PIChE—MMAC, College of Fellows host first AUChEEdS By: Engr. Dennis Yu, PIChE, MMAC
As part of the 75th founding anniversary celebration
of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers
(PIChE), the ASEAN Undergraduate Chemical
Engineering Education Summit 2014 (AUChEEdS)
was held last July 17 – 19, 2014 in Manila. This
unique event, with the theme “Educating the New
Generation of ASEAN Chemical Engineers”, was
organized by the PIChE College of Fellows (headed
by Engr. Eriberto Pineda) and PIChE Metro Manila
Academe Chapter (led by its President, Dr. Alvin
Caparanga). Student organizations actively partici-
pated in organizing the event, with the DLSU
Chemical Engineering Society (ChEn), the UST
Chemical Engineering Society (ChES), and the
PIChE Junior Chapter – Luzon (JCL) acting as the
What’s inside?
Baguio-Benguet 2
3
MMS 2
Cavite 3
TIChE 4
MMAC 5
6
CDO 7
Bataan 8
9
Tacloban 10
11
12
February 2015
The Distiller
The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engi-
neers (PIChE) will hold its 76th National Con-
vention on February 18-21, 2015 at the Leg-
end Hotel Palawan in the picturesque city of
Puerto Princesa.
This year’s convention carries the theme
“Strengthening Chemical Engineering To-
wards One ASEAN Community”. The plena-
ry and technical sessions are attuned with the
theme so it is expected that the presentations
and discussions will focus on issues concern-
ing chemical engineering common to the
ASEAN region, the 5 Es: Energy, Environ-
mental Protection and Process Safety, Educa-
tion, Economics, and Emerging Technologies.
PIChE-Metro Manila Academe (PIChE-
MMAC) was given the honor to host the con-
vention. The host chapter has around eighty
regular members representing seven (7) chem-
ical engineering institutions in Metro Manila.
These schools are Adamson University
(AdU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Eulo-
gio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science
and Technology (EARIST), Mapua Institute
of Technology (MIT), Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila (PLM), University of Santo Tomas
(UST), Technological Institute of the Philip-
pines (TIP), and the University of the Philip-
pines-Diliman(UP).
The organizing team is headed by Engr. Pro-
serfina Matugas-Coro (PIChE National EVP)
as convention chair and Dr. Alvin Caparanga,
(PIChE-MMAC President) as the host chapter
chair. They are ably assisted by the different
committees whose members are coming from
both the PIChE-NBOD and PIChE-MMAC.
The PIChE national convention provides a
forum for practitioners, researchers, edu-
cators, entrepreneurs and students to dis-
cuss and exchange information of rele-
vance to chemical engineering on current
and emerging technologies, process inno-
vation, researches and latest developments
in the profession. It also serves as a venue
for networking and collaboration with
industry, academe and colleagues.
76th PIChE National Convention: Strengthening
Chemical Engineering Towards One ASEAN Community by: Dr. Nathaniel Dugos
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTERS
FEATURE:
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 14
IN FOOD SAFETY
lead coordinators. De La Salle University (DLSU), the
University of Santo Tomas (UST), and the Malayan
Colleges Laguna (MCL) served as major academic
partners. Dr. Alberto Laurito, professor of chemical
engineering at UST and PIChE fellow, served as the
over-all chair of the organizing committee. AUChEEdS
aims to take advantage of the upcoming ASEAN inte-
gration in 2015 and has three goals: (1) to convene
undergraduate chemical engineering faculty and stu-
dents in the ASEAN region to discuss about theme and
come up with resolutions and/or action plans; (2) to
benchmark BS Chemical Engineering educational
practices among ASEAN universities; and (3) to pro-
mote friendly academic competition and networking
among BS Chemical Engineering students among
ASEAN universities. (Cont’d on page 12)
Volume 6 Issue 1
September 14, 2014 – PIChE – Metro
Manila South (MMS) Chapter was
formally recognized by PIChE Na-
tional during the ChE Week Celebra-
tion held at Philippine Trade Training
Center, Pasay City. The chapter
includes the cities of Pasay, Makati,
Taguig, Mandaluyong, Las Pinas,
Paranaque, Muntinlupa and the mu-
nicipality of Pateros.
The chapter was conceptualized after
its members and subsequently, the
interim officers were attending
PIChE Conventions for the past two years
without any chapter affiliations. With the
help and advice of DOST Chapter Officers
headed by Dr. Nuna Almanzor, Engr.
Reynaldo Esguerra and Engr. Carmel
Gacho, PIChE – MMS was finally born.
The chapter officers/members were com-
posed mostly of government employees
from the Department of Trade and Indus-
try (DTI) and the National Food Authority
(NFA), and some from the private sector.
PIChE – MMS is open to all ChE working
and/or residing south of Metro Manila.
PIChE – MMS interim officers is headed
by Engr. Nora O. Pascual as President,
Engr. Perla Baje as Vice President, Engr.
Mary Angelica Sulayla S. Cabalu as Sec-
retary, Engr. Perlita M. Palicpic as Treas-
urer, Engr. Ma. Juanita Carpio as Auditor,
Engr. Menandro Ortego as PRO. Engrs.
Mercia V. Magsakay, Brenda L. Andres,
Ma. Teresa T. Ramos, Tessie Q. Ramirez,
Jemelia Cruz, Aldwin Tagapan, Estrella
Abejero, Mary Joan de Pablo and Adelfa
Lou Roma as its Board of Directors.
Hope Laguipo Padaoan, Treasurer; Car-
melita Catacutan, Auditor; Carol Cruz,
PRO; Rowena Arbizo Ballares, Business
manager; Benjie de Vera, Marilou Sa-
ong, Rhea Santos Contada, and Maria
Lourdes Gaylican, as Board of Director.
The induction ceremony and planning
session were held at Poro Point, San
Fernando, La Union on April 09, 2014.
The special guests were the officers of
La Union Chapter with Ilocos Chapter
joining in via phone patch.
The PIChE – Baguio Benguet
Chapter held their General Assem-
bly on March 30, 2014, wherein a
new set of officers was elected.
Engr. Rey Esguerra, IPP National,
graced the event. Engr. Petra C.
Cadawan took a bow from her
presidency to give way to the
former Vice President Virgilio V.
Velsaco to assume the Presidency.
The elected officers were:
Normalita L. Escalante, Vice Presi-
dent; Evygene Aquino, Secretary;
PIChE recognizes Metro Manila South (MMS) Chapter
PIChE– Baguio Benguet in Action!
Page 2
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
The Newly-elected officers of the PIChE—Bagui Benguet
Chapter taking their Oath of Office
PIChE– Baguio Benguet elects new set of officers
If not addressed, the incoming rains
would soon be carrying all the solid
wastes accumulated during the dry
season on the smaller water ways to
the Balili River traversing Baguio
City and La Trinidad, Benguet. As a
support to the “Adopt-an-Estero”
program, where barangays were
tasked to clean the water ways from
point sources, the chapter visited
Barangay Marcoville, Baguio City
to assess the area where the chapter
can render assistance. On April 26,
2014 gloves and rubber boots were
donated to the barangay through
Barangay Captain Ruel Casuga to
be used in the said project.
The preparation for the June opening of
classes started with the chapter members
joining the parents of the pupils in Ligay
Elementary School, Ligay, Camp 1, Tuba,
Benguet, a remote barangay school in its
Brigada Eskwela. On May 19, 2014, the
members went there armed with paints and
paint brushes to spruce up the classrooms
and the school for the school opening.
