XUERC @ 5

The First FIVE Years and BEYOND

XU Engineering Resource Center

Editors: Dulce Corazon Mangubat Shierlyn Paclijan

Contributors: Dexter Lo Julemer Ann Aying Meldy Grace Comandante Jo erdale Gallamaso Peter Andrew Gamones Nadine Joy Ordiz Gerard Josen Santos Eduardo Tangonan III Je erson Vallente, Jr. Maria Dolly Mae Ybaez

CONTENTSCONTENTS

MessagesVictory & ValorUnwrap, Inject, And Produce: Ercs Lecture SeriesProject Briefs Macajalar Bay Mangrove Cover Gis Mapping Xavier Ecoville The Xavier Ecoville Livelihood Center Ridge-River Reef Continuum Cagayan De Oro CLUP 2012-2013 Emission Inventory Sustainable Sanitation Technologies Bantay Lapasan Budget Transparency Project Empowering Cagayan de Oro MAGDAS StationRefl ections Even Without The Storm August Rush According to Newton Orion In the Warriors Wonderland Here, in this tiny offi ce My Family away from home A three year Encounter XUERC Volunteer A Volunteers Note Volunteerism: Challenges & Learning Usa ka baso nga tubigShowcasing Engineerings BestSponsors

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1MESSAGESMESSAGES XU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

A s a Catholic and Jesuit university, Xavier strives to respond to critical social, political, and moral issues. One of the many important issues of our time is environmental destruction and the consequent crucial challenge of caring for creation. As engineers engaged in the built environment, you play a very vital role in responding to the challenge of environmental stewardship.At Xavier University, a good part of our efforts in societal engagement is now directed toward environmental citizenship. Your theme, Developing Engineering Solutions with the Community, is not only timely but should strengthen our desire to continue developing engineering solutions for community development and to ensure that resources are used sustainably and equitably.This journal is a testament to your active

Roberto C. Yap SJPresident

engagement and passion for service. Let us continue our efforts in inculcating a strong sense of community service. May you truly become not only excellent engineers but faithful stewards of the environment.Godspeed and congratulations on XUERCs five years of fruitful engagement!

2MESSAGESMESSAGESXU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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I commend and c o n g r a t u l a t e the College of Engineering for its anniversary of the Final Year Project Study (FYPS) presentation, display and publication. You have journeyed this far coming up with relevant projects that serve best the community. Though according to Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. You continue to reinforce your commitment to the community and hence the theme on Developing Engineering Solutions with the Community capsulizes what you have been doing.Congratulations on the job well done!

Lina G. Kwong, PhD Academic Vice President

X avier University, the Ateneo de Cagayan takes pride in its unparalleled research that braces social outreach. Marrying research and social-outreach propels us to do science that is more solution-driven

and applied, which will provide social signi cance to the community. In this interesting eld of engineering, our own College of Engineering has been in the forefront of this paradigm shift. In particular, our engineers together with their students and volunteers have been involved in disaster risk reduction from hard infrastructure to development work, applied geographic information system (GIS) tool to innovate community-based information monitoring system, to designing specialized toilets for sustainable sanitation, and among other engagements.Obviously, the engineering solutions have evolved in response to the needs of the community. Over time, we see these experts adapt and attune themselves to the times as they engage and recognize the signi cant contribution of their multi-disciplined partners. To top it all o , we see in this back-to-back commemorative journal issue: the manifestations, insights, and expressions of their engagements as featured in their literary works. The spiritual but grounded re ections, truly make the XU workers simply di erent and unique. Congratulations for running the extra mile. May you continue to do more.

Hilly Ann Roa- Quiaoit, PhDVice President- Research and Social Outreach

3MESSAGESMESSAGES XU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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Congratulations to the College of Engineering and the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) for this commemorative issue of FYP Journal featuring the abstracts of engineering students

projects. Indeed, these projects would indicate that engineering students of Xavier University are not only honed in engineering fundamentals and the latest in engineering concepts but that part of the students growth is to develop their skills through research and projects similar to what is being described herein. This kind of exposure and the experienced process would develop among engineering students, skills that will make them adapt better to real-world situations. In the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), these research projects show that our engineering students are formed such that they would contribute intelligently and e ectively to the welfare of society which is aptly captured in the years theme Developing Engineering Solutions with the Community.It is also inspiring to see the growth of XUERC through its projects and engagements in the past ve years and sharing with the readership the literary works and re ections of those working in XUERC to capture the core of their job. Keep up the good work XUERC!

Ester L. Raagas, PhDDirector, Kinaadman Research Center

I wish to extend my warmest greetings to all who invested time, resources and e orts for the success of this years Final Year Project Display and Presentation. It is but tting to remember the countless sacri ces and patience that you have encored in the course of making this event happen. Your achievement today is indeed the direct result of your dedicated e ort towards reaching your goal. The personal pride of your work is obvious and can never be taken for granted. I would like to personally thank you for taking the initiative. There can never be success unless someone, like you, has the vision and desire to initiate it. You made things happen and never succumbed to failure; you steadfastly persisted despite the di culties. By refusing to fail, you have led us into the success of this important event of College of Engineering of Xavier University. On this 2013 Final Year Projects Display and Presentation with your theme DEVELOPING ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY I am greatly honored to congratulate you, with this I am lifting my hand to salute the great e ort that you have exerted. Mabuhay!

Engr. Jolou Fabe Mira or2013 FYPDP Chair

4MESSAGESMESSAGESXU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Once again, it is time for the College of Engineerings Final Year Project Display and Presentation. First and foremost, congratulations to the XU Warrior seniors! This is a time to showcase the various research and projects that have resulted from the application of hard-earned skills and

The last 5 years was truly a milestone for the College of Engineering of Xavier University when it established the Engineering Resource Center. What started as a seemingly ambitious project of putting up a research

center at a time when faculty members were trying to juggle between teaching and research has turned into fruition. XUERC is now undoubtedly one of the best achievements that the College has had. Never mind that XUERC, as it is called today, still has a lot to accomplish such as meeting accreditation requirements in the area of research and social development. What is important is that 5 years ago XUERC stood up to the challenge, hoisted the beacon and blazed the trail for aspiring researchers, innovators, and young scientists leading them in the way they should go.

These days I beam with pride every time I hear about my former colleagues and their students giving lectures on topics on which they are considered experts. I am elated to know that XUERC is actively involved not only in research but also in social development work. Indeed, it has overcome obstacles posed to it 5 years ago and was able to successfully relate research to social development. Today XUERC is a familiar name in the academic world not only in the country but in other parts of the globe, as well.

