The SPECTRUM Volume XXV No 3

WHAT'S INSIDE?

PUP postpones

Remember

NEWS | PAGE 2

Literary | PAGE 8

Arts &

When

calendar shift

Engineering

Circle | PAGE 9

June 2019

PAGE 7 Charmed by your own reflection in the modern age, you knelt beside a screen to contemplate your fame and beauty. Will you drown like Narcissus did when he fell into the lake, or will you rise from the depths of it and search for a deeper sense of magnificence?

NEWS

EDITORIAL

ISSUES

SCI-TECH

NPU BILL PASSES 17TH CONGRESS

WHAT'S NEXT

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

NEXT STATION

After passing its third and last reading in the 17th Congress, National Polytechnic University bill now awaits President Rodrigo Duterte’s verdict.

With the never dying issues in every central and local Student Council (SC) elections, The Spectrum challenges the incumbent central SC to take action on bringing back integrity on SC elections.

What we need to talk about PUP becoming a National Polytechnic University: its promises, controversies, and the biggest challenges the University is off to for the next years.

From Quezon City to Pasay City, the country will soon travel its first underground railway system through the Metro Manila Subway Project.

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PAGE 5

PAGE6

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News

Spectrum

Rogelio C. Legaspi Jr., Editor

2

PUP postpones calendar shift Patrick Ian Balsalubre

“ALANGANIN kasi na makapag-shift tayo [ng academic calendar]. Late na kasi na-announce,” explained PUP Vice President for Academic Affairs Manuel Muhi on the decision of the PUP administration to postpone the academic calendar shift to August, in an interview with Spectrum, May 22.

CHED advisory In a memorandum dated April 5, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) urged all State and Local Universities and Colleges (SLUCs) to start their academic calendar in August starting this academic year.

According to CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, the said memorandum is only a recommendation for the SLUCs, and only its officials could make the final decision.

“In the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA), there is a provision by Congress asking CHED to facilitate the shift in academic calendar,” De Vera

Admin’s decision According to Muhi, the Executive Committee has yet to discuss the said advisory but hinted that the University might adapt to the shift next academic year.

“Malamang ‘yan next year na tayo makapag-change ng (academic) calendar,” stated Muhi.

In the said calendar shift, PUP admin proposed a semester within the two-month vacant period (June – July) that will serve as a transition, and will also give opportunities for students with irregular standing to

6 of 10 CEans approve dress code Renz Carra Mendoza IN an online survey conducted

by Spectrum last June 17 to 22, approximately six out of 10 CEans agreed with the dress code in the proposed 2019 PUP Handbook revision. Out of 200 students, 58 percent or 116 CEans favored the new dress code for all PUPians while 42 percent or 84 students disagreed.

CEans’ pulse Despite the disagreement of various student organizations to the University concerning the dress code, CEans think otherwise and reasoned that it will make the students look professional, and also considered that there is no difference between the current dress code in

Illustrated by Ian Penaranda

the College of Engineering (CE), with votes of 47 and 49 respectively.

On the other hand, 40 CEans argued that decency doesn’t reflect on what the students wear. “My choice of clothing doesn't define me for who I am. My abilities aren't to be seen on the outside,” expressed by 6 of 10 CEans approve.../p.3

BulSU

UP

2018

2015

ADMU UST DLSU take their back subjects.

Moreover, the PUP calendar for academic year 2019-2020 already started last June 17.

Calendar shift PUP has also planned a shift

EARIST TUP PhilSCA RTU

2019

2016

2014

explained in an online GMA News article.

VOX POPULI

Handbook revision Led by PUP Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Zenaida Sarmiento, PUP officials and student representatives are still deliberating the proposed handbook due to some concerns in the revision, especially on dress code.

According to the Title IV Section 5 of the proposed revision, “Every PUP student shall dress up with dignity and respect and must adhere to the conventions of decency and proper grooming. Wearing short shorts, micro miniskirts, hanging blouses above navel, spaghetti blouses, tube blouses, sando and the likes are prohibited.”

In an online post, Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) standard bearer Maya Santos (ABE IV) condemned the said policy and accused the PUP administration from being discriminatory to the LGBTQIA+ community.

However, Title 2 Section 6.4.1 of the revised handbook suggests otherwise as it states “Every student has the right to express their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.”

ACADEMIC SYNCHRONIZATION: A TIMELINE

June 2019

AdU

Some universities and colleges in the country already started their academic calendar in August to synchronize with higher education institutions abroad. in the academic calendar last 2017, which was cancelled in accordance to a proposed Senate bill that seeks to synchronize the academic calendar of all the universities in the country.

However, many higher education

institutions have already shifted their academics calendars from June, which includes the University of the Philippines System (August 2014), De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and Ateneo de Manila University (August 2015).

NPU bill passes 17th Congress Rogelio Legaspi, Jr.

SENATE version of the National Polytechnic University (NPU) bill, serving as an amendment to the Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1341 or the ‘Charter of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’, has already passed the 17th Congress last June 3, and is now waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval.

SBN 2124 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito last December 3, 2018, Senate Bill (SB) No. 2124 was passed ‘to strengthen PUP into the Country’s National Polytechnic University’, with a vote of 19-0 from the senators of 17th Congress on its third and last reading.

The said bill was adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to their own House Bill No. 9023 or ‘An Act Strengthening the Polytechnic University of the Philippines by Declaring It as The National Polytechnic University’ which was filed last February 4.

Other versions of the bill include Senator Sonny Angara’s SB No. 2037,

which was amended from PUP’s own NPU bill version – all declaring the University as a national university and calling for a higher budget.

Bill’s provisions Section 17 of the NPU bill provided an initial sum of PhP3 billion in addition to the appropriated funds for PUP for the fiscal year, and an additional budget of PhP50 million increment for the first three years of the implementation of the bill.

With the status of being a national university, PUP will gain fiscal autonomy where it can directly ask for budget directly to the Congress.

Moreover, the bill intends to increase the number of executive officials in the University such as Vice President for Legal Affairs, and one Staff Regent representing all non-teaching personnel in the Board of Regents, who shall serve for a period of two years.

Privatization and fixed tuition Various groups from the

NEW OFFICIALS. Rhodora Buluran (left), the newly-appointed Engineering Researcher, talked about the plans of the College regarding its research, extension, and development in the College faculty meeting, June 17. Together with Buluran, College Extensionist Ma. Theresa Bongulto, also from the Department of Industrial Engineering, was appointed by the President effective March 28.

