The Documents Required (All must be for Tax Year 2016 ) for

Application for Accreditation are the following:

1. Letter of Interest of the applicant to be Accredited Catering Service Provider (ACSP) of ADDU addressed to the University President. This letter must also contain a statement that the Applicant is willing to comply with the CATERING insurance requirements by ADDU. Thus Applicants must make sure that upon submission of Documentary Requirements, they must have already considered this matter.

Certified True Copy of the following:

1. Business permit;
2. TIN;
3. DTI CERTIFICATION for Single Proprietorship
4. SEC CERTIFICATION OF REGISTRATION for Partnerships & Corporations;
5. Income Tax Return of most recent tax year of Catering applicant (single proprietorship, or partnership, or corporation as the case may be);
6. BIR-issued Official Receipt/Sales Invoice of the applicant ;
7. Sanitary Permit from Davao City’s City Health Office;
8. Complete Menu List for all types of Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, etc.);
9. Health Certificate of applicant’s Catering Service employees (fecal, urine, TB, X-ray, etc., City Health Office Food Handling Training);
10. Certification from Department of Labor Region 11 that the Caterer has no pending Labor case;
11. Court and Fiscal’s Clearance (Regional Court 11) certifying that the applicant Caterer has no pending Civil or Criminal case;
12. Pictures of Caterer’s pertinent catering premises;
13. All Other standard required documents for all Catering Service Providers in Davao City.
14. Map/Sketch to the location of the Applicant Catering Service Provider’s Commissary, and or Kitchen;

1. Complete Contact Coordinates of the Applicant:
2. Business Address;
3. Official Phone Number (Mobile and/or Landline);
4. E-mail Address;

Deadline for submission: MARCH 31, 2016

The Ateneo de Davao University, through the University Physical Plant Office, has strengthened campus security in the Jacinto campus through continuous dialogues with concerned offices and establishments within the vicinity of the University once a month.

Attending the consultative meeting on security for the month were representatives from the AdDU Campus Security Office, DASIA Security Agency, Aldevinco Security, Fireball Security Agency, Philguard Security Agency, Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), Marco Polo Hotel Davao, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Task Force Davao (TF Davao) and the Davao City Police Ofice (DCPO).

The MAAGAP Security Cluster, composed of Marco Polo Hotel Davao, Ateneo de Davao University, Aldevinco Shopping Center, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Aboitiz Power (Davao Light and Power Company) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), was formed to improve coordination and overall security protocols among the members and the vicinity.

The monthly security meetings were conducted as part of the University’s responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of its students, faculty and staff, and the general public inside the campus and also the immediate environs of the Jacinto campus.

Dr. Doris Montecastro of the Chemistry Department of Ateneo de Davao University led the regional workshop on the first step of the Guidance Framework Roadmap for Better Air Quality in Asian Cities conducted by Clean Air Asia in Manila from March 1-3, 2016.

The workshop, co-led by Dr. Kim Oanh of the Asian Institute of Technology, was the first of two Guidance Framework regional training activities to be conducted by Clean Air Asia for this year, and Clean Air Asia designed the workshop “to support countries and cities in improving their air quality management capabilities to address the growing air pollution problems throughout Asia.”

National and city-level environment ministry and agency representatives from the Philippines, China, Mongolia and Vietnam attended the workshop.

Dr. Montecastro is a faculty member of both the Environmental Science program and the Department of Chemistry of the University. She also is a Senior Researcher at the University Research Council (URC) and was tapped by Clean Air Asia as one of the Air Quality Experts in Asia.

In celebration of the Women’s month, the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS), in partnership with the Gender and Development Office of the 10^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, held the very first gathering of uniformed women from various branches of service on March 15, 2016. Dubbed “It’s a Girl Thing”, the Women, Peace and Security Forum was held at the Academic Council Conference Room, Regis Hall, Community Center of the First Companions along Roxas Avenue.

The program for the whole-day activity was designed by Dr. Nelly Z. Limbadan, chairperson of the Department of Psychology. Providing inputs along with Dr. Limbadan were Psychology professors Dr. Gina Lamzon and Ms. Analyn Leysa. COPERS Affiliates from San Pedro College (Maureen Jean Lara, Dr. Hazel Victoriano), Holy Cross of Davao (Cheene Luy Manalo), University of the Philippines – Mindanao ( Sheena Marione Nazareno), Father Saturnino Urios University (Maristela Gales), and the Philippine Mental Health Association (Precious Manliguez) also volunteered to facilitate the small group sharing during the workshops. They were joined by Imma Concepcion Oani of the Senior High School, clinical psychologist Katrina Vandenbroeck, and MS Psych intern MG Suarez.

