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By: Engr. Oscar de Jesus, Urban Planner & UST Alumni As stipulated in the 1987 Constitution, lands are generally classified as either land of private or public domain. Private lands may be either privately owned or held by the state, mainly idle. Public domain, on the other hand, can be classified as alienable or inalienable. Various land uses are being classified by our local governments through the guidelines set by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), where agricultural lands are being candidates of conversion due to its classification as alienable and disposable (A&D). In which A&D lands refer to lands whose current use may be changed or may be taken by the government for future development. Inalienable lands, however, are protected forest lands, mineral lands, and national parks. Given this current setting, agricultural lands are at peril if there is no consideration to classify agricultural lands as crop-bearing and protected lands. To condense the multitude of land uses, there are four (4) land-use policy areas namely Settlements, Production, Protection, and Infrastructure. In planning, there must a way to balance the development in terms of a place for living (Settlements) and place for making a living (Production). The environment, to where these developments occur must be preserved for a healthier ecology. The linkages may only be possible with Production and Settlements through the implementation of Infrastructures. In the physical realm, developments may be unceasing due to the innovations we have in terms of infrastructure. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) is being used by local governments as a reference to manage an existing territory as a political body. Through the land use plans, a zoning ordinance is formulated by the local Sanggunian. This tool can dictate as to what land use scheme must be followed by the government and developers alike. According to the Local Government Code, local governments have statutory powers to enact zoning ordinances. Cities and municipalities shall continue to prepare and update their CLUPs in conformance with the guidelines by HLURB. Two components get to control the planning system in the local perspective. The political component is the policy-making body which defines content and direction of local developments, where its principal function is to deliberate and take decisions or lay down policies. The technical component supplies the technical content and process of local planning. Given these different duties, we can see that the political component gets to decide while the technical component generally has no decision-making powers. A technical component is a group of professionals who holistically formulate the plans, covering all of the land use policy areas. As engineer-planners, it is our duty to ensure that a balance between the built environment and general welfare is well-sought. Article XII Section 6 of the Constitution states that the use of property bears a social function. As members of the technical component, engineers must heed in preserving land uses and also take into consideration the effects of conversion to farmers. One way to preserve agriculture is to classify it as protected. In the guidelines of HLURB, the reclassification of land is limited to a maximum percentage of the total agricultural land available in a municipality. This must be strictly imposed to ensure that no imbalance will occur. All irrigated and irrigable lands can also be spared in reclassification if delineated by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The local government must also specify sites in regional agri-industrial centers to be delineated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DA. If in case that tourism development areas are sought by the local government, some agricultural lands can showcase innovations and traditions as primary attraction. In the aspect of engineering, one agricultural land can be converted into an agri-tourism area by using 3D anamorphosis principle. This is an art technique used for a distorted work that will only appear normal when viewed from a certain angle. There is an existing rice paddy project by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, using the technique to welcome and inspire tourists and locals alike to pursue agriculture and farming. Since the introduction of the New Urban Agenda in 2017, engineers must also consider sustainability as paramount. Infrastructure support such as farm-to-market roads, greenhouses, solar dryers, irrigation facilities among others, must be able to help lessen carbon emissions nowadays. Sustainable agriculture does not mean infrastructure alone. Indigenous or traditional methods of pre and post-production of harvests must also be promoted through a series of capacity development projects. Tradition, when incorporated with innovation and sustainability, may help farmers retain and conserve agricultural lands. References: 1. Local Government Code (RA 7160) 2. Serote, E. (2004). Property, Patrimony & Territory: Foundations of Land Use Planning in the Philippines. Quezon City: UP Press. 3. Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (2014). CLUP Guidebook: A Guide in Comprehensive Land Use Plan Preparation 4. http://www.philrice.gov.ph for the 3D Anamorphosis