With the abundant rain, it was timely to do
tree planting. On July 26, 2014, a smiling
group of Chemical Engineers and students
trekked to the slippery mountainous
Crosby Park of Benguet Corporation,
Itogon, Benguet for tree planting. The
group was rewarded with the fragrant
smell of the pine trees and saplings plus an
underground and plant tour courtesy of
Benguet Corporation and its Chemical
Engineers.. PIChE—Baguio Benguet Chapter members who partici-
pated in the tree-plating activity.
It was a dream come true for the Baguio-
Benguet Chapter, PIChE La Union
Chapter and PIChE Ilocos Chapter to come
together and join forces to plan for joint
activities for the Northern Luzon PIChE
Chapters in order to keep each other
abreast of developments and at the same
time support one another.
Looking inward on our strengths:
The Baguio-Benguet Chapter has a good
interaction with the PIChE national
officers having had three members among
the national board of directors and an
incumbent. It had an experience of holding
a national convention in 1995 and was
among the outstanding chapters for 2014.
Furthermore, within the area are industries
and a University offering BS Chemical
Engineering.
La Union Chapter has many industries and
a history of being chosen as an outstanding
PIChE chapter too.
Ilocos Chapter, our new born sister, has
industries and a State University offering
BS Chemical Engineering in its area.
With these strengths coupled by the
enthusiasm of the members of the three
chapters, the first Northern Luzon
Symposium was born. There were difficul-
ties encountered and these were
successfully addressed. At the very end, it
was a great success. Old friends, former
classmates/schoolmates were reunited and
new friends were gained. The students
were inspired. Most of all, the speakers
were great, the topics were varied and very
interesting so that the participants stayed on
from the start to the end. Before the end of
the final day, it was agreed to have the 2nd
Northern Luzon Symposium on the same
date, August 8, 2015 this time in Ilocos.
See you there.
Chemical Engineering degree, a few of the
faculty members there had ChE degrees
and have joined the chapter in support of
PIChE’s goals. After a brief tour around
the campus, the meeting that followed
focused on the programs for the year and
expanding out to more engineers of other
companies like Purefoods.
For the 3rd meeting, held this time at the
home base at San Miguel Yamamura Asia
in Imus last May, internal affairs were dis-
cussed such as PIChE ID, fund manage-
ment, review of by-laws, and ChE Week
activities.
PIChE Cavite 2014-2015 Board of Direc-
tors: Jonathan C. Aquino (President);
Harvy M. Fabalena (Vice-President);
Marvin Gilson N. dela Cruz (Secretary);
Bryan Benedict S. Cuevas (Treasurer);
Gilbert S. Alvarez (Auditor); Ricardo B.
Cachuela (PRO)
Under the leadership of Engr. Jonathan
Aquino and the rest of the new set of of-
ficers for 2014-2015, PIChE-Cavite builds
on its success over the past few years with
programs and initiatives for its members.
PIChE-Cavite sent its biggest delegation
in recent history for the 75th National
Convention in Manila last February. This
also marked the first time a Cavite chapter
member is elected to the National Board
of Directors, Engr. Jonathan Aquino. On
the 40’s inspired fellowship night, repre-
sentatives from the Chapter joined the rest
of the Luzon chapters in their energetic
presentation. The convention also served
as yet another vehicle to reach to unaffili-
ated Cavite-based engineers.
In March, the 2nd meeting of PIChE-
Cavite was held for the first time in the
Lyceum of the Philippines Cavite in
General Trias. Despite not offering a
PIChE-BBC, La Union, Ilocos spread their wings, hold First Northern Luzon Symposium By: Petra C. Cadawan
PIChE Cavite Gears Up for 2014 By: MGN dela Cruz
Page 3
The Invitation for the First Northern Luzon Symposium
PIChE—BBC, PIChE—La Union and PIChE—Ilocos
during the First Northern Luzon Symposium.
PIChE—Cavite Chapter in 75th PIChE National Conven-
tion and their various activites
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
Representing PIChE National, PIChE
President Engr. Susan Benitez and PIChE
National Vice President for Luzon Engr.
Arjames T. Balgoa attended the 4th Thai
Institute of Chemical Engineering and
Applied Chemistry (TIChE) International
Conference at Furama Hotel in
Chiang Mai, Thailand on December
18 – 19, 2014. The 4th TIChE Inter-
national Conference celebrating the
theme “Changes: Cleaner Energy,
Leaner Processes, Better Living” is
hosted by TIChE, the Engineering
Institute of Thailand under His
Majesty The King’s Patronage
and the School of Chemical
Engineering of King Mongkut’s
Institute of Technology
Ladkrabrang. It is a well
attended conference of over 200
chemical engineers nationwide
representing academe, govern-
ment and industry. The
conference was a platform for
engineers, scientists, students
and researchers which presented
their high quality researches on
Process Control and Process
Simulation, Fundamentals of
Chemical Engineering and
Applied Chemistry, Catalyst and
Reaction Engineering, Separa-
tion Technology, Environmental
and Safety Technology, Polymer and
Petrochemical Technology, Materials
Science and Engineering and Food and
Biochemical Engineering. The Interna-
tional Conference was highlighted by a
series of top notch Keynote Lectures by
globally-renowned experts of their fields.
The opening Keynote Speech is delivered
by the President of the European Federa-
tion of Chemical Engineering and Direc-
tor of the Computer Aided Process Engi-
neering Center of the Technical Universi-
ty of Denmark Prof. Rafiqul Gani. His
state-of-the-art research has developed
systematic solutions on finding, synthe-
sizing and developing new, innovative
and the most sustainable process designs
PIChE joins the 4th TIChE International Conference 2014 By Engr. Arjames T. Balgoa, PIChE National VP for Luzon
Page 4
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
through process intensification. A three-
stage approach is utilized where model-
based synthesis method is first applied to
systematically generate and evaluate pro-
cessing routes based on currently available
technologies; then a base case design is
generated from the identified processing
route and analyzed to define sustainable
targets for improvement, and in the final
stage, intensified and more sustainable
alternatives are generated and verified us-
ing phenomena-based method to find the
truly innovative and more sustainable de-
signs.
Prof. Dermot O’Hare of the SCG-Oxford
Center of Excellence in Chemistry of the
University of Oxford presented very inter-
esting findings of the Siam Cement Group
and Oxford University collaboration on the
recent developments on layered double
hydroxide chemistry. His research on ma-
terials science was able to create high sur-
face area and highly dispersible layered
double hydroxides which is a
novel invention and has numer-
ous applications in sorbents,
catalyst supports and precursors,
nano-additives and even for
flame retardant polypropylene
materials.
Prof. Wiwut Tanthapanichakoon
from the Department of Chem-
ical Engineering of the Tokyo
Institute of Technology shared
his various experiences in stud-
ying and teaching chemical
engineering in Thailand, Japan
and USA. He compared key
differences and similarities in
chemical engineering educa-
tion and research in undergrad-
uate and graduate levels among
Thailand, Japan and USA. He
also provided inspiration to
young students and researchers
on how to excel in one’s
research and professional ca-
reer.
From Curtin University in
Perth, Australia, Prof. Vishnu Pareek, who
is the Chair of the Chemical Engineering
department and Director of the Centre for
Process System Computations discussed
about his group’s research on the simula-
tion and design of photocatalytic reactors.
To simulate and design photocatalytic re-
actors, an integro-differential equation
such as Radiation-Transport Equation must
be solved, which requires appropriate
boundary conditions and optical properties
of the medium.
Various lamp source models were dis-
cussed as well as different mathematical
approaches on numerical solutions for RTE
such as Monte Carlo and finite volume (or
discrete ordinate) approaches.