- Geraldrine Espinosa and Victor Calinao Jr.

University such as Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) however, condemned the Section 7 Paragraph W of the SB No. 2124 which states “To privatize, where most advantageous to the institution, management and nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance, and similar such other objectives.”

In an online post last June 11, NPU bill key campaigner PUP Speak stated that the party “reiterates its firm position to remove this clause, which we will proactively lobby in the Congress upon its resumption.”

Also, Samasa asserted their statement about the Section 7 Paragraph D of the bill in an online post last June 3, “…sa ilalim ng NPU bill ay tampok ang kakayanan ng Unibersidad na ipanumbalik ang tuition fee at iba pang mga bayarin.”

The said provision, also in the PD No. 1341, states that “To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as but not limited matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as their respective boards may deem proper to impose after due consultations with the involved sectors.”

On the contrary, according to PUP Speak, there will be no tuition fees in the bill as NPU cannot supersede the already existing Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which was implemented in the University last year.

PUP Charter Entitled ‘Converting The Philippine College of Commerce into A Polytechnic University, Defining Its Objectives, Organizational Structure and Functions, And Expanding Its Curricular Offerings’, PD No. 1341, signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos on April 1, 1978, serves as the current charter of the University.

Unless otherwise vetoed by President Duterte, SB No. 2124 will be signed or returned to Congress where it will be enacted as law and implemented 15 days after its publication.

News

Spectrum June 2019

3

With Samasa party’s disqualification

SPEAK prevails in SC elections

Geraldrine Espinosa

PROCLAMATION and oath-taking of winners for the 2019 central and local Student Council (SC) elections was finally held last June 10 after deliberating the disqualification case against Sandigan ng Magaaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) and an issue regarding the tallying of bloc votes for independent candidates in the College of Engineering (CE) for two months.

Central SC Last March 28, PUP Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared a failure of elections, in which the Student Council Assembly (SCA) composed of then local SC presidents, and the president, vicepresident, and secretary-general of Central SC took over in the canvassing of votes.

SCA then deliberated the disqualification case filed against Samasa by PUP Student Party for Equality and Advancement of Knowledge (Speak) on the grounds of alleged harassment of outsiders, presumed to be members of Samasa, committed to an associate of Speak.

After deliberation with representatives from both parties, SCA, with 9-5 votes, rendered the votes for the Samasa slate invalid.

Speak assumed the presidential positions on the central SC and 12 of 14 colleges on local SC, excluding College of Communications and CE where Laban Party and Independent won, respectively.

On the other hand, Samasa brought out a post online regarding the proclamation of winners, which, according to them, “appeared to be an organization meeting alone

as there was no other political party present from the College of Communication and College of Engineering.”

However, CESC President-elect Gen Jivan Turla (CpE V) explained that “Bilang isang candidate rin na nahirapan sa buong proseso, yung hindi ko pag-attend ay silent protest.”

Bloc voting While there has been a proclamation of winners that the newly-elected CESC officers didn’t attend to, SCA has already settled the case regarding the bloc voting for the independent candidates in the College.

Legend Party raised this concern by filing a letter of appeal supported by the Article VII, Section 36, Paragraph T of the Election Code which states, “for College Student Councils, the name of the political party indicated on the space provided for block voting, it shall be considered as a block vote counting in favor of all the candidates under the said party.”

In a previous online article by SPECTRUM, Legend paralegal former CESC President Phoebe Joanne Go (ECE ‘19) stated, “Hindi

OATHTAKING. Newly-elected officials of the central and local Student Council took their oath in a proclamation ceremony held in the Hyundai Conference Hall, Charlie Del Rosario Building, June 10.

Contributed by Marcelino Villarante Jr.

siya [bloc votes] puwede i-count for Independent kasi ‘di naman talaga sila party, pool of independent candidates sila instead.”

However, according to Turla, SCA Convener Ralyn Rodriguez (ABE IV) told them that the appeal was already dismissed since bloc voting for the independent candidates is not explicitly stated as prohibited in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Election Code.

“May preceding case last year sa College of Social Science and Development na independent party rin at pinayagan mag-bloc vote,” added Turla.

New CEA admin to focus on building upgrade Precious Aira Perez

WHILE nearing its completion, the ongoing clinic renovation is just a head start of the multiple rehabilitation plans set for the Engineering and Architecture Building this academic year, according to the newly-appointed NDC Campus Administrator Jean Paul Martirez in an interview with Spectrum, June 25.

The clinic, although now functional, is yet to be completed of its renovation before the end of the current semester, and has been extended to cater a growing number of clients.

“Compared sa dati, nadagdagan tayo ng space. May doctor’s room tayo na inaayos pa hanggang ngayon.

Also, mas maaliwas na siya which

is nakakatulong sa (kondisyon ng) mind ng estudyante,” stated Medical Officer III John Ver Pia. Moreover, when asked why the CESC office beside the clinic is not included in the renovation, Martirez explained that the project only focused on its budget allotment of PhP2.29 million from the 2019 General Appropriations Act.

“May mga naka-plano pang project, lalo na ‘yung mga tulo (sa plumbing), pati na rin ‘yung GabSi (Gabriela Silang Hall) para magkaroon ng space,” Martirez added regarding the upcoming projects after the clinic’s renovation.

Together with PUP Vice President for Administration Adam Ramilo and College Officer-incharge Remedios Ado, Martirez inspected the building facilities such as the plumbing and ceiling of the fourth floor, and pointed out that the administration will focus on the improvement of each as well as the cleanliness inside the building.

Term extension for Ado, dep’t heads Czarina May Austria and Keihl Rhandal de Castro

WAITING for her official assignment as the College Dean, Remedios Ado remains as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the College of Engineering (CE) after a year in the position, while the chairpersons and laboratory heads of the College got their terms extended for a year.

“Hinihintay pa namin ‘yung SO (Special Order from the PUP President). Baka mamaya dumating or bukas. Kasi ngayon pa lang nag-start (‘yung academic year),” explained Ado in an interview with Spectrum last June 17.

Ado, a CpE faculty and concurrent Open University director, was appointed last June 2018 after the term of former Dean Guillermo Bernabe.