Eighty-four participants from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police were guided to explore the realities of being a woman in the 21^st century in terms of the multiple burdens they carry and their personal resources for coping with the demands of a career in a male-dominated work environment.

The output from the workshops is aimed to inform policy-setting in the security sector for more responsive actions that address the peculiar needs of women in the peace and security workforce.

Recognizing this groundbreaking initiative, the Philippine Army Headquarters sent a GAD representative to observe how to replicate the conduct of the workshops nationwide.

Since its institutionalization in 2007, COPERS has actively pursued policy making in the security sector towards rights-based operations in an effort to help transform the institution to become a professional armed forces that is a source of national pride.

Ateneo de Davao BS Chemistry Graduate as
2016 PFCS Awardee for Chemistry Education

Dr. Rochelle dela Torre Papasin is the 2016 Philippine Federation Chemistry Societies (PFCS) awardee for Chemistry Education (High School). The PFCS award aims to inspire the youth to take up chemistry, to recognize outstanding contribution of chemists to development of discipline and to recognize outstanding and exemplary contributions to society through chemistry. There are four categories of PFCS awards which include Chemistry Education, Chemical Research, Chemical Industry and Service to the Chemistry Profession.

Dr. Papasin is a BS in Chemistry graduate of Ateneo de Davao University in 1985. Her other academic credentials include a PhD in Education (University of Immaculate Concepcion, Davao City), Master of Chemistry (Ateneo de Manila), MA in Science Education (University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City).

She has won many awards such as the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award (2009) and International Leaders in Education Program Fellowship (Clemson University, South Carolina, 2010).

She started her professional career initially as an agricultural chemist at International Rice Research Institute (Laguna) and at the Cocoa Investors, Inc. (Davao del Sur). With the opening of the first Philippine Science High School (PSHS) campus outside of Metro Manila, she decided to re-enter the academic world as a chemistry teacher at the PSHS – Southern Mindanao Campus in 1991. She earned all of her graduate degrees while working at PSHS – SMC.

As a high school chemistry teacher, Dr. Papasin brings into her classrooms meaningful insights from her experiences growing up in a university town with parents who were both university science professors, from her industrial background as a research chemist, and from her formal academic training.

Dr. Papasin will receive the award this April 2016 during the 31^st Philippine Chemistry Congress in Iloilo City.

Message to the Graduates
on the occasion of the
ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 2016
Bro.  Armin A. Luistro FSC, DepED Secretary
2 April 2016

Why be a lowly chicken in the backyard eating worms when you can be a great eagle soaring great heights. Like the enigmatic King of Fruits that smells like hell but takes like heaven, I would instinctively associate Davao with the mighty Pithecophaga jefferyi– Hari ng mga Ibon. I realized recently that, coming from Batangas, this great mighty Philippine eagle in decades past used to soar over Taal Lake but as a young boy I never had the chance to see this great eagle. Quite frankly, this is uncharted territory for a Batangueño green blooded archer and I can only approach your sacred ground unshod and only after humbly surrendering my arrows at the foot of Mt. Apo, now burning, but still the King of Philippine peaks.
King of Fruits, King of Birds, King of Philippine Peaks.
When I entered the university, parking pa lang, malaki na. Mabuti na lang at nakabisita ako sa inyong Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption. There I saw greatness intersecting beauty in Davao as it is in the Ateneo. I just realized that everything here is mighty and robust and hovering and, like Iñigo de Loyola, I can only lie prostrate before greatness convinced that it is only from this perspective that conversion and transformation can take place. We wait in hope for the great Philippine eagle to soar once again even as we celebrate with the latest batch of Blue Eagles before they spread their wings and take flight. Don’t ever be a lowly chicken.
Ateneo de Davao University President Rev. Fr. Joel Tabora, Holy Cross of Davao College President Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, Mrs. Rowena Varela, Rafa and the family and friends of USec Francis Varela, the distinguished members of the academic community, esteemed guests, my beloved DepED family, the Jesuit community, beloved parents and graduates: Maayong hapon kaninyo nga tanan.