(con’t on page 5)
The Metro Manila Academe Chapter
(MMAC) of PIChE held its general mem-
bership meeting at the Maynilad Room in
the College of Engineering, University of
the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City on
November 17, 2014.
Attendees were formally welcomed to the
meeting and to UP Diliman by
Dr. Rizalinda de Leon, Press Relations
Officer of the chapter and Chair of the host
institution. First Vice President, Dr. Maria
Natalia Dimaano then introduced the first
guest speaker, Engr Romulo R. Agatep,
who gave a very informative talk titled
Cross-border Practice. He centered his
discussion on the question “Are we ready
for competition?” in light of the upcoming
formation of the ASEAN Community with
a single market and production base, and a
free flow of goods, services, skilled work-
ers and capital among the constituent coun-
tries. He opened his talk with a cartoon
showing puny Juan dela Cruz struggling to
clamber over the gate leading to the pro-
jected Asia-Pacific free trade, while his
bigger neighbors easily stepped through.
Engr. Agatep also enumerated the different
engineering registers and their purpose: the
ASEAN Engineering Register, the APEC
Engineers Register, and the ASEAN Char-
tered Professional Engineers Register. He
encouraged everyone to register in one or
all of these registries.
After lunch, Engr. Elizabeth Espiritu
introduced the afternoon speaker,
Ms. Julieta Tolentino, who talked about
“Financial Wellness.” Ms. Tolentino is a
chemical engineering graduate and a li-
censed financial adviser in PRULIFE. She
shared tips and options on how to manage
and accumulate wealth, leading to a finan-
cially secure retirement in the future.
(Cont’d on page 13)
PIChE—MMAC General Membership Meeting By Rizalinda de Leon and Patrick Ramoso
Page 5
TIChE President and EIT Chair for
Chemical Engineering Dr. Anchaleeporn
Lothongkum discussed about Thailand’s
programs for Process Safety Management.
She discussed the detailed program of the
Thai government on intensifying the
implementation and compliance on process
safety of industrial plants and the role of
chemical engineers with safety audits.
Process safety is of prime importance to
ensure sustainable growth of the industry.
In a separate session together with the
Board of Directors of TIChE and EIT
headed by its President Dr. Anchaleeporn
Lothongkum, representatives from the In-
stitution of Chemical Engineers Regional
Manager for Southeast Asia Mohan Bal-
asingam and IChemE Associate Fellow
Robert Bruce, European Federation of
Chemical Engineering President Prof.
Rafiqul Gani, SCG-Oxford Center of Ex-
cellence in Chemistry Director Prof. Der-
mot O’Hare and Curtin University Chemi-
cal Engineering Chair Prof. Vishnu Pareek,
PIChE National Vice President for Luzon
Engr. Arjames T. Balgoa, discussed about
the rationale on the creation of the
ASEAN Federation of Chemical Engi-
neering Societies (AFChES). Respond-
ing to the call of the ASEAN Economic
Community by 2015 to establish free
movement of services across the
ASEAN region through its established
Mutual Recognition Arrangements,
PIChE, together with TIChE and EIT of
Thailand, Myanmar Engineering Society
of Myanmar and BKKPII of Indonesia
(Indonesian Institution of Engineers) has
established the AFChES last February
26, 2014 in Manila, Philippines with a
signed Memorandum of Understanding.
AFChES would serve as a tool in
helping achieve ASEAN economic
integration by 2015 through regional
cooperation and active collaboration
among chemical engineers in the
ASEAN region, and promote mobility of
chemical engineers within the region.
The audience were well-clarified of the
objectives of AFChES and have ex-
pressed support to it. IChemE’s
Regional Manager Mohan Balasingam
PIChE joins the 4th TIChE… From page 4
and Associate Fellow Robert Bruce
understood that collaboration is
strategic and they are interested to
continue talks with PIChE. They would
clarify matters with their Singapore
and Malaysian IChemE Board to seek
support for AFChES. Prof. Gani, who
is also a professor of Engr. Balgoa in
his Master’s studies in Chulalongkorn
University, has also expressed support
to AFChES and would remain availa-
ble for future talks for any assistance
he and EFCE can contribute for
AFChES.
PIChE’s official mission to the 4th
TIChE International Conference has
been very successful. New networks
were established to gain support and
momentum in building AFChES
towards completion of the 10-Member
States of ASEAN and its chemical
engineering societies, as we prepare for
the upcoming ASEAN Economic
Community integration by 2015.
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
Preparations for the 76th PIChE National Convention scheduled
on February 18-21, 2015 started early with the MMAC officers
and advisers surveying the logistical feasibility for holding the
event in Puerto Princesa., Palawan. The theme “Strengthening
Chemical Engineering Towards One ASEAN Community” was
agreed upon with plenary and technical sessions to focus on the
five E’s: Energy, Environmental Protectiona and Process Safety,
Education, Economics, and Emerging Technologies. Keynote
and plenary speakers were identified and invited.
MMAC President Dr. Alvin Caparanga assigned warm bodies to
the MMAC convention committees: Dr. Josie Borja, Dr. Marita
Dimaano, Dr. Babylin de Leon and Dr. Nathan Dugos constituted
the program committee in charge of the speakers, the souvenir
program and preparing the requirements for CPD application.
The Secretariat, in charge of registration and printing of certifi-
cates, was composed of Dean Clydelle Rondaris, Prof. Evie Lau-
rito, and Dr. Terence Tumol-
va. Organizing the Fellowship
Night (jungle theme) was
assigned to Dr. Joseph Aure-
senia, while Engr. Alvin
Talampas, Engr. Lorraine
Carillo and Engr. Jerry Olay
made up the Logistics Com-
mittee which was to prepare
the convention kit, tarps, tro-
phies, medals and tokens for
the speakers. Dr. Allan So-
riano was tasked with
organizing the National
Undergraduate Research
Competition.
Several trips to Puerto Prince-
sa had to be done. The first
trip, in July 2014 had EVP
Baby Coro, Alvin Caparanga,
Babylin de Leon and Terence
Tumolva scouting for the
possible convention venue and making initial contact with the
Office of the Palawan Governor and the Office of the Mayor.
With the Palawan Convention Center (PCC) being the biggest in
the city, it was chosen as the 2015 PIChE National Convention
venue. PCC is part of the Legend Palawan Hotel which also had a
good number of hotel rooms to accommodate convention dele-
gates. Plus the food was quite good!
Later on, Dr. Alvin Caparanga and EVP Baby Coro went back to
Puerto Princesa to further firm up arrangements with the mayor,
the governor, and the hotel (to finalize the menu), as well as to
scout for other accommodations that could be suggested to PIChE
convention delegates.
Evie put up the 76th PIChE National Convention website with
announcements updated regularly and through which online
inquiries, registration, and paper submissions could be done.
Terence prepared the backdrop design, which was also used for
the t-shirts and souvenir program.
It was fortunate that Allan Soriano had weekly classes at the
Palawan State University, which meant he would fly to Puerto
Princesa every weekend. On many occasions, he was requested
to do important errands related to the convention preparations.
One of which was to look for a suitable venue for the Fellowship
Night when arrangements with the provincial capitol fell through.
Alvin Talampas also spent a number of days in Puerto Princesa to
make arrangements for a myriad of things (exhibit layout, flower
arrangements, canvassing for items, etc) that his committee need-
ed to deliver.
A joint meeting with the
NBOD was held at the
Legend Palawan on Jan-
uary 24, 2015 to finalize
the program, with EVP
Coro going through a
checklist to be sure that
nothing was left undone.
Weekly MMAC meet-
ings were held thereafter
as the preparations be-
came more frenzied.