Moreover, all chairpersons and laboratory heads of the seven departments in the College were recommended by Ado to be extended for another academic year, with approval from President Emanuel de Guzman.

Antonio Velasco, laboratory head of CpE Department, opted not to be extended however, citing health reasons. “Kung ayaw naman na nila due to health reasons or any other personal (reasons), puwede

6 of 10 CEans approve dress code FROM PAGE 2

a second year IE student.

NOW IN USE. Newly-installed treatment room for students in need of medical attention is now functional as renovation of the CEA clinic, which started last March, nears its completion. - Victor Calinao Jr.

naman sila mag-decline,” Ado stated.

The recommendation for the term extensions was ‘based on their performances, services, and commitment to the College’, according to Ado. Also, as stated by Department of Electronics Engineering Chairperson Geoffrey Salvador, “‘Sine-set na sa Level IV Aaccup (Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines) ang Engineering at ISO (Internationa­­­­l Organization for Standardization). Kung isasabay pa ang pagpapalit (ng chairpersons), paano na ‘yung preparation (for the accreditations)?”

Under her term as OIC, Ado spearheaded accreditations such as ISO Certification for quality management system, and Level IV Phase I of the Aaccup for the college, which is expected to start November this year.

College dress code Since 2010, CE has its own policy to wear pants and tops with sleeves inside the Engineering and Architecture building.

Based on the survey, nearly six out of 10 CEans are in favor of the dress code in the College, accumulating a total of 118 votes or 59 percent.

“It is a good practice since in the field of work, there is a dress code that is needed to be followed,” reasoned by a first year RE student.

However, 41 percent or 82 CEans are not in favor, saying that the current dress code makes them uncomfortable due to the excessive heat inside the building.

According to a second year IE student, “Students should be free to choose what they want to wear comfortably because we can't deny that it is hot inside the rooms.”

Moreover, CEans proposed that wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and using slippers even when it’s not raining should be allowed, with 61, 37, and 47 votes respectively.

Uniform or dress code?

Answering the question if CEans would rather wear uniform or civilian clothes abiding the dress code, 119 students or 59 percent chose the latter.

“It would be unpractical to have uniforms because that would be a burden to the students and their parents,” stated by a second year CE student.

Moreover, 81 CEans or 41percent said that having uniforms will make choosing of clothes easier and will avoid discrimination.

Currently, ECE, CpE, IE, and ME departments have their own prescribed uniforms that are required to wear by the students on some occasions.

Opinion

Spectrum

4

June 2019

EDITORIAL

What’s Next?

IN the recently held central and local Student Council (SC) elections, problems from pre-electoral to proclamation of winners arose. While these problems are not new, we, as watchers of transparency and fairness, challenge the incumbent central SC to bring back integrity on SC elections.

It is within the powers of PUP Commission on Elections (Comelec) as electoral body to qualify, disqualify, and proclaim running candidates who aspire to lead the studentry for the next academic year. Calling the shots on election matters, Comelec has a lot to explain in the last SC elections.

But before the canvassing of votes, the Comelec filed a resolution declaring failure of elections.

Through their deliberation, the Comelec cited violations in the PUP Comelec 2019 Edition Implementing Rules and Regulations such as intervention of faculty members and outsiders (Article IV, Section 6), and harassment and intimidation committed to the members of the Commission (Article VIII, Section 6). Comelec also raised the limited period of time that was given by the Student Council Assembly (SCA) for them to prepare for the election.

These grounds for failure of elections lead SCA to take the post left by Comelec, and deliberate pending motions like the disqualification case filed by Speak against Samasa.

After the turnover, SCA has disqualified Samasa from the Central and Local SC elections for numerous election offencses.

Proclamation of winners was held in the Hyundai Conference Hall, Charlie Del Rosario building last June 10, contrary to the usual Popeye venue.

These stories (or issues) in elections are not new. Alleged intervention of faculty on elections and problem on election precincts (2003), disqualification of other parties resulting to one electable slate for elections (2014), and violence and death threats (2016). And now, Comelec’s integrity is in greater loom.

Tracing the problem to its roots, the process of selecting Comelec commissioners is a question. Say that SCA, comprised of incumbent SC presidents from colleges in Mabini campus, selects the next members of the electoral body. It is safe to say that the selection process will be biased to whoever is in the position of power.

This process was raised by Samasa for the majority of SCA members are from Speak. In defense, SCA was just exercising its mandate which was written during the 35-year reign of Samasa party before Speak overthrew them in the 2017 elections.

Progress is built upon the willingness to change. Would it be appropriate if an independent student body assumes the position as Comelec commissioners regardless of whoever is elected in the student council or biases of SCA members? A commission that doesn’t only last for two months or so, but a commission that answers questions and valid resolutions for long term basis. A commission that stands firm to responsibility whatever circumstance is. Could this bring back the integrity of the most powerful commission in the University?

Thus, we challenge Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) president-elect Jonero Dacula, a former member of Spectrum, and his fellow student leaders to address the issues on selecting the future leaders of the studentry. It is high time that the current SC reflects on the past mistakes and be the bearers of light, of truth and integrity.

Was the 2019 SC elections a successful one or not? This is the question we can answer either yes or no, but the proclamation has been done. The question now is, what’s next?

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Snapshots

@leggogogojames

Christian James Concepcion AS soon as we were pronounced graduates, reality has struck me – I am now unemployed.

While some of my blockmates are already pursuing their careers even long before the graduation rites, here I am sharing a piece of my life to you for the last time, in the college publication I called home.

How can I move on if I’m stuck choosing between passion and practicality?

There is much opportunity for writers as there are more earnings for railway engineers in the field.

Almost a month of being a tambay sa bahay, my parents would always ask me about updates on my job

applications.

“Mag-abroad ka na lang kaya?” Papa would say. I just nod each time because I know people with past experiences are more preferred by employers overseas.

But why not give it a shot? I question myself too.

My ‘other’ self would always make me think about the five years the Filipino taxpayers (and not any government official) has paid for my college education. It is now my time to give back, isn’t?

Belonging to a middlelow class family, securing a job is a must for me. I am not a privileged kid who has all his time in the world to rest for a couple of months and then apply whenever

he is ready. Surviving over contemplating. Kailangang kumayod para sa pamilya at sa pangarap.

Almost every night before going to sleep, I stare at the ceiling.