How could one talk about XUERC and not mention the name of its director? When everything seemed uncertain, there was one man who sel essly devoted his time, energy, and talent to make XUERC what it is today. Let me therefore congratulate Engr. Dexter Lo and the rest of the College of Engineering administration, sta , faculty, and students for a remarkable feat. May you always be guided in all your work and continue to do what you ought to do, for the humankind in general, and the students of XU, in particular.

acquired knowledge by our diligent students. With much pride, I commend this years batch and their respective mentors for a job well done and I give them my warmest thanks for participating in this years FYPDP. This years theme: Developing Engineering Solutions with the Community recognizes the vital role of engineers in community building by creating innovations and developing technology not only for the people but together with them, hand in hand. This is not a mere ideology but sound logic. For how does one create or develop a thing for the betterment of society, when he or she does not know its needs and does not utilize the available resources that abound it? As engineers we must be responsive to the communities we serve. Hence, the theme for this year presents a challenge to our graduates: to present fresh ideas and projects that put their abilities to good use and at the same time, collaborate with the various members and sectors of our community.Once again congratulations to our students and the Engineering faculty, and many thanks to the organizers and our very own Xavier University community for giving life and supporting this event.

Engr. Eliseo B. Linog Jr.Dean, College of Engineering

Engr Alma P Eu nadoDean of College of Engineering, 2007-2009

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Engr Alma P Eu nadooDean of College of Engineering, 2007-20009

5XU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

February 14, 2013, a date wherein people buzzed the excitement, mostly were susceptible to romance and at once people felt in love and had that delusion that someone special was di erent from anybody else. These wondrous feelings perceived by each individual on a Valentines Day highlighted the event. Yet, to some people, this special day did not merely de ned Valentines day as the only celebration to rejoice but a day

VICTORY & VALOR

to celebrate another birthday of a center that existed to merit , thus giving value that a short time can go extreme; the 5th year Anniversary of Xavier Universitys Engineering Resource Center.

The center started marking its footstep in the year 2008, with a vision of providing exemplary researches which would e ectively aid the needs of the community; researches which would link di erent sectors, including the city and provincial government, academe, private organizations or companies, and the community as one. This mission gave the Engineers the optimism that they had an essential role in providing solutions to the needs of the community. With this dream, the center reached the drive of connecting to people even outside the engineering society. These people were in hand with the center in the past 5 years of its existence, thus to give gratitude to these foundations, they were one of the highlights of ERCs anniversary.

Some people were invited to address speeches of their experiences with the center. There were testimonies from the centers partner in the Provincial Government. Acting in behalf of Gov. Oscar Moreno, was the Director of the Provincial Planning Development O ce of Misamis Oriental, Miss Chedilyn Aissa Sajulga. She shared about the engagement XUERC and the some of the provincial government units were doing jointly. Some of these projects were Bantay Lansangan, Budget Transparency, and Project EMPOWERinG. The next testimonial was from Engr. Ermin Stan Pimentel, the director of KKP- SIO (Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana- Social Involvement O ce), another RSO unit which was also a partner of the center in various community engagements. He shared experiences with the center highlighting how it grew from scratch to merit. The last testimony was from one of the centers dedicated volunteer, Je erson Vallente, Jr. He was one of ERCs senior volunteers who had been involved in the centers various projects including Emissions Inventory, CEnergy, Mangrove Mapping, Flood Mapping, Emergency Sanitation Designs and MacBay Sedimentation. He shared his experiences in the center and how these experiences helped him broaden his vision as an engineer and how it helped deepen his values.


Part of the centers ups and downs was witnessed by a special person who worked in the o ce for almost 3 years along with her studies. The battle of the center would somehow be forfeited without the simple aid of its Student Assistant, Miss Cherry Mae Ricablanca. Part of this event highlighted this special award for her exceptional service.

Engr. Dexter S. Lo, the founding director (current director) of XUERC gave an inspiring speech on the footprints marked by the center in the past 5 years. He highlighted how ERC created impact and contribution to the needs of the society. In maintaining this dynamic mission, he presented the strategic plan in making the center unswerving and existing as time goes

by. With that period of talk, people in the four corners of the room were ablaze with awe. In blending with this talk, a Jesuit in the university placed the same sentiment with Engr. Dexters talk. This Jesuit was also connected to various projects of the center. He was with the center since the day it started up until now, Fr. Mars Tan, the director of McKeough Marine Center (MMC). He highlighted his personal experiences with the center and the people involved to it.

Any battle won is considered as victory, like what Henry Ward Beecher said, Victories that are easy are cheap. Those only are worth having comes as a result of hard ghting. ERC, on its 5th anniversary was measured as a victory through the odds it fought and prevailed. In celebration of this chance was a festive of food wherein people come together and share the same desire; the love for Science, the Community and God is more sincere than any other love. Part of this festive was the awaited slicing of a 5 -layered cake that represented ERC at 5. The distinct guest from the centers dynamic partner in most of the provincial projects was the supportive Governor Oscar Moreno of the Misamis Oriental, and the Dean of XU College of Engineering, Engr. Eliseo Linog, Jr. did the anticipated part and people applauded to signify that ERC was undeniably in another step of victory.

February 14, 2013, a date when the duty-committed director, sta s, volunteers, specialists and student assistants of Engineering Resource Center deserved a hand-shake and a toss for the victory and valor in the 5 years of battle. More battles to ght, more victories to celebrate and more bliss to experience in the next years to come!

Cheers XU Engineering Resource Center!

-Maria Dolly Mae P. Ybaez


As the month of February drew near, people who are divided in di erent philosophy of their lives are mostly harmonious to feel the excitement of celebrating Valentines Day on the 14th. Engineering Resource Center, a small unit of Xavier University, also feels the ambiance since it marks its 5th Year Anniversary. Part of the anticipated event was lining up lectures which, in a way, unfold the story of the center through its existing projects and programs. Just like Valentines day, an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting owers, o ering confectionery and sending greeting cards , ERC expresses its love by sharing what it has to

UNWRAP, INJECT, & PRODUCE

su ce the knowledge of the targeted receiver who are the students, sta and faculties.

To ascertain awareness, to introduce concept, to disseminate information, to prove facts, to demonstrate, to share experiences were the main objective of the lecture series.

The 3-day lecture series unwrapped the identity of the center, opened the gaze of the students in di erent courses of Engineering and injected knowledge which was in line or beyond the prospect of their elds. The activity aims with an explosion of e ective and valuable information that is reality-based and relates to the occurrences that recently stirs our lives.

There were twelve series of lectures which were presented. It was sorted wherein each day there is a congruence of the lectures so as to provide the students homogeny and interconnectivity in the concepts which are to be shared and to be gained. The activity o cially started with a short gist of why ERC carried out this kind of activity. The lecture series were productively based from actual programs and projects of the center in the past 5 years, thus these lectures were the meat of this dynamic existence. Lectures in the rst day, February 13, 2013, highlighted the centers various engagements on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Ridge-River Reef Strate are half water: CDOs Groundwater Resources by Engr. Jan Jaat with his partner Doc. Gina Itchon of the School of Medicine and Whispers of the Wind: Critical Moments Before Sendong by an Electronics Engineering student Mr. Gratz Redoble together with a Physics


instructor Miss Floramie Ortega . In the last schedule of the activity, February 15, 2013, unbound variety of lectures that o er a wider perspective of the engineers vital role in nation building while exercising sustainable development. In this category, the lectures have unblocked the horizon of the engineers thus taking them into a further rest wherein their engagement to the community is magni ed. Lectures under this category are Space Weather: The Impacts on HF Communications by Engr. Meldy Grace Comandante, Helping People Find their Way: XUERCs Map Gallery collaborated by Engr. Megan Montuno and ERCs volunteer, Mr. Je ereson Vallent, Jr. , Engineers Role in Development: The Xavier Ecoville Experience shared by Engr. Christy Anne Marie Colanse, The Role of Engineers in Ensuring Good Governance presented by Mr. Eduardo Tangonan, III, Australian Government Scholarships shared by the centers partner of some of the projects in the provincial government particularly the Provincial Planning Development O ce who is Miss Chedilyn Aissa Sajulga and Energy Management System partake by Engr. Jolou Mira or of the Electrical Engineering department .