By: Michael A. Dunuan The Philippines is an agricultural country and a large part of its population still depends on farming, fishing, livestock and forestry for their daily subsistence – the four sub-sectors of agriculture. As the country sets its goals towards industrialization, communities tend to shift their efforts towards less labor intensive and least back-breaking processes. One of the effects of industrialization is, sadly, the abandonment of agriculture and the conversion of agricultural lands to residential subdivisions, commercial warehouses, industrial plants and recreational parks. As for farmers, they find it easier, and perhaps more profitable, to sell their farms to the highest bidder rather than endure the back breaking work of producing palay and food. What happens now is the phenomenon known to be the fragmentation of agricultural lands. This phenomenon refers to the subdivision of farmlands into smaller noncontiguous plots scattered over a wide area and intermixed with commercial or non-agricultural land uses. It is a feature of a less developed agricultural system that stems from social, economic, and political conditions in which farmers are greatly affected. Hence, it is considered as a major obstacle to the development of agriculture. FIG. 1 The sprawl of urbanization causing land fragmentation in southern Rizal from 1984 to 2015. The fragmentation of agricultural land can be observed by comparing satellite maps and pictures of such areas taken on different dates. For this article, Google Earth Pro is used in examining changes in the landscape of the nearby provinces of Metro Manila. Using the software’s timeline feature, the once great expanse of green-covered area is now surrounded by gray-covered areas resulting to fragments and patches of irregularly-shaped agricultural lands. Fragmentation can also be identified where rice fields and rice paddies which were once bordered by rice dikes/embankments (pilapil) are now bordered by walls or ditches. Government economic programs geared toward industrialization During the 1990s, the CALABARZON Project, proposed by former president Corazon Aquino, was set to promote industrialization in the nearby provinces of Metro Manila. However, the Scientists’ Action Committee, an organization of biologists and engineers from the University of the Philippines, criticized the project. They believed that it would be detrimental to both farmers and the development of science and technology in the Philippines. However, under Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, industries were dispersed to the neighboring areas outside of Metro Manila such that industrial estates and residential subdivisions popped up everywhere in the rural areas of Laguna and Cavite. It appears that local government units lean toward non-agricultural land uses because these generate more income and more employment opportunities to the communities. With these as priorities, laws are crafted to suit industrialization rather than promoting agriculture. Economic considerations put pressure on farmers As the population steadily increases, so does the demand for shelter and decent living spaces increases. Subdivision developers now set their sights on the agricultural lands that have either become abandoned or lost its productivity to become the sites for prime residential subdivisions and recreational parks. As these land conversions happen, the market value of the land increases. With the increase in value, vis-à-vis the expense and effort to cultivate the land, farmers now opt to sell their lands to the highest bidders. FIG. 4 Lands of Binangonan being converted to residential areas. A 2007 study of the changing patterns of agricultural lands in Imus, Cavite shows a shift in its landscape from an agricultural to an urban area in a span of 15 years (1980 to 1995). The rapid urban expansion of Metro Manila and the construction of the Molino highway paved the way for favorable investments in the area. Agricultural lands used for rice production decreased by 44 percent, and residential and commercial lots increased in land values; making the built-up density increase, too, from 9 to 35 units per square kilometer. Of course, agricultural land fragmentation became worse. FIG. 3 The change in agricultural landscape in Imus, Cavite from 1984, 1995 to 2017. The study also explained that rainfed-terraced farms were more vulnerable to land conversions than flat-lowland farms. This is due to low productivity and profit as a result of the difficulty in water supply. Binangonan – slowly being consumed by Metro Manila’s urban sprawl FIG. 3 Satellite view of Binangonan Neighboring provinces of Metro Manila are now on its way to urban development. Capitalists bring their businesses and industries to these neighboring provinces to decentralize the power of the country’s capital. And when people migrate to these provinces, Metro Manila becomes less populated and polluted. Hopefully, too, the daily traffic becomes less congested. Raymond Rufino, Co-president and a Director of the Net Group, said that developing these areas is advantageous for decentralizing Metro Manila’s wealth and for securing national survival. Meanwhile, David Leechiu, Chief Executive Officer of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), added that provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal are ideal areas for information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry. While urban development in the areas outside Metro Manila spells profit for businessmen, this signifies disaster for local farmers. In a span of ten years (1980-1990) in Binangonan, Rizal alone, 65% of the agricultural lands were converted to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. This means only 1460.5 of the 2232.4 hectares is devoted to agriculture. In an interview with the local farmers of the municipality, most of whom are elderly, they forlornly recall the lush green fields and farms of Binangonan and that of the nearby towns Teresa and Angono. Their rice fields and gardens were mostly located along the coastline of Laguna de Bay since water from the lake served as irrigation. Roads traversed the coastline for easy access to and transport of agricultural products to market. Soon enough, these areas experienced progress and development; built-up areas grew linearly with respect to the roads fragmenting the municipal’s agricultural landscape. Today, most of the agricultural lands are now bordered by factories and subdivisions such the Rizal Cement Subdivision, Camella Rizal, and Santorini Estate