A mix of what-ifs and fear of what may come clouds my mind. Then one night, I posted a question to myself: “What if the life after graduation is not really a whole new world?” That there’s only one world and I am only beginning to realize it now.

Think about the tough competition in college.

Whether in academics or extra-curricular, students are expected to be competitive and perform at their best (or

so I thought).

If I’m going to ask a CEan how many times he has failed in tests, I bet he will lose his count. Resiliency and never giving up.

If only there is no 500word limit for an opinion article, I would tell other scenarios that CEans have experienced in the College that mirrors what happen in the ‘world’.

There will be competitive people that will challenge us.

We will fail, only to rise up like we used to.

May it be the new world or the world you grew up to, think about how you survived your college life and then you are ready for a magic carpet ride.

BIG, HUMUNGOUS, AND SMALL Come along with me

@arjaycl

Rogelio Legaspi Jr. Official Student Publication of PUP College of Engineering Established May 1993

Volume XXV No. 3 June 2019 Acting Editor in Chief

Jeshua Ephraim F. Malimata

Acting Associate Editors

Rogelio C. Legaspi, jr.

Ysabelle N. Mendoza

Managing Editor

Victor B. Calinao, Jr.

Moderator Editorial Consultant

Engr. Kaycee B. Victorio Engr. Orland D. Tubola

Staff John Albert Recio, John Dred Dejapa, Rosemarie Desquitado, Ian Carlo Peñaranda, Geraldrine Espinosa, Andrea Julianne Martinez, Patrick Ian Balsalubre, Keihl Rhandal de Castro, Marlan Aldous Evangelista, Jairus Kim Cabino, Aaron James Gellado, John Matthew Mangalus, Czarina May Austria, Renz Carra Mendoza, George Anthony Nuarin, Precious Aira Perez, Prince Albert Morales, Contributions, reactions and opinions are accepted in the publication. It should bear contributor’s name, address, course, year and section, and signature. Name may be witheld upon request. Forward your contributions to Engineering SPECTRUM Editorial Office Rm 423, Engineering and Architecture Building, Anonas cor. Pureza Sts., NDC Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila Member Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag (AKM-PUP)

LOOK at the stars. Now, form a circle using your hand and raise it towards the sky.

Hundreds of galaxies you just enclosed millions of stars and planets in that little circle. Crazy, I know. You look at the sky and thought that it was just darkness. That it was just a few stars twinkling in the night. That it was just nothing.

But the universe is so much bigger than that.

You see, our galaxy alone consists of billions of stars.

The universe consists of, well, a billion of galaxies. And in those stars, there are probably a system of planets revolving around them. Those planets may or may not contain life like ours.

Either way, it is terrifying.

Are we all alone here, or are there any life out there? But that question is bigger than any of us. Bigger than the universe, even.

With this fact, we may feel small. Like we’re just a speck of dust in a tiny dot of galaxy against the vast universe. We may feel like nothing.

I’ll tell you this - yes, we are nothing in this universe.

Hell, the Earth existed just around four billion years ago and will probably end in about another two.

Why would we matter, right? We’ll live a hundred years, give or take, and that’s it, gone. Like a bubble, we’d exist and be gone in an insignificant amount of time.

But would that stop us to do what we want in life? Probably. After all, our presence here is meaningless.

Or is it?

We are just given this short period of time in this dot in the universe, so why the hell should we waste it?

Yes, it’s a very small amount of time and space. But the things we can do with these finite things, can be infinite.

You can always be the person you always wanted to be. You can always have the things you are wishing for.

You can always help people to achieve great things in life.

We can always be better.

With this limited time given to us, we can always spend it with understanding and

love. In this vast universe, our actions may seem inconsiderable, but that doesn’t mean we can spend it nonchalantly.

Look down and stare on the ground you’re standing on. You are here. This is the only place we all have (unless we start colonizing other planets or moons, but that would be a very long time to go). This is us.

Now, look at the sky and look deep into it. Let the distant stars remind you how much small you are. Let its light that traveled through space within a million year just to reach your eye remind you how much time you have.

What would you do about it?

Opinion

Spectrum June 2019

5

AWOL @JanKarlisle

Veriloquent Thoughts John Carlos Manansala

ONE of the most memorable cries I did during college happened in crossroad. I cried thinking whether to continue or rather traverse the other path. Everyone went straight but I crossed the other way crying, and left the rest.

Several unforgettable memories and life lessons of my college life happened with Spekapips. Always with them.

Every ups and downs. Every late night meetings turned to late dinners turned to late night chikahans. It was ecstatic learning to balance academics and campus journalism duties with the best people I know.

And of course, the pure of bliss of having a newspaper on hand was one of the best feelings we shared.

I still remember when I was asked on my promotional interview, “what is the thing that I hate in Spectrum?”

I answered, “I might not get myself out of here.” Because I knew that I found my home.

An institution where I would grow to be a better individual

and I can use my skills to give back. Spectrum is our home. My home. My place of vulnerability and redemption.

Years passed, several problems got on the way and we surpassed it. We grew up.

But when we were near to the frontline and the crossroad, I did AWOL – absence without leave. I broke my spirit and passion along the way.

I panicked. I knew how to solve this one. We always do it. But this time, I felt alone and lost.

Things were getting heavier. I went back to those days when I couldn’t go to Room 423, but this time, not because of shyness but due to hard feelings boiling up.

Is this home? A safe one? All the virtues I learned through the years were gone.

I wanted a way out – an easy escape.

Everyone gladly crossed that road, but it was not the escapade that I wanted to. It was the other way, so I crossed, crying.

As expected, it was relieving to get out. But later, instead of find my lost self, crossing the other road led to more confusion. Leaving Spectrum, was stripping myself of the identity I had through the years. Spectrum is not only my home but it is also my identity.

Similar to what is happening in our country, with all the issues of extrajudicial killings, war on drugs, and territorial dispute, does the Philippines still feel like home when you don’t feel safe anymore? Would you do AWOL to your own country, when one day you wake up, things seem to be different, would you lose your love to your home where you truly belong?

Would you go back home when it doesn’t feel home anymore? Because home is where your heart is. They may not agree with what you are doing or you may not agree on what they are doing to you, but still, they are family.

And they will always welcome your heart no matter what.

