PIChE—MMAC, College of Fellows host first AUChEEdS By: Engr. Dennis Yu, PIChE, MMAC

As part of the 75th founding anniversary celebration

of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers

(PIChE), the ASEAN Undergraduate Chemical

Engineering Education Summit 2014 (AUChEEdS)

was held last July 17 – 19, 2014 in Manila. This

unique event, with the theme “Educating the New

Generation of ASEAN Chemical Engineers”, was

organized by the PIChE College of Fellows (headed

by Engr. Eriberto Pineda) and PIChE Metro Manila

Academe Chapter (led by its President, Dr. Alvin

Caparanga). Student organizations actively partici-

pated in organizing the event, with the DLSU

Chemical Engineering Society (ChEn), the UST

Chemical Engineering Society (ChES), and the

PIChE Junior Chapter – Luzon (JCL) acting as the

What’s inside?

Baguio-Benguet 2

3

MMS 2

Cavite 3

TIChE 4

MMAC 5

6

CDO 7

Bataan 8

9

Tacloban 10

11

12

February 2015

The Distiller

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engi-

neers (PIChE) will hold its 76th National Con-

vention on February 18-21, 2015 at the Leg-

end Hotel Palawan in the picturesque city of

Puerto Princesa.

This year’s convention carries the theme

“Strengthening Chemical Engineering To-

wards One ASEAN Community”. The plena-

ry and technical sessions are attuned with the

theme so it is expected that the presentations

and discussions will focus on issues concern-

ing chemical engineering common to the

ASEAN region, the 5 Es: Energy, Environ-

mental Protection and Process Safety, Educa-

tion, Economics, and Emerging Technologies.

PIChE-Metro Manila Academe (PIChE-

MMAC) was given the honor to host the con-

vention. The host chapter has around eighty

regular members representing seven (7) chem-

ical engineering institutions in Metro Manila.

These schools are Adamson University

(AdU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Eulo-

gio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science

and Technology (EARIST), Mapua Institute

of Technology (MIT), Pamantasan ng Lungsod

ng Maynila (PLM), University of Santo Tomas

(UST), Technological Institute of the Philip-

pines (TIP), and the University of the Philip-

pines-Diliman(UP).

The organizing team is headed by Engr. Pro-

serfina Matugas-Coro (PIChE National EVP)

as convention chair and Dr. Alvin Caparanga,

(PIChE-MMAC President) as the host chapter

chair. They are ably assisted by the different

committees whose members are coming from

both the PIChE-NBOD and PIChE-MMAC.

The PIChE national convention provides a

forum for practitioners, researchers, edu-

cators, entrepreneurs and students to dis-

cuss and exchange information of rele-

vance to chemical engineering on current

and emerging technologies, process inno-

vation, researches and latest developments

in the profession. It also serves as a venue

for networking and collaboration with

industry, academe and colleagues.

76th PIChE National Convention: Strengthening

Chemical Engineering Towards One ASEAN Community by: Dr. Nathaniel Dugos

NEWS FROM THE CHAPTERS

FEATURE:

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 14

IN FOOD SAFETY

lead coordinators. De La Salle University (DLSU), the

University of Santo Tomas (UST), and the Malayan

Colleges Laguna (MCL) served as major academic

partners. Dr. Alberto Laurito, professor of chemical

engineering at UST and PIChE fellow, served as the

over-all chair of the organizing committee. AUChEEdS

aims to take advantage of the upcoming ASEAN inte-

gration in 2015 and has three goals: (1) to convene

undergraduate chemical engineering faculty and stu-

dents in the ASEAN region to discuss about theme and

come up with resolutions and/or action plans; (2) to

benchmark BS Chemical Engineering educational

practices among ASEAN universities; and (3) to pro-

mote friendly academic competition and networking

among BS Chemical Engineering students among

ASEAN universities. (Cont’d on page 12)

Volume 6 Issue 1

September 14, 2014 – PIChE – Metro

Manila South (MMS) Chapter was

formally recognized by PIChE Na-

tional during the ChE Week Celebra-

tion held at Philippine Trade Training

Center, Pasay City. The chapter

includes the cities of Pasay, Makati,

Taguig, Mandaluyong, Las Pinas,

Paranaque, Muntinlupa and the mu-

nicipality of Pateros.

The chapter was conceptualized after

its members and subsequently, the

interim officers were attending

PIChE Conventions for the past two years

without any chapter affiliations. With the

help and advice of DOST Chapter Officers

headed by Dr. Nuna Almanzor, Engr.

Reynaldo Esguerra and Engr. Carmel

Gacho, PIChE – MMS was finally born.

The chapter officers/members were com-

posed mostly of government employees

from the Department of Trade and Indus-

try (DTI) and the National Food Authority

(NFA), and some from the private sector.

PIChE – MMS is open to all ChE working

and/or residing south of Metro Manila.

PIChE – MMS interim officers is headed

by Engr. Nora O. Pascual as President,

Engr. Perla Baje as Vice President, Engr.

Mary Angelica Sulayla S. Cabalu as Sec-

retary, Engr. Perlita M. Palicpic as Treas-

urer, Engr. Ma. Juanita Carpio as Auditor,

Engr. Menandro Ortego as PRO. Engrs.

Mercia V. Magsakay, Brenda L. Andres,

Ma. Teresa T. Ramos, Tessie Q. Ramirez,

Jemelia Cruz, Aldwin Tagapan, Estrella

Abejero, Mary Joan de Pablo and Adelfa

Lou Roma as its Board of Directors.

Hope Laguipo Padaoan, Treasurer; Car-

melita Catacutan, Auditor; Carol Cruz,

PRO; Rowena Arbizo Ballares, Business

manager; Benjie de Vera, Marilou Sa-

ong, Rhea Santos Contada, and Maria

Lourdes Gaylican, as Board of Director.

The induction ceremony and planning

session were held at Poro Point, San

Fernando, La Union on April 09, 2014.

The special guests were the officers of

La Union Chapter with Ilocos Chapter

joining in via phone patch.

The PIChE – Baguio Benguet

Chapter held their General Assem-

bly on March 30, 2014, wherein a

new set of officers was elected.

Engr. Rey Esguerra, IPP National,

graced the event. Engr. Petra C.

Cadawan took a bow from her

presidency to give way to the

former Vice President Virgilio V.

Velsaco to assume the Presidency.

The elected officers were:

Normalita L. Escalante, Vice Presi-

dent; Evygene Aquino, Secretary;

PIChE recognizes Metro Manila South (MMS) Chapter

PIChE– Baguio Benguet in Action!

Page 2

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

The Newly-elected officers of the PIChE—Bagui Benguet

Chapter taking their Oath of Office

PIChE– Baguio Benguet elects new set of officers

If not addressed, the incoming rains

would soon be carrying all the solid

wastes accumulated during the dry

season on the smaller water ways to

the Balili River traversing Baguio

City and La Trinidad, Benguet. As a

support to the “Adopt-an-Estero”

program, where barangays were

tasked to clean the water ways from

point sources, the chapter visited

Barangay Marcoville, Baguio City

to assess the area where the chapter

can render assistance. On April 26,

2014 gloves and rubber boots were

donated to the barangay through

Barangay Captain Ruel Casuga to

be used in the said project.

The preparation for the June opening of

classes started with the chapter members

joining the parents of the pupils in Ligay

Elementary School, Ligay, Camp 1, Tuba,

Benguet, a remote barangay school in its

Brigada Eskwela. On May 19, 2014, the

members went there armed with paints and

paint brushes to spruce up the classrooms

and the school for the school opening.