I am profoundly grateful for the honor conferred by the university and share this joy with the academic community of Holy Cross of Davao College and the Varela family.
Ateneo de Davao remains a critical partner in education reform. You may not know it yet but Ateneo and the whole community supported DepED in its first culturally sensitive Senior High School for T’boli students in Lake Sebu one year before our nationwide implementation. It is a modern curriculum that is K to 12 compliant but also deeply grounded on the cultural heritage of the T’bolis. This is very much like your chapel which weaves the Christian tradition with essential values inherent in the local culture as well as the community’s aspiration for excellence.
Ateneo de Davao has also pushed for a little project, which very few people know about, partnering with another association to mobilize a small group of Madaris Volunteer Teachers. They are sent to some of our farthest and hard-to-reach Madaris where they teach DepEd secular subjects such as Mathematics, Science and History.
Over dinner last night, we were excitedly discussing how Ateneo de Davao is now capacitating several of our schools in a new project on shoe-making. This is part of the DepED SHS specialized curriculum. Why be a chicken when you can soar like an eagle?
When I look back at the challenges USec Francis and our team had to face in the department, I realize now that the most difficult task was not sourcing the budget or convincing our legislators however unnerving those tasks may be. For after all, the Aquino administration has been increasing our budget yearly from P175b in 2010 to its current level of P436b this year or an increase of 147%. We got not just overwhelming majority votes but an almost unanimous favorable vote from both Lower House and Senate for the needed legislation for universal Kinder and the K to 12 program. In the Lower House the votes were 198 ‘yes’ and 8 ‘no’. One cannot imagine why a group of critics are still accusing us of not holding enough consultations.
As in any reform, almost every educator and stakeholder have their own version of how to manage the change and their own respective timetables. But we had champions like Fr. Joel and the leaders of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) who supported us, critiqued our earlier drafts and worked with the other stakeholders towards building a consensus. Sa Pilipinas ang pinakamahirap na hamon ay papaano tayo mapagkakaisa. The K to 12 reform will need to be refined over time and continuously improved as institutions adjust to the needs of learners and the ever-changing landscape of societies. While there can always be better ways of implementation, some of which we can really only realize in hindsight, definitely despite the criticisms, the country IS ready for K to 12!
The biggest obstacle is not in legislation or budget, but in our mindsets. We are trained to make do with what we have and remain as chickens in our backyards. When we first announced the reform in October 2010, the program was received with much skepticism and initial resistance.
“Bakit magdadagdag tayo ng dalawang taon?”, “Taon taon na lang tuwing Hunyo, ang nakabandera sa mga dyaryo ay tungkol sa kakulangan. Kulang sa teachers, classrooms, textbooks—Bakit magdadagdag pa?”, “Kaya ba ito ng Pilipinas?” Part of the reason why things do not move well is because we shoot ourselves in the foot and we tell ourselves that what has been part of reality cannot but be part of our future.
When we started in the department, part of the perception was that DepED is one of the most corrupt government agencies. May mga teachers na nagtitinda ng longganisa (pero sabi ko luma na ‘yan kasi pasa load na ngayon). May mga nagsasabi na bago makapasok bilang isang guro sa DepED, kailangang magbayand ng P30k o kaya’y P70k. Last week I received an anonymous call from ComVal, saying that he is a hired killer and someone contracted him to shoot me. But since they could not agree with the price for my life, they came to me “para tapatan”. Mabuti na lang ako ang pinaka mahirap na Cabinet Secretary. Ang sabi ko sa aking staff: “Sabihin mo hanggang ten thousand lang ako”. Hindi na muling tumawag ang gustong pumatay sa akin.
But how does one fight corruption? How does one truly start a reform? Sa Pilipinas, kapag makikinig kayo sa radio, wala naman tayong ibang maririnig kundi: “wala ng pag babago”, “ganito na tayo noon, ganito parin ang Pilipinas”. Sometimes these words become a self fulfilling prophecy. When Usec Francis died, we grieved not only because we lost a friend, a father and a colleague, but because we also lost one who fought hard to start the reform. I remember being with Francis in Subic with some of our Superintendents, and i was telling them that it only takes one person to change the department. It also takes one person to destroy the reputation of the department. I told our superintendents, it would only take one picture of one teacher inside a casino and the whole department is put in a basket of spoiled tomatoes. You only need to take one picture of a teacher harassing a student, and all 700, 000 teachers are already tainted. But this afternoon, I think it is good for us to remember that there are actually Filipinos who are willing, ready and able to start a reform. Francis was one such Filipino. Today I also remember that the sacrifices of a public servant can be experienced by the whole family. I know what Rowena and Rafa went through when the salary of Francis dived to 10% of what he used to earn in the private sector.
I have exactly 90 days left in the department. And one of the greatest decisions I have made was not to stay in my office in Pasig, but to do unannounced visits to the farthest schools where I met the most committed and dedicated persons I have met in my life: teachers who share their salaries so that their own students can eat for the day; superintendents who share their own bonuses so that teachers ca have a little more share. It is unbelievable that very few from the government are seen as heroes and heroines today. But it seems to me that this is what the Ignatian aspiration is all about. Will you remain a chicken? Or will you soar great heights? Is your diploma enough for you to brag about? Or are you called to do something more? To be more? To love more? Not for yourselves but for Christ and for others. That seems more relevant today in an election season of empty promises from aspiring candidates and a growg nmber of exhausted or indifferent voters. I know at least five people who told me that they will not vote in the coming elections. They said: “wala naming pagpipilian”, “Kahit sino naman sa kanila, ganun pa rin ang Pilipinas”. At a time of disillusionment, you are called to be eagles. You are called to proclaim the truth: Kaya naman ng Pinoy, kaya naman pala ng bayan.
In 1965, Dr Dioscoro Rabor from Silliman University was largely ignored when he disclosed the endangered status of the Philippine eagle.He published it, discussed it with many stakeholders. He was ignored. Today, whenever the Philippine Eagle Foundation releases eaglets hatched and bred in captivity or recently rehabilitated, the nation celebrates and watches with mixed emotions as we are reminded once again of our sins against the environment but also of the power and capacity within to change the dire prediction of doom and bring about hope and transformation.
Fellow Ateneans, show the world that being an Atenean is more than just an entitlement. Take that leap of faith and fly. This time I will not be green with envy as you soar the heights nor will I need to have a hunter’s obsession to kill. Happily, with my Ateneo de Davao University credentials, I can now join you as we conquer the blue skies where magis reigns. Daghang salamat sa tanan.