The lectures were delivered by reliable multidisciplinary experts in the center associated with awaking and steadfast presentation that undeniably meets the aim for the audience. Every single lecturer gave further insight towards facts

and concepts which are often deserted when simply browsing through the topics. Quoting Nicholas Murray Butler in his view that An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he knows absolutely everything about nothing, the simple concepts have evolved into contemplation that information gathered from the little things are essential in our

existence. ERC is a center that provides information beyond their mastery not sinking alone to engineering concepts but to various concepts and how research aids the needs of the community. The growth of ERC has been somewhat told in the lecture series thus to end this, we would like to put a thought in minds of the readers to ponder, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

- Maria Dolly Mae P. Ybaez


In 2006, the XU College of Engineering held a 5-Year Strategic Planning Session. One of the items repeatedly highlighted is for the College to also function as a resource center to spearhead industrialization by providing pool of experts and facilities (Engg VMO 2007).

About two years later, on 14 February 2008, Dean Engr. Alma P. Eu nado conceived the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XUERC), assigning Engr. Dexter S. Lo as coordinator.

A year later (2009), on XUs Diamond Jubilee, coincident with the Colleges rst Silver Jubillarian celebration, President Fr. Jose Ramon T. ViiIarin SJ formally instituted the XUERC with Engr. Lo as Supervisor, who in the following year (2010) was o cially appointed as the Founding Director.

With the concurrent creation of the universitys Research and Social Outreach cluster in the recent years, XUERC also strategically adapted to the emerging thrusts and goals of the university which are on: Food Security, Health, Environment, Governance, and Peace.

XUERCs agship program on Disaster Risk Management o ered a detailed scienti c documentation of the deadly 2011Sendong (Washi) Flood at the pre- and post-disaster stages. The centers ood maps have been exhaustively used in relief operations, debrie ng sessions, and technical evaluations of international media and experts.

Geographic Information System (GIS) capability also enhanced and expanded in the past years institutionalizing it in the engineering curriculum, and catering trainings for various sectors of society; in e ect producing hundreds of diverse thematic maps with partner institutions.

The centers program on Mindanao Urban Development spearheaded Emissions Inventory in Cagayan de Oro City, a Budget Transparency Initiative

for Infrastructure Projects in the Province of Misamis Oriental, and a Road Watch Program for Region 10 where Civil Society Organizations openly discuss with the Department of Public Works and Highways on public infrastructure concerns.

This 2013, on XUs 80th Ruby Jubilee, and XUERCs 5th Year Anniversary, the center reinforces its commitment to technical service built upon high level of excellence, as articulated in its revitalized mission statement: Developing Engineering Solutions with the Community.

XUERC currently seats in various government councils and technical working groups, serving as the beacon of science and technology for many development activities in Mindanao. It has also maintained strong ties with national and international partners for the advancement of engineering research and development.

XUERC remains steadfast in facilitating a scholarly training experience for the students and faculty members of the XU- College of Engineering; developing professionals with sterling global visions, and with deeply rooted Christian morals which are exempli ed in local communities.

THE FIRST FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND...

- Dexter S. Lo

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PROJECT BRIEFSPROJECT BRIEFSXU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Macajalar Bay Mangrove Cover

The Xavier University Engineering Resource Center conducted a Geographic Information System (GIS) based mangrove mapping for mangrove cover of the Macajalar Bay (MacBay). Prior to the mapping phase, series of eld surveys along the MacBay from July 8, 2012 to August 21 2012 were conducted. The survey covered areas of the coastal towns of Misamis Oriental from the municipality of Laguindingan to Kinoguitan. A team composed of volunteers from XUERC and the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) sta pooled resources in mapping the region. This team surveyed the existing, newly planted and proposed plantation of mangroves covering the bay by means of mapping grade Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Extent of the

survey covered mangroves thriving along the coastline, estuaries and rivers. Ground data was then collected and presented using GIS (Geographic Information System) Maps and veri ed through satellite images acquired from Google Earth. Maps were presented in the scale of 1:35,000 and projected using WGS 1984 UTM zone 51N datum in order to perform accurate geometric area calculations for mangrove cover. The resulting mangrove map shows an overall mangrove cover of 215.356 ha. It is interesting to note that most mangroves are located on the towns of Laguindingan, Kinoguitan, Alubijid, El Salvador and Tagoloan. Furthermore these coastal baranggays have established key groups and Bantay Dagat personnel that maintain mangrove growth.

GIS Mapping

Macajalar Mangrove Mapping

Jefferson R. Vallente Jr.

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PROJECT BRIEFSPROJECT BRIEFS XU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

The Xavier University Lumbia Resettlement Project is a joint endeavor of Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan and the local government of Cagayan de Oro. It aims to resettle at least 500 families who are victims of tropical storm Sendong last December 17, 2011.This 5.3-Hectare resettlement site, also known as Xavier Ecoville has 568 units of rowhouses It is located in the

interior of the Barangay Lumbias central district where the barangay local government buildings and o ces are situated. It is close to the Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine Extension Clinic and the Barangay Lumbia National High School. Approximately, its around 10 minutes ride by car from Lumbia Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Cagayan de Oro City.

Xavier Ecoville has two primary components in its resettlement agenda: the Community Development and the Physical Development.

The Community Development component aims to address immediate needs while capacitating partner bene ciaries to become a self-su cient and self-governing community. The Community Development team is headed by Roel R. Ravanera, Dean of the College of Agriculture of Xavier University.

The Physical Development component is in-charge of preparing the permanent site for resettlement in terms of construction monitoring, project implementation and coordination with key implementers. It is headed by Engr. Eliseo B. Linog Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering of Xavier University. The College, through the Engineering Resource Center, has a close involvement in the Xavier Ecoville project.

With the joint e orts of both teams, Xavier Ecoville is envisioned to be an ecologically and economically progressive, God-centered village inhabited by residents who care for one another.

Eduardo S. Tangonan III

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The Xavier Ecoville

Xavier Ecoville is the resettlement village donated by Xavier University to house more than 500 families who were a ected by the onslaught of Tropical Storm (TS) Sendong last December 2011. The university has been active in the construction of permanent shelters as well as building community livelihood programs. Part of these livelihood programs includes the construction of Xavier Ecoville Livelihood Center.