Divisoria shopping had
to be done (thanks to
Marita, Evie and Alvin
T), t-shirts were printed
(thanks Alvin C), the
souvenir program lay-out
had to be finished for
printing (thanks to Jo-
sie), souvenir program has to be printed (Josie and Nathan) and
ordering of bags (thanks Marita), speaker accommodations and
flight schedules had to be confirmed (this author), the number of
possible attendees had to be estimated (thanks Clydelle and Ter-
ence), the exhibit booths had to be finalized (Alvin T), someone
has to ensure that meals are brought in on time during the con-
vention (thanks Lorraine), and of course, funding had to be ap-
proved and released (thanks Nathan), and Alvin C had to keep tab
of all these.
What a year, what a crazily busy year for the MMAC, but it was
a very good year.
PIChE-MMAC preps for the 76th PIChE National Convention By Babylin L. de Leon
Page 6
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
A meeting of PIChE—MMAC as preparation for the 76th PIChE National Convention
The Philippine Institute
of Chemical Engineers
- Cagayan de Oro
Chapter (PIChE-CDO)
held its 29th Annual
General Assembly on
May 24, 2014 at Grand
Caprice Restaurant and
Convention Center,
Limketkai Drive,
Cagayan de Oro City
with the theme,
“Sustaining the Win-
ning Tradition!” The event gathered
chemical engineers from the different
sectors (industry, academe, government) in
Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Orien-
tal. Chemical engineers in the industry
sector included participants from Del Mon-
te Philippines Incorporated, Asia Brewery
Incorporated, STEAG State Power Incor-
porated, Aeronics Incorporated, Tanduay
Distillers Incorporated, Republic Biscuit
Corporation, Pilipinas Kao Incorporated and Krypton Incorpo-
rated. Also present were chemical engineers in the academe and
government sectors from Xavier University - Ateneo de Caga-
yan, COC-PHINMA Education Network, Capitol University, and
Alubijid Barangay Council. The
main aim of this activity was to
provide Kagay-anon chemical
engineers the opportunity not
only for the innovation of
knowledge on the most pressing
issue globally today, but also
for a joint building of strength
as a community of professionals
through fellowship.
The assembly included a discus-
sion on “New Dimensions of
Safety Management” which was
facilitated by Engr. Jason B. Patawaran, ac-
credited OSH consultant. He enlightened the
chemical engineers on the types of hazards
and risks in the workplace, emergency pre-
paredness and response, and the requirements
for OHSAS 18001. He further stressed the
importance of the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle
or the PDCA cycle on the proper implemen-
tation of Safety Management System on
work areas. Engr. Rex Manuel P. Paayas
from the PIChE National Board also gave updates on the up-
coming PIChE activities which were discussed during the recent
75th PICHE National Convention held at Manila Hotel last Feb-
ruary 16-18, 2014. (cont’d on page 13)
PIChE-CDO holds 29th Annual General Assembly: Sustaining the Winning Tradition! By: Engr. Catherine G. Daquioag
Page 7
PIChE CDO Participates DENR’s Mangrove Tree Planting Activity By: Engr. Froilando M. Zayas
In observance of the World Environment Day, the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Cagayan de Oro Chapter partici-
pated in the coastal clean- up and mangrove tree- planting activity at El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental Philippines last June 5.
The activity was spearheaded by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) which is
under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 (DENR-10).
The said event started at 6 o’ clock in the morning with a caravan of all the participating organizations from the converging point
at Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City towards the selected site which is Taytay, El Salvador. Together with PIChE- CDO and
PAWCZMS were participants from different government sectors and organizations, and some students from various schools in the
region. Upon reaching the site, a short opening program and Proper Mangrove Tree- Planting Orientation was conducted by select
barangay official and local DENR personnel. The activity aimed to support the Environment Day Celebration’s theme, “Raise your
voice, not the sea level.” Mangrove plantations do not only slow storm surges, prevent erosion, and lower catastrophe risk for
coastal communities. They also provide a habitat for birds, fishes and crabs and most importantly, they are very important
in our country’s combat against climate change.
An estimated 5, 000 mangrove propagules were planted on the site at Taytay, El Salvador
on that day. This activity will never be that successful without the tremendous efforts of
the following PIChE- CDO officers who planted more than 30 mangrove trees: Chapter
President Engr. Gemalyn Badilla, Executive Vice President Engr. Froilando Zayas, Vice
President for Government Engr. Edgar Galarrita, Vice President for Academe Engr. Jocel
Demacutac, Vice President for Industry Engr. Gerald Valmores and Immediate Past
Chapter President Engr. Mary Lyn Tabasan. The event ended up with a short program
stressing the importance of simple individual efforts which could fuel wonderful transfor-
mations of the mother earth in the years to come.
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
More than 150 members of Philippine Institute of Chemical Engi-
neers – Bataan Chapter (PIChE-BC) reunited once again for the
celebration of chapter’s three decades of excellence and camara-
derie. The event was held on July 30, 2014 at PBR Auditorium.
Dressed in different colors that represent their year of member-
ship in the organization, the attendees colorfully filled the event
with red (1984 – 1993), blue (1994 – 2003), yellow (2004 –
2010), green (2011 – 2012) and white (2013 – 2014).
The program was
officially opened by
an inspirational talk
given by Engr. Na-
thaniel O. Orillos,
PIChE-BC senior
adviser. One of the
emphases of his talk
is the beautiful his-
tory of the chapter’s
growth as an organi-
zation because of
passion of its members.
To commemorate the humble beginnings of the chapter, this
year’s homecoming gathered its founding members and past
presidents for the recognition of their legacy to PIChE-Bataan.
Among the most notable awardees were founding members
Engr. Alfred Trio, former Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR) Vice
President and Engr Nathaniel Orillos, Assistant Vice President
of Petron Bataan Refinery as well as the past presidents of the
organization.
Future plans of the organization were also presented by Engr.
John Edrian Atendido, PIChE-BC President. Core projects fo-
cused on membership, professional growth, social responsibility
and of course fun-filled activities. A discussion of Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) by Engr. Arjames Balgoa,
PIChE National Vice President for Luzon. The talk enlightened
the members regarding the guidelines for the new requirements
of renewing their license.
Truly, 30 years of excellence is a feat in the organization’s histo-
ry that will inspire its future generation to live up this legacy.
PIChE-Bataan’s Homecoming Reminiscing Three Decades of Excellence By Raymond V. Albuero
Page 8
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
Three decades of PICHE-BC. A continuously growing
and developing family of chemical engineers.
With the advancement of modern technology, the
development of the knowledge-based economy,
globalization and international competitive thrust
has increased the importance of innovation in
local economies of entrepreneurship.
In line to this advancement, Philippine Institute of
Chemical Engineers (PIChE), co-presented by
Institute of Electronics Engineers in the Philip-
pines (IECEP) – Bataan Chapter conducted a one
(1) day technology entrepreneurship seminar last
August 9, 2014 in PBR Auditorium. The goal of
the event is to raise the technical-know-how, and
encourage them to innovate and commercialize
their innovations. Members from various engi-
neering discipline organizations coming from
government sectors, universities, and various
industries in Bataan convene to seek information
on launching their innovations to market.
The program was divided into four (4) sessions to
easily demonstrate the life cycle of innovation,
from idea generation to market launching.
Session 1: Innovation Management and Government, and Academe Sup-
port on Innovation and Commercialization was geared by Cedrik Ben A.
Gayares, an Inventions Patent and Technology Management Officer.
