THE

CHAIN
2011, ISSUE NO.1

Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers B ATA A N C H A P T E R

WHATS INSIDE? GROOVING FOR THE MANGROVES PICHE KABIDA LAUNCHING ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM: GIFT GIVING BIDA FIRST SCORESHEET GRADUATION NIGHT: GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND ELECTIONS 2011 PICHE-BC WITH EAP FULFILLS A DREAM PICHE PHOTOWALL

GROOVING FOR THE MANGROVES

PICHE-BATAAN CHAPTER ANNUAL TREE PLANTING AND INDUCTION OF OFFICERS
He who plants a tree, plants a hope- Lucy Larco

This adapted message inspired the opening remarks of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers - Bataan Chapter (PIChE-BC) President, Engr. Alvin C. Gaspar during the annual tree planting activity. Indeed, planting a tree is a symbol of anticipating better days for the environment, and in turn, for the future generation. With this years slogan, Grooving for the Mangroves, thirty-three (33) members of PIChEBataan Chapter from Petron Bataan Refinery, Philippine Resins Industries Inc. and Philippine DNDArsenal took part in the annual treeplanting activity last July 16, 2011 to help develop the mangrove forest in Brgy. Camachille, Orion, Bataan. The activity supports the Billion Tree Campaign of the United Nations Environment Programme where the number of mangrove trees planted was registered.

Photo by G.A. Santayana

Upcoming Events:
August 20 Career Orientation and Whiz Quiz September 3 Sportsfest and Outing September 17 Plant Tour September 24 Coastal Clean-Up

Not minding the muddy waters, PIChE-BC Ka-Bida volunteers personally took seedlings from the mangrove nursery and transferred them to the planting site. A total of 250 seedlings were planted on the coast of Brgy. Camachille with Brgy. Capt. Rosete providing the orientation on proper planting of the seedlings together with its vital role in the balance and protection of the marine ecosystem. Seedlings were provided by the PIChE-BC partner, Pinalakas na Uganayan ng Mangingisda sa Luzon, Mindanao at Visayas (PUMALU-NV) a group of fishermen that promotes awareness in protecting the marine ecosystem through activities that address the problems brought about by climate change. (See page 2.)

PICHEBC BIDA 1 ST INCENTIVE PROGRAM LAUNCHED!

Part of the tree planting event in July 16, 2011 was the launching of Bida1st incentive program for PIChEBC members. Very similar to the KAPARTNER incentive program by the previous Board of Directors of PIChE BC (2010 2011), this program aims to involve the members in all PIChE activities. The theme BIDA1st sa PIChEBC is a revision of the KAPARTNER Program with an upgraded points system. Everyone was excited to hear that the chosen Ka-bida will represent PIChE-BC at the PIChE-National Convention to be held in Surigao City on February 2012 with benefits of free roundtrip airfare, free hotel accommodation and of course great experience. Update of scores will be seen on following The Chain issues.

AD D US ON F AC E BOOK :

P I C H E B A T A A N @ Y A H O O . C O M

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ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM: SCHOLARSHIP GRANT / BAON NI BUNSO PROJECT

and 2 sets of school uniforms. Project proponents and sponsors signed a Pledge of Support which symbolizes their continuous and unwavering support towards these Aeta kids until they have fully completed their High School academic studies. It has been a challenge for these kids to go to school since they would have to walk barefoot for an approximately 2 kilometers from the nearest town high school. Riding in the tricycle would mean a daily expense of 40 pesos for the transportation alone and it would already be more than what their families could afford for. That has been the case until a local community high school was built in their settlement through the selfless effort of Mr. Danilo T. Banal, head teacher of the Biaan Aeta School. This inspired the Rotary Club of Mariveles to create a program that will sustain the education of these kids. PIChE-BC was able to tie-up with this great idea through the invitation of the Rotary Club President needing a more comprehensive and stable financial backing of the project. PIChE representatives who attended the said activity were: Engr. Marlene S. Arcenas, Secretary; Engr. Leslie Isidro, Public Relations Officer; Engr. Dennis T. Pagud, Socio-Civic chairperson and Carlos L. Corpuz, Auditor. PIChE-BC received a Plaque of Appreciation from Rotary Club of Mariveles for Photos by D.T. Pagud partaking with the Scholarship Grant/ Baon ni Bunso 13 Indigenous Aetas will be going to high school this year with full/ Project. (Engr. Carlos L. Corcomplete scholarship, thanks to the Baon ni Bunso program puz) In the tradition of PIChE-BC's Annual Gift Giving Program and other projects committed in serving and helping people in the community, the organization recently partnered with The Rotary Club of Mariveles Ecozone in the "ADOPT-A-SCHOOL Program: Scholarship Grant / Baon ni Bunso Project" which aimed to send thirteen (13) Aeta kids into High School. Awarding of the grant took place on June 1, 2011 at Mariveles Municipal Hall in the presence of Mariveles Mayor Jessie Concepcion, Rotary Club of Mariveles President Mel Lopez, and selected PIChE-Bataan Chapter officers. Thirteen (13) Indigenous Aeta students received a full scholarship from the program which includes a daily allowance of P50 daily for ten (10) months in addition to a complete set of bag and school supplies, a pair of black leather school shoes with 3 pairs of socks,