Because now more than ever, the Philippines needs Filipinos to defend itself. We all are Filipinos, don’t cross that road and turn back. Don’t strip yourself of the identity you once became proud. Just come back home.

As I was walking down to my chosen path lost and confused, I went back to the same crossroad and found everyone was waiting for me.

I crossed that road, crying but this time with every amazing people I know and it felt like home, again.

Coincidence it might seemed, but crossroad always gives me a symbol of going on or turning the other way.

Would you go back home when it doesn’t feel home anymore? Because I would and thank God I am home.

And special thanks to the crossroad of Pureza.

THE GOOD INSTRUCTOR

Moderate Thinking

fb.com/KayceeBVictorioOfficial

Kaycee B. Victorio

IN one of our late-night discussions with some my students before their graduation last May, they shared a story about an instructor asking for a 2-TB Seagate hard disk drive from two students as a completion requirement. Two semesters ago, the same lecturer asked for a 1-TB flash drive from each of the instructor’s nine students who got an incomplete grade in another subject.

Using their negotiation skills, these nine students were able to persuade the instructor for just a 1-TB thumb drive as completion requirement for all of them.

Hopefully, we can all have an idea on what those portable drives are for, but unfortunately, none. I hope the devices will be used for some higher purpose like storing data that gave us the world’s first picture of a black hole.

Not that I am washing dirty linens in public, but those acts I have written above are just the two of the many things that have been reported, shared, complained to me and made me think of one good question I have been asked once in my ask.FM account (You want to know something?

Ask me anything: ask.FM/ KayceeBVictorioOfficial) what is a good instructor?

I can name a few people

which I considered to be good instructors. One is Agnes Sunga-Oblefias, my Logic lecturer. She is the one who give unlimited removal exams until such time that the student quit taking it. At least, the student gives up to the subject, and not the teacher to the student.

Another one is my Computer Programming instructor, Aleta Fabregas.

During the first day of our class, she shared that students don’t deserve to have a failing grade in their transcript of records, something that future employers can scrutinize.

Instead, Aleta gives a W (for withdrawn) remark instead of 5.0.

R. D. Wagan (History) and Cecil Austero (Filipino) demostrated that teaching can be both fun, engaging, yet worth remembering and critical. EE’s Cesar Buenavides and History prof Salve Berces showed teaching with a heart, with all of their compassion, understanding, empathy manifested in their paternal and maternal ways, respectively.

My former Humanities instructor Rossini Calabig taught me the importance of remembering the past, enjoying the present, and celebrating the future. Arnis instructor Luz Arroyo instructed the value of strict discipline and following of rules. Mathematics’ Jun

Publico led me that practicing to solve Math problems can makes perfect solutions.

Current EE chair Vilma Perez introduced to our Circuits class many years ago that there are always 101 ways to solve a DC network problem.

Dr. Lito Bulatao, Jun Santos, and Jesus Bien of EE professed that college instruction is also the mastery of the subject matter. Mastery comes with dedication, discipline, and excellence.

Basil Cruz (ME) exemplified that teaching is a vocation and life-long commitment.

EE prof Herman Zerwit reminded me the importance and sincerity of saying sorry.

Of course there were instructors in my college days that got styles I loathed, something I didn’t brought with me when I have begun teaching in 2008. What I have decided since I took this part-time vocation, with full-time heart, is to emulate the best practices I picked from my former mentors in college (and also from my best teachers in preschool, elementary, and highschool, two of them are Metrobank Outstanding Teachers).

So what is a good instructor? A good instructor is someone who loves learning and never stops learning. A good instructor do not settle for mediocrity, and this applies to his or her methods of teaching

and the performance of his or her students. A good instructor is tough but kind, their instruction and class methodologies call for responsibility and excellence. A good instructor understands that he or she is a partner to their students’ education, not it’s boss or director to be impressed with.

These are the lessons I got from my former teachers and instructors, my short yet enriching Leaders of Learning program from Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and some 11 years of preparing exams, checking problem sets, reading reflection papers, many hours of recitation (and standing), Circuits Fairs, research proposal submissions, Numerical methods practical exams, and laughing, learning, and relearning with my students.

Does that mean I am a good instructor? I am not sure. Let my current and former students qualify me for that. What I am sure is that in one way or another, college professors, instructors, and lecturers, the way we deal with our students and behave inside our classes, can make or break every learner in our rooms.

And these includes asking for a 2-TB Seagate hard disk, which is by the way, any good instructor and decent engineer can truly afford.

PAN DE INHINYERYA

Don’t Forget

“Not anxious to die, Sir. Just anxious to matter.”

McCawley, Pearl Harbor

MANY seem to fail to see the smaller parts of changing the world – that is just making things better, big or small. Having a contribution makes a person feel validated and important. What matters more than living in this world is knowing that you matter, that you will be remembered at some point.

A simple recognition from the right people makes everything light and easy. Whatever it takes, whatever it costs, having a remembrance gives hope and something to hold on to. Because being forgotten hurts more than a gun shot wound.

Pamantasan ng BAYAN NAKALILITO na minsan maglakbay sa panahong puro na tama. Wala nang umaamin sa pagkakamali. ‘Yung tipong hindi mo na alam kung ano ang dapat patunguhan. Ginagawang ginto ng fake news ang madungis na ekonomiya at pulitika.

Hinihila ng mga talangka ang pagkakaisa’t pag-asang HOMECOMING inililibing na sa lupa.

Pero teka. Hindi naman Allan De Vera ibig sabihin nito ay kawalan facebook.com/allansaleh.devera na ng pag-asa. Nandiyan ka.

Kami. Tayo.

Sabi ni Einstein, ang edukasyon ay hindi lang pag-alam sa mga facts, but the training of the mind to think. Dagdag ko, training of the mind to think for the purpose of improving the quality of life of the people and preserving our natural environment. Hindi naman kasi talaga hiwalay ang teorya sa praktika.

Napapaisip lang ako, napakarami nang naka-graduate sa CEA, marami na rin engineers. Pero bakit (1) lumalala pa rin ang problema sa trapik, (2) napakaraming condominium pero napakarami pa ring nakatira sa mga gilid ng creek at ilalim ng tulay, (3) atrasado pa din ang industriya, (4) nagbabaha pa din sa mga kalye (5…) etc etc?