With a oor area of eighty square meters, the center can accommodate training workshops and seminars, production of goods, and showcase and display of products. It is divided into four rooms

an o ce, a training room, a production room, and a showroom. Considered to be the highlight of the building, the showroom is furnished with three panels of eight-foot high clear glass to optimize viewing of the products to be displayed. The construction of the building started on December 10, 2012 and was completed on February 28, 2013.

The completion of the Xavier Ecoville Livelihood Center aims to provide sustainable infrastructure which residents of Xavier Ecoville may utilize to engage in their livelihood programs. Through these programs, residents can nally recover from the devastation of TS Sendong.

Livelihood Center

Xavier Ecoville Livelihood Center Ground Breaking

Peter Andrew U. Gamones

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Ridge-River-Reef

Being aware of the situation of its land use is critical information for planning in the community. The awareness will serve its purpose for e ciency in governance, economics, peace and many more. Yet more importantly, the system of evaluation about a communitys land use will allow the leaders to make a well informed decision in actively reducing disaster risk and enhancing the adaptive capacity of their community to climate change and other natural hazards. The aforementioned bene ts are the principal objectives of the projects proponents Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) in consortium with The Manila Observatory (MO).

The Ridge-River-Reef framework governs the methods and analysis for this project. Doing a localized land use evaluation limited to Cagayan de Oro City alone would be futile for the analysis. For a holistic model, the importance of including the di erent river basins of the city and including the seas to its north is imperative. In addition to the methods and analysis, the project utilizes the Hazard-Exposure-Vulnerability Risk (HEVR) framework of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in doing disaster risk assessment.

The project utilizes remote sensing through satellite imageries, one of which is a grant in aid from Centre National d'tudes Spatiales (CNES), the French space agency, through MO. This is the SPOT 5 XS 2.5m scene for Northern Mindanao zoom site. Other satellite images are open source imageries from Landsat Thematic Mappers operated by the National Authorities and Space Administration (NASA). These images are processed through ENVI 4.8, a specialized software for processing and enhancing raw satellite images. Using established methods in analyzing di erent object re ectance, a pixel is then determined as a speci c object on the ground. By classifying these ranges of di erent re ectance, it is now possible to determine the general land use in a speci c area. The land use will then serve as an input to doing the risk analysis.

CONTINUUM

Sampling for R3 in Bukidnon

R3 Reconnaisance for sampling site

R3-RULES-CCA DRM Teams from diff erent Ateneo Schools

Jofferdale Q. Gallamaso

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Cagayan de Oro

Foremost among the objectives in doing land use planning

are to promote the e cient utilization, acquisition and disposition of land and ensure its highest and best use, and to conserve areas of ecological, aesthetics, historical and cultural signi cance [Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), 2006]. In adherence to the said objectives, the City of Cagayan de Oro has commenced in March 2012 the revision of its existing Comprehensive Land Use Plan

(CLUP). The CLUP approved in 2000, and due to expire last 2010, already needed revision. Discrediting the fact that it was due for revision, there was a common consensus that the CLUP has to be revised to make e ective change and to mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. This consensus was triggered by the previous ooding disaster of Tropical Storm Sendong in December 2011.

As part of the preparation process prescribed by HLURB, the City Planning and Development O ce of Cagayan de Oro identi ed Xavier University, o cially represented by Xavier Uinversity Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) as one of the key stakeholders. The process of selection was done through a classi cation in which a stakeholder belongs to a prescribed sector for CLUP. These are people, natural environment, built environment (or infrastructure), economy and governance sectors. XUERC participated in the natural environment and built environment sectors in the series of workshops. As one of the outputs of the workshop, the series of stakeholders meeting were able to come up and ratify a vision for Cagayan de Oro for year 2022: A city of strong governance in a highly competitive economy and sustainable environment with a resilient and God-centered citizenry.

XUERC was able to integrate data from di erent XU units such as the 2009 Resource Ecological Assessment from the XU Mckeough Marine Center into the Environmental Management section of the CLUP draft and the December 2011 Flood Damage Map of XUERC into the No-Build Zone policy of the city government. The center is currently working with the City Planning and Development O ce of Cagayan de Oro in the preparation of the Land Use Plan. Further information on the guidelines and procedures followed by the project is available on the book A Guide to Comprehensive Land Use Plan Preparation Volume 1 of 2006 of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

LGU with XU Representatives

CLUP 2012-2022

Jofferdale Q. Gallamaso

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EMISSIONSCagayan de Oro being the trade and service center of the region is the agora of Northern Mindanao.

The city is home to various regional o ces of national government agencies, as well as its line agencies. It connects neighboring towns and provinces to almost every destination in the Philippines, as it is a prime location for air, land and sea transit. It also serves as an economic and commercial hub in the region, accommodating full-size production and processing facilities for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and raw materials, business process outsourcing (BPO) centers, and a power generation plant.

This growing industrial and commercial economy of the city is an open invitation to investors, migrants, and transients. This encouraging growth may soon become the cause of the decline of the citys environmental condition. Thus, policing and regulation is imperative.

The Partnership for Clean Air, Inc. (PCA), a multi-sector network in the Philippines, has identi ed Cagayan de Oro as one of the bene ciary local government unit (LGU) for its project, Clean Air for Smaller Cities. This project aims to promote clean air management in a multi-stakeholder approach, partnering

with the government, civil society organizations (CSO), academic institutions, and the private sector.

An essential component of the Clean Air for Smaller Cities project is the conduct of an emissions inventory (EI). This study makes an accounting of the quantity of noxious waste released into the atmosphere from area, mobile and stationary sources.

Xavier University, through the Engineering Resource Center (XUERC), takes leadership in

the implementation of the project at the local level as the principal coordinating unit, as well as in the consolidation of the projects output. It assists the PCA in the conduct of capacity building workshops and other convergence activities, where the city government of Cagayan de Oro and other academic institutions, speci cally Capitol University (CU) and Liceo de Cagayan University (LDCU) are signi cantly involved. XUERC is also responsible for the collection of emissions data from mobile sources, tapping the expertise of the universitys Civil Engineering Department.

INVENTORY

Exploratory Meeting with CAI-ASAI

Eduardo S Tangonan III

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Sanitation TechnologiesSustainable sanitation is the protection and promotion of both human health and natural resources through the use of appropriate technologies. One of the basic components of sustainable sanitation is the collection and reuse of human excreta which, after treatment, will be utilized as organic fertilizers. It involves the construction of necessary facilities (i.e. toilets) to facilitate collection and reuse.

The Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) has been engaging in sustainable sanitation since its inception. Together with the Xavier University Sustainable Sanitation Center (XUSuSan), XUERC has been providing engineering input on the designs and construction of sanitation facilities. These sanitation facilities include the single or dual Urine Diversion Dehydration Toilets (UDDT), the Arborloo, and the Hanging UDDTs. The UDDT is designed to separate urine and feces, utilizing a customized ceramic bowl, urine and feces are separated into di erent containment chambers. Both will then be subjected to a certain time of treatment. The Arborloo is designed to immediately utilize human excreta by digging a hole onto the ground. When the holes are almost full, the superstructure of the arborloo is lifted and transferred to nearby areas. The holes are then covered with soil and planted with trees. The hanging UDDT provides same method of use as single/dual UDDT. The di erence is that hanging UDDTs are most suited to use in beach areas. The facilities encompass both urban and rural areas across the country.