Subdivision; as well as business industries such as the Grandspan Development Corporation and Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos. These subdivisions and industries are interspersed among the surviving farms and rice fields. The disappearance of agricultural lands may be attributed mainly to the lack of irrigation especially in the hilly areas of Binangonan, and in the dwindling numbers of farmers willing to endure tilling the land. “Kaya naman nawawala ang mga sakahan at ipinagbibili ay dahil sa kawalan ng irigasyon. Hindi inaabot ng patubig, e di syempre, ang ginagawa nung iba ipinagbibili para gawing hanap buhay”, Tirso dela Cruz San Felipe pointed out. According to Merilyn D. Domingo, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture-Binangonan, stated that deep wells and small farm reservoirs (SFRs) were constructed to address Binangonan’s lack of irrigation. Waters from the subdivision were even directed to the farms. However, these interventions did not effectively solve the problem. The fragmentation resulted to less production, and worsened the pollution along water sources meant for irrigation like creeks and the Laguna de Bay. If only to emphasize Rodel Olquina Baljadiq’s point, farmers have become tricycle drivers. Baljadiq expressed, “‘Yung iba hindi na nagsasaka, nagtatricycle na lang. Kita mo ‘yung iba, ‘yung mga kalabaw nila, ibinenta na, ginawa na lang tricycle para madali ang kita.” The other side of the coin - less land, more output The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Binangonan, thru the initiatives of the Department of Agriculture, headed by Vilma P. Dematera, has set out plans to resolve the effects of the phenomenon. According to Domingo, programs, seminars and trainings are conducted to educate and teach farmers techniques and ways to effectively and efficiently produce more crops in small-scale land areas. “Maraming nagde-demo para sa gulay para organik. Yun ang nagpapalaki ng ani sa maliit na lupa,” Baljadiq said. Also, the LGU of Binangonan provides fertilizers and seeds to its farmers and provides scholarship grants to the farmers’ children. Rolando Anoy, president of Tatala Farmers’ Association, added that the LGU of Binangonan extends its support to the farmers. However, amidst all of their knowledge and efforts in farming, he believes the problem still lies in the few arable lands in Binangonan. The Thomasian Engineer (TE), the official student publication of the Faculty of Engineering, is doing a series of special reports on different topics of engineering. This first article of the TE's special reports on the Fragmentation of Agricultural Lands in Luzon aims to raise awareness and start conversations online on the challenges of our own agriculture. Team Behind: Lead Researcher: Michael Dunuan Researchers: Rendel Ang Jhoana Fidel Miko Halim Cinematographer and Editor: Jayvee Fulgencio REFERENCES: 1. Dhakal, B., & Khanal, N. (2018). Causes and Consequences of Fragmentation of Agricultural Land: A Case of Nawalparasi District, Nepal. Geographical Journal of Nepal, 11, 95-112. https://doi.org/10.3126/gjn.v11i0.19551 2. Encyclopedia of the Nations. (2007, May 5). Philippines - Agriculture. Retrieved July 17, 2019, from https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-AGRICULTURE.html 3. Malaque, I. R., & Yokohari, M. (2007). Urbanization process and the changing agricultural landscape pattern in the urban fringe of Metro Manila, Philippines. Environment and Urbanization, 19(1), 191–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247807076782 4. Mondejar, N. (1990). Some Thoughts on Current Filipino Peasant Worldview. Agham Tao,7, 76-96. Retrieved July 17, 2019, from http://116.50.242.171/PSSC/index.php/agt01/index 5. http://www.binangonan.gov.ph/ 6. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/10/29/developing-emerging-cities/ 7. Satellite images taken from Google Earth Pro

Aspiring student leaders filed their candidacy for the upcoming 2019 Engineering Student Council elections. Leading the LAKAS-TUGON Partylist is Noel Piad from the Civil Engineering department together with Luis Dominic Concepcion for Internal Vice President, Karl Tubera for Secretary, Cherrie Vitalicio for Assistant Secretary, Kyle King for Assistant Treasurer, Nermien Amerol for Auditor, and Audrey Consul for Public Relation Officer are all running unopposed. Campaign will start this April 5 to 13. Krizia Poja, Chairperson of the Engineering Commission on Elections, stated that the candidates should only campaign inside the classrooms and the lobby of the Roque Ruaño, accompanied by a COMELEC commissioner, and will only be given 15 minutes to present themselves. A two to ten minute extension is given if granted by the professor. As per the unfilled positions of the External Vice President and Treasurer, Angel Abanto, chair of the LAKAS-TUGON Core Officers, shared that the search for potential candidates for the positions proved to be difficult this year as they are only to be chosen amongst the first and fourth year population and the few who were deemed eligible for the positions had declined due to personal and academic reasons. Abanto stated that filling positions merely for a full slate goes against the protection of the students’ welfare. Students are highly encouraged to cast their votes for their next Engineering Student Council on April 23 to 27 in accordance with their designated class schedules. The Elected officials will be proclaimed on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Jhannah Soriano

