Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna

Mapúa MCL Joins Brigada Eskwela 2023

Mapúa MCL Joins Brigada Eskwela 2023

 

Brigada Eskwela is an annual program of the Department of Education. In 2022, the theme was ‘Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas ra Balik-Aral’ and it highlighted the collective efforts from various partners of the schools at the local and national levels to address children’s learning gaps and create a safe learning environment for both the learners, teaching and nonteaching personnel, and the entire community for the achievement of quality basic education.

 

 

Specifically, the program boosts the schools’ maintenance and repair activities, which includes the provision of the immediate needs of both the schools and children. Brigada Eskwela 2022 focused on providing the students with health essentials due to the Covid 19 pandemic and addressing resource gaps for the reopening of face-to-face classes. The program also strengthened engagements with partners and stakeholders (i.e., private sector, academe, industries) that complement the efforts of the DepEd to ensure quality basic education. The MMCL has been regularly participating in the annual observance of Brigada Eskwela by providing all essential kinds of donations (i.e., alcohol, face masks, school supplies, and materials for renovation of the school building) to its partner schools from the Province of Laguna.

 

 

 

A Collaboration for Resilience: The Mapúa MCL and UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) Partnership

A Collaboration for Resilience: The Mapúa MCL and UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) Partnership

 

 

The collaboration between Mapúa MCL and the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) will soon be finalized through a Memorandum of Understanding with both parties agreeing to be partners in promoting resilience through Research and Development (R&D), capacity building, sharing of useful resources and information, and other related activities.

Since last year, UPRI and Mapúa MCL have conducted relevant activities that support each other’s objectives and programs. UPRI participated in Mapúa MCL’s webinar last January 6, 2023 titled, “Climate Action and Disaster Resilience: An Academe-Enterprise Collaboration.” This activity of Mapúa MCL is part of the initiatives under the school’s SECRA program, which is a three-year project co-funded by the Erasmus+ of the European Union (EU). The Executive Director of UPRI, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay gave a talk on the initiatives of the Institute, particularly on the hazard monitoring activities of what used to be Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), now UP Resilience Institute. He also discussed the current status, gaps, and the needs of the country related to hazard monitoring, disaster risks, calamity response, and other related issues. Lastly, Dr. Lagmay highlighted the importance of probabilistic models to the faculty and student participants.

The collaboration between Mapúa MCL and the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) will soon be finalized through a Memorandum of Understanding with both parties agreeing to be partners in promoting resilience through Research and Development (R&D), capacity building, sharing of useful resources and information, and other related activities.

Since last year, UPRI and Mapúa MCL have conducted relevant activities that support each other’s objectives and programs. UPRI participated in Mapúa MCL’s webinar last January 6, 2023 titled, “Climate Action and Disaster Resilience: An Academe-Enterprise Collaboration.” This activity of Mapúa MCL is part of the initiatives under the school’s SECRA program, which is a three-year project co-funded by the Erasmus+ of the European Union (EU). The Executive Director of UPRI, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay gave a talk on the initiatives of the Institute, particularly on the hazard monitoring activities of what used to be Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), now UP Resilience Institute. He also discussed the current status, gaps, and the needs of the country related to hazard monitoring, disaster risks, calamity response, and other related issues. Lastly, Dr. Lagmay highlighted the importance of probabilistic models to the faculty and student participants.

 

 

To further reinforce the foundations of the partnership, Mapúa MCL Team composed of its administrators visited the UPRI Institute on June 1, 2023. The visiting MMCL Team is Days after the webinar, an online exploratory meeting between Mapúa MCL and UPRI was conducted with administrators and officers of both institutions as participants. During the meeting, Dr. Lagmay discussed potential projects that Mapúa MCL can start. He also discussed the Citizen Science initiative which Mapúa MCL can utilize as a model. Citizen Science is the collection and analysis of data coming from participating members of the general public who serve as collaborators contributing data to scientists and researchers.

composed of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Engr. Anthony Hilmer S. Medrano, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Engr. Maribel G. Songsong, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Director for Research Dr. Hermie V. Articona, MITL Dean Engr. Jesunino R. Aquino, CCIS Dean Khristian G. Kikuchi, and Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE) Director Ms. Pearl Stephanie Ulep. They were given a tour of the facilities of UPRI and was oriented on the activities of the institute.