XUERC is also active in disseminating information on the technology of sustainable sanitation through seminars and lectures. It has also been part of various publications regarding sustainable sanitation. The manual Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions for Mindanao and the Philippines: A Practical Construction Field Guide is one of these publications where XUERC provided technical drawings. An international publication entitled Poo was also translated to local dialect by XUERC as part of its information campaign. Currently, XUERC is extending its engagements in providing designs for sanitation facilities to be used in emergency situations.

Sustainable

Lecture on EcoSan at Upper Palalan, Lumbia

Orientation of EcoSAN toilets with WAND

Engr Lo inspecting a hanging toilet

Peter Andrew U. Gamones

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BANTAYA road is more than just a mixture of gravel and cement paved upon the earths surface; but it is also the index upon which the nations progress is measured and determined.

A countrys road network facilitates the ow of commerce within the country, provides access to development services by the people, and contributes to the nation's development.

It is precisely for this reason that citizens have now taken a keen interest in road sector improvementmonitoring developments within the government, as well as ensuring that public resources meant for road construction and bridge building are wisely spent and are well-accounted for. Such brand of civic action has also led to increasing government-citizens interaction, resulting in the formation of Bantay Lansangan, or Road Watch.

Meant as a partnership among the government, civil society and private sector stakeholders in the road sector, Bantay Lansangan was involved in monitoring the performance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in order to reduce the costs for road construction and maintenance, increase road users satisfaction, and improve the publics perception of the DPWH.

Bantay Lansangan was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Billboard Policy, whereby inclusion of the name and/or photo of any political personality is strictly prohibited. It was also successful in forging the strong constructive relationship between the DPWH and the civil society organizations (CSO).

Xavier University, through the Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) has been an implementing partner in Region 10 since 2008. In the years of its engagement, XUERC was able to contribute signi cantly in the recti cation of four (4) strategic roads in Cagayan de Oro City, speci cally Sayre Highway, Mastersons Avenue, South and North Divisoria Road, and the coastal road.

In 2010, XUERC was appointed regional coordinating unit, leading three (3) organizations in the region, which include Grassroots Democracy Institute and Resource Center (GDIRC), Pailig Development Foundation Incorporated (PDFI) in Lanao del Norte, and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition in Bukidnon.

The following year, XUERC represented the Mindanao cluster in the National Road Show, where key o cials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from the district o ces, regional o ces, and the central o ce, together with CSOs, convened to agree on solutions concerning road issues in every locality.

LANSANGAN

Inspecting Road Defects Along Ugiaban-Talakag By-Pass Road

Inspecting Road Defects Along Ugiaban-Talakag By-Pass Road


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BUDGET

Economic infrastructure is an essential component in development e orts as it provides access to the basic needs of communities. The World Bank describes economic infrastructure as that which includes transport, electrical energy, telecommunication, water, sanitation, and toxic waste disposal (World Development Report 1994: Infrastructure for Development Executive Summary).

Misamis Oriental, a 1st class province, regards economic infrastructure of high priority. In its 2012 Annual Investment Plan, provision for the Provincial Engineers O ce comprises 82.12% of the allocation for Economic Services, while it maintains the highest fraction in the overall total at 24.14%.

Considering the high rate of investment apportioned for economic infrastructure, it is only appropriate to look into how projects under this category are being implemented in the hope that the true value of public funds are safeguarded.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) in partnership with the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) has implemented a 16-month civil society initiative on budget transparency in three provinces in Mindanao, namely MIsamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Surigao del Norte, with the core intention of safeguarding the utilization of local government budget, ensuring that it is utilized for its intended purpose.

In the process of achieving its primary objective, the project also aimed to enhance the civil society organizations (CSO) understanding of local government budgeting and expenditure management processes, improve the CSOs access to local government information, and mobilize the CSOs ability to in uence decisions of local governments.

In Misamis Oriental, Xavier University, through the Engineering Resource Center (XUERC), took lead in monitoring the implementation of local government infrastructure projects, focusing mainly on roads and water catchment facilities. XUERC took part in the procurement process as a third party observer, in the review of each projects accomplishment, and in the inspection of physical works for on-going and competed projects.

Along the course of monitoring these projects, XUERC was able to gain recognition in the Provincial Development Council as a participating organization, help build a strong CSO-government relationship, and in uence the creation of the observers feedback mechanism in procurement proceedings.

TRANSPARENCY

Findings presentation to Misamis Oriental PLGU Offi cials

Budget Transparency Project terminal report turnover


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ArGIS training for Personnel of CDOCs GIS offi ce

Project

and process the data into a development planning tool with geographic information system.

This Public Private Partnership Project (PPP) aims to achieve economic growth in the region by enabling local government units to acquire necessary technical skills and know-how in utilizing development tools. The project will address the gaps in fully utilizing development tools, particularly in transferring and sustaining technical know-how in using CBMS and GIS.

Steag State Power Inc. and Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh (DEG), along with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and other partners, are set to launch Project EMPOWERinG, or Project Enhanced Monitoring System on Poverty Watch for a more E ective and Responsive approach in Governance. The project would shall focus on updating the database and Geographic Information System (GIS) of the Provincial Planning O ce of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) Planning O ce. Six (6) municipalities from Misaims Oriental namely, Tagoloan, Jasaan, El Salvador, Medina, Opol and Laguindingan was be piloted for CBMS implementation considering their strategic importance to the industrialization and eco-tourism potential of Northern Mindanao.

The project requires the involvement of di erent government and private institutions. This includes DILG for the CBMS system and software (modular training) and involvement of the DILG Field O ces during the CBMS implementation (in the regional, provincial and municipal levels). The Xavier University Research and Social Outreach (XURSO) provides the technical specialists on the conduct of the GIS training and integration of the CBMS to GIS, the design of the monitoring tools, the technical assistance in the conduct of actual survey and processing of data, the preparation of the social and economic analyses of the CBMS poverty maps, and the drafting of the case study of the project for possible replication. The Provincial Planning O ce of MISOR and CDO City Planning and Development O ce is responsible for the consolidation of the CBMS database and serves as hosts for the GIS system. Lastly, the local government units (LGUs) of Laguidingan, El Salvador, Opol, Tagoloan and Jasaan and Medina conduct the survey and process the results through their respective barangay eldworkers.

EMPOWERinGThe Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), among others, is a tool introduced by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the

Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) to the local government units to diagnose the extent and causes of poverty in the area, to help in formulating policies and programs, to aid in identifying target bene ciaries, and to facilitate assessment of the impact of those policies and programs. In Misamis Oriental (MISOR), which registered a 28.5% poverty incidence, fourteen (14) municipalities have started to adopt and implement the CBMS to attain poverty reduction. However, those municipalities cannot fully utilize the system due to lack of capacity to validate

Meldy Grace M. Comandante

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The International Center for Space Weather Science and Education (ICSWSE), formerly known as Space Environment Research Center (SERC), in Kyushu University deployed 67 Magnetic Data Acquisition System (MAGDAS) magnetometers all over the world. The locations of the station are selected in order to carry out space weather studies.