State university ang PUP. Puwede tayong magparami ng mga group discussions regarding sa mga nabanggit ko, na sisimulan sa mga student organizations kasama ang ating mga professors etc etc. Gawing study and experiment area ang PUP. Para sa simula pa lang ay binubuo na tayo ng edukasyon bilang isang bayan.

Marami pang pwedeng magawa. Pero hindi naman ako ang makakaisip noon, kun’di higit sa lahat ay kayo. Tayo. Tandaan lang natin na sa palitan ng mga ideya mas nabubuo ang mas mauunlad pa na mga ideya.

Sa huli, ang kanta ay hindi lang kanta. Gagamitin ang karunungan mula sa Kanya, para sa bayan. Mag-ambag.

Makibahagi. Ang kasalukuyan ay karugtong ng kasaysayan.

Allan de Vera (CE Batch ‘17) was a former Creative Director/Art Director of the Engineering SPECTRUM. His prime advocacy is to conserve nature. He currently works as a Project and Development Officer I at Quezon City Planning and Development Office. He recently passed Environmental Planner Licensure Examination. He loves to stroll in his bicycle.

TIWAY.DOC CHRISTIAN I came, I stayed, I left. | JESHUA Salamat sa lahat ng nagturo sakin gumawa ng dyaryo, kay Madam, kuya Rolando, kuya Justin, at kay ate Ria at lalo na sa walang tigil na pagintindi sakin ni Ariesha I love youu.| CARLOS Salamat sa limang taon, SPECTRUM! Ang editor na nag-AWOL, bumalik, at tinanggap! | VICTOR Thank you, Spekapips, readers, may we all find purposes in our lives. | RJ. “And when the abyss looks into you - and it will - may you look back unflinching” | MIA Congrats, Ate Luz, Lucille, Chelsea, Macon, Jed, and Daryl!

I love you all <3 | BELLE It does’t have to hurt a lot to know if it’s love. | DRED Salamat, Spek. Salamat, CEA. | RM Tayong dalawa’y magkasama, sa iisang panaginip, at habang-buhay na mag-iisa. Unique Salonga, mahal kita. | ALDOUS Ang mga ibon na lumilipad ay mahal ng Diyos, hindi kumukupas. ‘Wag ka nang malungkot, oh praise the Lord!| JAIRUS Salamuchs sa Spek. Go BSIE 2-2! Walang Bagsakan dito!!! | TENTEN You are worth it. | AARON Thank you, Mang Jose siomai at Ate Tude. | GE Ang babait ninyo, thank you, arigathanks, salamuch, tiway merci beaucoup, ILY <3 | IAN Into the new world. | MATT Salamat sa liwanag niyo, muling magkakakulay ang Pasko~ | CZARINA Thank you po sa patient editors. Mabuhay ang Spek at buong Engineering! | RENZ Listen to Forrests and Khai Dreams, tamang chill lang. | ANDENG Sa Spek at UNO Buddies na nagpasaya ng engineering life ko, tiway! Hanapan niyo ako ng jowa.

No charot!| GIO Mikabus, milabas sana. | PRECIOUS Thank you Spek, for the redeemed purpose. | KEIHL Salamat sa pananakit niya at nakilala kita, Mon. | PRINCE Thank you kuya Victor sa camera tips mo and pag-layout sa Sci-tech.

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THE PUBLICATION? We need writers, photographers, and artists like you!

You may apply at Room 423, Engineering and Architecture Building and be part of the Engineering SPECTRUM family!

Issues

Spectrum

6

June 2019

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ON PUP BECOMING A NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Rosemarie Desquitado

For the longest time, our student leaders rallied to bring a higher budget for PUP. But today, when a PhP3 billion starting-budget is nearing its implementation, it appears not to be a complete success at all. As Senate Bill No. 2124 or the “National Polytechnic University Bill” passed the bicameral meeting and is just waiting for the President’s approval, the PUP community is off to the biggest change of its history for the next five years.

The promises Every day, PUPians face hardships such as lack of armchairs, decent restrooms, and classrooms conducive for learning just to achieve the education they dream of. In the College of Engineering, there is a lack of laboratory equipment as well as the elevator that seems to be permanently down. These problems led the PUP Community to look for an immediate answer, the call for higher budget in the face of the National Polytechnic University (NPU).

Campaigned by the former Student Regent Elijah San Fernando, the NPU-PUP version was drafted on October 2018 with representatives from the University’s different sectors. Particularly, there were different student discussions with the University’s student leaders and representatives from different colleges. Signature campaigns were also gathered across all branches and campuses to support the said bill.

In the NPU-PUP version, PUP will have a PhP3 B starting budget with a PhP50 million increment each on the three following years. With fiscal autonomy, the budget will no longer seek approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as PUP shall recommend its annual budget to the President of the Philippines and Congress.

Moreover, the University will have the power of rechanneling all its unused budget for other projects and claiming to have one PUP system. One PUP system means that PUP will absorb all its branches and campuses and will allocate funds for them in contrary to what’s happening today that PUP campuses are LGU funded.

Last June 3, NPU bill is sent to the President for approval. However, it may not be a good news since the version passed is somehow far from the original version drafted by the PUP community.

“

the discussions held last year.

Both parties shared the same vision: passing the bill without the provisions mentioned. Unfortunately, achieving a common ground is too late as the bill already

NOW, THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM REVEALED ITSELF AND IS DONE WAITING TO BE ADDRESSED

The controversies As the bill entered the Senate by sponsorship. The principal sponsor, Senator JV Ejercito will be free to revise parts of it. In the version passed, there are provisions saying that the University will be privatized, with non-academic assets be for sale (Section 7, Paragraph W), and enter joint ventures with private companies (Section 7, Paragraph Q).

As per the two dominant parties in the University, PUP Student Party for Equality and Advancement of Knowledge (PUP SPEAK) and Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA), with the non-academic assets being private properties, it is possible that the University will no longer have the control for the prices of the food on the lagoon and printing services on West Wing over time.

It can be recalled that there had been a conflict against the two parties mentioned about the effects of the NPU bill.

SAMASA contends that the bill be stopped and discussed again. They claim that the whole student body is not well represented on

“

passed as its current version. The chance for discussions to be back on student level or to remove the added clauses - gone.

The biggest challenge Now, the elephant in the room revealed itself and is done, waiting to be addressed. It may come like a big surprise to the students not fully informed of its full implications.