Joselv E. Albano, our recent BS Biology graduate, was awarded as the Best Applied Research Awardee of the BPI –DOST 2016 Science Awards. He presented his research last April 4, 2016 at BPI building in Makati City and received the award last April 5, 2016, at Mind Museum, Taguig City.

His thesis/research is entitled “Molecular Detection and Expression of merA and Mercury Reduction by Pseudomonas putida”. His research mentor is Dr. J-ney B. Zapanta, faculty of the Biology Department.

This is the second time that the university received the prestigious award in the national level. Last year, Christian John Capirig received the Best Project of the Year Award.

Fr. Gabriel Jose Gonzalez, SJ, former Academic Vice President, together with Mary Rose Origin and Kent Akmad Macacua, the other two AdDU BPI-DOST 2016 Science Awardees, accompanied and supported Albano during his presentation and awarding in Manila.

This is another achievement of Ateneo de Davao University to celebrate and this is one of the fruits of the excellence in instruction of our Biology Department of the Natural Science and Mathematics Cluster under the School of Arts and Sciences.

Author: Dr. Agnes T. Aranas

STEP: Embracing the Global Challenges of the 21st Century

Society for Technology in Education Philippines (STEP) holds its three-day conference at the Ateneo de Davao University, Finster Auditorium, inviting various educators and learners from Mindanao to take part of the technology leap last April 6 to 8, 2016.

The program was aimed to inform the participants about the global challenges of the 21st century in the educational arena – coping up with the developing technologies (digital era) through a three-day seminar.

On the first day, the talk was hosted by Mr. Andre Joseph Fournier, MBMP QUT.

He briefly explained a lot of matter about the digital era. He taught about the different applications that a teacher must know, from MS Word, Facebook, to YouTube and many more programs that are advantageous for both parties (educators and learners).

“Teachers must be creative in their job in order for students to be enticed in being engaged to learn while being entertained,” Fournier said.

On the second day, various workshops were available for the participants to enroll which still involves the theme which is aiming in technology catch up.

The teachers’ idea about the matter expanded as new inputs were shown and offered by the authorities thus, a productive day for them.

The third day of forum was headed by Ms. Eddelyn Gupeteo, PhD which concerns about – ‘ICT Integration: Embracing the Future’.

She shared about her experiences in bringing the ‘techy reality’ into her classes. In addition, she allows her students to bring their gadgets at school because of its educational purpose.

“We should start an edge about riding on with the new era regardless of our age gaps and other circumstances to reach the valued quota of education,” Gupeteo added.

She also indicated that it is a way for the students to be creative through a digital manner.

On the other hand, Ms. Mary Anthony Sieras’ of Microsoft Philippines talked about digital citizenship, on how internet affects individuals specifically social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

She highlighted the matter about being conscious of how the teachers must act with the matter (etiquettes; do’s and don’ts; advantages/disadvantages).

“We should be careful of what we post and be mindful of the people we interact on social media,” Sieras’ supposed.