Circum-pan Paci c Magnetometer Network (CPMN) is the group maintaining the MAGDAS magnetometers. The CPMN was constructed by Kyushu University in collaboration with about 30 international organizations located at magnetic meridian and magnetic equator. The MAGDAS consists of a 3-axial ring-core sensors, uxgate-type magnetometer, data logging/transferring unit and power supply.

The objective of Kyushu University to deploy many MAGDAS magnetometers in strategic locations gave birth to the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) MAGDAS Station.

Because Cagayan de Oro is located on the Magnetic Equator Chain, the Project Leader Prof. Dr. Kiyohumi Yumoto met with the former Xavier University President Fr. Jet Villarin SJ., in July 2, 2009 to plan and visit the proposed location for the station. Almost a year later, on June 1, 2010, Xavier University, through the Engineering Resource Center (XUERC) was awarded the certi cate indicating that the station is one of the o cial MAGDAS geomagnetic stations with the support from ICSWE. The CDO MAGDAS station was then installed on the following day.

The CDO MAGDAS Station is located at Manresa, Cagayan de Oro, with Latitude of 8.460 and Longitude of 124.630. The station has been visited twice, in November 23-25, 2011 and second visit was Feb 27 to March 1, 2013 since its installation. Below is the location of the sensor installed and the new fence that has been constructed last March 15, 2013.

MAGDAS StationCagayan de Oro

Location of MAGDAS Stations around the world

Meldy Grace M. Comandante

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REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONS XU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

When Monica called me to deliver a talk in this gathering, I cautiously asked: ..but these are the top scientists, what else could they not know? Then she kindly insisted: Prof, just share what youve been doing.. were interested to know.

EVEN WITHOUT THE STORM

This is a story of a humble university in the south. It used to be that disasters were rare in our place. We only heard them on the news, or for some who are more curious, through dusty books and open-source journals that not so many are excited to even browse. But yes, there were few of us who thought and felt that math is not just numbers, it can be a prediction of what can become.

So about ve years ago, on an eerily silent night while a storm was brewing far in the Paci c, my students and I, while working on a project, were intoxicated by a familiar aromafresh brewed co ee! Since then we joked that detecting a storm is like sni ng around for co eeyou can smell that its coming, but when will it come and how strong will it be are things you have to keep watch and prepare. The experience may always be di erent every time it pours, just like co ee.

The project we started working on was small, a disaster risk mapping of a village where I still live now. We actually proposed a city-wide project, but resources were very limited. Some raised skeptic eyebrows, many chose not to bother at all. But a few believed in our vision, including a Nobel price winning scientist- and thats all we needed to get going.

Re ecting now on that humble beginning, I choose to believe that it must be through divine intervention and inspiration that we were able to creatively formulate methodologies on studying disaster impacts at the micro-scale (villages, zones, households, even families). Our funds were limited, but it did not dissuade us to uphold the substance of science. We had to reduce coverage area, but not depth and meaning. In fact, the experience allowed us to look at data beyond the apparent tables and charts. Every time I see the maps my students made, it gives me a chance to resonate with peoples livestheir stories, their dreams

called me to deliver aaaaa tatatatatalk in this gathering I cautiously askskkkkked: bu

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REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONSXU ERC 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

2

and desperations. A year after the Sendong ood, the OCD launched a carefully documented book containing important

lessons learned from the said disaster. Inputs came from various stakeholdersgovernment agencies, private institutions, and the survivors themselves. In one of the pages, XUERC was quoted to have conducted studies that already identi ed two ood risk areas two years before the tragedy happened. These areas were two of the most hardly hit in the city.

Yes, I am glad that our project was proven right. But no, I am not proud (sometimes even ashamed) because we still failed to save lives. And that is why I am very honored to join you today; hoping that this tiny but rm voice can nd a horn to resound the urgent cry.

To live our mission, Xavier University continues to engage beyond the campus walls. Together with DILG, we are currently training and capacitating 36 riverside villages to come up with their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans. Oh, it is not easy to bring disaster science to groups where multiplication is even a struggle or unheard of. It is hard, but we have to do itthe right but non-discriminating way.

In the past months, we were also involved in crafting the DRRM plans for the region and for the city. At the same time, we worked with NEDA, HLURB, the City Planning and Development O ce (CPDO), and other partners in coming up with recommendations for the citys comprehensive land use plan, which would then be led as an ordinance. Yes, its still a long way to go, but we draw inspiration from history: Fr. William Nicholson SJ, who was assigned to XU in the 70s, was also appointed as the Chairman of the Cagayan de Oro City Planning and Development Board (the predecessor of the present CPDO). He once wrote (in a transmittal letter upon the boards submission of the citys Framework Plan about 40 years ago): The result here published is a Framework Plan, which includes text, a series of maps, recommendations and appendages as tools with which our goals may be attained.

When I rst read these very words, I poked myself asking if I was travelling through time. Maps and recommendations too? Is this dj vu? But my student prompted: Prof, this must be our mission, count me in! And I whispered, like a prayer: Yes, this is a legacy we ought to uphold, to embrace, and to dignify!

We embraced the challenge: we are now building a community called Xavier Ecoville. Our job is not just to build houses and pave roads; our mission is to help restore the dignity of life and rekindle hope for about 500 families who survived the ood. The challenges are endless, but we chose to believe and channeled our energies on the brighter side. Once, I got a chance to listen a testimony from one of the survivors, sobbing she said: I am richer now because my family has a home. Thank you so much!

JICA-DPWH experts visit XUERC for consultation on a proposed project

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23

Then last month, when Pablo struck, we opened the university gates for people to nd refuge and shelter, to believe in beauty and love (again). Some said a miracle happened (with zero or maybe one casualty), but I chose to believe that the miracle happened when we prayed and worked together, to save and value each other. Yes, there was still an exodus of people to evacuation sitesbut this time, they travelled as a community, as family (not like dispersed individuals- lost in space, oblivious with time).

As for me and my students, our DRRM classes continued. But now, the whole city became our study area. We still read bookswe always do; but now we are writing tooa lot of lessons are in the eld waiting to be written. Last week, I got a call from DPWH, asking for a CE graduate to work with them, specifying that they would prefer someone with DRRM background. Three days later, two of my former students texted that they were hired immediately. And maybe by now they must be amused that their JICA-consultant bosses (who visited in the o ce few months ago) are actually using the maps we developed in class.

I understand that there is nothing amusing about disasters. And if I have to apologize, I am sorry for having even glint a smile while sharing these stories. For so long a time, disasters have made us shed tears and shattered our dreams. Many su ered a loss that can never be replaced or ever be healed. And yet, these episodes of our lives are also the times which remind us to re ect on how well we have cared for this garden entrusted to us.