With the abundant rain, it was timely to do

tree planting. On July 26, 2014, a smiling

group of Chemical Engineers and students

trekked to the slippery mountainous

Crosby Park of Benguet Corporation,

Itogon, Benguet for tree planting. The

group was rewarded with the fragrant

smell of the pine trees and saplings plus an

underground and plant tour courtesy of

Benguet Corporation and its Chemical

Engineers.. PIChE—Baguio Benguet Chapter members who partici-

pated in the tree-plating activity.

It was a dream come true for the Baguio-

Benguet Chapter, PIChE La Union

Chapter and PIChE Ilocos Chapter to come

together and join forces to plan for joint

activities for the Northern Luzon PIChE

Chapters in order to keep each other

abreast of developments and at the same

time support one another.

Looking inward on our strengths:

The Baguio-Benguet Chapter has a good

interaction with the PIChE national

officers having had three members among

the national board of directors and an

incumbent. It had an experience of holding

a national convention in 1995 and was

among the outstanding chapters for 2014.

Furthermore, within the area are industries

and a University offering BS Chemical

Engineering.

La Union Chapter has many industries and

a history of being chosen as an outstanding

PIChE chapter too.

Ilocos Chapter, our new born sister, has

industries and a State University offering

BS Chemical Engineering in its area.

With these strengths coupled by the

enthusiasm of the members of the three

chapters, the first Northern Luzon

Symposium was born. There were difficul-

ties encountered and these were

successfully addressed. At the very end, it

was a great success. Old friends, former

classmates/schoolmates were reunited and

new friends were gained. The students

were inspired. Most of all, the speakers

were great, the topics were varied and very

interesting so that the participants stayed on

from the start to the end. Before the end of

the final day, it was agreed to have the 2nd

Northern Luzon Symposium on the same

date, August 8, 2015 this time in Ilocos.

See you there.

Chemical Engineering degree, a few of the

faculty members there had ChE degrees

and have joined the chapter in support of

PIChE’s goals. After a brief tour around

the campus, the meeting that followed

focused on the programs for the year and

expanding out to more engineers of other

companies like Purefoods.

For the 3rd meeting, held this time at the

home base at San Miguel Yamamura Asia

in Imus last May, internal affairs were dis-

cussed such as PIChE ID, fund manage-

ment, review of by-laws, and ChE Week

activities.

PIChE Cavite 2014-2015 Board of Direc-

tors: Jonathan C. Aquino (President);

Harvy M. Fabalena (Vice-President);

Marvin Gilson N. dela Cruz (Secretary);

Bryan Benedict S. Cuevas (Treasurer);

Gilbert S. Alvarez (Auditor); Ricardo B.

Cachuela (PRO)

Under the leadership of Engr. Jonathan

Aquino and the rest of the new set of of-

ficers for 2014-2015, PIChE-Cavite builds

on its success over the past few years with

programs and initiatives for its members.

PIChE-Cavite sent its biggest delegation

in recent history for the 75th National

Convention in Manila last February. This

also marked the first time a Cavite chapter

member is elected to the National Board

of Directors, Engr. Jonathan Aquino. On

the 40’s inspired fellowship night, repre-

sentatives from the Chapter joined the rest

of the Luzon chapters in their energetic

presentation. The convention also served

as yet another vehicle to reach to unaffili-

ated Cavite-based engineers.

In March, the 2nd meeting of PIChE-

Cavite was held for the first time in the

Lyceum of the Philippines Cavite in

General Trias. Despite not offering a

PIChE-BBC, La Union, Ilocos spread their wings, hold First Northern Luzon Symposium By: Petra C. Cadawan

PIChE Cavite Gears Up for 2014 By: MGN dela Cruz

Page 3

The Invitation for the First Northern Luzon Symposium

PIChE—BBC, PIChE—La Union and PIChE—Ilocos

during the First Northern Luzon Symposium.

PIChE—Cavite Chapter in 75th PIChE National Conven-

tion and their various activites

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

Representing PIChE National, PIChE

President Engr. Susan Benitez and PIChE

National Vice President for Luzon Engr.

Arjames T. Balgoa attended the 4th Thai

Institute of Chemical Engineering and

Applied Chemistry (TIChE) International

Conference at Furama Hotel in

Chiang Mai, Thailand on December

18 – 19, 2014. The 4th TIChE Inter-

national Conference celebrating the

theme “Changes: Cleaner Energy,

Leaner Processes, Better Living” is

hosted by TIChE, the Engineering

Institute of Thailand under His

Majesty The King’s Patronage

and the School of Chemical

Engineering of King Mongkut’s

Institute of Technology

Ladkrabrang. It is a well

attended conference of over 200

chemical engineers nationwide

representing academe, govern-

ment and industry. The

conference was a platform for

engineers, scientists, students

and researchers which presented

their high quality researches on

Process Control and Process

Simulation, Fundamentals of

Chemical Engineering and

Applied Chemistry, Catalyst and

Reaction Engineering, Separa-

tion Technology, Environmental

and Safety Technology, Polymer and

Petrochemical Technology, Materials

Science and Engineering and Food and

Biochemical Engineering. The Interna-

tional Conference was highlighted by a

series of top notch Keynote Lectures by

globally-renowned experts of their fields.

The opening Keynote Speech is delivered

by the President of the European Federa-

tion of Chemical Engineering and Direc-

tor of the Computer Aided Process Engi-

neering Center of the Technical Universi-

ty of Denmark Prof. Rafiqul Gani. His

state-of-the-art research has developed

systematic solutions on finding, synthe-

sizing and developing new, innovative

and the most sustainable process designs

PIChE joins the 4th TIChE International Conference 2014 By Engr. Arjames T. Balgoa, PIChE National VP for Luzon

Page 4

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

through process intensification. A three-

stage approach is utilized where model-

based synthesis method is first applied to

systematically generate and evaluate pro-

cessing routes based on currently available

technologies; then a base case design is

generated from the identified processing

route and analyzed to define sustainable

targets for improvement, and in the final

stage, intensified and more sustainable

alternatives are generated and verified us-

ing phenomena-based method to find the

truly innovative and more sustainable de-

signs.

Prof. Dermot O’Hare of the SCG-Oxford

Center of Excellence in Chemistry of the

University of Oxford presented very inter-

esting findings of the Siam Cement Group

and Oxford University collaboration on the

recent developments on layered double

hydroxide chemistry. His research on ma-

terials science was able to create high sur-

face area and highly dispersible layered

double hydroxides which is a

novel invention and has numer-

ous applications in sorbents,

catalyst supports and precursors,

nano-additives and even for

flame retardant polypropylene

materials.

Prof. Wiwut Tanthapanichakoon

from the Department of Chem-

ical Engineering of the Tokyo

Institute of Technology shared

his various experiences in stud-

ying and teaching chemical

engineering in Thailand, Japan

and USA. He compared key

differences and similarities in

chemical engineering educa-

tion and research in undergrad-

uate and graduate levels among

Thailand, Japan and USA. He

also provided inspiration to

young students and researchers

on how to excel in one’s

research and professional ca-

reer.

From Curtin University in

Perth, Australia, Prof. Vishnu Pareek, who

is the Chair of the Chemical Engineering

department and Director of the Centre for

Process System Computations discussed

about his group’s research on the simula-

tion and design of photocatalytic reactors.