Given that it is not passed as what the PUP community wished, it is indeed not a complete victory at all.

Nonetheless, giving the University its PhP3 billion starting-budget is something to ponder. The challenge of translating this huge amount of money to the quality education the University envisions is on the administration. The promises of NPU can only be realized if the resources are allocated rightfully, a process that indeed every student must keep track on.

Features

Spectrum

Nehemia B. Ibarrientos, Editor

7

June 2019

SPOLIARIUM (1884)

In this rendition of Spoliarium by Filipino master Juan Luna, gladiators with mobile phones depict how people value their feeds amidst circumstances.

Jairus Kim Cabino and Nehemia Ibarrientos visit the National Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History and ask some guests about the reason behind their visit.

W

e attempt to create an exhibit of our own through images.

Across an empty hallway, the search started. Every moment, gesture, and detail were absolutely essential for the pursuit of a picture-perfect shot. There are two things most likely to consider. First, the background – plain walls with shades of different colors and unique artworks. Second, the subject – yourself.

The idea was to capture every moment to produce amazing snaps. However, now that we tend to express more of our feelings on social media, and update everyone with countless photographs, this impression has presumably been engulfed already by another purpose – to post and gain reactions.

“I think kasi it’s Instagrammable raw. Pero para sa’kin, kung ‘yon lang ang purpose nila sa pagpunta rito, I think the purpose is lacking,” a fresh graduate of De La Salle University said.

Since the society we live in keeps on forcing us to an endless pursuit of trivial perfection which can never be attained, we would probably choose to live in social media rather than living through it.

Digital narcissism, as described by Andrew Keen, a British-American author who was known for his views on internet culture, is a self-promotional madness driven by the people’s need to continually manufacture their own fame to the world.

Generation Z, or the demographic cohort after the millennials has been linked to various technology addiction. One of these is

the so-called ‘selfie’ whenever, and wherever imaginable. According to Michael Woronko, it is seen by others as a new vice currently emerging.

“I can say that taking selfies are very common especially in my generation. But, I don’t think that there’s something wrong with it.” Ralph, a freshman Psychology student of University of Santo Tomas explained.

According to Ralph, social media does

“aesthetics” with different color schemes and story themes. To some, editing, posting, and creating these fancy feeds are only a waste of time but not for Crista. For her, it is also a way of letting the creativity within us amplify— a means of creating our version of a modernized museum.

But then, do these posted photos online still portray the message that the actual art wants to reveal? Or, these are only piece of a

z

"Not everything exemplies

Aesthetics, yet, every little thing has a big part on keeping its

z

IDENTITY STRONG STRONG" give people immediate satisfaction or instant gratification. The more likes you get, the better you’ll feel about yourself.

In this modern world, we all have the means to capture the perfect moment and post all possible things we can imagine until it came hundreds in number. Many of us dedicate ourselves just to edit and arrange our social media feeds.

“Meron akong Instagram, pero ‘di na active. ‘Yung mga pinopost ko dati ay mga lugar na napuntahan ko na,” Crista Rosete, an incoming freshman shared.

There could be IG feeds comprised of selfies, or foods, or anything we believe

simple act of appreciation?

“Ang art at pictures kasi [ay] nakadepende sa tumitingin. May mga tao na hindi masyadong inclined sa art kaya hindi nila nage-gets agad. Kailangan nila ng background about doon – ng literature. Hindi enough ‘yung photos lang,” Alpha Nava, a graduating Public Administration student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela said.

With the help of social media, everyone has a say on almost everything. From the captions we make, to the photos we take, they’ve got eyes of a critic.

Nonetheless, she can still craft a museum of her own, “Kaya ko. ‘Yung museum kasi puwede mo siyang i-define [base] sa sarili mo lang. Personally, opo, depende nalang sa’kin

THE PARISIAN LIFE (1892)

This depiction of Luna’s Parisian life shows how modern society perceives someone from their social media feed, in this case, an Instagram post.

kung paano ko ide-define ‘yung museum ko.”

Thus, like Alpha, every one of us can build our own version of museums. It could be a museum of our actions, a museum of our ideas, or a museum of everything we do – a museum that only we, can establish.

In a museum full of paintings, sculptures, and art pieces, not everything exemplifies aesthetics, yet, every little thing has a big part on keeping its identity strong such as stories behind the dry paint and hard brushes laid down on the newspapers.

If a picture paints a thousand words, then what story would you tell to all the spectators of the work of art you’ve made?

What possible chaos could bring such beauty?

Would you venture to create your own version of museum in an aesthetically unique perspective that’ll help you live through? And, fill it in with the warmth of your art.

The hallway has ended, we saw light, and found the way. Just like how it all started, it is still empty, but now, we are about to enter our first own gallery.

Circle

Spectrum

Ysabelle N. Mendoza, Editor

9

June 2019

Arts and

ENGINEERING Renz Carra Mendoza, Ian Peñaranda

PURSUING Engineering while living the passion on arts may be difficult. Solving unparalleled problems in mind and keeping the body on the rhythm simultaneously are not usual stories. Yet, there are student who go extra miles. Some sketch their own paths with different colors as they create a masterpiece. Few voices out the chants of people, and prove to their audience that they can still be artists while simultaneously

Bagong Himig Serenata As the University's resident chorale group, Bagong Himig Serenata remains flourishing through the years with their angelic voices and hearts in sync, both singing the timeless and modern songs of our history.

living their dream to become an engineer. The birth of the prime promoters of Filipino culture in the University made way for the PUPians, especially for CEans, to live their passion. The University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA), makes sure that the arts, including music and both visual and performing arts, would not be set aside even in the current age of globalization.

Agents of Music

PUP Harana String Co. With each strum and bow, the rondalla group PUP Harana String Company raises awareness and appreciation of Filipino culture through sounds of its music with conviction.

Polysound Band Polysound, the official show band of the University for 40 years, captivates hearts with its music. Since then, it develops and grows the talents of its members while showcasing what PUPians can do in the realms of music.

Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory

Maharlika Dance Artists

Wearing the smiles and the valorous face of the Filipinos, theater group Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory continues to retell stories of both old and new. At the same time, they enhance the artistic skills of PUPians and promote the Filipino culture.

Maharlika Dance Artists gracefully take steps in tapping the inner performer of the students. This group of artists relives the past of the Philippines and its ethnic groups.