Session 2: Launching your Innovation to Market was heated up by
Innovation and Technopreneurship Workshop in Bataan By Kenneth Rey V. Senyahan
Yolanda E. Ongchangco, General Manager of
Maryck Chemicals Marketing, former Managing
Director of DOST-UP Enterprise Center for Tech-
nopreneurship.
Session 3: Success Stories of Innovators were in-
tensified by Roland Jay A. Miguel founder of
GSMetrix Inc. (Custom Instrumentation and Control
Technologies Company), and Roy R. Flores, Chief
Operations Officer and Hardware Engineer of
Itemhound (Co-Founder of Itemhound Inc.) which
inspired various professionals to share their passion
on achieving real-life example of implementing
transformation of an idea, to a successful start-up
company.
And lastly, to assess and boost the technopreneurial
spirit of the participants, an unforgettable Techno-
preneurship Workshop was reinforced to unleash
their business plan or technology-based innovative
idea (applying the business concepts from previous
sessions) to a panel consisting of the major session
speakers.
A special prize was awarded to Solar Energy Corporation group having
the best “Innovative Idea” with a feasible execution and commercializa-
tion strategy in the 1st Technopreneurship Seminar conducted by
PIChE, spearheaded by Nes Daniel L. Sabud and the Board Members of
PIChE Bataan Chapter.
Participants brainstorm for a pitch presenta-
tion on their innovative ideas
Yolanda E. Ongchangco speaks about
Launching your Innovation to Market
Chemical engineers from all
over Bataan donned in their
colorful and floral outfits got
together for a night of fun, ca-
maraderie and party time at the
PIChE – Bataan Chapter Gen-
eral Assembly (GA) and Elec-
tions 2014 last April 30, 2014
at Petron Bataan Refinery Au-
ditorium. With the event’s
theme Imua: Moving Forward
with a Purpose, the PICHE-BC
members were gathered to cel-
ebrate the 30th year of the or-
ganization and recognize the
milestone of excellence of the
Chapter. In addition, this was
also a venue to elect a new
batch of PIChE – BC Board of
Directors, welcome and orient
new members, look back on the
successful activities of the year,
and to partake in the future
endeavors of the Chapter.
The General Assembly was
graced by none other than Engr.
Lubin B. Nepomuceno (LBN),
President of Petron Corporation
and an honorary adviser of the
Chapter. He extended his con-
gratulatory greetings to the
chapter for the 30 years of ex-
cellent performance and service
that it has offered not only to the
chemical engineering profes-
sion, but also the community.
A new batch of Board of Direc-
tors was formally elected with
11 candidates selected by the
Chapter members out of 15
nominees who has showed will-
ingness and interest in serving
the group. The new Board of
Directors consists of President-
elect John Edrian M. Atendi-
do together with the Vice Presi-
dent Edgeline Savannah Yan,
Secretary Mari Miyahara,
Treasurer Diana Pearl Rance,
Auditor Gauden Marie
Bangngay, Public Relations
Officer Xavier
B. Fernandez,
Editor-in-Chief
Patricia T. Bar-
icaua, Education
Committee Head
Melchizedek
Amago, Mem-
bership Commit-
tee Head
Michelle Myla
Marquez, Socio-
Civic Committee
Head Vergelle Parrocha, and
Ways-and-Means Committee
Head Nes Daniel Sabud.
Live performances and fun
games brought the energy in
the event. As the program
proper reached its conclusion,
the luau party was ignited by
heart-pounding, restless and
beat-seducing lights and music
in tandem with tropical party
drinks. This GA has been the
platform for new PIChE - BC
PICHE-BC General Assembly: Cracking up a new league of fun and excellence By Paolo Nicolo C. Perez
Page 9
Membership Drive 2014: Juan Up! for PICHE-BC By Patricia T. Baricaua
This year’s PICHE-BC Board of Directors
brings the organization closer to its mem-
bers as they launched the Membership
Drive, a 3-company tour aimed to promote
PICHE-BC’s vision through its activities
and encourage the members to actively
participate in the organization’s endeavors.
The event kicked off at Philippine Polypro-
pylene, Inc (PPI) on July 8. PICHE-BC
President John Edrian Atendido and Mem-
bership Myla Marquez presented the vision
of this year’s PICHE-BC through its
theme, Juan Up!, which sums up the alle-
giance for the organization to reach farther
horizons by being technically-excellent
Chemical Engineers in full service to our
country. This can be achieved by conduct-
ing socially-relevant activities with lasting
impact to the people of Bataan. The level-
up line-up of activities were presented as
well, highlighting their benefits and im-
pacts to the chemical engineering profes-
sion, students, and community members.
In addition to promoting the organization’s
events, PICHE National Vice President for
Luzon Engr. Arjames Balgoa also shared to
the members the Continuing Professional
Development, a program spearheaded by
the PRC aimed to continuously improve
the quality of professionals by updating
them on the latest scientific/technological/
ethical trends locally and globally. An open
forum was also done to clarify the queries
of the members.
To promote stronger membership ties, a
company tour was also hosted by the home
company to acquaint the other members of
their nature of industry. Representatives
from Petron Bataan Refinery toured the
participants inside the plant for better ap-
preciation of their processes.
Two more companies were visited - NPC
Alliance Corporation and Philippine Res-
ins Industries, Inc where chemical engi-
neers gave a warm welcome to the PICHE
BC representatives. The membership drive
capped off on July 15 with a successful
campaign for stronger membership ties
and a unified organization working togeth-
er towards the realization of its goals.
chemical engineers to have fun
and fellowship with engineers
from different companies.
Moreover, it is through the GA
that new members are acquaint-
ed with the current state of the
Chapter, along with its pioneer-
ing visions, in Bataan and in the
entire country. In addition, they
enjoyed the reports on the Chap-
ter’s past activities, and took
part in the election.
Petron President Lubin Nepomuceno graced the 30th
year GA of PIChE—Bataan Chapter
Building stronger membership ties among PICHE-
BC members at 2014 Membership Drive
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
PIChE-Tacloban, headed by Engr.
Juvyneil E. Cartel, Chapter Presi-
dent, joined the United Nation World
Environment Day (WED) celebration
on June 5, 2014 at Ormoc City. This
event was hosted by the Environ-
mental Management Bureau (EMB)
of the Department of Environment of
Natural Resources (DENR), Region-
al Office 8. The theme was "Raise
Your Voice, Not the Sea Level." This
is in support of the
UN's (United Nation’s)
designation of 2014 as
the International Year
of Small Island Devel-
oping States (SIDS)
and also to abide to the
Presidential Proclama-
tion No. 237 signed by
President Corazon
Aquino in 1998, which
enjoins the nation to
celebrate the whole
month of June as Envi-
ronment Month to fo-
cus public attention on
the protection and con-
servation of the coun-
try’s natural resources.
Over the years, the
event has grown to be a
broad, national plat-
form for public outreach and on this
day it was widely celebrated by gov-
ernment and the private sector and
other stakeholders in the region like
LGU-Ormoc, EVSU (Eastern Visa-
yas State University), VSU (Visayas
State University), PIChE-Tacloban,
PASAR Corp. (Philippine Associated
Smelting and Refining Corporation),
EDC (Energy Development Corpora-
tion), EMB-Biliran, EMB-Regional
Office 8, PENRO (Provincial Envi-
ronment and Natural Resources Of-
fice) - Province of Leyte, CFC
(Couples for Christ), UNDP (United
Nations Development Programme),
and etc. Among the activities con-
ducted was the Eucharistic Mass, Pa-
rade with a banner of “Lakaw para sa
Kinaiyahan” (Walk for a Habit),
Healthy Lugaw (porridge) Feeding,
Climate Change video showing, short
program which include environmen-
tal messages and signing and hand-
marking on the Pledge of Commit-
ment, and the visit to the Ormoc City
Sanitary Landfill. This day was cele-
brated by the participants to realize
not only the responsibility to care for
the Earth but to become agents of
PIChE-Tacloban joins the UN World
Environment Day
Page 10
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
change, too. During the event, differ-
ent messages were delivered by dif-
ferent institutions which gave their
solid support in facing the challenges
for a common goal of sustainable and
prosperous life on earth. Emphasis
was made on the effect of mass de-
struction of the environment that led
to various natural disasters such as
the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda.
