27 JULY 2009. VOLUME 41. NUMBER 4. 12 PAGES

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CBE researchers tackleglobalization

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University recognizes new batch of Star Scholars

DLSU, Metrobank inkscholarship program for outstanding teachers

University Fellow named as ASEAN senior researcher

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2401 (twen´te fôr´,o, wun) is a landmark number along Taft Avenue. It is the location ID of De La Salle University, home to outstanding faculty and students, and birthplace of luminaries in business, public service, education, the arts, and science. And 2401 is the name of the official newsletter of DLSU, featuring developments and stories of interest about the University.

Intal has been with the University for 10 years and is the founding executive director of the DLSU-Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies. Prior to joining DLSU, Intal was president of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and was deputy director-general of the National

Economic and Development Authority.Presently headquartered in Jakarta,

Indonesia under the auspices of the ASEAN Secretariat, ERIA functions as an independent research institute. Its research undertakings are used as inputs during the Ministerial and National Leaders’ Summits of the ASEAN.

University Fellow named as senior researcher at regional institUte

University Fellow and Professor of Economics Dr. Ponciano Intal, Jr. was recently named as senior researcher at the newly-established Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

De Castro’s article “Confronting China’s Charm Offensive in East Asia: a Simple Matter of Fighting Fire with Fire?” came out in Issues and Studies (March 2009) of the Institute of International Relations of National Chenchi University in the Republic of China. Issues and Studies is a peer-reviewed Thompson-listed scientific journal specializing on China Studies and on the International Relations of East Asia.

His other article “Assessing the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security: Issues and Challenges in Regional Energy Cooperation” came out in an edited volume on Energy and

Security Cooperation in East Asia published by the Swedish Institute of Security and Development Policy in Stockholm, Sweden. The book contains the various academic papers read during a conference on East Asian Energy Security that was held in Nanyang University in Singapore in September 2007.

In a related development, De Castro presented a paper titled “The ASEAN States and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in the 21st Century: The Challenge of Balancing between the Dragon and the Rising Sun” in a symposium on “Southeast Asia between China and Japan” that was held in the

University of Hong Kong from June 29 to 30. The article examines the internal dynamics within the ARF that has been generated by the increasing competition between these two great East Asian powers.

De Castro is currently based in Arizona State University as the U.S. State Department Research Fellow from the Philippines.

thompson-listed joUrnal and book FeatUre isd FacUlty’s articles The articles of International Studies Department Full Professor Dr. Renato Cruz De Castro have been published recently in a Thompson-listed scientific journal and an edited volume on East Asian energy security.

The TEACH Scholarship Program is offered to past awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers to provide an opportunity for them to obtain professional advancement and academic excellence.

Under the scholarship program, the DLSU College of Education (CED) will offer courses leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in Educational Leadership and Management (Executive Program) or a master’s program with thesis. CED will provide five slots each for the PhD and master’s program with 100% waiver of tuition and fees.

The full waiver of tuition and fees for the scholarship will cover the required 12 units Education/MA prerequisite courses and the six units Advanced Technical Reading and Writing in English. The scholarship will likewise cover fees for the written

De La Salle University and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) signed a memorandum of agreement last July 14 for the establishment of the Teaching Excellence Assistance for the Completion of Higher Education (TEACH) Scholarship Program.

dlsU, metrobank ink scholarship programFor oUtstanding teachers

comprehensive exams, residency, research and supervision for thesis writing, proposal and final defense, and graduation fees.

All awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers since 1985 up to the present are qualified to apply for the scholarship program. MBFI will screen all applicants before further academic evaluation by DLSU.

DLSU President and Chancellor Br. Armin Luistro FSC signed the memorandum together with MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña, with CED Dean Dr. Roberto Borromeo and MBFI Deputy Executive Director Nicanor Torres Jr. as witnesses.

Since 1985, MBFI, through the Search for Outstanding Teachers, has recognized Filipino educators who devote their lives to the development of the youth with exemplary competence and dedication and who serve as models of excellence.