To simulate and design photocatalytic re-

actors, an integro-differential equation

such as Radiation-Transport Equation must

be solved, which requires appropriate

boundary conditions and optical properties

of the medium.

Various lamp source models were dis-

cussed as well as different mathematical

approaches on numerical solutions for RTE

such as Monte Carlo and finite volume (or

discrete ordinate) approaches.

(con’t on page 5)

The Metro Manila Academe Chapter

(MMAC) of PIChE held its general mem-

bership meeting at the Maynilad Room in

the College of Engineering, University of

the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City on

November 17, 2014.

Attendees were formally welcomed to the

meeting and to UP Diliman by

Dr. Rizalinda de Leon, Press Relations

Officer of the chapter and Chair of the host

institution. First Vice President, Dr. Maria

Natalia Dimaano then introduced the first

guest speaker, Engr Romulo R. Agatep,

who gave a very informative talk titled

Cross-border Practice. He centered his

discussion on the question “Are we ready

for competition?” in light of the upcoming

formation of the ASEAN Community with

a single market and production base, and a

free flow of goods, services, skilled work-

ers and capital among the constituent coun-

tries. He opened his talk with a cartoon

showing puny Juan dela Cruz struggling to

clamber over the gate leading to the pro-

jected Asia-Pacific free trade, while his

bigger neighbors easily stepped through.

Engr. Agatep also enumerated the different

engineering registers and their purpose: the

ASEAN Engineering Register, the APEC

Engineers Register, and the ASEAN Char-

tered Professional Engineers Register. He

encouraged everyone to register in one or

all of these registries.

After lunch, Engr. Elizabeth Espiritu

introduced the afternoon speaker,

Ms. Julieta Tolentino, who talked about

“Financial Wellness.” Ms. Tolentino is a

chemical engineering graduate and a li-

censed financial adviser in PRULIFE. She

shared tips and options on how to manage

and accumulate wealth, leading to a finan-

cially secure retirement in the future.

(Cont’d on page 13)

PIChE—MMAC General Membership Meeting By Rizalinda de Leon and Patrick Ramoso

Page 5

TIChE President and EIT Chair for

Chemical Engineering Dr. Anchaleeporn

Lothongkum discussed about Thailand’s

programs for Process Safety Management.

She discussed the detailed program of the

Thai government on intensifying the

implementation and compliance on process

safety of industrial plants and the role of

chemical engineers with safety audits.

Process safety is of prime importance to

ensure sustainable growth of the industry.

In a separate session together with the

Board of Directors of TIChE and EIT

headed by its President Dr. Anchaleeporn

Lothongkum, representatives from the In-

stitution of Chemical Engineers Regional

Manager for Southeast Asia Mohan Bal-

asingam and IChemE Associate Fellow

Robert Bruce, European Federation of

Chemical Engineering President Prof.

Rafiqul Gani, SCG-Oxford Center of Ex-

cellence in Chemistry Director Prof. Der-

mot O’Hare and Curtin University Chemi-

cal Engineering Chair Prof. Vishnu Pareek,

PIChE National Vice President for Luzon

Engr. Arjames T. Balgoa, discussed about

the rationale on the creation of the

ASEAN Federation of Chemical Engi-

neering Societies (AFChES). Respond-

ing to the call of the ASEAN Economic

Community by 2015 to establish free

movement of services across the

ASEAN region through its established

Mutual Recognition Arrangements,

PIChE, together with TIChE and EIT of

Thailand, Myanmar Engineering Society

of Myanmar and BKKPII of Indonesia

(Indonesian Institution of Engineers) has

established the AFChES last February

26, 2014 in Manila, Philippines with a

signed Memorandum of Understanding.

AFChES would serve as a tool in

helping achieve ASEAN economic

integration by 2015 through regional

cooperation and active collaboration

among chemical engineers in the

ASEAN region, and promote mobility of

chemical engineers within the region.

The audience were well-clarified of the

objectives of AFChES and have ex-

pressed support to it. IChemE’s

Regional Manager Mohan Balasingam

PIChE joins the 4th TIChE… From page 4

and Associate Fellow Robert Bruce

understood that collaboration is

strategic and they are interested to

continue talks with PIChE. They would

clarify matters with their Singapore

and Malaysian IChemE Board to seek

support for AFChES. Prof. Gani, who

is also a professor of Engr. Balgoa in

his Master’s studies in Chulalongkorn

University, has also expressed support

to AFChES and would remain availa-

ble for future talks for any assistance

he and EFCE can contribute for

AFChES.

PIChE’s official mission to the 4th

TIChE International Conference has

been very successful. New networks

were established to gain support and

momentum in building AFChES

towards completion of the 10-Member

States of ASEAN and its chemical

engineering societies, as we prepare for

the upcoming ASEAN Economic

Community integration by 2015.

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

Preparations for the 76th PIChE National Convention scheduled

on February 18-21, 2015 started early with the MMAC officers

and advisers surveying the logistical feasibility for holding the

event in Puerto Princesa., Palawan. The theme “Strengthening

Chemical Engineering Towards One ASEAN Community” was

agreed upon with plenary and technical sessions to focus on the

five E’s: Energy, Environmental Protectiona and Process Safety,

Education, Economics, and Emerging Technologies. Keynote

and plenary speakers were identified and invited.

MMAC President Dr. Alvin Caparanga assigned warm bodies to

the MMAC convention committees: Dr. Josie Borja, Dr. Marita

Dimaano, Dr. Babylin de Leon and Dr. Nathan Dugos constituted

the program committee in charge of the speakers, the souvenir

program and preparing the requirements for CPD application.

The Secretariat, in charge of registration and printing of certifi-

cates, was composed of Dean Clydelle Rondaris, Prof. Evie Lau-

rito, and Dr. Terence Tumol-

va. Organizing the Fellowship

Night (jungle theme) was

assigned to Dr. Joseph Aure-

senia, while Engr. Alvin

Talampas, Engr. Lorraine

Carillo and Engr. Jerry Olay

made up the Logistics Com-

mittee which was to prepare

the convention kit, tarps, tro-

phies, medals and tokens for

the speakers. Dr. Allan So-

riano was tasked with

organizing the National

Undergraduate Research

Competition.

Several trips to Puerto Prince-

sa had to be done. The first

trip, in July 2014 had EVP

Baby Coro, Alvin Caparanga,

Babylin de Leon and Terence

Tumolva scouting for the

possible convention venue and making initial contact with the

Office of the Palawan Governor and the Office of the Mayor.

With the Palawan Convention Center (PCC) being the biggest in

the city, it was chosen as the 2015 PIChE National Convention

venue. PCC is part of the Legend Palawan Hotel which also had a

good number of hotel rooms to accommodate convention dele-

gates. Plus the food was quite good!

Later on, Dr. Alvin Caparanga and EVP Baby Coro went back to

Puerto Princesa to further firm up arrangements with the mayor,

the governor, and the hotel (to finalize the menu), as well as to

scout for other accommodations that could be suggested to PIChE

convention delegates.

Evie put up the 76th PIChE National Convention website with

announcements updated regularly and through which online

inquiries, registration, and paper submissions could be done.

Terence prepared the backdrop design, which was also used for

the t-shirts and souvenir program.

It was fortunate that Allan Soriano had weekly classes at the

Palawan State University, which meant he would fly to Puerto

Princesa every weekend. On many occasions, he was requested

to do important errands related to the convention preparations.

One of which was to look for a suitable venue for the Fellowship

Night when arrangements with the provincial capitol fell through.

