CHED renews Mapúa MCL’s Autonomous Status

By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) has successfully retained its autonomous status, a significant achievement that reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence in education. Granted by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through CHED Memorandum Order No. 07, Series of 2024, this status recognizes Mapúa MCL’s outstanding performance in areas such as program excellence, instruction, scholarly works, community engagement, and institutional quality.

Mapúa MCL is among 77 private higher education institutions (HEIs) that have been granted autonomous status under Memorandum Order 7, signed by CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III. This status, valid until September 15, 2027, allows Mapúa MCL to operate with greater independence and flexibility in its academic programs and operations.

As an HEI granted autonomous status, Mapúa MCL is also given the following benefits: exemption from the issuance of a Special Order (S.O.) for its graduates, privilege to offer extension classes to expand higher education access, priority in the grant of subsidies and other financial incentives or assistance from CHED when funds are available, and privilege to establish linkages with recognized foreign higher education institutions, provided that the existing CHED policies on twinning, networking, and linkages are complied with.

These privileges contribute to Mapúa MCL’s commitment to providing a holistic educational experience and fostering a culture of innovation. Through the collective efforts of the Mapúa MCL community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, Mapúa MCL has solidified its position as one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Philippines.

Mapúa MCL Spreads Joy to the Aeta Community in Porac, Pampanga

By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias

As part of the ongoing celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reducing Inequalities), volunteers from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) organized a meaningful outreach program on October 5, 2024, titled “SamaKatutubo: Hearts and Minds for the Aetas”. Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages shared that ‘the project started in 2015 with some student volunteers and employees who thought of a unique community service project for the Christmas season. That was the first time that Mapua MCL got engaged with the Aetas community.

The program was spearheaded by the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), in collaboration with the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) and the Mapúa MCL Alumni Center. Participated in by more than 50 volunteers composed of students, faculty members, employees, and alumni who organized a feeding program serving hot meals for some 300 Aeta residents and children. Volunteer participation is very strong for being able to gather donations such as rice, canned goods, and other essential supplies from their peers and friends in the Mapua MCL community. Volunteers from the Senior High School, Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education, College of Health Sciences, Mapua Laguna Institute of Aviation, and the Mapua Institute of Technology at Laguna also organized games for the children and interaction activities with the local residents.

Prof. Mesina added that “SamaKatutubo: Hearts and Minds for the Aetas” does not end with the October 5 community engagement which coincides with World Teachers’ Day, stressing that this activity is a unique celebration as students receive a learning experience ‘outside the four walls of the classroom’ by having a meaningful interaction with the Aetas. To maximize the experience, the participants also had a side tour of the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor town which survived the devastation of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991. It showcases a parish museum where photographs of the old and the present Church site are exhibited depicting the resilience of Filipinos in times of disasters and crisis.

The community engagement is also timely as it coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Month that is celebrated in October of every year. Mapúa MCL is set to return to Porac in December 2024 as part of its “Paskong Mapúa Malayan” celebration, continuing its commitment to support indigenous communities and expand its outreach efforts. As a key part of the OneMapúan community, Mapúa MCL reaffirms its dedication to social responsibility and the vision of “One Sustainable Goal,” ensuring that its efforts contribute to lasting positive change. Students, faculty members, employees, alumni and other partners are encouraged to collaborate with OSPGE and the Alumni Center on ways to help.

The Role of Aviation in Sustainable Development (SDG 9)

As part of the celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Captain Michael John P. Reyes, the Dean of Mapúa-Laguna Institute of Aviation (MIA), delivered an insightful lecture on the role of aviation travel in advancing sustainable development. The lecture was part of the ongoing ASEAN Lecture Series, spearheaded by the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), and supported the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

As part of the celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Captain Michael John P. Reyes, the Dean of Mapúa-Laguna Institute of Aviation (MIA), delivered an insightful lecture on the role of aviation travel in advancing sustainable development. The lecture was part of the ongoing ASEAN Lecture Series, spearheaded by the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), and supported the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The lecture concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where Captain Reyes enthusiastically interacted with students, showing commitment to fostering a dialogue on aviation’s role in sustainable development, inspiring students to delve deeper into this important topic

Research Forum Highlights: Innovative Solutions for Clean Water and Flood Management Strategies

The sixth session of the August ASEAN Lecture Series, organized by the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), is a research forum which brought together insightful discussions on critical environmental issues. The forum featured Ms. Jonalyn G. Ebron, Program Chair for the BS Computer Science program, and Ms. Banjie G. Sarmiento, Program Chair for BS Biology, as guest speakers, and Dr. Hermie V. Articona, Director of the Research Promotion and Coordination Office, as moderator for the event.