Out of the top 78 examinees who took the DLSU College Entrance Test, 15 made it through the rigorous screening process this year. Three scholars came from the College of Business and Economics, seven from the College of Engineering, one from the College of Liberal Arts, and one from the College of Science.

They are Patricia Nicole Acido (ECE), Luis Eduardo Cabarle (ECE), Germaine Chuabio (CAM-BSA), Elvin Clyde Cobankiat (MEE), Timothy Francis Fernando (IME-IT), Krizzadel Gomeceria (BSA), Robert Neil Leong (CHE), JV James Kristofferson Lim (CIV), Paolo Francisco Matias (MEM-MR), Shaira Jehsarine Narido (PHY-MAT), Troy James Palanca (AE-BSA), Ilene Renee Putong (BS-STAT),

Catherine Denise Rollan (IME-SM), and Abigail Crystel Sy (HUM-BIO).

Star Scholars who graduated in AY 2008-2009 were also given recognition. The honorees included Mary Grace Ann Cabañas (ECE), cum laude; Charles Edric Co (BS/MS CHE), summa cum laude; Joaquin Lorenzo Moreno (PHY-MAT), magna cum laude; Lionel Perkin Chai (BMG) cum laude; Conrad Jonathan Lee (BSA), summa cum laude;

Jana Francesca Tumpalan (HUM-BIO); Ryan Joseph Puertollano Bitanga (CPE) cum laude; Amado Miguel De Jesus (IE); Trina Napasindayao (CHE) cum laude; Glenn Michael Obligacion Jr. (BS-STAT); Jayson Regie Obos (ECE); Millicent Tan (CHE), magna cum laude; Reagan Dykimching (MTH-BAP),

magna cum laude; Juan Lorenzo Hagad (CS-ST); Dexter Alandy Yu Galan (BSA), cum laude; Richard Eduard Almeda (HUM-BIO); and Abegail Ceralde (HUM-BIO).

During the ceremony, the high schools of the eleventh batch were also honored. These were the Quezon City Science High School, Grace Christian High School, Xavier School-San Juan, Maria Montessori Holy Christian School, Philippine Cultural High School-Manila, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, University of Perpetual Help of Rizal, Legazpi Hope Christian School, Miriam College High School, School of The Holy Spirit-Quezon City, Chiang Kai Shek College, St. Paul College-Parañaque, and MGC New Life Christian Academy.

De La Salle University welcomed the 11th batch of Star Scholars in a recognition program organized by the Marketing Communication Office last July 10 at the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall.

University recognizes new batch oF star scholars

The project covers the installation of LCD projectors, thin client computers with speakers, and internet access in every classroom on campus. The computers are intended for the faculty and students to present materials in class.

The following commonly-used applications are installed: PDF (Portable Document Format) reader, Microsoft Word viewer, Microsoft Excel viewer, Microsoft PowerPoint viewer, Windows Media Player, and Internet Explorer .

The project will be implemented in two phases.

all classrooms to have lcd projectors, internet access In support of the direction of the University towards a more intensive and extensive use of information technology on campus, the President’s Council recently approved the implementation of the Technology-Enabled Learning Environment (TELE) Project.

Khan was announced winner after participants were evaluated by the facilitators and company executives based on their ability to demonstrate the three leadership values of Accenture.

The judges looked for someone who showed great potential to be a people developer or someone who creates a strong legacy by helping develop the skills of others; a value creator or someone who generates sustainable shareholder and stakeholder value by delivering valuable and relevant work output; and a business

operator or someone who generates profits consistently in line with company targets.

The Accenture Student Leadership Conference is an annual three-day event for graduating students of some of the best universities in the Philippines. The conference aims to equip students with the essential skills needed in becoming an effective leader in the industry. Participants go through varied sessions ranging from management strategies to team dynamics and effective presentations.

stUdent hailed as Ultimate accentUre leaderManagement of Financial Institutions (MFI) student Samar Khan was judged as Ultimate Accenture Leader in the 6th Accenture Student Leadership Conference held last April 17-19 at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

Currently, the thin-client computers and LCD projectors are being installed. In most instances where installation has been completed, these are ready for use, except for the wireless presenters which will be delivered soon. Printed guides are available as reference for the users.