Alvin Talampas also spent a number of days in Puerto Princesa to

make arrangements for a myriad of things (exhibit layout, flower

arrangements, canvassing for items, etc) that his committee need-

ed to deliver.

A joint meeting with the

NBOD was held at the

Legend Palawan on Jan-

uary 24, 2015 to finalize

the program, with EVP

Coro going through a

checklist to be sure that

nothing was left undone.

Weekly MMAC meet-

ings were held thereafter

as the preparations be-

came more frenzied.

Divisoria shopping had

to be done (thanks to

Marita, Evie and Alvin

T), t-shirts were printed

(thanks Alvin C), the

souvenir program lay-out

had to be finished for

printing (thanks to Jo-

sie), souvenir program has to be printed (Josie and Nathan) and

ordering of bags (thanks Marita), speaker accommodations and

flight schedules had to be confirmed (this author), the number of

possible attendees had to be estimated (thanks Clydelle and Ter-

ence), the exhibit booths had to be finalized (Alvin T), someone

has to ensure that meals are brought in on time during the con-

vention (thanks Lorraine), and of course, funding had to be ap-

proved and released (thanks Nathan), and Alvin C had to keep tab

of all these.

What a year, what a crazily busy year for the MMAC, but it was

a very good year.

PIChE-MMAC preps for the 76th PIChE National Convention By Babylin L. de Leon

Page 6

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

A meeting of PIChE—MMAC as preparation for the 76th PIChE National Convention

The Philippine Institute

of Chemical Engineers

- Cagayan de Oro

Chapter (PIChE-CDO)

held its 29th Annual

General Assembly on

May 24, 2014 at Grand

Caprice Restaurant and

Convention Center,

Limketkai Drive,

Cagayan de Oro City

with the theme,

“Sustaining the Win-

ning Tradition!” The event gathered

chemical engineers from the different

sectors (industry, academe, government) in

Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Orien-

tal. Chemical engineers in the industry

sector included participants from Del Mon-

te Philippines Incorporated, Asia Brewery

Incorporated, STEAG State Power Incor-

porated, Aeronics Incorporated, Tanduay

Distillers Incorporated, Republic Biscuit

Corporation, Pilipinas Kao Incorporated and Krypton Incorpo-

rated. Also present were chemical engineers in the academe and

government sectors from Xavier University - Ateneo de Caga-

yan, COC-PHINMA Education Network, Capitol University, and

Alubijid Barangay Council. The

main aim of this activity was to

provide Kagay-anon chemical

engineers the opportunity not

only for the innovation of

knowledge on the most pressing

issue globally today, but also

for a joint building of strength

as a community of professionals

through fellowship.

The assembly included a discus-

sion on “New Dimensions of

Safety Management” which was

facilitated by Engr. Jason B. Patawaran, ac-

credited OSH consultant. He enlightened the

chemical engineers on the types of hazards

and risks in the workplace, emergency pre-

paredness and response, and the requirements

for OHSAS 18001. He further stressed the

importance of the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle

or the PDCA cycle on the proper implemen-

tation of Safety Management System on

work areas. Engr. Rex Manuel P. Paayas

from the PIChE National Board also gave updates on the up-

coming PIChE activities which were discussed during the recent

75th PICHE National Convention held at Manila Hotel last Feb-

ruary 16-18, 2014. (cont’d on page 13)

PIChE-CDO holds 29th Annual General Assembly: Sustaining the Winning Tradition! By: Engr. Catherine G. Daquioag

Page 7

PIChE CDO Participates DENR’s Mangrove Tree Planting Activity By: Engr. Froilando M. Zayas

In observance of the World Environment Day, the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Cagayan de Oro Chapter partici-

pated in the coastal clean- up and mangrove tree- planting activity at El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental Philippines last June 5.

The activity was spearheaded by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) which is

under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 (DENR-10).

The said event started at 6 o’ clock in the morning with a caravan of all the participating organizations from the converging point

at Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City towards the selected site which is Taytay, El Salvador. Together with PIChE- CDO and

PAWCZMS were participants from different government sectors and organizations, and some students from various schools in the

region. Upon reaching the site, a short opening program and Proper Mangrove Tree- Planting Orientation was conducted by select

barangay official and local DENR personnel. The activity aimed to support the Environment Day Celebration’s theme, “Raise your

voice, not the sea level.” Mangrove plantations do not only slow storm surges, prevent erosion, and lower catastrophe risk for

coastal communities. They also provide a habitat for birds, fishes and crabs and most importantly, they are very important

in our country’s combat against climate change.

An estimated 5, 000 mangrove propagules were planted on the site at Taytay, El Salvador

on that day. This activity will never be that successful without the tremendous efforts of

the following PIChE- CDO officers who planted more than 30 mangrove trees: Chapter

President Engr. Gemalyn Badilla, Executive Vice President Engr. Froilando Zayas, Vice

President for Government Engr. Edgar Galarrita, Vice President for Academe Engr. Jocel

Demacutac, Vice President for Industry Engr. Gerald Valmores and Immediate Past

Chapter President Engr. Mary Lyn Tabasan. The event ended up with a short program

stressing the importance of simple individual efforts which could fuel wonderful transfor-

mations of the mother earth in the years to come.

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

More than 150 members of Philippine Institute of Chemical Engi-

neers – Bataan Chapter (PIChE-BC) reunited once again for the

celebration of chapter’s three decades of excellence and camara-

derie. The event was held on July 30, 2014 at PBR Auditorium.

Dressed in different colors that represent their year of member-

ship in the organization, the attendees colorfully filled the event

with red (1984 – 1993), blue (1994 – 2003), yellow (2004 –

2010), green (2011 – 2012) and white (2013 – 2014).

The program was

officially opened by

an inspirational talk

given by Engr. Na-

thaniel O. Orillos,

PIChE-BC senior

adviser. One of the

emphases of his talk

is the beautiful his-

tory of the chapter’s

growth as an organi-

zation because of

passion of its members.

To commemorate the humble beginnings of the chapter, this

year’s homecoming gathered its founding members and past

presidents for the recognition of their legacy to PIChE-Bataan.

Among the most notable awardees were founding members

Engr. Alfred Trio, former Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR) Vice

President and Engr Nathaniel Orillos, Assistant Vice President

of Petron Bataan Refinery as well as the past presidents of the

organization.

Future plans of the organization were also presented by Engr.

John Edrian Atendido, PIChE-BC President. Core projects fo-

cused on membership, professional growth, social responsibility

and of course fun-filled activities. A discussion of Continuing

Professional Development (CPD) by Engr. Arjames Balgoa,

PIChE National Vice President for Luzon. The talk enlightened

the members regarding the guidelines for the new requirements

of renewing their license.

Truly, 30 years of excellence is a feat in the organization’s histo-

ry that will inspire its future generation to live up this legacy.

PIChE-Bataan’s Homecoming Reminiscing Three Decades of Excellence By Raymond V. Albuero

Page 8

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

Three decades of PICHE-BC. A continuously growing

and developing family of chemical engineers.

With the advancement of modern technology, the

development of the knowledge-based economy,

globalization and international competitive thrust

has increased the importance of innovation in

local economies of entrepreneurship.

In line to this advancement, Philippine Institute of

Chemical Engineers (PIChE), co-presented by

Institute of Electronics Engineers in the Philip-

pines (IECEP) – Bataan Chapter conducted a one

(1) day technology entrepreneurship seminar last

August 9, 2014 in PBR Auditorium. The goal of

the event is to raise the technical-know-how, and

encourage them to innovate and commercialize

their innovations. Members from various engi-

neering discipline organizations coming from

government sectors, universities, and various

industries in Bataan convene to seek information

on launching their innovations to market.