PUP Icons Accompanied by full confidence and pride, PUP iCons is the prime communicators of the UCCA. It promotes PUP through its advertisements and develop its students' personalities and self-esteem by allowing them to walk the floor with elegance.

“Malaki [ang] natulong sa ‘kin ng Poly, kasi para na rin s’yang stress reliever, tapos doon nalalabas ‘yung passion sa music. And doon sa ‘bilang isang engineering student’, siguro, time management.”

Andre Bautista (ME II) Polysound Band Drummer

Buklod Sining

The Performers CEan Members of

UCCA

“Simula senior high school, nandito na ako kaya ipaglalaban ko talaga 'to para hindi kami madisband.”

Aubrey Illurimo (ECE II) Polysound Band Vocalist

Buklod Sining specializes in both their artistic and national visions. With weaving tapestries of paint, graphite, and all other media, it sharpens the visual artistry in the PUP community.

“Sumali sila kung gusto talaga nila kasi there’s more to life than just studying...

Masaya kahit medyo challenging ‘yung availability... Study hard pa rin, though.”

Shaira Claire Sering (IE II) Harana String Company Bandurrist

Sci-Tech

10

Spectrum

Victor B. Calinao Jr, Acting Editor

June 2019

Next Station: Constructing Metro Manila’s first underground railway system Andrea Julienne R. Martinez

Did you know that Metro Manila could have had its own underground railway system in the 1970s? The idea was first floated by Japan but came to nothing as administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos decided to build an elevated rail line instead - the Light Rail Transit or LRT-1.

AN ESTIMATE of PhP3.5 billion are wasted every day with the Metro Manila's endless traffic jams according to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

With that, the government decided to make a reality from a broken dream of an underground railway system through the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).

This infographic will guide you to the PhP355 billion Subway Line 9: from its route, features of the Japan-made rolling stocks, 600-ton Tunnel Boring Machine to drill the entire underground railway, neo RiSe technology to provide solutions on flood, and to its impacts and challenges.

02

Welcome to Metro Manila Subway Project 01 Route QC QC

01

QC QC

2

Phase One

Quirino Hgwy. T. Sora

QC QC

3

4

QC QC

5

North Ave. Quezon Ave. LRT-1 Quezon Ave

02 Rolling Stocks

Proposed Design

Series 16000

Series E233

The tunneling is proposed to be Double Tube Single Track based on the expenses, platform area, and ventilation requirements. This is more favourable to a shielded tunnel in the line instead of the Single Tube Double Track.

QC QC

Tunnel Structure

East Ave.

QC QC

QC QC

6

7

Anonas Katipunan

PSG QC

PSG QC

8

9

0.5 m

10

11

Kalayaan Ave.

BGC

TG QC

TG QC

TG QC

12

13

14

15

P2

FTI

NAIA

Dasmariñas

Lawton East Lawton East

PSY QC

CVT

PNR FTI

These two proposed 2006 designs of East Japan Railway Company was first used in Chuo- Sobu Line and is still working until now.

ATC

AUTOMATIC TRAIN CONTROL

Train Materials Incombustible

1.0 m

TG QC

LRT-2 Anonas

80

Rolling stocks will use incombustible materials like burning resistance fiber.

6.8 m

MKT QC

Ortigas N. Ortigas S.

Phase Two

The following phases of the subway project would involve extending lines to Dasmariñas, Cavite from the proposed Ninoy Aquino International Airport station and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan from Quirino Highway station.

16 m

DTST (Double Tube Single Track)

03 Tunnel Boring Machine 6.9 m The diameter of the tunnel boring

machine weighing 600 tons manufactured by Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works.

0.5 m

kph

average speed

144

Lightweight

6.8 m

DATA PROTECTION

kph

max speed

It will also use aluminum alloy with impact buffer structure to the body.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL

The rolling stock will utilize digital communication and control and will have cab signal and data protection system as it is equipped with Automatic Train Control that has been proven safe and efficient based on the records in Japan.

Thrust cylinder Cutterhead

No energy No operation Rising Seawall

Bulkhead

Gripper Shoe

2025

365,000/ day

2030 2035 973,000/ day 669,000/ day

Groove Bottom hinge Float

Developed by Hitachi Zosen Corporation Pin

Tension Rods Joint Side wall

Counterweight

gate, also called the Fb The float, is shut automatically by buoyancy of the flooding water.

Shield Belt Conveyor

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS

5-YEAR PLAN PASSENGER CAPACITY

04 neo RiSe

Started in 1840's, TBMs are used as an alternative to drilling and blasting (D&B) methods in rock and conventional mining in soil, and can bore through anything from hard rock to sand.

CAB SIGNAL PROTECTION

In an emergency like sudden floods, the gates can automatically shut without the need for human intervention, allowing both guaranteed operation and ensuring the safety of the operators and civilian.

The Impacts and Challenges of MMSP Line 9

06 Challenges

05 Impacts The SPECTRUM asked Engr. Nedgeor Avance (CE '14), Project Development Officer at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) about the challenges and its solutions in constructing the MMSP. Here are the few:

Flooding

Earthquake

Liquefaction

Implementation of neo RiSe and hydrological surveys are conducted to select route not prone to flooding.

Realignment of route was done to mitigate and avoid the earthquake risk.

Geotechnical investigations to identify the composition of soil and the possibility of having liquefaction on the area.

According to experts, the subway is technically possible but is more expensive, longer to build than elevated railway, and if there are more phases to split up, the total cost will increase.

Acquisition of land may take longer than usual. The contractors are now very concerned about the issue of land acquisition as not all concerned officials are supportive to the project.

It may be ambitious but now a reality, first time in the Philippine history. With all the efforts in constructing the subway, will it pay off to introduce and redefine efficient, effective, and secure transportation systems in the country?

References: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/business">Business vector created by macrovector_official, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029549317301437 , https://gineersnow.com/industries/train/the-metro-manila-subway-project-details, https://www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2017/03/002537.html, https://engineering-machining.com/2018/06/still-without-a-name-fort-wayne-tunnel-boring-machine/, http://engineering-machining.com/wp-content/uploads/name-tbm.jpg, https://gineersnow. com/industries/train/the-metro-manila-subway-project-details, https://www.hitachizosen.co.jp/english/release/2017/03/002537.html, https://engineering-machining.com/2018/06/