written by: Yumul, John Anthony M. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration recently reached the highest level in recorded history (Kahn, 2017). Different technologies must be used to vary GHG emissions to safe levels. Researchers suggest that it is now necessary to approach near-zero future carbon emissions in order to stabilize climate (Haszeldine et al., 2018) suggesting that there may be a need to deploy negative emissions technologies (NETs). Negative emission techniques (or technologies) are means of achieving net removal of GHGs from the environment such that atmospheric concentrations are reduced below the level that would have resulted without their deployment (McLaren, 2012). Biochar is a scalable NET that has received substantial attention in the scientific world mainly due to its significant potentials to combat climate change while simultaneously improving soil properties. How does biochar mitigate climate change? Carbon can truly be stored in soil as crop residues or humus (a more stable material formed in soil from decaying organic matter). But according to Jim Amonette of the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, crop residues usually oxidize into CO2 and are released into the atmosphere within a couple of years, and the lifetime of carbon in humus is typically less than 25 years. When the biomass is instead pyrolyzed, a stable solid product is produced that largely consists of a recalcitrant carbon fraction with a half-life of a few centuries in soil. The carbon-rich product is called biochar when it is stored below the ground for long-term removal of atmospheric carbon. According to Hillel and Rosenzweig, the primary reason for the stability of biochar in soils is their chemical recalcitrance, which is due to aromatic structures of varying properties. This is a relevant measure for its ability to prevent photosynthetically fixed carbon from being returned rapidly to the atmosphere. The stable storage of biochar in soils represents a long-term removal of atmospheric carbon due to the fact that the recalcitrant fraction present in biochar decomposes very slowly, typically with a half-life measured on the time scale of a few centuries. Hence, the production and application of biochar in soil is a significant carbon sequestration strategy and has been suggested as one possible means of reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration. What are the other benefits of storing biochar in soil? The application of biochar in soil improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil such as increase in soil-water and nutrient holding capacities that result in improved crop yields and reduction of the need for fertilizers. According to Woolf and coauthors, direct sequestration in biochar coupled with beneficial secondary effects can potentially mitigate 130 Gigatons carbon over the course of the century. These secondary effects result from the displacement of fossil fuels by energy co-products from biochar production, the suppression of natural soil N2O and CH4 fluxes when biochar is added to soil, the displacement of fossil fuel-intensive synthetic fertilizers due to improved soil fertility, and the reduction of energy requirement for irrigation due to improved water retention properties. Because of the aforementioned secondary effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the total potential for mitigation can be much larger than the physical carbon content of the biochar. What are the existing challenges that can potentially hinder biochar application? Although much has already been achieved, barriers to biochar application for environmental management still do exist. For instance, potential disadvantages of biochar application include albedo effects due to soil darkening, excessive pH elevation, as well as adverse effects on soil quality due to the introduction of contaminants such as salts, heavy metals and dioxins. The potential release of contaminants is possible since biochars are often prepared from a variety of feedstocks including waste materials. These agronomic and environmental risks thus necessitate the need to strategically match biochar sources with biochar sinks in order to minimize the adverse unintended consequences. This has led to the “designer biochar” concept, wherein biochar could be tailored with relevant properties to address specific soil quality improvements. There is a need to optimize the processing conditions in order to improve the properties of biochar to become suitable for agricultural use. These barriers imply that there is a need for further research to optimally deploy biochar as a carbon sequestration technology and reap the co-benefits that come along with it. What is the focus of your research and how did it address these challenges? My study has developed a systematic framework for high-level planning and decision support in the synthesis of biochar-based carbon management network. The promising results of biochar application to soil can be potentially optimized through biochar-based carbon management networks (BCMNs) with the aid of mathematical programming. In my dissertation, the term BCMNs is proposed to describe systems that are intended to strategically plan carbon sequestration via systematic production and allocation of biochars for long-term storage to agricultural lands and for simultaneous improvement of soil properties. My dissertation focused on developing an optimization framework for BCMNs. My work is the first to integrate the relevant and practical aspects of biochar research into a systematic framework for the high-level planning of large-scale BCMNs. Such framework provides innovative biochar systems concepts to fill the research gap in the global biochar literature. The framework is comprised of mathematical models that capture the current features of biochar research. The optimization framework I developed provides a sustainable strategy to facilitate the careful planning of BCMNs on a globally significant scale. The framework can guide policy formulation concerning biochar production and subsequent application to soil. To make biochar amendments more beneficial, I synthesize a biochar-based network wherein biochar (source) could be customized in order to fit certain soil conditions (sink). This can also minimize the potential for adverse unintended consequences. It can also provide useful insights