Rank

Name Carpio, Madison Agbon, Raquel Atendido, John Lagman, Mia Latauan, Edrid Monteclaro Julian Roperos, Leon Tan, JR Castillano, Eugene De Guzman, Kenneth

G A

T P A

Total

1 2

5 0 1 1 5 1 5 1 5 5 5 5 5 0 0

4 7 5 5 1 5 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 4

9 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4

Santos, Keem Tan, David Yan, Edgeline Ortiz, AJ

Warren, Melodie

GROOVING FOR THE M ANGROV ES

As part of the opening program, new board of directors and members were inducted by PIChE-BC advisers, Engr. Nathaniel R. Orillos and Engr. Francis F. Reotutar, respectively. On the other hand, board of directors Engr. Kathleen Donnah P. Reotutar and Engr. Vallan Joseph B. Velasco facilitated the launching of BIDA-1st sa PIChE-BC. The annual tree planting activity was spearheaded by PIChE-BC Treasurer, Engr. Krisabele Ricamonte, together with PIChE-BC Ka-bida, who volunteered to plan and work for the said activity. (Engr. Raquel Agbon)

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G R A D UAT I O N N I G H T
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND ELECTIONS 2011
Graduation night took place highlighting the accomplishments of the members and especially of the ones that landed on the top ten (10) Kapartners Na Maaasahan. It was a night to remember with an event filled with festive entertainment, great achievements and fun-filled memories. The rest of the night was spent with videos, food, games, and great karaoke entertainment. One of the main highlights of the night was the presidents report. Engr. Ryan M. Venzon, now Treasurer of PIChE-National, announces all that transpired during his term, expressing the challenges and as well as the fulfillment of being the leader of the organization. Remembering his past term, he convinced members to recognize how much everyone has achieved. He also showed his appreciation of all the support and guidance of the members and the advisors. The top Kapartner Na Maaasahan award went to Engr. Arjames T. Balgoa. His great involvement and efforts for the organization were truly recognized and praised. In his valedictory speech, he expressed his gratitude, glee and excitement to have been given the opportunity to serve and contribute to the community through PIChE-BC. The other top Kapartners (in order of ranking) were Engrs. Vallan Joseph Velasco, Carlos Corpuz, Jr., Krisabele Ricamonte, Madison Carpio, Marlene Arcenas, Dennis Pagud, Mark Thomas De Villa, John Ryan Tan, Melodie Warren and KateDysan Obrero. Heading forward, the officers term and the results of the election were the leading factors of the past General Assembly. Following the past officiating term, the results of the election proved that the organization will continue the tradition and strive for better. New board of directors were elected by the body with new positions were filled. Engr. Alvin C. Gaspar of Petron Bataan Refinery was the newly elected as the president of PIChE Bataan Chapter. While Arjames T. Balgoa, also of Petron Bataan Refinery was elected as the new vicepresident. Those other elected officials are listed to the right of this column. Until the next General Assembly, lets continue our motivation in serving the community, improved leadership, innovation in our respective fields, fellowship among the members and the desire to contribute to development of the Philippines. (Engr. Kate-Dysan A. Obrero)

Board of Directors
20112011-2012

Alvin C. Gaspar
President

Arjames T. Balgoa
Vice President

Marlene L. Arcenas
Secretary

Krisabele N. Ricamonte
Treasurer

Carlos S. Corpuz, Jr.