Sieras’ point on the proper etiquette of teacher’s online is essential since some requires their students or student’s parents to interact with them online. Their attitude online affects their credibility as educators hence the caution they need to practice in social media.

Sieras’ talk also focused on how the internet affects the students’ learning ability. She emphasized that with proper guidance, the internet is not a hindrance in learning, in fact it is a big factor for our young learners to acquire more and advance in their education.

Exhibit of learning materials were placed at room 711 and 712 of Finster available for the participants to explore, giving ideas on what materials to use on their classes, applying their newly acquired knowledge of digital learning.

The three-day forum ended with a little fun, giving small tokens to the participants. STEP organizers are looking forward to another forum next year to be held at Cebu City

By: Mark Mariscal & Kardy Ogtip

Bangsamoro Basic Law Dialogue in Ateneo de Davao University with Mohagher Iqbal

“Conversations with Mohagher Iqbal”, a dialogue about the Bangsamoro Basic Law, was hosted by the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) on the campus’ Community Center of the First Companions, Pakighinabi on the morning of April 7, 2016. Mohagher Iqbal, the Chairperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Peace Panel, answered questions about the perspective of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The discussion was centered on the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the MILF’s actions and reactions towards it.
Iqbal, along with the university’s President, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, headed the event. Gus Miclat, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), facilitated the discussion.
The dialogue was attended by representatives of various peace groups like the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), Inter-Cultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace, Inc. (ICON-SP), National Anti-Poverty Commission Sectoral Representative Council (NAPC SRC), Mindanao Civil Society Organization Platform for Peace (MCSOPP), Madaris Volunteer Program, Peace Builders, and many more.
The issues discussed were about the ongoing process for peace in Mindanao specifically in the Bangsamoro area, Iqbal’s side on the Mamasapano incident, the presidential candidates’ stand on the BBL, the upadates of the MILF’s progress in achieving peace, and more.

By: Randrew Christian Mendrico and Jahmir Nur

NGOs and IP leaders talked about environmental issues and IP concerns in Mindanao last Friday, April 15 at the Ateneo de Davao University sponsored by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE).

The roundtable conversation was facilitated by Dr. Rosalinda C. Tomas together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Government Organizations, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), IP leaders and other participants.

The conversation highlights the concerns and voice of the Indigenous People, environmental issues, peace negotiation and presentation of research and recommendations.

It was started with a brief presentation that highlights the background of FPE to the environment and to the IP communities as well.

Along with the conversation, Ms. Mags Maglana, commissioned researcher, presented the research project that shows the IPs rights and alarming concerns, environmental issues and the government’s support to the community.

Basically, the research output encourages the sectors to take charge of taking care of the environment and to present to them the programs and advocacies that would be beneficial to the IP community.

Dr. Pacencia P. Milan, FPE Chairperson, also gave an emphasis to their roles and objectives in protecting the biodiversity especially the Indigenous people and their rights. According to her, IP leaders and its members are part of our country and their concerns need to be heard.

Furthermore, Mr. Goofredo T. Villapando, Jr., FPE Executive Director, expounded the protective area and watershed that should be focused along with the IPs and the supports of the NGOs. He then opened up the rights of the IPs, which is in the law, “Indigenous Peoples’ Right Acts”.

The Academic Community also responded on the said research which is headed by Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Davao University. Fr. Tabora said that the engagements and recommendations would be towards the concept of the common good and the methodology of moving forward together.

The event ended through an open forum which made the participants raised their questions and clarifications.

By: JC Labio, Ellen Torollo

Ateneo de Davao University made noise in the board exam once again. Eight Ateneans passed the Electronics Engineering licensure examination which was held last April 3- 4 2016.

The following are the students who passed the said exam:

1. Abellera, Kristoffe Milano S.
2. Ates, Aaron Aster Lloyd N.
3. Banlasan, Peter Kim S.
4. Espino, Peter Francis V.
5. Lopez, Franchesca R.
6. Ocampo, Dyan Kamille P.
7. Peñalber, Naden Mae F.
8. Zamudio, Jolu Raphael O.

University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. extended his congratulations to the new passers of the board exam for their excellent performance.

He also extended his congratulations to the School of Engineering & Architecture and Electronics Engineering Department for their success.

By: Kenneth Unabia; Mark Mariscal; Kardi Ogtip

AdDU ME graduates reaped 100% passing rate in Board Examination

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduates of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) reaped a 100% passing rate in the Board Examination, last, March 30-31, 2016 in Manila and Cebu.