to guide policymaking to incentivize commercial-scale BCMNs. Finally, the framework can aid the sustainable deployment of BCMNs to contribute on climate mitigation. About the researcher Dr. Beatriz A. Belmonte is a faculty member at the University of Santo Tomas under the Chemical Engineering Department. She is also a Researcher at the UST-RCNAS. She completed the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at De La Salle University last December 2018 under the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from January 2016 – December 2018. Her dissertation was entitled “DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR BIOCHAR-BASED CARBON MANAGEMENT NETWORKS.” This work focused on developing computer models to provide decision support for the use of carbonized biomass as a soil enhancer and as a form of carbon sequestration. This strategy is regarded in the literature as a potentially effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research she did during the course of her dissertation has led to five Scopus-indexed publications (h-index = 3) in major journals and conference proceedings, which have received a combined 24 citations in a relatively brief period of time. In addition, she has one more manuscript from her Ph.D. work currently in review, and is coauthor of a recently published article in the Journal of Cleaner Production. The latter work is outside of the scope of her Ph.D. research. She is also a Reviewer for the Journal of Cleaner Production published by Elsevier. interviewed by: Fidel, Jhoanna & Yumul, John Anthony

written by: Ang, Rendel B The creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has been approved by the house of Representatives on December 5, 2018. It is under the House Bill No. 8541, also known as the Philippine Space Development Act with the goal of addressing space science and technological issues on a nationwide scale. Having 207 affirmative votes, the bill will also serve as a medium in the country becoming space-capable and space-fairing in the next decade through the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy (PSDUP) which functions as the country’s main strategic roadmap. The bill will focus on Space Science and Technology Application (SSTA) which is the application of space science, engineering and other allied fields of scientific principles. Moving Forward 📷The Philippine Space agency’s approval was paved by the launching of Diwata-1, Diwata-2 and MAYA-1 micro satellites, emphasized by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara. It served as a giant leap in the progression as Dr. Guevara stated that "With this milestone, we are now able to receive information that can be translated to the enhancement of our capabilities in weather forecasting, disaster management and preparedness, national security, industry building, research, education and international cooperation." Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Pena stated in a press conference several things in which the upcoming space agency research in the country some of the keypoints which he stated are as follows: “national added security, improvised hazard management, progressive climate studies, refined space research, and modernized farming and environmental monitoring". The First Step Although the Senate is still having its own deliberation even with an unanimous vote on third and final reading, plans for the project are already underway as Secretary De la Pena has stated that the first 10 years of operation will have a proposed budget of 24 billion pesos in its establishment. The land the bill provides will have at least 30 hectares of land area from Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga and Tarlac. The area of lands are under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and will be allocated as the official site of PhilSA. The Project’s Potential Optimism that a space agency would contribute to the nation-building and growth of the country was expressed by Executive Director Enrico Paringit of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) with an established projected captured market of $1.5 billion in the next 10 years through the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), a 0.57 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) share and over 2,200 direct employments to come. References: Cervantes, F. M. (2018, December 4). House Moves for Creation of PH Space Agency. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved from http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055728 Diangson, L. (2018, December 5). House Approves the Creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). YugaTech. Retrieved from https://www.yugatech.com/news/house-approves-the-creation-of-the-philippine-space-agency-psa/#sthash.DrIWSN4P.dpbs#Czu0JTQ0ZmmTp9G4.97 Kyodo News (2019, January 31). Philippines Ready for Own Space Agency: DOST. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/31/19/philippines-ready-for-own-space-agency-dost Tumampos, S. (2019, February 3). $1.5 Billion Market Seen Once PHL Space Agency is Created. BusinessMirror. Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/02/03/1-5-billion-market-seen-once-phl-space-agency-is-created/# Umali, T. (2019, February 7). Philippine Space Agency to Contribute to the Country’s Economy. OpenGov Asia. Retrieved from https://www.opengovasia.com/philippine-space-agency-to-contribute-to-the-countrys-economy/ Yang, A. (2018, October 31). DIWATA-2 is successfully launched into space. In Medias Res. Retrieved from https://inmediasresofficial.wordpress.com/2018/10/31/diwata-2-is-successfully-launched-into-space/