Honestly, I am amazed at how fast and vast the weather information is now detected, transmitted, and posted (in Facebook through an iPad, for example). And I think, in some ways that is greatwe have heightened peoples awareness even before the wind blows or the rain comes.

But I believe that caring for this garden is not just to start sni ng when somethings already brewing. I remember one night when my parents were gazing for the meteor shower: mom would always sweetly shriek every time she sees them; while dad (whos now one-eyed) would just patiently sit with her and cheer every time he hears her voice. I believe, that other than the sophistication of technology, our constant and enduring commitment to take good care of this garden, even without storms coming, is essential.

I always draw inspiration from our friends in MOstarted by the faithful Jesuit scientists, they have been patiently monitoring the weather for about 150 years now (with or without typhoons brewing on their way). The prize of dedication and deep love is not just being able to forecast when trouble is coming; MO is probably one of those who have primary data to show that our climate patterns are really changing.

Through the years, faith and science have taught me that love is not only measured in the spectacularity of an episode; love is also evident and true in the seemingly monotonic but unwavering gestures of passion, service, and sincerity. We are fond of using di erential equations to model building vibrations when excited by earthquakes, or simulate ood routes when a storm is cominghavent the numbers and graphs taught us that there are, almost, always two parts of the solution? There is the transient, which can be exciting, and the steady-state which can be boring, but something that really lasts.

The day after we survived Pablo, I dropped by the Cathedral area to pick up my Wednesday roses (one for the o ce altar, the other for someone very special). While I was about to dig for coins, the woman in the ower shop interrupted and cheerfully said: Its free for today sir. Youve always come even without the storm, Im sure your love is true and warm. Dexter S. Lo

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My rst memories of World War II are stories of survival and love. Back in grade school, on summer (August) holidays, my grandma endlessly scanned through those old thick photo albums in tthe library. Sometimes, she invites myself and my brother for cookies; and thats when shell tell us stories of her life with grandpa, and dad (when he was little) climbing unnamed mountains, crossing untamed rivers, and always hoping, constantly praying, that the next sunrise will lead them back home.

Exactly sixty seven years after the bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, I was privileged to be invited to a summer course jointly hosted by academic institutions based in Hiroshima (Japan), Texas (USA), and Diliman (Philippines). Professors, students, and other professionals from eleven di erent countries came together to join the ght for a more pressing battle that challenges our time Disasters and Climate Change. And as if to set us in a real learning environment, it was basically raining throughout the entire duration of the course; inundating most parts of Manila and many parts of Luzon due to unprecedented monsoon rains (yes, it was not even a storm).

The course was packed with brilliant lectures and sharing of signi cant experiences. We were also assigned to work on speci c projects; thus our minds were forced to rush with innovative ideas and practical solutions, just as the rivers just few kilometers away from the university came rushing downstream, destroying homes, disrupting lives, and breaking dreams.

But beyond the disaster sciences which i have been working on for many years, and the more fragile sphere of social dynamics which Im still trying to grasp, I was amazed that our discussions led us to the more essential questions in life such as the moral issues which we ought to discern. When this was raised, I noted the momentary silence that deafened the lecture hall. But slowly I volunteered for the mic, then softly spoke the truth that my heart knows by experience.

Yes, after the historic Sendong Flood last year, XUERC has been invited to deliver about 30 technical lectures and debrie ng sessions to various audiences international relief agencies, local government units, business groups, media, survivors camps, academic and scienti c institutions, and still counting making an average of one engagement per week for the past seven months.

But of course, this is not a race of lecture hours and mere display of the

August Rush

Engr. Lo giving a talk on Disaster Risk Management & Land Use Planning for the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

25


most sophisticated technologies. In every slide that we thoughtfully design, and in every word my mortal voice can resound, the message is always more than the science, beyond the political borders, and deeper than the realities the eyes alone can behold. I always stress and challenge my fellow Warriors to embrace and to emphasize on lifes Why? (other than just the more trivial what and how). And when we pray at night, that we re ect on the impact (if there is any) that we have done that may inspire and propel the hearts of those who listen.

I have to admit though that I cannot promise to answer all of lifes questions. Some are just way beyond my mind can ever imagine, and some are just much deeper than my heart can ever fathom. And yet when morality and even spirituality surface to challenge the discussion, i embrace this with humility because these are the very core values and foundations of our mission in Xavier.

Incidentally, in these past rushing days of August,

I delivered disaster lectures to four di erent groups. The rst was to the Bishops Conference and Catholic Educational Institutions in the region (challenging, but theyve nally been able to resonate). The second was for the ood survivors (this was the hardest because it became very emotional). The other two were for water resource managers and future medical doctors (the more I talked to other tribes, the more I realized the Warriors are not alone in this battle). Two more are in my calendar this August: for my fellow engineers (on risk-sensitive land use planning, disturbing but necessary); and for a group of graduate students and scholars (back in the university, the fortress of truth when we desire to believe again).

But this is not just my story. On top of this, the whole tribe is restlessly gearing up for the PAASCU visit in the coming days. A battle with its own right, scale, and majesty that sometimes only sweat, tears, and sel ess service can attempt to satisfy. And

while all these are on stage, some of us are destined to the wilder frontiers: A group of Warriors is wading at the Macajalar Bay under the scorching heat of the sun, to map the mangroves and touch base with the locals (but also to uphold the mangroves potential promise to protect the coastal communities from storms and violent waves). Another group is working with distinguished scientists and other specialists, exploring highly sophisticated data processing methods to make satellite images useful in reducing the impacts of disasters on our homes, on our lives. Indeed, it is a battle story of the Warriors life, survival, and love.

And amidst all this rush, the tribe is blessed with the overwhelming support of skillful student volunteers whose talents are beyond expectations (sometimes, they do much better than I ever can); and of agile student assistants whose dedication is beyond measure (always making sure that the roses are as beautiful as you).

One summer night, few years after I heard my rst World War II stories, I saw grandma crying softly (yet elegantly) while ipping again through those old photo albums. I asked if there was something wrong. Suddenly her tears vanished, replaced with a smile. She o ered a cookie and invited me sit for a while, then said: Im okay. I just missed your grandpa. Instinctively and carelessly, logic played in my brain oh, not those old pictures again. And as if reading my mind, grandma held the album closer to her heart and whispered: No, not tears of grief but because of so much love amidst the war, amidst the storm, amidst the rush.

Dexter S. Lo

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ACCORDING TO ISAAC NEWTON

Community-based mapping with Zone Leaders of Barangay Lumbia

Life is a journey. When we were born, God already made plans on our itinerary in life. We have di erent experiences and di erent paths. Sometimes, we cross each others paths and then leave each others side to have an opportunity to cross

another persons path. And through these paths, we will be able to nd the purpose of our existence.

Unlike the others whose paths led them towards the industries, my path brought me towards the academe. No, Im not a teacher, if you ask. Im just a simple Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Graduate working in the College of Engineering, speci cally in the Xavier University Engineering Resource Center (XUERC).