The program was divided into four (4) sessions to

easily demonstrate the life cycle of innovation,

from idea generation to market launching.

Session 1: Innovation Management and Government, and Academe Sup-

port on Innovation and Commercialization was geared by Cedrik Ben A.

Gayares, an Inventions Patent and Technology Management Officer.

Session 2: Launching your Innovation to Market was heated up by

Innovation and Technopreneurship Workshop in Bataan By Kenneth Rey V. Senyahan

Yolanda E. Ongchangco, General Manager of

Maryck Chemicals Marketing, former Managing

Director of DOST-UP Enterprise Center for Tech-

nopreneurship.

Session 3: Success Stories of Innovators were in-

tensified by Roland Jay A. Miguel founder of

GSMetrix Inc. (Custom Instrumentation and Control

Technologies Company), and Roy R. Flores, Chief

Operations Officer and Hardware Engineer of

Itemhound (Co-Founder of Itemhound Inc.) which

inspired various professionals to share their passion

on achieving real-life example of implementing

transformation of an idea, to a successful start-up

company.

And lastly, to assess and boost the technopreneurial

spirit of the participants, an unforgettable Techno-

preneurship Workshop was reinforced to unleash

their business plan or technology-based innovative

idea (applying the business concepts from previous

sessions) to a panel consisting of the major session

speakers.

A special prize was awarded to Solar Energy Corporation group having

the best “Innovative Idea” with a feasible execution and commercializa-

tion strategy in the 1st Technopreneurship Seminar conducted by

PIChE, spearheaded by Nes Daniel L. Sabud and the Board Members of

PIChE Bataan Chapter.

Participants brainstorm for a pitch presenta-

tion on their innovative ideas

Yolanda E. Ongchangco speaks about

Launching your Innovation to Market

Chemical engineers from all

over Bataan donned in their

colorful and floral outfits got

together for a night of fun, ca-

maraderie and party time at the

PIChE – Bataan Chapter Gen-

eral Assembly (GA) and Elec-

tions 2014 last April 30, 2014

at Petron Bataan Refinery Au-

ditorium. With the event’s

theme Imua: Moving Forward

with a Purpose, the PICHE-BC

members were gathered to cel-

ebrate the 30th year of the or-

ganization and recognize the

milestone of excellence of the

Chapter. In addition, this was

also a venue to elect a new

batch of PIChE – BC Board of

Directors, welcome and orient

new members, look back on the

successful activities of the year,

and to partake in the future

endeavors of the Chapter.

The General Assembly was

graced by none other than Engr.

Lubin B. Nepomuceno (LBN),

President of Petron Corporation

and an honorary adviser of the

Chapter. He extended his con-

gratulatory greetings to the

chapter for the 30 years of ex-

cellent performance and service

that it has offered not only to the

chemical engineering profes-

sion, but also the community.

A new batch of Board of Direc-

tors was formally elected with

11 candidates selected by the

Chapter members out of 15

nominees who has showed will-

ingness and interest in serving

the group. The new Board of

Directors consists of President-

elect John Edrian M. Atendi-

do together with the Vice Presi-

dent Edgeline Savannah Yan,

Secretary Mari Miyahara,

Treasurer Diana Pearl Rance,

Auditor Gauden Marie

Bangngay, Public Relations

Officer Xavier

B. Fernandez,

Editor-in-Chief

Patricia T. Bar-

icaua, Education

Committee Head

Melchizedek

Amago, Mem-

bership Commit-

tee Head

Michelle Myla

Marquez, Socio-

Civic Committee

Head Vergelle Parrocha, and

Ways-and-Means Committee

Head Nes Daniel Sabud.

Live performances and fun

games brought the energy in

the event. As the program

proper reached its conclusion,

the luau party was ignited by

heart-pounding, restless and

beat-seducing lights and music

in tandem with tropical party

drinks. This GA has been the

platform for new PIChE - BC

PICHE-BC General Assembly: Cracking up a new league of fun and excellence By Paolo Nicolo C. Perez

Page 9

Membership Drive 2014: Juan Up! for PICHE-BC By Patricia T. Baricaua

This year’s PICHE-BC Board of Directors

brings the organization closer to its mem-

bers as they launched the Membership

Drive, a 3-company tour aimed to promote

PICHE-BC’s vision through its activities

and encourage the members to actively

participate in the organization’s endeavors.

The event kicked off at Philippine Polypro-

pylene, Inc (PPI) on July 8. PICHE-BC

President John Edrian Atendido and Mem-

bership Myla Marquez presented the vision

of this year’s PICHE-BC through its

theme, Juan Up!, which sums up the alle-

giance for the organization to reach farther

horizons by being technically-excellent

Chemical Engineers in full service to our

country. This can be achieved by conduct-

ing socially-relevant activities with lasting

impact to the people of Bataan. The level-

up line-up of activities were presented as

well, highlighting their benefits and im-

pacts to the chemical engineering profes-

sion, students, and community members.

In addition to promoting the organization’s

events, PICHE National Vice President for

Luzon Engr. Arjames Balgoa also shared to

the members the Continuing Professional

Development, a program spearheaded by

the PRC aimed to continuously improve

the quality of professionals by updating

them on the latest scientific/technological/

ethical trends locally and globally. An open

forum was also done to clarify the queries

of the members.

To promote stronger membership ties, a

company tour was also hosted by the home

company to acquaint the other members of

their nature of industry. Representatives

from Petron Bataan Refinery toured the

participants inside the plant for better ap-

preciation of their processes.

Two more companies were visited - NPC

Alliance Corporation and Philippine Res-

ins Industries, Inc where chemical engi-

neers gave a warm welcome to the PICHE

BC representatives. The membership drive

capped off on July 15 with a successful

campaign for stronger membership ties

and a unified organization working togeth-

er towards the realization of its goals.

chemical engineers to have fun

and fellowship with engineers

from different companies.

Moreover, it is through the GA

that new members are acquaint-

ed with the current state of the

Chapter, along with its pioneer-

ing visions, in Bataan and in the

entire country. In addition, they

enjoyed the reports on the Chap-

ter’s past activities, and took

part in the election.

Petron President Lubin Nepomuceno graced the 30th

year GA of PIChE—Bataan Chapter

Building stronger membership ties among PICHE-

BC members at 2014 Membership Drive

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

PIChE-Tacloban, headed by Engr.

Juvyneil E. Cartel, Chapter Presi-

dent, joined the United Nation World

Environment Day (WED) celebration

on June 5, 2014 at Ormoc City. This

event was hosted by the Environ-

mental Management Bureau (EMB)

of the Department of Environment of

Natural Resources (DENR), Region-

al Office 8. The theme was "Raise

Your Voice, Not the Sea Level." This

is in support of the

UN's (United Nation’s)

designation of 2014 as

the International Year

of Small Island Devel-

oping States (SIDS)

and also to abide to the

Presidential Proclama-

tion No. 237 signed by

President Corazon

Aquino in 1998, which

enjoins the nation to

celebrate the whole

month of June as Envi-

ronment Month to fo-

cus public attention on

the protection and con-

servation of the coun-

try’s natural resources.