The implementation of the project will be done in the following sequence: Yuchengco Building, St. La Salle Building, Gonzalez Building, Gokongwei Building, Velasco Building, St. Joseph Building, and St. Miguel Building.

Also scheduled within the academic year is the second phase of the project which will involve the deployment of wireless access points in the classrooms to enhance the wi-fi signal and reception inside classrooms and along corridors and hallways. At the same time, this phase will include the installation of a facility which will allow users to connect their laptop or wireless device to the LCD projector.

If you just came from Beijing, China without visiting the Great Wall of China, your friends would probably tell you that you missed half of your vacation. The same comment goes if you go to Tokyo, Japan and miss going to Akihabara.

Yokoso or welcome to Akihabara. The name of the place, which literally means field of autumn

leaves, is evolving into a paradise for the technologically savvy. During the 70s, the place is famously known for selling household appliances. It was then called Akihabara Denkigai or Akihabara Electric Town. At the onset of the age of video games in the 90s, Denkigai became popular in selling famicom or Nintendo Family Computer. Though the place still sold household appliances, it has since become a haven for the younger population, with kids and young adults buying famicom while

more and more video and rental shops were starting to mushroom.

The Japanese who spend a lot of time in Akihabara—about four to five visits in a week— are called Akiba-kei or otaku. The word, which sprouted in the 80s, refers to the avid followers

Akihabara: A Business Paradise for Subcultures

By Vincent Lester G. Tan

of manga or comics, anime, computer games, game consoles, play station portable, laptops, and other high tech gadgets. These are the people who join manga and toy conventions in their favorite anime costumes. Wikipedia notes that otaku used to be an honorific term for home, although there came a point when it gained negative connotation, as news of crime and violence were reportedly carried out by obsessed fans.

As for me, I praise and admire the otakus for their grit and coolness. Even if they know that others find them weird, or that they are sometimes laughed at and discriminated, they just do their own business. I can say that they have already put themselves in the map.

Aside from finding the most up-to-date computer software and gadgets, I discovered that Akihabara has the most interesting cafes, aside from the karaoke stores where you can sing till your voice cracks. A maid’s café frequented by otakus reminds me of a child’s playground, as the female staff would even play children’s games with the customers. Before you eat, they would request you to do the moe moe kyuu—literally, it means activate your imagination. On top of their cakes and omelets, the word moe is also written. Japan’s patriarchal society allows this maid’s café—and similar bars with female servers—to flourish.

In Akihabara, business operators thrive because of the otaku subculture. The world financial crisis may be affecting the place, but according to my calculations, an investment, for instance, for an otaku café will pay off within 12 to 16 months. For a young

teacher who also dabbles into business, so much can be learned from visiting Akihabara. Discovering the place is truly an enjoyable experience for me.

Akihabara: A Business Paradise for Subcultures

Vincent Lester G. Tan is a faculty member of the Filipino Department.

FIELD NOTES. What is going on in the world? We ask our faculty members to make sense of what we need to know, understand, and reflect upon. They agree to share insights and observations about their respective fields or special interests. Field Notes serves as a window to different worlds where we all belong.

Lasallian Guiding Principles. To answer our questions and successfully pursue our quests, we must return to the beginning. In order to find real answers and to see our way clearly, we must go back to our real source. This means going back to our core Lasallian values: the spirit of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission.

Communion as a relationship with God is the source of all mission and ministry. To accomplish the Lasallian mission, communion suggests the need for solidarity and collaboration, as well as the openness to all persons, especially to those in need. It also suggests the unity that comes from reconciliation between God, human beings, and creation.