Campaigns on clean-up drive, food
waste reduction initiatives, walk-to-
work days, plastic ban, art exhibits,
tree planting drives, and
recycling drives are
some of the activities
that were encouraged
on saving the environ-
ment. Hence, chemical
engineers has a great
role on saving the envi-
ronment. We, as chemi-
cal engineers, have the
unique expertise that
enable us to develop
advanced technologies,
monitoring devices,
modeling techniques,
and operating strategies
that (1) reduce the vol-
ume and toxicity of pol-
lutants allowed to enter
the air, waterways, and
soil; (2) significantly
reduce the negative environmental
impact of industrial facilities, power
plants, and transportation vehicles;
and (3) allow greater reuse of post-
consumer and post-industrial waste
streams. This is the so-called, “Green
Engineering,” a process that should
be promoted.
The Third Week of September
of this year (September 14-20,
2014) marked the Chemical
Engineering Week based on
Proclamation No. 1365 of the
former President Arroyo. This
week was celebrated to recog-
nize significant contributions in
the field of chemical engineer-
ing as well as to create public
awareness on the critical role of
chemical engineers as vital
nation-builders in the promo-
tion and upgrading or scientific
and technological capability of
the country; and to enhance
public consciousness in order
to raise the level of technical
and ethical proficiency and
standards in the practice of this
profession throughout the
country to ensure excellent,
qualitative, and credible chemi-
cal engineering services for the
safety protection, and satisfac-
tion of the users of the chemi-
cal engineers’ professional
services. The 9th ChE week
was celebrated with the theme,
“Chemical Engineers: Gear Up
for ASEAN Community 2015.”
This event marked an im-
portant milestone because for
75 years of PIChE existence,
and 26 years for PIChE-
Tacloban as its chapter, several
challenges have been surpassed
and accomplishments have been
made through unity, excellence,
welfare, and holistic develop-
ment. Thus, the 9th ChE week
was celebrated to support the
theme to envision global com-
petitiveness through different
ASEAN Registries. And to pre-
pare ourselves in gearing up, we
enriched the ChE Week Cele-
bration with hope, opulent
knowledge, joy, and unity!
Among the activities were the
Kick-Off Parade, Opening Pro-
gram, Tree-planting, Seminar on
RA 9003 (Solid Waste Manage-
ment Act), Clean-up drive
(Adopt-a-Estero Program of
EMB-DENR), Poster-making
and Literary Contest, 2nd Sci-
ence Olympics, 7th Digital
Chemistry Bowl, Seminar host-
ed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi-
nas on its one of their advoca-
cies to Filipinos, and the Culmi-
nating Program that includes
Technical Seminars, awarding
of PIChE Assistance to Yolanda
Victims, and Fellowship Night.
9th ChE Week Kick-Off
The city of Tacloban, Leyte in
Eastern Visayas was among
those hardest hit by Yolanda’s
fierce winds and apocalyptic
floods. Typhoon Yolanda (with
international name, “Haiyan”)
wiped out or damaged practi-
cally everything in its path as it
swept ashore on November 8,
2013, destroying around 90
percent of the city of Tacloban
in Leyte province. Sadly, the
super typhoon claimed more
than 7,350 lives as it swept in
off the Pacific Ocean. More
than 14.5 million people were
affected by the storm in six
regions and 44 provinces. More
than four million people still
remain homeless. Thus, to help
relieve the trauma and grief of
fellow members of PIChE-
Tacloban, and Junior PIChE-
EVSU Tacloban Chapter, a
Sumba dance was assembled in
EVSU-Tacloban Campus to
warm up the participants for
the big event, followed by a
parade entitled, “Walk of
Hope”, which was done around
the main streets of Tacloban
City. The parade was made not
only to be recognized by the
Taclobanons but also to give
hope after we scurried across
the country to escape the
wrath of Super typhoon
“Yolanda”.
The parade was followed by a
Eucharistic mass in Sto. Niño
Church, then a short program
was conducted where Officer
Ranulfo Q. Arbiol, PENRO
(Provincial Environmental
and Natural Resources Of-
fice), who was our guest
speaker delivered a message
of hope for the environment
and for humanity. The short
program was followed by a
tree-planting around the vicin-
ity of Eastern Visayas State
University (EVSU), Tacloban
Campus spearheaded by the
PICHE-Tacloban celebrates 9th ChE Week
Page 11
Officer Arbiol himself to re-
place the trees destroyed by
typhoon Yolanda. Finally, to
give some fun, a “Laro ng Lahi”
was conducted organized by the
Junior PIChE, EVSU Chapter,
headed by its active president,
Leonysa T. Bacor.
Seminar on RA 9003 & Clean-
up Drive
A clean-up drive was made in
Bgy. 83-A, Burayan, San Jose,
Tacloban City in collaboration
with the Barangay Officials,
JPIChE-EVSU, PIChE-
Tacloban, and Coca-cola
Botllers Philippines, Inc.
(Tacloban Plant). Prior to the
clean-up, a seminar on RA 9003
or the “Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000” was
conducted in EVSU-Tacloban
Campus and in Brgy. 83-A
made by Dr. Zenaida L. An-
drade (Vice-President of PIChE-
Tacloban and EVSU Professor)
and Engr. Nida B. Verana
(Adviser of PIChE-Tacloban
and EVSU Professor). Though
the evidence of wrath of super
typhoon Yolanda was still ap-
parent in the vicinity of Bgy. 83-
A and that feeling of pain still
endure, hope still arouse in the
face and gestures of the partici-
pants especially on the residents.
Unexpected number of partici-
pants of approximately a hun-
dred, arrived and participated
actively in the seminar and clean
-up drive around the
“estero” (estuary) vicinity.
Culminating Program
This day may be the end and
probably everyone may have
felt exhaustion. However, the
PIChE-Tacloban and JPIChE-
EVSU members are still
energetic enough on this day to
attend the activities due for this
day!
(con’t on page 13)
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
Page 12
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
2015 Cityland 10 Tower 2
154 H. V. de la Costa Street
Makati City
Phone: (632) 753-5192
Website: www.pichenet.org
Our Vision
PIChE is the organization that is committed
to the continual development of all its
members in order to make them globally
competitive.
Our Core Values
As professional chemical engineers,
we adhere to the following core values:
1. Excellence 3. Integrity
2. Commitment 4. Service
The first day of the event was held at the
Henry Sy Sr. Hall of DLSU and was high-
lighted by the online video streaming lec-
tures of several internationally esteemed
personalities in the field of chemical engi-
neering. These webinars
included the keynote
speech of Dr. Richard
Felder, professor emeritus
at the North Carolina
State University and co-
author of a globally-used
introductory chemical
engineering textbook; the
lecture of Dr. David
Shallcross, professor of
chemical engineering at
the University of Mel-
bourne, on using modern
multimedia to improving student learning;
and Dr. Vasanthi Sethu, assistant professor
of chemical engineering at the University
of Nottingham, Malaysia, on effectively
assessing and evaluating learning in out-
comes-based teaching and learning. The
various talks, interspersed with panel dis-
cussions and open forums, also included
the lectures of Prof. Jae-Jin Shim of
Yeungnam University, South Korea, on
the development of chemical engineering
education and accreditation pro-
PIChE-MMAC, College of Fellows... from page 1
gram assessment in Korea; Dr. Noel Kris-
tian of Singapore Polytechnic, on experi-
ential learning
activities for
engineering
in-
novators; Prof. Philipina Marcelo of UST,
on parallelism between bioguided food
processing and innovative engineering
education; and Mr. Joaquin Armonio of
Adamson University, a vice president at
PIChE-JCL, on chemical engineering edu-
cation from a student’s perspective.