Over the years, the

event has grown to be a

broad, national plat-

form for public outreach and on this

day it was widely celebrated by gov-

ernment and the private sector and

other stakeholders in the region like

LGU-Ormoc, EVSU (Eastern Visa-

yas State University), VSU (Visayas

State University), PIChE-Tacloban,

PASAR Corp. (Philippine Associated

Smelting and Refining Corporation),

EDC (Energy Development Corpora-

tion), EMB-Biliran, EMB-Regional

Office 8, PENRO (Provincial Envi-

ronment and Natural Resources Of-

fice) - Province of Leyte, CFC

(Couples for Christ), UNDP (United

Nations Development Programme),

and etc. Among the activities con-

ducted was the Eucharistic Mass, Pa-

rade with a banner of “Lakaw para sa

Kinaiyahan” (Walk for a Habit),

Healthy Lugaw (porridge) Feeding,

Climate Change video showing, short

program which include environmen-

tal messages and signing and hand-

marking on the Pledge of Commit-

ment, and the visit to the Ormoc City

Sanitary Landfill. This day was cele-

brated by the participants to realize

not only the responsibility to care for

the Earth but to become agents of

PIChE-Tacloban joins the UN World

Environment Day

Page 10

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

change, too. During the event, differ-

ent messages were delivered by dif-

ferent institutions which gave their

solid support in facing the challenges

for a common goal of sustainable and

prosperous life on earth. Emphasis

was made on the effect of mass de-

struction of the environment that led

to various natural disasters such as

the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda.

Campaigns on clean-up drive, food

waste reduction initiatives, walk-to-

work days, plastic ban, art exhibits,

tree planting drives, and

recycling drives are

some of the activities

that were encouraged

on saving the environ-

ment. Hence, chemical

engineers has a great

role on saving the envi-

ronment. We, as chemi-

cal engineers, have the

unique expertise that

enable us to develop

advanced technologies,

monitoring devices,

modeling techniques,

and operating strategies

that (1) reduce the vol-

ume and toxicity of pol-

lutants allowed to enter

the air, waterways, and

soil; (2) significantly

reduce the negative environmental

impact of industrial facilities, power

plants, and transportation vehicles;

and (3) allow greater reuse of post-

consumer and post-industrial waste

streams. This is the so-called, “Green

Engineering,” a process that should

be promoted.

The Third Week of September

of this year (September 14-20,

2014) marked the Chemical

Engineering Week based on

Proclamation No. 1365 of the

former President Arroyo. This

week was celebrated to recog-

nize significant contributions in

the field of chemical engineer-

ing as well as to create public

awareness on the critical role of

chemical engineers as vital

nation-builders in the promo-

tion and upgrading or scientific

and technological capability of

the country; and to enhance

public consciousness in order

to raise the level of technical

and ethical proficiency and

standards in the practice of this

profession throughout the

country to ensure excellent,

qualitative, and credible chemi-

cal engineering services for the

safety protection, and satisfac-

tion of the users of the chemi-

cal engineers’ professional

services. The 9th ChE week

was celebrated with the theme,

“Chemical Engineers: Gear Up

for ASEAN Community 2015.”

This event marked an im-

portant milestone because for

75 years of PIChE existence,

and 26 years for PIChE-

Tacloban as its chapter, several

challenges have been surpassed

and accomplishments have been

made through unity, excellence,

welfare, and holistic develop-

ment. Thus, the 9th ChE week

was celebrated to support the

theme to envision global com-

petitiveness through different

ASEAN Registries. And to pre-

pare ourselves in gearing up, we

enriched the ChE Week Cele-

bration with hope, opulent

knowledge, joy, and unity!

Among the activities were the

Kick-Off Parade, Opening Pro-

gram, Tree-planting, Seminar on

RA 9003 (Solid Waste Manage-

ment Act), Clean-up drive

(Adopt-a-Estero Program of

EMB-DENR), Poster-making

and Literary Contest, 2nd Sci-

ence Olympics, 7th Digital

Chemistry Bowl, Seminar host-

ed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi-

nas on its one of their advoca-

cies to Filipinos, and the Culmi-

nating Program that includes

Technical Seminars, awarding

of PIChE Assistance to Yolanda

Victims, and Fellowship Night.

9th ChE Week Kick-Off

The city of Tacloban, Leyte in

Eastern Visayas was among

those hardest hit by Yolanda’s

fierce winds and apocalyptic

floods. Typhoon Yolanda (with

international name, “Haiyan”)

wiped out or damaged practi-

cally everything in its path as it

swept ashore on November 8,

2013, destroying around 90

percent of the city of Tacloban

in Leyte province. Sadly, the

super typhoon claimed more

than 7,350 lives as it swept in

off the Pacific Ocean. More

than 14.5 million people were

affected by the storm in six

regions and 44 provinces. More

than four million people still

remain homeless. Thus, to help

relieve the trauma and grief of

fellow members of PIChE-

Tacloban, and Junior PIChE-

EVSU Tacloban Chapter, a

Sumba dance was assembled in

EVSU-Tacloban Campus to

warm up the participants for

the big event, followed by a

parade entitled, “Walk of

Hope”, which was done around

the main streets of Tacloban

City. The parade was made not

only to be recognized by the

Taclobanons but also to give

hope after we scurried across

the country to escape the

wrath of Super typhoon

“Yolanda”.

The parade was followed by a

Eucharistic mass in Sto. Niño

Church, then a short program

was conducted where Officer

Ranulfo Q. Arbiol, PENRO

(Provincial Environmental

and Natural Resources Of-

fice), who was our guest

speaker delivered a message

of hope for the environment

and for humanity. The short

program was followed by a

tree-planting around the vicin-

ity of Eastern Visayas State

University (EVSU), Tacloban

Campus spearheaded by the

PICHE-Tacloban celebrates 9th ChE Week

Page 11

Officer Arbiol himself to re-

place the trees destroyed by

typhoon Yolanda. Finally, to

give some fun, a “Laro ng Lahi”

was conducted organized by the

Junior PIChE, EVSU Chapter,

headed by its active president,

Leonysa T. Bacor.

Seminar on RA 9003 & Clean-

up Drive

A clean-up drive was made in

Bgy. 83-A, Burayan, San Jose,

Tacloban City in collaboration

with the Barangay Officials,

JPIChE-EVSU, PIChE-

Tacloban, and Coca-cola

Botllers Philippines, Inc.

(Tacloban Plant). Prior to the

clean-up, a seminar on RA 9003

or the “Ecological Solid Waste

Management Act of 2000” was

conducted in EVSU-Tacloban

Campus and in Brgy. 83-A

made by Dr. Zenaida L. An-

drade (Vice-President of PIChE-

Tacloban and EVSU Professor)

and Engr. Nida B. Verana

(Adviser of PIChE-Tacloban

and EVSU Professor). Though

the evidence of wrath of super

typhoon Yolanda was still ap-

parent in the vicinity of Bgy. 83-

A and that feeling of pain still

endure, hope still arouse in the

face and gestures of the partici-

pants especially on the residents.

Unexpected number of partici-

pants of approximately a hun-

dred, arrived and participated

actively in the seminar and clean

-up drive around the

“estero” (estuary) vicinity.

Culminating Program

This day may be the end and

probably everyone may have

felt exhaustion. However, the

PIChE-Tacloban and JPIChE-

EVSU members are still

energetic enough on this day to

attend the activities due for this

day!