 

 

The most recent activity between the two institutions was the visit of SECRA international participants to the UP Resilience Institute last November 17, 2023. Facilitated by the SECRA Philippine Team composed of Mapúa MCL, Ateneo de Manila University, and Philippine Normal University, SECRA participants from UK, Estonia, Sweden, Sri Lanaka, and Thailand visited the UPRI. They were oriented on the work of the institute during the visit. Also, they were able to witness a demonstration on how hazards are monitored by the institute. Lastly, they were given opportunities to see actual published reports given to LGUs who ask UPRI’s assistance in mapping out risks in their area.

Both Mapúa MCL and the UP Resilience Institute are looking forward to having a Memorandum of Understanding to make the partnership official. Under the MOU, they are hoping to conduct more productive activities, research projects, and other capacity building activities that would benefit not only the members of the two institutions, but the whole nation as well.

 

Mapúa MCL’s Project Lawa Team visits the LSPU NICER’s Tadlac Lake Project

Mapúa MCL’s Project Lawa Team visits the LSPU NICER’s Tadlac Lake Project

 

The Mapúa MCL’s Project Lawa Team headed by Prof. Jonalyn G. Ebron visited the Tadlac Lake Water Quality Monitoring Project under the Niche Centers in the Region for Research and Development or also called as the ‘NICER’ Program of Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) in their Los Baños Campus. NICER is one of the programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). NICER provides grants to equip HEIs to produce quality research projects and technology that will promote the development of their region.

 

 

 

Prof. Ebron, together with the Research Director, Dr. Hermie V. Articona, and student researcher, Michael James F. Gnilo visited LSPU’s Los Baños campus to know more about the Tadlac Lake Project. The objective of the meeting is for Mapúa MCL’s team to understand the implementation and nature of the Tadlac Lake project and to gather inputs that would help define the scope and features of Prof. Ebron’s project. Project Lawa is developing research undertaking from Mapúa MCL’s College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS). The goal of this project is to create an efficient AI-based water quality monitoring system, which employs computational modeling and integrated mapping to help protect the lakes in the CALABARZON Region. The meeting between Mapúa MCL and LSPU’s NICER Team was suggested by the local DOST Region 4A office to encourage researchers with the same objectives to explore possible collaboration and technology integration thereby enhancing the implementation of their respective projects.

 

 

 

The LSPU’s NICER Team headed by Prof. Jonardo R. Asor, together with project staffs, Gene Marck Catedrilla and Jefferson L. Lerios, research assistant Glend Ferrer, and their consultant Director Christian Paul de la Cruz, currently manages the water quality monitoring project in Tadlac, which will end December this year. Though the project is about to end, Prof. Asor hopes to continue the research so their team can conduct more useful activities that would help protect Tadlac and other lakes within the region.

 

 

 

Overall, the meeting was fruitful for both institutions. LSPU’s Los Baños Campus Director, Engr. Manuel Luis R. Alvarez and the Mapúa MCL Team have identified areas for collaboration that both schools may explore in the future, specifically on enhancing Engineering programs and conducting joint research projects.

Mapúa MCL presents Research Initiatives on Resilience at SECRA Meeting

Mapúa MCL presents Research Initiatives on Resilience at SECRA Meeting

 

 

Mapúa MCL presents two research initiatives on resilience during the Strengthening University-Enterprise Collaboration for Resilient Communities in Asia (SECRA) Meeting held from October 8 to 14, 2023 at Mid Sweden University, in the city of Östersund, Sweden. SECRA is a three-year project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union (EU). It aims to promote the development of resilient communities in Asia by creating innovative and productive collaborative projects between academic institutions and their industry partners within the context of disaster risk reduction and risk management.

Dr. Hermie V. Articona, the Director for Research of Mapúa MCL, presented a developing research project and a published paper of faculty members, both reflecting the research thrust of the institution which is anchored primarily on sustainability and technology development. These research initiatives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), SDG 11 and 17. SDG 11 is anchored on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. On the other hand, SDG 17 is focused on promoting global partnerships for sustainable development – which is the main objective of the SECRA program.