The new Mechanical Engineers are as follows: Cadulong, Rhais Chad P; Ebita, Anjelika Julienne M; Gamolo, Jess Ryl G; Juaneza, Dominique U; Ong, Vaughn Cedrich M; Vasquez, Elison James R.

The six graduates of AdDU contributes to the 55.32% National passing rate of the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination, where only 910/1,645 students were able to pass.

By: Jethro Dillera

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is an essential tool used in nanoscience and technology and in materials science and atmospheric research.  Through SEM, the surface morphology, structure, and composition of a material are determined.  The image generated is taken as a direct evidence of the synthesis or fabrication of nanostructures.  Nanostructures, as the term implies, are in dimensions in the range of several nanometers, that is, one-billionth of a meter, or one thousandth of the diameter of a hair strand.  Particulate matter, an air pollutant and often found in micron sizes, usually grow from nanostructures.

The University, in its effort to advance research and instruction in the Sciences, purchased three instruments namely, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), GRIMM Dust Monitor, and Spectrometer (GDMS) and Capillary Electrophoresis System. The Chemistry Laboratory is the custodian of the instruments but other Science Departments may have access to them – the Environmental Science Program and Physics Department in particular for now. The SEM is currently of direct use to the research of Fr. Antonio Basilio, S.J. Ph.D. and Doris Montecastro, Ph.D., “Maximized Utilization of Philippine Pineapple Waste: Optimization of Bromelain Extraction (Phase 1)”. The “Emissions Mapping of Criteria Pollutants Including VOC and PM2.5 in Davao City: In Preparation for Future Air quality Forecasts”, a joint research of Doris Montecastro, Ph.D., and Fr. Daniel McNamara, S.J. Ph.D. currently utilizes the GDMS.

The University Research Council expresses its gratitude and sincere appreciation to the University President and the Board of Trustees for the generous support that enables the concerned Science Departments to undertake research on areas of interest vital to the University vision-mission.

Congratulations to the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science!

Ateneo de Davao University paves its partnership with Mindanao farmers and agricultural researchers. Event Host Noel Salazar spiced up the occassion by sharing his introductory spiels about the scenario of cultivation in rural areas.

“Medyo naningkamot jud ang atoang mga mang-uuma labi na karon ting-panahon sa El Niňo (Our farmers are working hard especially now in the season of El Niňo),” Salazar shared.

10 farmer researchers willingfully explained their own styles for their own farming methods and researches.

Farmer researcher, Diego dela Cruz, focused about the importance of rice breeding. He indicated that it is one of the efficient ways to reach a higher quality of the product through a cross-plant (cross breed & planting) cycle.

The breedings run in seven stages (F1 to F7). In addition, it takes time to complete the action itself.

“Kailangan nato magtinabangay isip mga mag-uuma (We need to help each other as farmers),” dela Cruz added.

The event was organized by: Masipag Mindanao and co-sponsoed by the University Community Engagement & Advocacy Council (UCEAC); School of Business and Governance Entrepreneurship; Agribusiness Department of Ateneo de Davao University; Philippine Agriculturists Society.

By: Kenneth Unabia & Mark Mariscal

Photo credits to the Ateneo Writers Workshop 2014

The prestigious award by the Unyon ng Mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), “Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas” is awarded to Dr. Macario Tiu, the Director of University Publication Office (UPO), for his literary composition in Kathang Sebwano at Ingles.

According to the letter by the Union addressed to Dr. Tiu, the “Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas” is a yearly award given by the UMPIL to the respective Filipino writers who have proven and allotted their time and effort in the development and propagation of literature.

By: Jethro Dillera

April 25, 2016 – Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) releases the results of its citi-wide electoral poll, conducted by the University Research Council (URC). This is the second round of electoral poll that ADDU has conducted in this crucial election year; the first was the university-wide survey conducted over a month ago, the “ADDU Blue Vote 2016 In-Campus Survey.”

Survey Population and Sampling

For this citi-wide electoral survey, it used a total survey sample of 1,601. Of this total number, the respondents are equally divided at 33%, each representing the three congressional districts of Davao City. In terms of gender representation, the survey reflects an equal number of males and females (at 50%). A total of 9 out of 10 (89.3%) respondents are registered voters of Davao City translating into a total of 1,430 respondents. Nevertheless, only 82.4% out of those registered had their biometric data taken by COMELEC. More than a quarter of the respondents were within the age range of 18 to 34 years old (representing the younger voting population). Those within the age range of 35 to 44 years old and 45 to 54 years old are at an almost equal percentage (20.7% and 20.0% for each respectively).