—Foundational Principle of Lasallian Formation, from the Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family

St. John Baptist de La Salle paid great importance to people’s communion in mission. Coming from a privileged family, St. La Salle opened his home to a group of teachers, despite opposition from his siblings. These teachers eventually became the initial members of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. They introduced educational innovations that became the foundation of many of today’s educational practices all over the world.

Over 150 students came to listen to Rabbi Kaplan who leads the Congregation B’nai Israel in Albany, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. in American Jewish History from Tel Aviv University in Jerusalem. He is a visiting research scholar at the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Jewish Studies at the University of Miami.

The author of over 60 scholarly essays and general audience articles, Kaplan’s books include the Cambridge Companion to American Judaism (Cambridge University Press, 2005), American Reform Judaism (Rutgers University Press, 2003), Platforms and Prayer Books: Theological and Liturgical Perspectives on Reform Judaism (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002), and Contemporary Debates in American Reform Judaism: Conflicting Visions (Routledge, 2001).

Rabbi Kaplan noted the recent development of Judaism especially in the United States. He also talked about how the Liberal Jews even during the time of Martin Luther King were at the forefront of ecumenism and other matters of social concern.

The forum was made possible through the efforts of the TRED faculty with Dr. Rito Baring as chair.

visiting scholar discUsses issUes in jUdaism

In line with the internationalization thrust of De La Salle University, the Theology and Religious Education Department (TRED) invited a reformed Jewish rabbi, Dana Evan Kaplan to give a lecture on the “Different Strands and Contemporary Issues in Judaism.” The talk was held last July 2 at the Waldo Perfecto Seminar Room.

Rabbi Kaplan (fourth from right) with some faculty members of the Theology and Religious Education Department

Time management tip:

It is important that you set your daily agenda. Start your work day by planning for about 20 minutes, as this will help you focus on your goals and save you time during the day.

Acknowledging the need to strengthen a culture of punctuality and honesty, the Commission on Higher Education launched in September 2008 Project W.A.T.C.H. (We Are Time Conscious and Honest). This movement is being supported by De La Salle University through various initiatives on campus.

The book was co-written by Jessie Sanchez and edited by Dr. Isagani Cruz, executive publisher of the Academic Publications Office. It is published and

distributed by Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. Br. Roly is currently the vice president for the Visayas of the National Chess

Federation of the Philippines. Sanchez is involved in various chess federations. The book contains lessons on the history of the game and provides chess

exercises, how to attack and capture, as well as how to check and get out of check. The book is meant is to provide basic information about chess and is a good start off for students.

A chess tournament was held simultaneous with the book launch.

Former dlsU president laUnches

new chess bookFormer De La Salle University President Br. Rolando Dizon FSC recently launched his new book, “Chess

for the Filipino Children” last July 15 at the DLSU Main Library.

Last July 10, the De La Salle Alumni Association Northern California Chapter gave check donations to the One La Salle Scholarship Fund and the Br. J. Benedict Scholarship Fund. The checks were handed over by the chapter's immediate past president, Tom Consunji (right), to DLSU Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and External Relations Br. Bernard Oca FSC. Also present in the event were Executive Director for Development and Alumni Relations Jose Kalaw and DLSU Board of Trustees member Cesar de Larrazabal.

alUmni donate scholarship FUnds

The project aims to promote understanding of the challenges of inclusive growth in the Philippines, and East Asia in general, in the face of increased economic integration and rising pressures for industrial upgrading in much of Southeast Asia.

Funded by the International Development Research Centre, the project is managed by the DLSU-AKI, the Indonesia-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and the Vietnam-based Central Institute for Economic Management.

Its slogan is “Furthering Inclusive Growth and Industrial Adjustment in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.”