(con’t on page 13)

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

Page 12

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

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 first day of the event was held at the

Henry Sy Sr. Hall of DLSU and was high-

lighted by the online video streaming lec-

tures of several internationally esteemed

personalities in the field of chemical engi-

neering. These webinars

included the keynote

speech of Dr. Richard

Felder, professor emeritus

at the North Carolina

State University and co-

author of a globally-used

introductory chemical

engineering textbook; the

lecture of Dr. David

Shallcross, professor of

chemical engineering at

the University of Mel-

bourne, on using modern

multimedia to improving student learning;

and Dr. Vasanthi Sethu, assistant professor

of chemical engineering at the University

of Nottingham, Malaysia, on effectively

assessing and evaluating learning in out-

comes-based teaching and learning. The

various talks, interspersed with panel dis-

cussions and open forums, also included

the lectures of Prof. Jae-Jin Shim of

Yeungnam University, South Korea, on

the development of chemical engineering

education and accreditation pro-

PIChE-MMAC, College of Fellows... from page 1

gram assessment in Korea; Dr. Noel Kris-

tian of Singapore Polytechnic, on experi-

ential learning

activities for

engineering

in-

novators; Prof. Philipina Marcelo of UST,

on parallelism between bioguided food

processing and innovative engineering

education; and Mr. Joaquin Armonio of

Adamson University, a vice president at

PIChE-JCL, on chemical engineering edu-

cation from a student’s perspective.

The second day of the summit, held at the

UST Medicine Auditorium,

was highlighted by the Quiz

Bowl, a tournament for un-

dergraduate students in chem-

ical engineering. Ten teams

competed in the quiz contest,

with DLSU emerging as the

1st place winner. The

triumphant team was coached

by Dr. Michael Angelo Pro-

mentilla and was comprised

of DLSU chemical engineer-

ing students Mr. Sed Anderson Holaysan,

Mr. Rainier Gomez, and Mr. Clarence Jo-

seph Co. After the Quiz Bowl, the summit

organizers also toured the AUChEEdS par-

ticipants around the UST campus, notably

visiting the UST Museum, the research

facilities and the teaching laboratories of

the faculty of engineering. The AUChEEdS

2014 winded down on its last day with a

tour of the scenic Tagaytay City. The par-

ticipants boarded three specially chartered

buses that took them to the historic,

lakeside tourist spot, thus capping the suc-

cessful three-day affair. The organizers

plan to hold the AUChEEdS annually, and

hope that next year, the summit can attract

even more participants, and best the 501

guests that graced this year’s event.

Engr. Neil L. Egloso (standing, 4th from the right) from Palompon Institute of Technology, a regular member of

the PIChE-Tacloban participated the 3rd International Renewable Energy and Environment Conference (IREEC)

held on July 4-6, 2014 at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. He presented his

research paper entitled “Production of Fuel-Grade Bioethanol from

Cassava Starch: A Conceptual Process Design and it will be published in

a referred journal of World Academy of Research and Publication. He has

also been a recipient of FLORO CRISOLOGO AWARDEE for Best

Oral Research Presentation during 2nd National Multidisciplinary

Research Conference at University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur

last April 30- May 2, 2014.

PIChE-Tacloban Member’s Achievement

His topics included PIChE CDO Code

of Ethics, National PIChE ID imple-

mentation by 2015, and venue for the

next PIChE National Convention

which was opted to be at Puerto

Princesa, Palawan. Engr. Mary Lyn

Tabasan, PIChE-CDO’s outgoing pres-

ident, presented PIChE- CDO Chap-

ter’s accomplishments for the year

2013 which were all summarized by

the chapter’s receipt of the Outstanding

PIChE Chapter Award (OPCA) during

the national convention.

The annual event went on with the

election and induction of the following

new set of PIChE- CDO Officers for

the year 2014: Engr. Gemalyn Badilla

(President), Engr. Froilando M. Zayas

(Executive Vice-President), Engr. Ger-

ald Valmores (VP-Industry), Engr.

Jocel Dimacutac (VP-Academe), Engr.

Edgar Galarrita (VP-Government),

Engr. Catherine Daquioag (Secretary),

Engr. Alma Licong (Treasurer), Engr.

Gilda Velarde (Auditor), Engr. Re-

demptor Ladica (P.R.O.), Engr.

Christylene Balagtas ( Board of Direc-

tor), Engr. Myrnaflor Flores (Board of

Director), Engr. Fedely Talaroc (Board

of Director), Engr. Jhundelou Apiag

(Board of Director), Engr. Evelyn Cal-

ing (Board of Director), Engr. Maria

Niña Bañares (Kagay-anon Chemical

Engineer Newsletter Editor-in-Chief),

PIChE-CDO holds... from page 7

The culminating program was done in the

beautiful resort in Palo, Leyte, “Tierra de

Milagros.” The day started with technical

seminars entitled, “Chemical Engineers

Science and Technology Symposium

(ChESTechS) with presenters, Engr. Neil

E. Egloso on Production of Fuel-Grade

Bioethanol from Cassava Starch: A Con-

ceptual Process Design”, Dr. Zenaida L.

Andrade on “Natural Wastewater Treat-

ment Facilities using Facultative Stabiliza-

tion Pond and Constructed Wetland for

Laguna de Bay, Philippines”, and Engr.

Nida B. Verana on a study about a whiten-

er of rice. Opulent knowledge was gained

through their generosity on sharing their

studies which was participated by students

and professional chemical engineers

around Region 8.

The seminar was followed with an inspira-

tional message by Atty. Irene Chiu (from

the City Mayor’s Office of Tacloban City),

message of hope to the bereaved family of

the late Rhonalie Gaduena, a student died

brought by apocalyptic typhoon

“Yolanda” by Jo Rheamyl Ripalda and

Janine Trinidad (ChE students), awarding

of PIChE Assistance to the Yolanda vic-

tims by the PIChE-Tacloban President,

Engr. Juvyneil E. Cartel and the Treasurer,

Engr. Raissa E. Dycoco especially to the

bereaved family of late Rhonali Gaduena

through its representative, Gilbey Gaduena,

her brother. New set of PIChE-Tacloban

Officers for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 was

also inducted by the City Mayor’s repre-

sentative, Atty. Irene Chiu. The culminat-

ing program was concluded with a raffle

draw and awarding of certificates, followed

by a fellowship night.

“The event may have come to an end and

the healing of the wounds brought by ty-

phoon “Yolanda” may take years. Never-

theless, we must maintain the hope, resili-

ence, unity, and excellence in order for us

to achieve our goals toward global compet-

itiveness,” Engr. Cartel, PIChE-Tacloban

President said.

Other Activities

Other activities conducted during the cele-

bration of the 9th ChE week held in EVSU

(Eastern Visayas State University),

Tacloban City were the Poster Making

Contest, Literary Contest, 2nd Science

Olympics, and the 7th Digital Chemistry

PIChE-Tacloban celebrates... from page 11

Page 13

Quiz Bowl which were participated by

students and organized by the Junior Phil-

ippine Institute of Chemical Engineers,

EVSU Chapter, headed by Leonysa T.

Bacor, President. A seminar was also

organized by Engr. Flordelyn T. Palejaro

entitled “Public Information Campaign in

Bangko Sentral Advocacies” hosted by

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), San

Jose, Tacloban City on September 19,

2014.

Engr. Janica Leshley Chaves (Kagay-

anon Chemical Engineer Newsletter

Assistant Editor-in-Chief), and Engr.