Tech for H2O: Innovative Solutions for Clean Water

Ms. Jonalyn G. Ebron opened the forum with a compelling presentation on her research titled “Tech for H2O: Innovative Solutions for Clean Water,” aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. She introduced “Project Lawa,” a groundbreaking initiative focused on the design and implementation of computational modeling and integrated mapping for water quality monitoring.

Project Lawa, developed in collaboration with students from the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS), is an innovative device that continuously monitors water quality. The device transmits real-time data to a custom-built website, allowing for remote monitoring of water conditions. Currently, three devices are operational in different bodies of water across Cabuyao, Laguna. The lecture emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance the project, particularly in developing an unsinkable version of the device.

The first speaker concluded the presentation with a compelling call to action, inspiring the audience to explore the potential of technology to solve global problems such as water scarcity and to support innovative initiatives like Project Lawa.

Typhoon Awareness and Flood Management: The Case of Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Bay, Laguna

The second expert in the forum, Ms. Banjie G. Sarmiento presented her research titled “Typhoon Awareness and Flood Management Measures: The Case of Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Bay, Philippines,” which supports SDG 13: Climate Action. Her study sought to identify correlations between typhoon awareness, mitigation, and resilience practices with the socio-economic profiles of residents in Barangay Santo Domingo, Bay, Laguna. The research also aimed to create a flood susceptibility map and identify evacuation sites,

while developing recommendations to improve typhoon awareness and reduce the impact of floods in the area.

The discussion provided an in-depth explanation of the methodology used to create the flood susceptibility map and identify potential evacuation zones. The research findings revealed that while there was no direct correlation between socio-economic profiles and typhoon awareness, there was a significant link between income levels and mitigation practices. Also, house ownership was significantly associated with resilience to typhoons.

In her recommendations, Ms. Sarmiento emphasized the importance of the strict implementation of RA 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and the enhancement of both structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures. She also suggested identifying additional evacuation sites near Brgy. Santo Domingo, including the Bay Municipal Hall, to ensure the safety of the residents. She ended her lecture by urging everyone to act, referencing the Climate Change Act of 2009, which integrates disaster risk reduction measures into climate change adaptation plans and poverty reduction programs.

The second speaker concluded the presentation by emphasizing the urgent need to strictly implement RA 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and enhance both structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures. In alignment with the Climate Change Act of 2009, the discussion urged everyone to take proactive steps to reduce disaster risks and address climate change challenges.

Bridging Research Gaps and Encouraging Student Involvement

To address potential research gaps, Dr. Hermie V. Articona provided insightful suggestions on how to bridge these gaps, stressing the importance of continuous research in finding solutions to environmental challenges. He encouraged students to actively engage in research, highlighting its critical role in driving innovation and progress.

The research forum highlighted the successful collaboration between various fields in addressing the pressing issues of clean water and climate change. It demonstrated the effectiveness of combining technology and scientific knowledge to develop innovative solutions. The forum emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives and skills in creating impactful solutions that can benefit people and communities worldwide.

Promoting Responsible Speech: A Balancing Act Between Freedom of Expression and Discipline (SDG 16)

The fifth installment of the ASEAN Lecture Series was led by Atty. Maria Eloisa R. Gan, the Senior Vice President for Administration and Legal of Mapua MCL. Atty. Gan’s lecture, titled “Balancing Freedom of Expression and Speech with Discipline,” was a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between exercising one’s rights and maintaining social order. Her presentation was aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions focusing on the complexities that arise when freedom of speech intersects with legal and ethical boundaries.