For the public presentation in Indonesia held last June 12 in Jakarta, University Fellow and Professor of Economics Dr. Ponciano Intal, Jr., who is also the project manager, delivered the integrative report, “Globalization, Adjustment and the Challenge of Furthering Sustained Robust and Inclusive Growth and Industrial Upgrading,” which was co-written with Economics Department Lecturer Miguel Roberto Borromeo.

cbe FacUlty, researchers tackle inclUsive growth in east asiaFaculty members from the College of Business and Economics and researchers from the DLSU-Angelo King Institute (DLSU-AKI) attended a series of international conferences that launched the culminating activities of the two-year project Globalization, Adjustment, and the Challenge of Inclusive Growth.

Intal was accompanied by Prof. Jorge Sibal, dean of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations, who is a senior researcher in the project.

On June 26, a high-level roundtable discussion involving key business leaders, policymakers, and labor leaders was held in Makati City, in which the six research papers from the Philippines were presented. This was the first of a two-part culminating event for the Philippine component of the project.

All the researchers were on-hand to present an abbreviated version of their papers, which focused primarily on the policy implications of their results. DLSU Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and External Relations Br. Bernard Oca FSC was on hand to welcome the participants.

The Vietnam component, meanwhile, held their public presentation last July 2 in Hanoi and was hosted by CIEM, an institute under the direct authority of Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. The DLSU team was led by Dr. Winfred Villamil, project leader for the Philippines and executive director of AKI. Other members of the team are Dr. Emily Christi Cabegin, associate professor at the UP Population Institute and project researcher, and Borromeo.

The project’s grand culminating event will be held in Manila on August 14. For details, see http://aki.dlsu.edu.ph or contact DLSU-AKI.

is published bi-weekly by the Marketing Communication Office (AH-21F, intercom 144). Editorial deadline is 3 p.m. Tuesdays. Contributions should include the name, office and signature of the sender. Materials may be edited for clarity or space.

Johannes Leo Badillo, Director for Operations; Ma. Ruby Carlos (carlosm@dlsu.edu.ph), Editor; AARichela dela Cruz, Anne Alina, Magsy Magbanua, Mark Pitoc, Writers; Peter Varona, Art Director; Ave Gaile Peraz, Ricky Binoya, Luis De Vera, Graphic Artists; Virginia Umacob-Gases, Secretary; Raymond Menor, Office Assistant; Aaron Mamiit, Student Writer. 2401 may be accessed online through the URL: http://www.dlsu.edu.ph

FacUlty members receive nast awards

The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recently recognized two faculty members in the departments of Economics and Chemical Engineering for their contributions in their respective fields. The awarding ceremony was part of NAST’s 31st Annual Scientific Meetings at the Manila Hotel last July 9.

Dr. Susan Gallardo

Dr. Lawrence Dacuycuy receives the award.

Dr. Lawrence Dacuycuy, an associate professor and current chair of the Economics Department, was awarded as one of the 2009 Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS). He was cited for his outstanding research studies in the field of labor economics, specifically in the econometric measurement of wage outcomes and inequality using more advanced econometric methodologies like semiparametric and nonparametric econometrics.

In giving him the award, NAST noted that his research contribution to the empirics of wage functional modeling has assisted in advancing the state of econometrics education and research in the Philippines.

At the same time, Dr. Susan Gallardo, full professor of the Chemical Engineering Department, together with graduate students Anson Villaluz, Richard Abalos, and Abigail Bridget Chua, received the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award for their research titled “Activity of Metal Oxides Supported

on Activated Carbon during Xylene Oxidation.”

Their paper elucidated how the activated carbon was utilized as a support material to metal oxides in the adsorption and catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represented by xylene.

VOCs, derived from unburned gasoline, from industrial effluents, and from domestic sources, are already known carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens, or agents that promote or propagate cancer, cause structural abnormality, or change the genetic material of an organism.

Further, the paper discusses how to synthesize two metal oxides (Cerium Oxide and Cobalt Oxide) supported on two types of activated carbon (locally

manufactured by the Department of Science and Technology’s ITDI and a commercial one).

Results of the catalysts’ characterization were correlated to the results of the activity test conducted. The development of low cost catalytic material (like metal oxides) and using local activated carbon is an innovative solution to the destruction of VOCs that exist in minute concentration in the air.