Distiller”, the official newsletter of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) is accepting news and feature articles for its next issue.

This is one of the avenues wherein we can systematically document our achievements

and at the same time communicate with each other. This is also an expression of how

united our organization is. To add, this is also a manifestation of how effective PIChE

and your respective Chapters are through the various activities and advocacies docu-

mented here.

Should you have any questions or clarifications please send an email to

nathaniel.dugos@dlsu.edu.ph or nathan_dugos@yahoo.com.

Thank you!

Nathan

The Distiller The official newsletter

PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS

(PIChE)

2015 Cityland 10 Tower 2 Condominium 154 H.V. de la Costa Street,

Ayala North, Makati City Phone : (632) 753-5192

Website : www.pichenet.org

Editor-In-Chief

Nathaniel P. Dugos

Contributors Albert Samuela/Franz Adrian Sy

Maria Ivona F. Climaco/Raymond V. Albuero Aaron Joseph J. Peñano/Susan A. Mamitag

Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas/Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas

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