Sources of Information

While majority of the voting population (that is, total Davao City respondents) rely heavily on television as their primary source of information (at 86.6%), half of the younger voters claimed that they also sourced out their knowledge of this year’s election from social media (49.7% vs. only 18.9% of the older voters). Added to that, a little over 12% (12.5%) also rely on information from internet news sites, as opposed to only 4.1% of those coming from a much older group. The use of radio factored in rather highly for the older group at 41.3%, while it is only 32.1% for their younger counterparts.

Most respondents consistently ranked television (84.5%), radio (35.2%) and social media (20.9%) as the top three important sources when it comes to knowing the political candidates’ platforms and advocacies. What is interesting to note here though is that they hardly pay attention to the candidates’ graphic political ads such as the use of tarpaulins, stickers and flyers (only at 7.6%), much less reading the national dailies as well as attending campaign rallies and sorties (at around 6% each, respectively). These top three answers in regard to the use of media (traditional and social), as mentioned above, likewise figured when asked about their sources of information on the political candidates’ abilities and attributes.

Issues and Concerns to Prioritize

Drugs and drug-related problems (61.7%), low income and low salaries (29.6%), and unemployment/job opportunities (25.2%) are the three top issues that political candidates (if elected into office) should prioritized, according to respondents. These are followed by crimes against persons (21.5%) and crimes against property (20.5%). Meanwhile, the environment is the least concern among respondents, posting only 15.8%.

But when it comes to areas of concern that are personally important to the respondents themselves, they rated food security and hunger (at 38.3%; this concern figured highly among women respondents as compared to men though), peace and order (33.7%), and employment/jobs (29.8%) as the top three in their list.

General Areas of Concern for Incoming President

What are the general areas of concern that an incoming president must address? Peace and order, graft and corruption, employment/jobs, health and education were rated highly by Davao respondents (with percentages ranging from 24% all the way to 32%). Comparatively speaking, there are more women (35.5%) who rated graft and corruption as a concern than the men (27.3%). Disaster preparedness was rated lowest (at 18.1% by women, but rated at an even lower percentage of 13.5% by men).

Desirable Political Leadership Traits & Attributes

Knowledge of the law and bureaucracy (40.6%), strictness and consistency in the implementation of laws (40.2%) are the top two desirable political leadership traits that voters prefer among this year’s electoral candidates. These are followed by having a track record in implementing projects (28.4%) and demonstrating toughness in dealing with violators (25.5%).

Foremost among the respondents’ preferences in choosing the most desirable attributes of an elected official are approachability by the common people (63.1%), sincerity (55.3%) and equal treatment of people (43.1%).

National Politics

As in the electoral poll conducted within the Ateneo de Davao University community a little over a month ago, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came away as the highly preferred candidate for president at 88% among Davao voters. The percentages for the rest of the presidential candidates are so insignificant, ranging from less than 1% to a little over 1%. The undecided, though a bit higher at 6%, still does not figure significantly in the overall percentages.

For the vice-presidency, Senator Cayetano topped the poll at 51%, followed at a distant second by Marcos at 18.6%. The rest of the vice-presidential candidates posted insignificant percentages in single digits. In contrast, the undecided even rated a little higher at 15.7%.

For the senatorial race, the following results are posted in the order of percentages garnered: Zubiri, Lacson, Osmena, Drilon, Hontiveros, Sotto, and Gordon making it to the top 7. This is followed by the rest of the senatorial bets: Recto, Pacquiao, Villanueva, Pangilinan, Gatchalian, Tolentino, De Lima, Guingona, and Romualdez. Meanwhile, Colminares, Lapid, Ople and Manzano are in the bottom four. It must be noted though that the results of poll on senatorial candidates remain inconclusive since there is a significant percentage of 29.8% among the total number of respondents who did not indicate a single senatorial preference.

Majority of the respondents indicated that they are Catholics (77%), while the remaining 33% are divided among Protestants, those belonging to Islam and others religions. Those affiliated with the Iglesia ni Kristo, a powerhouse religious organization in terms of political endorsement, figured at only 2.4%.

A little over half of the respondents (52.5%) have not yet decided on their preference for Party List, while a third (34.9%) indicated that they already have.

Local Politics

For the three congressional districts, the poll showed top choices for district representatives: The unopposed Representative Karlo Nograles for District 1 at 89.8% (the remaining 10% indicated that they will not vote for him or are still undecided); Representative Mylene Garcia for District 2 at 82.5%, as opposed to opponent Mr. Christopher Abierra at a far distant 3.5% (the rest of the figures indicated that they are undecided or have abstained); and, Mr. Alberto Ungab for District 3 at 61.4%, distantly followed by Atty. Kaloy Bello at 25.1% (the rest of the percentages posted abstained or undecided).

