PIChE Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna Chapters hold Southern Luzon Regional Symposium 2024 at Mapúa MCL
Article by: Angela Amor Balagon
Chemical engineering professionals and students in South Luzon geared up for a transformative event focused on integrating sustainability principles into chemical engineering practice. The Francisco Balagtas Auditorium at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) buzzed with energy on Saturday, May 25, 2024, as this year’s Southern Luzon Regional Symposium “Reimagining System for a Sustainable Future” unfolded. The event was a collaborative effort between the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna Chapters, with support from AMCON, ICI Systems Inc., JGC Philippines, Inc., and Universal Robina Corporation, boasting a full-house venue.
Participants delved into crucial discussions and an open forum. The symposium encouraged cooperation among attendees and offered technical insights, empowering them to actively contribute to sustainability initiatives and implement sustainable systems in their respective areas of expertise—laying the groundwork for a sustainable tomorrow that transcends borders and disciplines.
The symposium covered a wide range of topics, from waste management and environmental preservation to climate change mitigation and corporate sustainability efforts, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Dr. Monet Concepcion M. Detras from the University of the Philippines Los Baños discussed “Thermochemical Conversion Technologies for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management,” focusing on optimizing biochar production from MSW through pyrolysis. MSW management faces several challenges today, including technological adaptation, economic capital, regulatory issues, environmental health, and public perception. Despite these challenges, Dr. Detras highlighted the opportunities in MSW management, such as energy generation, environmental benefits, integration of technological advancements into sustainable solutions, among others.
In photo: Dr. Detras
Engr. Sherwin B. Valeroso, PIChE Cavite President and Supervising Environmental Management Specialist from the General Trias City Government, presented “Localized Issues on Sustainable Development and the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP): Onwards Achieving Class SB Level Water Quality,” focusing on recommendations for improving the water quality of Manila Bay. Engr. Valeroso shared the goal of achieving Class SB level for Manila Bay to make it suitable for ecotourism, recreational activities, and primary contact recreation such as swimming and skin diving. Additionally, he shared his achievements for the Operational Plan of Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS) implementations—highlighting localized solutions to issues of sustainable development.
In photo: Engr. Valeroso
Mr. Jimson Solatre from Energy Development Corporation presented “Journey to Net Zero: Understanding the IPCC Report, Climate Change Impacts, and Strategies for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizing long-term responses. Mr. Solatre presented the Sixth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report, the importance of net-zero emissions, technologies, and strategies to combat climate change. He also shared Energy Development Corporation’s Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) on corporate responsibility and green financing. With a collaborative effort in the Philippines’ private sector, including companies like Unilever, Mondelez International, and Converge, NZCA targets carbon neutrality by 2050.
In photo: Mr. Solatre
Engr. Meg Anne Santos, a chemical engineering graduate of Mapúa MCL Class of 2013, and the current Head of Sustainability at Nestlé Philippines, discussed “Sustainability at Nestlé Philippines,” emphasizing the company’s endeavors towards achieving sustainability goals such as waste reduction, renewable energy use, and regenerative agriculture, where they aim to achieve net zero by 2050. Nestlé’s milestone min transitioning towards 100% renewable energy encourages its competitors to shift to renewable energy, reduce plastic packaging, and invest in sustainability. Engr. Santos shared Nestlé’s environmental commitment—”binawasan ang plastic pero hindi ang laman” (Reduced plastic but not the contents)—while ensuring their products remain high-quality and affordable, making them accessible to the masses.
In photo: Engr. Meg Anne Santos
Dr. Rex B. Demafelis from the University of the Philippines Los Baños tackled “Becoming a Partner to the United Nations’ Race to Zero Campaign,” showcasing initiatives toward carbon neutrality and sustainability. Dr. Demafelis, the current Dean of the UPLB College of Chemical Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, shared his accomplishments in interdisciplinary biofuels research and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He encourages universities and colleges to take part in the Race to Zero, a global initiative to pledge and commit to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030.
In photo: Dr. Rex B. Demafelis
Dr. Nathaniel Dugos, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Engineer and the National President of PIChE, shared insights on “Navigating the ChE Profession’s Core Principles and Practices” as well as the roles and responsibilities of PIChE and its members. Dr. Dugos, a professor and member of the curriculum committee and council of chemical engineering at De La Salle University, Manila, discussed career progression and specialization programs for chemical engineers.
In photo: Dr. Nathaniel Dugos
The event was graced by Engr. Alexander Jimuel Vibar, also a chemical engineering graduate at Mapúa MCL Class of 2020, and ranked 6th in the October 2021 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination, representing JGC Philippines, Inc. – the largest Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) company in the country. Engr. Vibar, who is currently a process engineer at JGC, imparted insights into his career journey and professional experiences during the event.
In photo: Engr. Vibar
Also present at the event are Dr. Myra G. Borines, President of PIChE Laguna, and Engr. Albert A. Samuela, ASEAN Engineer and President of PIChE Batangas, and Engr. Jesuniño R. Aquino, the Dean and Chemical Engineering Program Chair at Mapùa Malayan Colleges Laguna, taking pride in the success of Mapúa MCL alumni who participated in the event.
In photo: of PIChE Laguna Pres. Boriner and PIChE Batangas Pres. Samuela
In photo: Dean Aquino w/ ACES-MMCL Representatives
The event was filled with excitement, featuring three minor cash prizes and a major prize of a 32” smart television. Additionally, student volunteers and interns from the Association of Chemical Engineering Mapúa MCL (ACES – MMCL), KAMALAYAN, the Mapúa MCL media partner, and Batangas State University Alangilan contributed by assisting and facilitating throughout the event.