 

 

The first research project presented is entitled, “PROJECT LAWA: Design and Implementation of Computational Modeling and Integrated Mapping for Water Quality Monitoring.” The lead for this project is Prof. Jonalyn G. Ebron from the College of Computer and Information Science. While the second presented work is a published paper in the business category entitled, “Impact of Entrepreneurial Characteristics on the Business Resiliency of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Philippines.” The faculty author of this published paper is Prof. Donn Enrique L. Moreno from the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business.

These research initiatives reflect the two pathways that Mapúa MCL can pursue to help build resilient communities. The first pathway centers on the development of technology that can help us understand and manage environmental hazards, that are useful during disasters, and that can aid the needs of the community post-disaster events. The second pathway is anchored on building resilient Micro, small and medium entreprises (MSMEs), which can help sustain the economy especially during the aftermath of devastating disasters. Maintaining sources of income is crucial in rebuilding communities during the post disaster recovery period. Mapúa MCL’s Project Lawa falls on the first category, while the study on resilient MSMEs falls under the second category.

 

 

Project Lawa aims to create an efficient AI-based water quality monitoring system, which employs computational modeling and integrated mapping to help protect the lakes in the CALABARZON Region. An efficient and accurate system that would regularly monitor the general health of the lakes in the region is crucial in building sustainable and resilient communities. The Project Lawa Team hopes to raise awareness and concern on the issues surrounding water quality, and solicit action by bringing together local communities, agencies, Local Government Units (LGU), Non-Government Organizations (NGO), and other stakeholders near the target lake where the technology will be deployed.

From another standpoint, the author of the published paper on MSMEs, Prof. Moreno, sees business resilience as equally vital as building strong infrastructures and communities that can withstand disasters. Understanding the entrepreneurial characteristics and their contribution to the development of a resilient entrepreneurial mindset is integral in shaping the behavior of local businessmen. Specifically, creating a mindset that can survive and consistently endure yearly episodes of calamities in the Philippines such as typhoons, flooding, and other usual geographically related disasters affecting MSMEs.

Overall, the successful week-long SECRA Sweden Meeting became a venue for fruitful academic and research discussions giving partner institutions from Thailand, Sri Lanka, UK, Estonia, Philippines, and Sweden the opportunity to discuss important environmental, social, academic, and governance issues. The participants from the 13 partner academic institutions discussed the main targets of their work packages that include policy review plans, future research projects on resilience, and collaborative strategies that would help achieve the common endeavor, which is to build a stronger and more resilient Asian communities.

Mapúa MCL B.S. Psychology students spearhead activities for Mental Health Month 2023

Mapúa MCL B.S. Psychology students spearhead activities for Mental Health Month 2023

 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL’s) B.S. Psychology students and Ugnayan ng Malayang Sikolohiya (UgMaSiko) members spearheaded a series of Mental Health Activities last October 2023 in line with the celebration of Mental Health Month such as Psych Fair and Mandala Art Exhibit. These activities aimed to promote mental health awareness and to provide mental health support to the people staying at Bahay ni Maria and Marilac Hills-National Training School for Girls.

The Psych Fair, held on October 4, 2023, at the ETY Lobby, featured booths from various organizations that provide mental health awareness. Mapúa MCL students were able to learn about different mental health conditions, learn how to access mental health resources, and participate in activities that promoted mental well-being.

In collaboration with Mapúa MCL’s Center for Service and Community Engagement (CSCE), UgMaSiko also conducted an outreach program where Psychology students shared their musical talent at the Psych Fair to gather donations for Bahay ni Maria, home for the aged.

 

 

The Mandala Art Exhibit, held from October 15 to November 13, 2023 at the ETY Lobby, featured mandalas created by PSY111 students. The exhibit promoted the use of art to cope with stress and promote mental well-being.

 

On October 25, 2023, PSY113 students engaged with the community at Marilac Hills-National Training School for Girls. They conducted an outreach program at the center that provides residential care and rehabilitation to minor girls who are survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and children in conflict with the law. The program entitled ‘Si Maganda ay Malakas din’ involved a series of workshops and activities that focused on mental health awareness, stress management, and self-care.