The International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT) is one of the world’s largest international student festival organized every biennial year since the 1990. It started in 1988 when a group of students took a train from Netherlands to Norway to create unity between students across borders after the Cold War ended. Now, the festival gathers around 500 students from over 100 different countries for 10 days of dialogue, cultural events, workshops, and more. ISFiT 2019 took place from the 7th to the 17th of February and has sought to shine a light on this year’s important theme centralized on migration. Pauline Jane Mandrilla, a graduating Civil engineering student, was among the lucky chosen students to partake in the said festival. When asked about the application process, she shared that the event was recommended to her by her external organization because of her active involvement in the International Relations and Civic Management committee. She also added that the application process involved a series of essays and passing a Curriculum Vitae with recommendations. Furthermore, she gladly imparted her fascinating experience at the prestigious festival. She exclaimed that it really opened her perspective on the enormity of global issues particularly about migration. According to Ms. Mandrilla, the ISFiT tackled the issue of migration from every direction and made it very inclusive through discussions with journalists, Non-Government Organizations, the United Nations, and politicians. They were taught about the world statistics of refugee crisis through a series of seminars and plenary sessions. As she has eloquently stated regarding the issue, “Countries have built borders when we should have built bridges.” In addition with this, they were also given the opportunity to meet some refugees. She met a football player who was a coach in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association and a journalist from Afghanistan who came to Norway seeking asylum. She also added that we probably know that around 65 million people are displaced all over the world through news reports but what we do not grasp is that they are also human beings with a life, a degree, a career, and a story. When asked about her thoughts on the whole experience, she had this to say: “If you want data and statistics, you can always search for them in the internet. However, to know the stories beyond those statistics is a rare opportunity. We don’t need to be a social sciences major to be involved, and not because we had it easier than most that we shouldn’t care. Discussions like these don’t only bring awareness but these also spark movements.” As for her future plans after the festival, she shared that she and her co-delegates are planning to create and organize local projects and will be keeping in touch even after the conclusion of the festival. As beautifully articulated by the late peace advocate Mattie Stepanek, “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” May Ms. Mandrilla and her co-delegates serve to become an inspiration of our generation and spark movements to slowly bridge the gap among countries and ultimately, break down borders. Eris John B. Deyto Photo Source: Pauline Jane Mandrilla

Bangkok, Thailand - Three engineering students from the University of Santo Tomas were selected as delegates in the recent Asia World Model United Nation II (AWMUN II) held last January 30 - February 2, 2019. The selected students, namely Clark Philip Platino, Diane Mariella Maqui, and Guia Rohmella Parayno from Civil Engineering Department, Electrical Engineering Department, and Industrial Engineering Department respectively. AWMUN II, with a theme of "Be A Leader The World Needs" focuses on one of the top environmental problems; climate change. The series of seminars began with an inspirational speech from Mr. Mozaharul Alam about the climate actions. The topics of the seminars are: Providing Solution of the Unequal Burden of Rising Temperatures in Low-Income Countries; Improving Strategy to Protect World Heritage Caused by Climate Change; Migration as Climate Change Adaption Strategy; Displacement, Human Mobility, and Climate Change; The Challenge of Global Green Economy Plan on Creating Equal Job Opportunity in Developed and Developing Countries; Increasing Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Trade and Environment; Climate Change and Global Effort on Reducing The Distribution of Vector-Borne Diseases. They also had grand symposium with the theme "The World’s Dilemma: Enhancing World Action on Climate Change" where they get to discuss the recent international issues. “My greatest goal ko po dito is to be familiarized with what’s happening sa mundo, to understand more about the different effects of climate change sa mga countries…” Maqui mentioned in an exclusive interview with the Thomasian Engineer. She also said, “We are the stewards of this nature and when we destroy it, we are the ones who will truly suffer…. We all should really start within ourselves.” Asia World Model United Nation works as a platform to give youth an opportunity to share their perspectives and stands on various topics. It also aims to let young people experience statesmanship in multiculturalism. Revelation Gan and Jennica Chen

Engineering students once again showcased their talent in an annual general assembly entitled “Afterlight: The Engineering Battle of the Bands 2018” spearheaded by the Engineering Student Council (ESC) last November 29 at the SM North Edsa Skydome. "Afterlight" was inspired by the sunset and the parties that usually happen at night. It symbolizes a student's chance to enjoy and jam with good music and good company, according to ESC External Vice President Chiny Vispo. UAAP Season 81 courtside reporter Makyla Chavez and Nykko Bautista of Tiger Media Network were the hosts for this year’s battle of the bands. The event kicked off as the One Voice Engineering Chorale warmly sang the Prayer of St. Francis and the Philippine national anthem followed by a dance performance from ESC. Eight bands from different departments participated for this year’s event namely 1906 (CE), Trial and Error (ChE), Jamwell (ECE), Mildred (EE), Nevershift (Freshmen), Dash6 (Freshmen), Skybound (IE), Cinco sa Mayo (ME). Cinco sa Mayo gave a heartfelt performance of Rivermaya’s Himala as a tribute to their fellow Mechanical Engineering student, Marko de Guzman.