The second day of the summit, held at the
UST Medicine Auditorium,
was highlighted by the Quiz
Bowl, a tournament for un-
dergraduate students in chem-
ical engineering. Ten teams
competed in the quiz contest,
with DLSU emerging as the
1st place winner. The
triumphant team was coached
by Dr. Michael Angelo Pro-
mentilla and was comprised
of DLSU chemical engineer-
ing students Mr. Sed Anderson Holaysan,
Mr. Rainier Gomez, and Mr. Clarence Jo-
seph Co. After the Quiz Bowl, the summit
organizers also toured the AUChEEdS par-
ticipants around the UST campus, notably
visiting the UST Museum, the research
facilities and the teaching laboratories of
the faculty of engineering. The AUChEEdS
2014 winded down on its last day with a
tour of the scenic Tagaytay City. The par-
ticipants boarded three specially chartered
buses that took them to the historic,
lakeside tourist spot, thus capping the suc-
cessful three-day affair. The organizers
plan to hold the AUChEEdS annually, and
hope that next year, the summit can attract
even more participants, and best the 501
guests that graced this year’s event.
Engr. Neil L. Egloso (standing, 4th from the right) from Palompon Institute of Technology, a regular member of
the PIChE-Tacloban participated the 3rd International Renewable Energy and Environment Conference (IREEC)
held on July 4-6, 2014 at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. He presented his
research paper entitled “Production of Fuel-Grade Bioethanol from
Cassava Starch: A Conceptual Process Design and it will be published in
a referred journal of World Academy of Research and Publication. He has
also been a recipient of FLORO CRISOLOGO AWARDEE for Best
Oral Research Presentation during 2nd National Multidisciplinary
Research Conference at University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur
last April 30- May 2, 2014.
PIChE-Tacloban Member’s Achievement
His topics included PIChE CDO Code
of Ethics, National PIChE ID imple-
mentation by 2015, and venue for the
next PIChE National Convention
which was opted to be at Puerto
Princesa, Palawan. Engr. Mary Lyn
Tabasan, PIChE-CDO’s outgoing pres-
ident, presented PIChE- CDO Chap-
ter’s accomplishments for the year
2013 which were all summarized by
the chapter’s receipt of the Outstanding
PIChE Chapter Award (OPCA) during
the national convention.
The annual event went on with the
election and induction of the following
new set of PIChE- CDO Officers for
the year 2014: Engr. Gemalyn Badilla
(President), Engr. Froilando M. Zayas
(Executive Vice-President), Engr. Ger-
ald Valmores (VP-Industry), Engr.
Jocel Dimacutac (VP-Academe), Engr.
Edgar Galarrita (VP-Government),
Engr. Catherine Daquioag (Secretary),
Engr. Alma Licong (Treasurer), Engr.
Gilda Velarde (Auditor), Engr. Re-
demptor Ladica (P.R.O.), Engr.
Christylene Balagtas ( Board of Direc-
tor), Engr. Myrnaflor Flores (Board of
Director), Engr. Fedely Talaroc (Board
of Director), Engr. Jhundelou Apiag
(Board of Director), Engr. Evelyn Cal-
ing (Board of Director), Engr. Maria
Niña Bañares (Kagay-anon Chemical
Engineer Newsletter Editor-in-Chief),
PIChE-CDO holds... from page 7
The culminating program was done in the
beautiful resort in Palo, Leyte, “Tierra de
Milagros.” The day started with technical
seminars entitled, “Chemical Engineers
Science and Technology Symposium
(ChESTechS) with presenters, Engr. Neil
E. Egloso on Production of Fuel-Grade
Bioethanol from Cassava Starch: A Con-
ceptual Process Design”, Dr. Zenaida L.
Andrade on “Natural Wastewater Treat-
ment Facilities using Facultative Stabiliza-
tion Pond and Constructed Wetland for
Laguna de Bay, Philippines”, and Engr.
Nida B. Verana on a study about a whiten-
er of rice. Opulent knowledge was gained
through their generosity on sharing their
studies which was participated by students
and professional chemical engineers
around Region 8.
The seminar was followed with an inspira-
tional message by Atty. Irene Chiu (from
the City Mayor’s Office of Tacloban City),
message of hope to the bereaved family of
the late Rhonalie Gaduena, a student died
brought by apocalyptic typhoon
“Yolanda” by Jo Rheamyl Ripalda and
Janine Trinidad (ChE students), awarding
of PIChE Assistance to the Yolanda vic-
tims by the PIChE-Tacloban President,
Engr. Juvyneil E. Cartel and the Treasurer,
Engr. Raissa E. Dycoco especially to the
bereaved family of late Rhonali Gaduena
through its representative, Gilbey Gaduena,
her brother. New set of PIChE-Tacloban
Officers for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 was
also inducted by the City Mayor’s repre-
sentative, Atty. Irene Chiu. The culminat-
ing program was concluded with a raffle
draw and awarding of certificates, followed
by a fellowship night.
“The event may have come to an end and
the healing of the wounds brought by ty-
phoon “Yolanda” may take years. Never-
theless, we must maintain the hope, resili-
ence, unity, and excellence in order for us
to achieve our goals toward global compet-
itiveness,” Engr. Cartel, PIChE-Tacloban
President said.
Other Activities
Other activities conducted during the cele-
bration of the 9th ChE week held in EVSU
(Eastern Visayas State University),
Tacloban City were the Poster Making
Contest, Literary Contest, 2nd Science
Olympics, and the 7th Digital Chemistry
PIChE-Tacloban celebrates... from page 11
Page 13
Quiz Bowl which were participated by
students and organized by the Junior Phil-
ippine Institute of Chemical Engineers,
EVSU Chapter, headed by Leonysa T.
Bacor, President. A seminar was also
organized by Engr. Flordelyn T. Palejaro
entitled “Public Information Campaign in
Bangko Sentral Advocacies” hosted by
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), San
Jose, Tacloban City on September 19,
2014.
Engr. Janica Leshley Chaves (Kagay-
anon Chemical Engineer Newsletter
Assistant Editor-in-Chief), and Engr.
Edwin Richard Ortiz (JPIChE Advis-
er). The new set of PIChE-CDO
Chapter officers was inducted in their
positions right after the election by
National Board Director, Engr. Rex
Manuel P. Paayas. The activity ended
with the new chapter president’s clos-
ing message challenging Kagay- anon
chemical engineers to continue their
unwaivering support to the chapter’s
endeavour in sustaining the winning
tradition of being the most Outstand-
ing PIChE Chapter.
The lively and interactive talk captured
the interest of the audience, with every-
one leaving with a broader perspective on
financial management.
Toward the end, Dr. Nathan Dugos,
MMAC Treasurer and Dr. Alvin
Caparanga, MMAC President gave their
respective reports with the closing re-
marks delivered by the latter.
The event was facilitated by Engr.
Clydelle Rondaris, as the master of cere-
monies.