The activities were well-received by the residents of the school and provided the students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

 

 

These Mental Health Activities provided the Mapúa MCL B.S. Psychology students with the opportunity to learn about mental health, apply their knowledge, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Mapúa MCL Participates in the Sunway University’s Global Partners Day

Mapúa MCL Participates in the Sunway University’s Global Partners Day

 

By: Pearl Stephanie D. Ulep

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) remains steadfast in its mission to provide the students with a learning environment that would transform them into globally competitive professionals. In unwavering pursuit of its global goals, Mapúa MCL continuously forges connections and collaborations with higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe. The Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL) and the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE) play a central role in advancing this commitment, diligently cultivating partnerships with institutions worldwide.

 

 

Representatives from OERGL and OSPGE participated in the Global Partners Day hosted by Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 10, 2023. Sunway University is a renowned Malaysian private university committed to providing quality education and conducting research that addresses pressing global issues. Through the Cintana Alliance, a global network of universities that are committed to provide high-quality and accessible education to students around the world, the partnership between Mapua MCL and Sunway University can empower both institutions to achieve their academic objectives, prepare students for a world interconnected by globalization, and contribute to tackling global challenges.

The Global Partners Day served as a platform for academic institutions to exchange best practices across regions and diverse fields of study. This event presented Mapúa MCL with a valuable opportunity to establish connections with potential partners from around the globe. The gathering brought together representatives from HEIs to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening academic and research collaborations.

 

 

Mapúa MCL effectively utilized this platform to connect with potential partners from Malaysia, Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. These connections could lead to future collaborations in areas such as student exchange programs, joint research projects, and faculty development initiatives. Mapúa MCL also seized the opportunity to learn from other institutions at the Global Partners Day. Through the exchange of ideas and best practices, Mapúa MCL can continuously improve its own international engagement efforts.

 

 

Overall, Mapúa MCL’s participation in the Global Partners Day was a success. The event not only helped to strengthen the school’s international networks but also provided a platform to share best practices and learn from others. These efforts are consistent with Mapúa MCL’s vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in professional education and research, empowering its students and faculty members to engage actively and effectively in the ever-evolving global higher education landscape.

For inquiries on international linkages and global engagement, the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (ERGL) may be reached via email: [email protected]

 

 

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Regional Cooperation Efforts with Universities in Malaysia and Indonesia

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Regional Cooperation Efforts with Universities in Malaysia and Indonesia

 

By: Ivana Ruth C. Vidal

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) reconnects with universities in Malaysia to establish linkages with higher education institutions in the Southeast Asian region. Side-by-side with the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia Pacific Higher Education Summit 2023, key officers and students visited Taylor’s University, INTI International University, Asia Pacific University of Innovation and Technology, Sunway University, and University Kebangsaan Malaysia from November 6 to 8, 2023.

Joining the visits are: Engr. Maribel G. Songsong, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages; Prof. Khristian G. Kikuchi, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Science; Ms. Pearl Stephanie DL. Ulep, Director of the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement; Engr. Maribelle Pabiania, Program Chair of Computer Engineering; Prof. Donn Enrique Moreno, Program Chair of Business Administration; Ms. Ivana Ruth Vidal, Program Assistant for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement; and Business Administration Students, Mark Laurens Corales and Princess Sarah Casas.

 

 

Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages emphasized the need for inter-university collaboration to boost Mapúa MCL’s internationalization efforts. Universities in countries that are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are strategic partners, as regional cooperation can quickly be done with relaxed immigration requirements and flexible mobility program arrangements.

One of the strategic initiatives of Mapúa MCL is its entry into the alliance under Cintana Education, with more than 20 universities collaborating to improve teaching and learning, research, internationalization, and innovation programs. Sunway University, the newest member of the Cintana alliance, is expected to have cooperation activities with Mapúa MCL’s College of Health Sciences and the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business.