Atty. Sarah Duterte is a runaway winner as the most preferred candidate for Davao City mayor at an overwhelming 95.2%. This figure mirrors the previous result of the poll conducted within the Ateneo de Davao University community. Atty. Duterte has two competitors but their percentages did not even figure significantly from 0% to less than 1%.

For the position of vice-mayor, the incumbent vice-Mayor Paolo Duterte garnered 83.4%. He is running unopposed.

As for the top eight city councillors of District 1, Mabel Acosta topped the poll, followed by Leah Librado, Joanne Bonguyan-Quilos, Melchor Quitain, Edgar Ibuyan, Bonifacio Militar, Nilo Abellera Jr. and Pilar Braga, occupying the top 8 positions. District 2 posted the following results: Danny Dayanghirang, Al Ryan Alejandre, Maris Salvador-Abella, April Dayap, Diosdao Mahipus, Jimmy Dureza, Cherry Bonguyan and Arnold Apostol. For District 3, the order of preference is as follows: Bernie Al-ag, Bong Advincula, Rene Elias Lopez, Petite Principe, Joselle Villafuerte, Cocoy Zozobrado, Didoy Dalodo Ortiz and Boy Villafuerte.

Despite so much hoopla regarding the national elections, coupled by the amount of controversies that have surrounded many of the political candidates at the national level, majority of the respondents (73.2%) indicated that they show equal interests among local and national candidates. (by the University Research Council, Ateneo de Davao University)

On April 20-23, 2016, the Ateneo de Davao University held a three-day seminar entitled, “Titayan: Bridging for Peace” (Titayan, being a Maguindanaon term for ‘bridge’), with the hopes of connecting individuals for peace amidst political transitions in the Bangsamoro region.

On its soft opening night, the guests were entertained by several song and dance performances inspired by different Islamic cultures such as Tausug, Manobo, and Maranao tribe followed by a welcoming speech from the University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ.

On the first day, Dr. Chatan Kumar & Professor Rufa Cagoco-Guiamii discussed the protection and implementation of peace agreements during the political transitions – even without legislation.

“There are still many problems in this issue but one should not lose hope,” Kumar said.

Shadia Marhaban, Major Carlos Sol and Butch Malang, on the other hand, tackled the interim arrangements to maintain momentum and security while ongoing a political transition.

Finally, Dr. Alma Jadallah and Datuan Magon explained the widening participation of political and civic actors in the peace progress. “Everyone has a certain role to play,” Jadallah added.

The participants lends the second day for the topic on the inclusive political transition. The discussions was has been made more thorough as they were subdivided into specific groups. In addition, their objectives were identified through their own action plans.

On the final day, they laid their plenary report and explained their enhancements to the action plan for the improvements of the goals.

By: Mark Ken Mariscal

The School of Engineering and Architecture of Ateneo de Davao University  hosted the visit of Prof. Rigoberto Advincula, Ph.D., a visiting professor from the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA. His visit was facilitated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with Philippine Science and Technology Development Foundation (PhilDev) as part of the Innovative Development for Entrepreneurship Advancement (IDEA) program which aims to infuse and institutionalize entrepreneurship in Philippine universities.

The activity ran from April 20, 2016 to April 27, 2016 and was participated by the members of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), the School of Business and Governance (SBG), the Natural Science and Mathematics (NSM) cluster and the Computer Studies (CS) division. Talks about Principles of Research and Development, Innovationeering, ThinkBox, Additive Manufacturing, Product Development and of course, Enterpreneurship were given by the resource speaker. A focus group discussion was also conducted with the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Davao, and Ateneo research centers such as the URC, SRTDO, CBRE, CREATE, ITSO and SBG and SEA faculty and students.

Dr. Advincula concluded his training with discussions on ideal Technopreneurship 101 curriculum and its integration into the engineering and architecture curricula to hopefully contribute to strengthening global competencies of our institution in terms of technology development and its commercialization.

By Lilibeth Diane Yu and Alejandro Espera, Jr.

Dr. Advincula and the participants from different SMEs in Davao, at Ricci Hall, Community Center of the First Companions, Ateneo de Davao University

Senator Bam Aquino paying a visit at the F313 Engineering Laboratory, while Dr. Advincula of Case Western Reserve University is giving a talk on Product Development and Introduction to Entrepreneurship.