Auditor

Lesly Anne O. Isidro

Public Relations Officer

Kate Dysan A. Obrero

Editor-in-Chief The Chain

Committee Heads
Vallan Joseph B. Velasco
Membership

Kathleen Donnah P. Reotutar

Education

Dennis T. Pagud
Socio-Civic

Jurrel D. Pumatong
Ways and Means

Ryan M. Venzon
Treasurer, PIChE-National

Nathaniel R. Orillos Samuel S. Candido Ronald Q. Chiong Aurelio P. Uapal, Jr. Francisco Rizal G. Bumagat, Jr. Rito R. Ladeza Alejandro R. Romulo Rodel D. Lopez Francis F. Reotutar Christopher D. Londres Alexander B. Safran
Advisors
Photos by E.T. Latauan & E.R. Malaki

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P I C H E - B C W I T H E A P F U L F I L L S A D R E A M
C H E M I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G P R O G R A M S C H O L A R S H I P
Main (TIP) and Chester Ian Diwa Go (Adamson). The criteria for the interview were as follows: financial need, academic skill, leadership skill and ability to promote ChE / PIChE-BC Activities. The interviewers were Engr. Alvin Gaspar, Engr. Arjames Balgoa, Engr. Carlos Corpuz and Engr. Kathleen Reotutar. After long deliberation, the chosen PIChE-BCs 2011-2012 scholar was Raymund Hacar Main from Tondo, Manila. Below piece is Raymunds message to PIChE Bataan Chapter: It was a gloomy day. Something was troubling my mind, it was about my expenses for the next semester of my study. It was troubling me all week long when suddenly, I happened to walk by the corridor near our department. It was at that point that I saw the post regarding the Educational Assistance Program of the PICHE-BC. It was like a light in the darkness I was dwelling into for the past few days. It captivated my interest simply because it could help me on my financial problem. I read the post, took note of all the details and told myself, I have to take a shot at this one. It took me a week to process all the requirements except for the TAX exemption of my father. Honestly, I thought of it as unnecessary for the application but upon learning that it is an essential document I immediately told my father to get a copy of his tax exemption on/before the day after tomorrow. Luckily the process didnt take him the whole day and I managed to scan the papers and send it through e-mail before the said deadline of the softcopy. After that, Ive rushed to the nearest LBC branch using my bicycle because at that time the traffic was excessively heavy and the fastest way to get in there in time was through bicycle. After that Ive patiently waited and hoped that I will be able to qualify for the scholarship. It was an answered prayer when I was chosen as one of the short-listed applicants. That news made my day. At least my efforts were not put in vain. Another problem arose, though. How would I go to Bataan?! I havent been there yet. Good thing the internet provided me a handful of information on how to go to Petron Limay, Bataan. Packed with information and some courage, I was set to go. It really felt awkward going to an unfamiliar place. I couldnt sleep on the bus during the entire trip because I might miss my stop. Good thing I was just at the back of the bus driver and from time to time I asked him to remind me if we were already at Petron. It was a relief that I managed to go there safe. A warm welcome was given to us and hospitality was observable. While waiting for the time of interview, I had the chance to talk to some of the engineers who happened to be the interviewer later on. During the interview, the set-up was like our usual research defense in school where there were 4 panelists in front of me asking about myself and why I should qualify for the scholarship. After the interview, food was served and we had lunch altogether with other applicants. The day ended with me going home hoping for a good result. It was Monday when Engineer Kathleen texted me that I was chosen as the PICHE-BC scholar, I was so overwhelmingly happy because at last, I wouldnt have to worry about discontinuing my studies because of financial incapability. While I was doing this letter, I am very thankful to the PICHE-BC for giving me the chance to be their scholar and for giving me a ray of hope that I will be able to finished my studies in time. I do hope that i will be able to help on all of your endeavors in the future. Thank you very much. (Engr. Kathleen Donnah P. Reotutar )

Chemical Engineering Scholarship recipient, Raymond Hacar Main

As part of PIChE - Bataan Chapters commitment to promote the Chemical Engineering profession, the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for deserving students who are pursuing Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering started its search last June 2011. Six universities were invited on this search, however only 6 applicants from 2 universities submitted their complete requirements. Three applicants were short-listed and were interviewed last July 09, 2011. They are Kate Hipolito Edquibal (TIP), Raymund Hacar

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P I C T U R E W A L L

Photos by G.A. Santayana & J.M. Atendido

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P I C T U R E W A L L

Photos by D.T. Pagud, E.R. Malaki & E.T. Latauan