With the schools visited, Mapúa MCL has existing partnerships with a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement with INTI International University and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU-IIT). Prof. Mesina mentioned that for 2024, Mapúa MCL and INTI are targeting engagements in organizing student mobility activities for the students and visiting scholar arrangements for the College of Computer and Information and Science. For APU-IIT, research collaboration is expected for the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business. These universities are reputable institutions as ranked in QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

 

 

For inquiries on international linkages and global engagement, the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (ERGL) may be reached via email: [email protected].

 

Mapúa MCL CCIS Students Win in Samsung Create National Idea Contest

Mapúa MCL CCIS Students Win in Samsung Create National Idea Contest

 

 

 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) celebrated a significant achievement as its Computer and Information Science (CCIS) students—Job J. Lipat, Madeline Isabel A. Galang, and Charmaine Eunice I. Rabano—won Third Place in the Samsung Create National Idea contest. On August 24, 2023, the trio showcased their project, “MoChat,” in this nationally recognized, research-driven competition held at Melchor Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman.

The Samsung Create National Idea contest stands as a pivotal platform, encouraging young minds to leverage cutting-edge technological trends to enhance and elevate the Filipino lifestyle through innovative applications. Amidst a competitive arena, Lipat, Galang, and Rabano successfully secured third place among ten finalists, winning against a pool of 50 submissions, inclusive of non-finalist entries.

The project, “MoChat,” captured attention with its pioneering concept—a smartwatch application diverging from traditional user inputs of typing and tapping. Instead, it employed gesture recognition technology, revolutionizing the way messages are sent or speech is generated through the device.

Their achievement reflects Mapúa MCL’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence among its students, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent, creativity, and technical prowess on a national platform like the Samsung Create National Idea Contest.

BMMA student secures victory in San Juan City’s Photo and Video Contest

BMMA student secures victory in San Juan City’s Photo and Video Contest

 

 

Nickymar or Nico Binwag, a 22-year-old B. Multimedia Arts student at Mapúa Malayan Colleges, Laguna, won first place in San Juan City’s “Makabagong San Juan-Pinaglabanan Shrine Photo and Video Contest” last August 30, 2023 and also received a substantial cash prize for his work.

During his conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Binwag explained that his winning entry focused on the historical essence of San Juan rather than the conventional approach of promoting tourism through vibrant images. Opting for a black and white presentation, he aimed to allow the audience to concentrate on the historical significance without distraction.

Reflecting on his success, Binwag emphasized the accessibility of photography, stating during his interview with Manila Bulletin, “You do not need expensive gear or equipment to have the best output, just (to) be able to photograph a subject that can tell stories….”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, he thanked San Juan City for the opportunity given to him via a social media post. Binwag’s recent success underscores the effectiveness of the institution’s approach in producing professionals who stand out in their respective fields.

Celebrating Success: First Mapúa MCL College Graduates Send-Off 2023

Celebrating Success: First Mapúa MCL College Graduates Send-Off 2023

 

On September 20, 2023, a momentous event unfolded at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL). The very first College Graduates Send-Off happened at the Mapúa MCL Grandstand, organized by our very own B.S. Architecture student, Ms. Belen Mariese Panganiban, the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL) Student Council, and the Supreme Student Council in partnership with the Admissions and Student Recruitment Office. This send-off event was a poignant celebration of the Class of 2023’s academic journey.

 

 

As the College Graduates of 2023 stand at the threshold of a new chapter in their lives, Mapúa MCL wanted to honor their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout their time at the institution. The College Graduates Send-Off was a vibrant and touching affair, serving as a reminder of the strong sense of community and camaraderie that defines our institution. Graduates from the six Mapúa MCL colleges came together to commemorate their achievements and to express their gratitude to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping their academic and personal growth.

 

 

The highlight of the evening was a captivating firework display that lit up the night sky to the song “Long Live” by 12-time Grammy winner, Taylor Swift. The burst of colors mirrored the graduates’ vibrant dreams and was a fitting conclusion to an evening filled with reflection, celebration, and unity.

 

 

The College Graduates Send-Off is not just a one-time event but the start of a new Mapúa MCL annual tradition that will unite generations of Mapúans in the years to come.

 

 

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2023, we wish them success and happiness in all their future endeavors. May the memories and lessons learned at Mapúa MCL be a guiding light on their journey ahead.