The lecture explored the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the need for discipline. It delved into the challenges of navigating these overlapping areas, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the legal rights and the accompanying responsibilities. Through real-world examples, the discussion illustrated how freedom of speech can sometimes clash with societal norms or legal constraints, offering guidance on exercising these rights responsibly while respecting the law and the rights of others.

The lecture was followed by an engaging open forum, moderated by Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, the Assistant Vice President for the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL). Students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the complexities of freedom of expression in diverse contexts. The discussion delved into various scenarios, prompting thoughtful consideration of where freedom of speech and expression might cross the line into excess. Atty. Gan responded to each question with insight and clarity, providing a balanced perspective that resonated with the audience.

The lecture on “Balancing Freedom of Expression and Speech with Discipline” not only deepened the students’ understanding of the intricate balance between rights and responsibilities but also reinforced the significance of upholding justice and strong institutions in achieving ASEAN’s broader goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Strengthening Communities, Promoting Well-being (SDG 3): The Power of Human Connection

As part of the ongoing ASEAN Lecture Series at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapua MCL), the fourth installment was led by Dr. Mahjalin Araiza B. Diez, the Program Chair of BS Psychology from the College of Health Sciences (CHS). Her lecture, titled “The Power of Human Connection: How Social Bonds Foster Resilience,” was a deep dive into the significance of social connections in promoting mental health and resilience, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Dr. Diez began her talk by sharing personal anecdotes from the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption, a pivotal moment in her life. As someone who lived through the disaster, she recounted the overwhelming fear and trauma she experienced during those uncertain days. Her narrative not only illustrated the emotional toll that natural disasters can take but also highlighted the incredible resilience that can emerge through human connections and social support.

The speaker highlighted the crucial role of mental health in overall well-being, especially when facing challenges. It explored various coping mechanisms that can empower individuals, particularly students, to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Dr. Diez expressed a deep passion for the concept of human connection, describing it as a cornerstone of resilience. She reinforced this point with a memorable quote: “In an age of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, the value of human connection cannot be overstated.”

The session was a dynamic exchange that encouraged active participation from the audience. After the lecture, students eagerly seized the opportunity to ask questions, sparking a lively Q&A session, with the speaker responding to each inquiry with enthusiasm, providing thoughtful and detailed answers that enhanced the learning.

Promoting Equality, Boosting Economies: The Economic Benefits of SDG 5

As part of the continuous celebration of the 57th Founding Anniversary of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE) hosted a lecture series featuring distinguished experts from various fields.

In the third installment of this series, Ms. Christie C. Amores, a faculty member from the College of Arts and Science (CAS), delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the economic benefits of gender parity. The lecture began by defining gender parity as a state of equal opportunity and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their gender. It emphasized that achieving gender parity is not merely a social justice issue but also a critical economic imperative. By investing in gender equality, societies can unlock significant economic benefits and promote sustainable development.

To foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, the speaker actively engaged the audience in the discussion. She solicited perspectives from both male and female students, encouraging them to share their experiences and insights. By facilitating open dialogue, she created a space for critical reflection and learning.

The lecture was a resounding success, captivating the audience with its insightful exploration of gender equality. The presentation not only provided valuable information but also inspired critical thinking about the issue.

Designing for Resilience: Architecture’s Role in Achieving SDG 15 and Sustainable Land Use

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to commemorate its 57th Founding Anniversary with a series of events aimed at fostering regional cooperation and development. As part of this initiative, the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE) organized a lecture series featuring prominent experts from various fields in commemoration of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) 57th Founding Anniversary.

Ar. Alvin P. Tejada, a faculty member from the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL), delivered a compelling presentation on the critical importance of resilient architecture in the second installment of this series. His lecture emphasized the necessity of designing and constructing buildings that can withstand natural disasters and other environmental challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

The lecture was both informative and inspiring, capturing the attention of the student-attendees. The audience was particularly impressed by his emphasis on the necessity of creating buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient enough to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.

The lecture on Designing for Resilient Buildings was a notable success, with Ar. Tejada’s expertise and passion for sustainable design deeply resonating with the audience and leaving a lasting impact. His insights not only inspired a deeper appreciation for resilient architecture but also reinforced the urgent need for sustainable practices in building design to meet the challenges of our evolving environment.