Edwin Richard Ortiz (JPIChE Advis-

er). The new set of PIChE-CDO

Chapter officers was inducted in their

positions right after the election by

National Board Director, Engr. Rex

Manuel P. Paayas. The activity ended

with the new chapter president’s clos-

ing message challenging Kagay- anon

chemical engineers to continue their

unwaivering support to the chapter’s

endeavour in sustaining the winning

tradition of being the most Outstand-

ing PIChE Chapter.

The lively and interactive talk captured

the interest of the audience, with every-

one leaving with a broader perspective on

financial management.

Toward the end, Dr. Nathan Dugos,

MMAC Treasurer and Dr. Alvin

Caparanga, MMAC President gave their

respective reports with the closing re-

marks delivered by the latter.

The event was facilitated by Engr.

Clydelle Rondaris, as the master of cere-

monies.

PIChE—MMAC General... From Page 5

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

Food Safety Engineering, Food Processing Technologies,

Food Science and Engineering, different subject titles but

similar syllabus for the Technical Electives of Chemical

Engineering students. I have been teaching the subject for

six years now and the joy of sharing what you’ve learned in

the industry gave me a sense of well-being and a LEGACY

is definitely something you can leave behind. The course

description stated that it refers to the aspects of food produc-

tion and processing. The subject includes, but is not limited

to, the application of chemical engineering principles to

food products. The course presents and uses Thermal Pro-

cessing as the specific method in the preservation of food.

There it is as mentioned, my specialty, Thermal Process.

Being a member of the worldwide organization, IFTPS or

the Institute For Thermal Processing Specialist, is not only

something to be proud of but reminding yourself that a re-

sponsibility to the food consumers is the most priority in

ensuring that food is safe.

The most basic requirement to the subject is to know Micro-

biology. What are the significant microorganisms in Food

Processing, the conditions affecting the growth of bacteria

(nutrients, moisture, oxygen, temperature and effect of pH

on growth), Clostridium botulinum and Botulism, control of

bacteria by water activity and spoilage of thermally pro-

cessed, commercially sterile foods. All of these conclude to

the knowledge that food preservation is a competition be-

tween human and microorganisms – molds, yeast and bacte-

ria. These microorganisms are of concern to food proces-

sors. The organisms can be helpful – yeast for bread, wine

or beer; mold for blue cheese and penicillin; bacteria for

yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchee. They can be harm-

ful to people and business – spoiled product and toxins. The

exposure of the ChE students to handle a microscope is

something new to them as engineering students. The micro-

scope is basically an optical system to magnify minute spec-

imens. It is also an illumination system to render these spec-

imens properly visible. The students learned the proper use

and care of the microscope, describe and differentiate sever-

al microbial specimens in terms of size, shape, and other

unique characteristics.

Thermal Process, the application of heat to food, either be-

fore or after sealing in a hermetically sealed container, for a period of time and at a temperature scientifically determined

to be adequate to ensure destruction of microorganisms of

public health significance. Sharing the actual experience in

Chemical Engineering in Food Safety By: Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas

FEATURE

using the two methods of thermal processing – conventional

and aseptic, is again something new to the students. Heat

Transfer by Conduction: flow of heat through solids and liq-

uids by vibration and collision of molecules and free elec-

trons. This is how heat is transferred from the heating medi-

um to the fruits and syrups inside a container – tin can, plas-

tic cup, glass jar or pouch/bag and Convection: flow of heat

through currents within a fluid (liquid or gas). Convection is

the displacement of volumes of a substance in a liquid or

gaseous phase. When a mass of a fluid is heated up, for ex-

ample when it is in contact with a warmer surface, its mole-

cules are carried away and scattered causing that the mass of

that fluid becomes less dense. This is also how heat is trans-

ferred to the beverages – fruit juices and drinks.

Sanitation is equally as important as the preservation of food.

The knowledge of the sources of microbial contamination

and how to control contaminations using sanitizers, sanita-

tion of container cooling water and sanitation of water reuse

systems.

Equipment, Instrumentation, and Operation for Thermal Pro-

cessing Systems were also detailed as per regulation require-

ments. This is in reference with the Philippine FDA Food

Regulations, USFDA Code of Regulations, European Guide-

lines for the Safe Production of Food and Other Countries

Food Regulations. Processing considerations such as installa-

tion and operation of each type of Retorts, aseptic processing

and packaging systems and closures for double seamed met-

al, plastic containers, glass containers, flexible and semi-

rigid containers are also elaborated.

One whole semester of teaching the students on the subject

made time so precious that the lessons are stored significant-

ly in each individual and at the same time refreshes me on

the compliance of food safety. I am not surprised that some

of these students will suddenly join the industry and experi-

ence themselves how challenging it is to assure food safety.

It is indeed an encouraging subject as a number of my previ-

ous students were already applying what they have learned to

the same industry I am with now as Chemical Engineers in

Food safety.

Page 14

The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1

JG Summit Petrochemicals Group is a pioneer in the

petrochemicals industry in the Philippines with two whol-

ly owned subsidiaries, JG Summit Petrochemical Cor-

poration (JGSPC) and JG Summit Olefins Corpora-

tion (JGSOC).

JGSOC is the country’s first Naphtha cracker plant. It is

designed to produce polymer-grade ethylene and propyl-

ene, which will be the feedstocks for JGSPC (Polymer

Plants). The two other main products are pyrolysis gaso-

line (pygas) and crude C4 which are raw materials in the

manufacture of intermediate petrochemicals benzene, tol-

uene, xylene and butadiene. It started commercial opera-

tion on November 1, 2014. The 320,000 metric tons of

ethylene and 190,000 MT of propylene that will be pro-

duced by the naphtha cracker will be used as feedstock by

the existing JGSPC polymer plants.

With the start of both the new olefins (JGSOC) and exist-

ing polyolefins (JGSPC) facilities, the Philippine chemi-

cal industry landscape will change dramatically. From this

industry’s 2012 performance of PhP 230 billion, the in-

dustry is projected to grow by at least 18% to PhP 272

billion in 2015. Likewise, JGSOC’s

operation will open many opportuni-

ties for other downstream petrochem-

ical sectors to flourish.

JG Summit Petrochemical Group’s

foray into back integration by operat-

ing the first naphtha cracker in the

country is a crucial step towards

achieving diversification and growth

of the Philippine chemical industry and other manufac-

turing sub-sectors.

The group employs an upgraded control system which is

a unified system for process, business and asset manage-

ment which increases operational effectiveness, produc-

tivity and profitability. Furthermore, advanced process

controls are utilized to optimize production rate, mini-

mize energy consumption, improve product consistency

and operational reliability. This also helps to target a sta-

bilized plant operation through minimized fluctuation of

process key variables and improved process safety and to

become globally competitive.

In human capital, the JG Summit Petrochemical Group

has employed chemical engineers, along with technical

personnel from a host of other engineering disciplines.

Contributing to the Philippines’ manufacturing industry,

chemical engineers are now challenged to continue what

has been started by JG Summit Petrochemicals Group,

expressed in its new tagline “Better Life Through Inno-

vation”.

―Leading the way to a Robust Chemical Industry‖ By Jaime V. De Guzman

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 achieve-

ments and at the same time communicate with each other. This is also an expres-

sion 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 documented here.

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

thaniel.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

Dennis N. Yu/Petra C. Cadawan MGN de la Cruz/Arjames T. Balgoa Rizalinda de Leon/Patrick Ramoso

Babylin de Leon/Catherine G. Daquioag Froilando Zayas/Raymond Albuero

Kenneth Rey Senyahan/Paolo Nicolo Perez Patricia Baricaua/Rex Manuel Paayas

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The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1