PIChE—MMAC General... From Page 5
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
Food Safety Engineering, Food Processing Technologies,
Food Science and Engineering, different subject titles but
similar syllabus for the Technical Electives of Chemical
Engineering students. I have been teaching the subject for
six years now and the joy of sharing what you’ve learned in
the industry gave me a sense of well-being and a LEGACY
is definitely something you can leave behind. The course
description stated that it refers to the aspects of food produc-
tion and processing. The subject includes, but is not limited
to, the application of chemical engineering principles to
food products. The course presents and uses Thermal Pro-
cessing as the specific method in the preservation of food.
There it is as mentioned, my specialty, Thermal Process.
Being a member of the worldwide organization, IFTPS or
the Institute For Thermal Processing Specialist, is not only
something to be proud of but reminding yourself that a re-
sponsibility to the food consumers is the most priority in
ensuring that food is safe.
The most basic requirement to the subject is to know Micro-
biology. What are the significant microorganisms in Food
Processing, the conditions affecting the growth of bacteria
(nutrients, moisture, oxygen, temperature and effect of pH
on growth), Clostridium botulinum and Botulism, control of
bacteria by water activity and spoilage of thermally pro-
cessed, commercially sterile foods. All of these conclude to
the knowledge that food preservation is a competition be-
tween human and microorganisms – molds, yeast and bacte-
ria. These microorganisms are of concern to food proces-
sors. The organisms can be helpful – yeast for bread, wine
or beer; mold for blue cheese and penicillin; bacteria for
yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchee. They can be harm-
ful to people and business – spoiled product and toxins. The
exposure of the ChE students to handle a microscope is
something new to them as engineering students. The micro-
scope is basically an optical system to magnify minute spec-
imens. It is also an illumination system to render these spec-
imens properly visible. The students learned the proper use
and care of the microscope, describe and differentiate sever-
al microbial specimens in terms of size, shape, and other
unique characteristics.
Thermal Process, the application of heat to food, either be-
fore or after sealing in a hermetically sealed container, for a period of time and at a temperature scientifically determined
to be adequate to ensure destruction of microorganisms of
public health significance. Sharing the actual experience in
Chemical Engineering in Food Safety By: Engr. Rex Manuel Paayas
FEATURE
using the two methods of thermal processing – conventional
and aseptic, is again something new to the students. Heat
Transfer by Conduction: flow of heat through solids and liq-
uids by vibration and collision of molecules and free elec-
trons. This is how heat is transferred from the heating medi-
um to the fruits and syrups inside a container – tin can, plas-
tic cup, glass jar or pouch/bag and Convection: flow of heat
through currents within a fluid (liquid or gas). Convection is
the displacement of volumes of a substance in a liquid or
gaseous phase. When a mass of a fluid is heated up, for ex-
ample when it is in contact with a warmer surface, its mole-
cules are carried away and scattered causing that the mass of
that fluid becomes less dense. This is also how heat is trans-
ferred to the beverages – fruit juices and drinks.
Sanitation is equally as important as the preservation of food.
The knowledge of the sources of microbial contamination
and how to control contaminations using sanitizers, sanita-
tion of container cooling water and sanitation of water reuse
systems.
Equipment, Instrumentation, and Operation for Thermal Pro-
cessing Systems were also detailed as per regulation require-
ments. This is in reference with the Philippine FDA Food
Regulations, USFDA Code of Regulations, European Guide-
lines for the Safe Production of Food and Other Countries
Food Regulations. Processing considerations such as installa-
tion and operation of each type of Retorts, aseptic processing
and packaging systems and closures for double seamed met-
al, plastic containers, glass containers, flexible and semi-
rigid containers are also elaborated.
One whole semester of teaching the students on the subject
made time so precious that the lessons are stored significant-
ly in each individual and at the same time refreshes me on
the compliance of food safety. I am not surprised that some
of these students will suddenly join the industry and experi-
ence themselves how challenging it is to assure food safety.
It is indeed an encouraging subject as a number of my previ-
ous students were already applying what they have learned to
the same industry I am with now as Chemical Engineers in
Food safety.
Page 14
The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1
JG Summit Petrochemicals Group is a pioneer in the
petrochemicals industry in the Philippines with two whol-
ly owned subsidiaries, JG Summit Petrochemical Cor-
poration (JGSPC) and JG Summit Olefins Corpora-
tion (JGSOC).
JGSOC is the country’s first Naphtha cracker plant. It is
designed to produce polymer-grade ethylene and propyl-
ene, which will be the feedstocks for JGSPC (Polymer
Plants). The two other main products are pyrolysis gaso-
line (pygas) and crude C4 which are raw materials in the
manufacture of intermediate petrochemicals benzene, tol-
uene, xylene and butadiene. It started commercial opera-
tion on November 1, 2014. The 320,000 metric tons of
ethylene and 190,000 MT of propylene that will be pro-
duced by the naphtha cracker will be used as feedstock by
the existing JGSPC polymer plants.
With the start of both the new olefins (JGSOC) and exist-
ing polyolefins (JGSPC) facilities, the Philippine chemi-
cal industry landscape will change dramatically. From this
industry’s 2012 performance of PhP 230 billion, the in-
dustry is projected to grow by at least 18% to PhP 272
billion in 2015. Likewise, JGSOC’s
operation will open many opportuni-
ties for other downstream petrochem-
ical sectors to flourish.
JG Summit Petrochemical Group’s
foray into back integration by operat-
ing the first naphtha cracker in the
country is a crucial step towards
achieving diversification and growth
of the Philippine chemical industry and other manufac-
turing sub-sectors.
The group employs an upgraded control system which is
a unified system for process, business and asset manage-
ment which increases operational effectiveness, produc-
tivity and profitability. Furthermore, advanced process
controls are utilized to optimize production rate, mini-
mize energy consumption, improve product consistency
and operational reliability. This also helps to target a sta-
bilized plant operation through minimized fluctuation of
process key variables and improved process safety and to
become globally competitive.
In human capital, the JG Summit Petrochemical Group
has employed chemical engineers, along with technical
personnel from a host of other engineering disciplines.
Contributing to the Philippines’ manufacturing industry,
chemical engineers are now challenged to continue what
has been started by JG Summit Petrochemicals Group,
expressed in its new tagline “Better Life Through Inno-
vation”.
―Leading the way to a Robust Chemical Industry‖ By Jaime V. De Guzman
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
To all PIChE Chapter Presidents and members,
“The Distiller”, the official newsletter of the Philippine Institute of Chemical
Engineers (PIChE) is accepting news and feature articles for its next issue.
This is one of the avenues wherein we can systematically document our achieve-
ments and at the same time communicate with each other. This is also an expres-
sion of how united our organization is. To add, this is also a manifestation of how effective PIChE and your respective Chapters are through the various activities
and advocacies documented here.
Should you have any questions or clarifications please send an email to na-
[email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you!
Nathan
The Distiller
The official newsletter PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS (PIChE)
2015 Cityland 10 Tower 2 Condominium
154 H.V. de la Costa Street, Ayala North, Makati City
Phone : (632) 753-5192 Website : www.pichenet.org
Editor-In-Chief Nathaniel P. Dugos
Contributors
Dennis N. Yu/Petra C. Cadawan MGN de la Cruz/Arjames T. Balgoa Rizalinda de Leon/Patrick Ramoso
Babylin de Leon/Catherine G. Daquioag Froilando Zayas/Raymond Albuero
Kenneth Rey Senyahan/Paolo Nicolo Perez Patricia Baricaua/Rex Manuel Paayas
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The Distiller Volume 6 Issue 1