`Thrilling performances from Engineering Dance Troupe, One Voice Engineering Chorale, Hardhats and Dean Philipina A. Marcelo were also witnessed in the Skydome. Dean Marcelo performed her own rendition of “Slow Hands” and gave a welcoming message for the student body. Civil Engineering once again dominated the battle of the bands as 1906 grab the championship and special awards such as best bassist, best guitarist, and best vocalist. Cinco sa Mayo and Trial and Error placed second and third, respectively. Seizing the moment From last year’s Mental Health Awareness advocacy, this year ESC puts emphasis on “seizing the moment”. “This GA is about seizing the moment. We always concentrate in the future that sometimes we fail to enjoy and lubusin yung present. (...) We want people to enjoy every moment or every minute in their lives ng masaya kasama yung mga loved ones nila and doing things that will make them happy.”, ESC WHO said. Afterwards, ESC student leaders lighted candles and offered a prayer to Marko de Guzman. Before the night ended, well-known OPM bands Cueshé and Mayonnaise serenaded the crowd with their hit singles such as “Pangako”, “Ulan”, “Tayo Nalang Dalawa”, and “Jopay”. Kurt Alec Mira

The November 2018 Chemical Engineering Board Examination was administered by the Professional Regulation Commision (PRC) in Manila and Cebu on November 24, 25, and 26, 2018. 102 out of 123 Thomasians succeeded in the November 2018 Chemical Engineering board exam with a passing rate of 82.93-percent, a 2.76-percent increase from last year's 80.17-percent. 97 Thomasians were first timers. Peter Onglao of Unversity of the Philippines-Diliman topped the board exam with a rating of 84.40-percent, followed by Marcel Domalanta of Saint Louis University with a rating of 84.30-percent. Ernest Delmo, also from UP-Diliman, garnered a rating of 83.20-percent. University of Santo Tomas placed as fourth top performing school, a drop from last year's third rank. Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines-Diliman secured the top spot for the top performing school with 96.10-percent. Followed by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and Batangas State University-Alangilan, with a rating of 92.06-percent and 89.66-percent, respectively. Kurt Alec Mira

by: Sven Kara Yac and John Anthony Yumul Surpassing the 4G LTE network is the newest 5G cloud-based mobile technology. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology that offers a faster download speed and a lower network latency than of 4G LTE. This opens the doors of not only for improved smartphone experience but, also for other technological innovations – all contributing to the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G is expected to be distributed around the world by the year 2020 as part of International Mobile Technology (IMT). What makes 5G phenomenal? 5G is the latest wireless network that enables communication between technologies. It comes with a minimum download speed of 10 GBps – which is 1000 times faster than the 200 MBps of 4G network. Latency, or the delay of data transfer in terms of reaction time, is dropped from 50 milliseconds into 1 millisecond, enhancing the Virtual Reality (VR). Low latency will make geo-location an alternative for GPS in 5G technology, helping in the formation of self-driving cars. Robots can be easily programmed to learn skills and to communicate with each other wirelessly through 5G. Machines can be controlled in real time, such as automated delivery drones that will treat lags as nonexistent. 5G’s Spectrum Faster download speed and lower latency means larger bandwidth and higher frequency spectrum. 5G network requires a frequency above 24 GHz, making it difficult to maintain the signal while going from one place to another. Since the goal of 5G is to offer a smooth connection between systems, the idea of using small cells is pushed through. These small cells will be planted on telephone poles, street signs and on any other structure feasible for carrying the cell. This can provide better signal and coverage as the obstructions are eliminated Big steps towards 5G network in the Philippines Both Globe and Smart, have made its steps to bring 5G speeds in the country. In June, Globe Telecoms with China’s Huawei, has announced that 5G services would be available to its consumers by mid-2019. While PLDT Inc. (mobile subsidiary, Smart Communications Inc.) has also announced its partnership with Swedish technology giant Ericsson in line with 5G, which promises faster mobile internet speeds and lower latency. Currently, Globe Telecoms has announced its 5G network in the Philippines this 2018. Globe’s President and CEO Ernest Cu said that the 5G technology would enable Globe to use Air Fiber Technology to bring its services to customers at home and businesses. Air Fiber uses a fixed location microwave radio waves instead of phone or cable lines to bring the Internet in your location. While Smart has launched their 5G research facility, the 5G Techno lab. The facility will focus to provide the foundation of 5G networks in the near future and for the research, development and testing of 5G technologies and services. “As 5G opens up more opportunities for new services and solutions to offer to our customers, we are investing in future-proofing our network and making sure that our network is ready for 5G” said PLDT-Smart chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangalinan. Currently, PLDT has launched it's first ever 5G city. The telecommunications front runner has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to launch the Clark Freeport Zone as the first Smart 5G city. References Belam, M. (Cnett, October). Faster speeds and holograms: what to expect from the new 5G network. Retrieved 05w1686, from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/shortcuts/2018/oct/28/faster-speeds-and-holograms-what-to-expect-from-the-new-5g-network Cheng, R. (2018). 