People often ask why I chose to work here. What do I know about Engineering when Im not even an Engineer? I was even doubtful myself. Then, I remembered a quote from Isaac Newton which says Live your life as an Exclamation rather than an Explanation. So, I stopped looking for answers. I stopped explaining and reasoning out. But the moment I stopped, I was able to experience certain moments which taught me various lessons and made me re ect on the answers to those questions. Im not an engineer nor did I study a lot of math or physics subjects, but in honor of Sir Isaac Newton, I would like to share these experiences and re ections by using his laws of motion.

According to Sir Isaac Newton, the rst law of motion is an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

For me, the unbalanced force that acted upon me, the object, was destiny.

Like the rst object in the rst law, the ERC (as a whole) and I were merely just objects at rest. I was living my life as a college student and the ERC, was just a newly established o ce (based on its history). And we remained like that until an unbalanced force acted upon us. A close friend of mine, whom Ive worked with in a certain organization, was recruited to work in ERC. That was the very rst time I came to know the existence of the o ce. Other than that coincidence, I knew nothing more about the o ce and I continued moving on with my life, just like the object in motion, and the ERC also did the same. But once again, the unbalanced force brought us together. In December 2011, a tropical storm known as Sendong hit the city. Many lives were taken and thousands of people needed to be taken care of.

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Team BophaLo-flood assessment survey and mapping, ST Pablo last December 2012

This event became the turning point for every Kagay-anon. There was a call for bayanihan. Guided by my conscience, I volunteered as part of the team in the command center in the Xavier University Gymnasium. During those days, I would be passing by a certain map made by the people from the ERC. With all honesty, I didnt fully understood what that map was all about; I didnt even bother to care. And in those times, I had no idea that the unbalanced force was already giving me a hint about where my future journey will be.

The second law of motion, according to Newton is stated as "Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass, the greater the amount of force needed. It is expressed in a mathematical equation:

Force= Mass X Acceleration

The force enables the mass to accelerate. When I was in ERC, I learned more about a particular force which enables a person to move. And that is passion.

When I was in college, I spent almost 3 years in di erent organizations, interacting with di erent people, learning and living the art of service. A week

or so before graduation, I started to feel anxious and confused. I didnt know what to do or where to go but the only thing that I was sure of was I needed to nd something, a job, a scholarship or whatever it was that would lead me towards my ultimate dream, which was becoming a part of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the road towards that something was blurry. I wasnt able to nd a suitable job nor a scholarship. But luckily, an opportunity led me towards ERC. At rst, I was skeptical and doubtful. I kept asking myself:

how would these Engineers, who are best known for their happy, go lucky personality, who are more focused on building things, solving complicated mathematical equations and getting high salaries, help me grow as a person and lead me towards my desired path? But, confused and desperate as I was during that time, I still gave it a try.

As time passed by, these Engineers, whose passion were manifested through community work, proved my impressions partly wrong. The Engineers of the Xavier Ecoville made me realize that yes, their passion is building and designing houses. However, theyre not doing it for money but rather theyre doing it for the bene t of the victims of typhoon Sendong. The Engineers who spent sleepless nights just to track the path of typhoon Bopha, made ood assessments and drained their brains out just to create a manual of procedure during disasters; they did not do it for money. They did it to give out relevant information for the safety of the community. The Engineers, who spent sweat and utmost e ort just to design a suitable emergency toilet during disasters did not do it for money. They did it for the bene t of the people who are and will be a ected by calamities. These Engineers clearly show that their great passion enable them to move and do great actions, not for themselves but for the community. But amidst the challenges they faced along the way, these engineers never forgot to smile, to laugh and to enjoy. Passion was

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not something new to my ears, but when I came in ERC, it was witnessing passion at its nest. Their passion moved me.

The third and last law of motion according to Sir Isaac Newton is a very popular one. The third law is stated For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In simple terms, a force is a push or a pull upon an object that results from its interaction with another object.

In the past year that I worked here in the ERC, I have been exposed to several projects, from GIS mapping to storm monitoring, area surveys, sustainable sanitation-toilet designs, earthquake engineering and etc. These exposures made me think of going towards the same direction as the engineers I know. And with all honesty, I got insecure. I wanted to belong so badly and was beginning to lose the essence of my existence in the o ce. I came to a point where I wanted to enroll and study engineering. But fear stopped me. It was then that I realized that I wasnt moving forward. I pushed hard, trying to move on but my negative feelings pushed me back. As a result, I felt stagnant. And then, Newton hit me in the head using an apple. No, not literally cause itll be really creepy.

Just recently, I had a conversation with my boss, Engr. Dexter Lo or Sir Dex, as we call him. He said, We should learn the value of not getting what we want. Upon hearing it, I wanted to tear up. I realized that although it hurts knowing that we cant have what we want, we could still work with what we have. And what I have is not a degree of an Engineer but a heart of an Engineer. That line from Sir Dex became my push. It made me realize that although I wont be able to understand how the proper drainage is made, I know deep within me the drastic e ect of not having one. It made me realize that although I wont (and cant) solve the Seismic force of a building; I still know how important it is to save lives. And I also realized that my hands are not limited to what I am currently doing and there are still thousands of things that I could do to serve the community. And lastly, it made me appreciate what I am currently doing as an administrative o cer. I realized that there should be something more that I should see than just focusing on what I could see. These realizations made me revisit my visions when

I was still a student. And most importantly, it made me revisit my desire of changing the world.

My experiences in the ERC could be summed up in a single phrase from Newton: A man may imagine things that are false, but he can only understand things that are true. In the past year that I was in this o ce, I thought of a lot of things. I confuse myself with my numerous desires and unwanted anxiousness. Yet through these, I realized what I really wanted. I was able to understand the real reason why the ERC was part of my itinerary. It was to learn the real essence of passion and simplicity. Newtons law of motion taught us how an object is a ected by the di erent outside forces which the object has no control of. In life, we also have these forces in which we have no control of, and when these forces act upon us, there are only two choices, to move or to stay. To end this, I would like to share a quote from a certain movie which I havent watched yet and it says, May the force be with you.

Julemer Ann G. Aying

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WHERE IS ORION?

Many years ago, when life was blissfully simpler and time seemed to tick slower, dad and mom used to bring my brother and I to the garden and just marvel at the stars. We did not have telescopes, nor did we have some formal background in Astronomy. We just gazed upon the dark nights unfathomable mysteries glinted with sparks of hope every time a star twinkles.

Sometimes, we make stories out of our wild imaginations, but mom and dad always told us that there is a breed of scientists who know what stars truly are. But as children, we were just delighted to hunt for shooting stars so we can whisper a wish or two. However every time we do this, we never forgot to say hi to the three bright stars in a row that we usually saw we never knew their names, but they have always been our stars. Indeed, we may never

conquer the world, but the universe is ours free for a lovely promise!

My work in XUERC includes bringing together scientists from various elds to help each other nd solutions to the pressing needs of the times. These last few days, we had the chance to work with our scholarly friends from the revered Manila Observatory (MO). We did climate modeling, talked about programming and simulations, chatted about how physics plays in nature, and tried to understand the mysteries and wonders of life.

We also shared our views of what the future might become, should things continue

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