5G is almost a reality. Here's what it'll really feel like. Retrieved I 2018, from CNet: https://www.cnet.com/news/5g-is-almost-a-reality-heres-what-itll-really-feel-like-verizon-att-t-mobile-sprint-samsung-qualcomm/ Fulton III, S. (2018). What is 5G? Everything you need to know about the new wireless revolution. Retrieved October 2018, from ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-5g-everything-you-need-to-know/ Globe Brings 5G Technology to the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://newsroom.globe.com.ph/press-release/corporate/2018-06/globe-brings-5g-technology-to-ph.html#sthash.k5aUCKEm.dpbs Gonzales, G. (n.d.). Smart launches 5G research facility, reports speed of 6.5Gbps in test. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/technology/news/204400-smart-5g-technolab-research-facility-ph-speed-tests Inquirer, P. D. (n.d.). Smart, Globe rolling out 5G in 2019. Retrieved from https://business.inquirer.net/255457/smart-globe-rolling-5g-2019 ITU towards "IMT for 2020 and beyond". (n.d.). Retrieved October 2018, from ITU: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2020/Pages/default.aspx Kaplan, J. (2018). Do we even need 5G at all? Retrieved October 2018, from Digital Trends: https://www.digitaltrends.com/opinion/network-shmetwork/ Kavanagh, S. (2018). 5G vs 4G: No Contest. Retrieved October 2018, from 5G.co.uk: https://5g.co.uk/guides/4g-versus-5g-what-will-the-next-generation-bring/ Moore, M. (2018). What is 5G? Everything you need to know. Retrieved October 2018, from TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/news/what-is-5g-everything-you-need-to-know Smart Communications, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://smart.com.ph/About/newsroom/full-news/2018/08/13/smart-and-ericsson-to-deploy-5g-in-ph

by: Michael A. Dunuan | November 5-9, 2018 - The UST-Faculty of Engineering held the first part of its training course on Sustainability Engineering (SE) that aims to train faculty members in designing a course that links instruction and community development, and enhance technopreneurship. Professors from more than 15 different colleges and universities nationwide joined the training course led by the UST Faculty of Engineering and Dr. Anthony Halog of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Queensland, Australia. A series of workshops and lectures were prepared by Dr. Halog to stimulate participants’ critical thinking on different topics on SE. The UST Faculty of Engineering believes that the creation and incorporation of a well-designed Sustainability and Engineering and Management (SEM) course in the engineering curriculum of students would transform the industrial network to a more conscious system of its effects on the environment.

by: Riza Mae Albis and Yannis Montoya The Operations Research Society of the Philippines- University of Santo Tomas (ORSP-UST) chapter held its 4th National Leadership Summit entitled “Emergence: Today’s Leaders, Catalysts of Sustainable Future” last October 28, 2018 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium and UST Grandstand, University of Santo Tomas. ORSP is an organization that aims be on the forefront of the development of the nation through the practice and advancement of Operations Research or Management Science. They aim to create and develop practitioners of OR in all sectors of the Philippine society and exhibit fair trade of ideas within its members. Ariel Salvador Jr., ORSP-UST External Vice President, stated that this year’s event was not only exclusive to ORSP-affiliated schools but as well as to schools that offer Industrial Engineering and Business majors. A total of 10 schools participated this year’s event, some of which were the Quezon City Polytechnic University, Bulacan State University, and La Consolacion College Manila among others. Carmina Mae Suriaga, ORSP-UST President, formally started the event with her opening remarks. She challenged the audience with the question “What does the sustainable future look like?”. The first guest speaker was Mr. Francis Y. Capistrano. He discussed the overall theme for the summit which is “17 Reasons Why: The Sustainable Development Goals”. He tackled in his speech the “5 P’s (limang pinagpipilihan)” in which Filipinos line up for that results into a domino effect that escalates into a nation-wide problem. “Kahit ang pagasa, pinagpipilahan,” according to Capistrano. He emphasized that sustainable goals should be taken in an integrated and holistic manner without leaving anyone behind. Vicente P. Reventar III, Lecturer of the Bank of the Philippines, was the second speaker to take the stage. He discussed in-depth what system thinking is, stating that if one learns "systems thinking" then one can understand the sustainable development goals and the system behind it. Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis, which is seeing as a whole and how its parts are interconnected to one another. The Chief Executive Officer of ASEAN XCHANGE, Danille Fritzgerald O. Soria followed through with a statement that there are important principles to provide the roles of young Filipinos in attaining sustainable goals, such as observing and knowing. The six leadership traits for sustainability – having life-long learning, having empathy, being a dreamer, being ethical, and being a role model to others was emphasized and thoroughly discussed by Professor Edmund P. Maceda of Enderun Colleges. Jeleen Gail D. Tycangco, member of DC Alliance and a UST Industrial Engineering alumna, was the fifth speaker wherein she discussed how diversity and practical thinking on certain situations for different needs affect how one reaches their goals. After the talk, the audience participated in the SDG games as an application of valuable lessons of leadership and teamwork after which concluded the 4th ORSP leadership training summit.