By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Reinforcing the notion that DMC College Foundation is one of the leaders in Information Technology education in the whole of region 9, the DMC College of Computer Studies (CCS) recently sent two representatives to the 7th National Conference on IT Education (NCITE) held at the Capitol University (CU) in Cagayan de Oro City last October 21 to 23.

Mr. Harvey Dalmacio, PSITE National Board/Vice-dean of DMC-CCS (right most) together with Dr. Randy S. Gamboa PSITE National President, and Board Members poses with Atty. Adel Tamano, the NCITE '09 keynote speaker.

DMC CCS Vice Dean Anthony Harvey Dalmacio and Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) Region 9 President Jovanie Talaroc were among the IT educators on hand to discuss the recent innovations, problems and possible solutions in IT education in the country.

Among those in attendance to partake in the IT knowledge-sharing include Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president, Atty. Adel Tamano; CU president, Atty. Casimiro Juarez, Jr; members of the PSITE 2009 National Board headed by their president, Dr. Randy Gamboa of the University of Southeastern Philippines; and regional PSITE Chapter presidents all over the Philippines.

One of the highlights of the event were the speaking engagements given by two esteemed professionals of the IT profession. The first speaker was University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) – Laguna Institute of Computer Science Associate Professor Vladimir Mariano, Ph.D. who presented his “Research Topics in Digital Image Process and Computer Vision.” The other speaker was the head of the Center for Emphatic Human-Computer Interactions of De La Salle University-Taft in Metro Manila, Merlin Teodosia Suarez, Ph.D. Suarez talked about the topic “The Novel Problem of Emphatic Space Development.”

Mr. Jovanie Talaroc, PSITE-IX President/IT Coordinator of DMC-CCS, Ms. Grace Sojor, PSITE-IX Vice-President/Research Coordinator of COMTECH, together with PSITE-IX Members poses with Atty. Adel Tamano.

Moreover, the NCITE also featured 13 research papers all vying for the recognition of being adjudged as the Best Paper of 2009. And this year’s honor was given to Ralph Selga and Vladimir Mariano, Ph.D of the Institute of Computer Science in UPLB – Laguna with their research paper titled “License Plate Classification and Binarization.”

Other research papers presented include  “Genetic Algorithm: An Implementation to Class Scheduler System” by Albert Geroncio Rivera, Elia Grace Limbaga, Justin Fred Opeña, Honeylet Laput, and Dave Marcial of the Silliman University College of Computer Studies in Dumaguete City; “The Realtime Monitoring of Water Turbidity Using Image Sequence Analysis” by Cedric Kim Sarmenta and Vladimir Mariano, Ph.D. of UPLB – Laguna Institute of Computer Science; “A Stochastic Modeling of the Optimum Cycle Time of Selected Intersections in Cagayan de Oro City” by Maridee Bitalac Adiong of CU College of Engineering in Cagayan de Oro; “Capturing the Dynamics of Pedestrian Traffic Using a Machine Vision System” by Louie Vincent Ngoho and Jaderick Pabico of UPLB – Laguna Institute of Computer Science; “Data Signatures for Traffic Data Analysis” by Jasmine Malinao, Richelle Ann Juayong, Francis James Corpuz, Jan Michael Yap and Henry Adorna, Ph.D. of the Department of Computer Science of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City; “ICS-OS: A Kernel Programming Approach to Teaching Operating System Concepts” by Joseph Anthony Hermocilla of UPLB – Laguna Institute of Computer Science; “The Role of NLP Resource Formation for Benguet Languages to Education” by Dalos Miguel of the Saint Louis University’s College of Information and Computing Sciences in Baguio City; “Probabilistic Speech Recognition for Tagalog Lecture Video (PSRTLV) by Chuchi Montenegro of Silliman University CCS in Dumaguete City and Elmer Maravillas, Ph.D. of the Cebu Institute of Technology CCS in Cebu City; “Enriching Programming Instruction using Visualization” by Marianne Ang and Allan Sioson, Ph.D. the Ateneo de Naga University Computer Science Department in Naga City; “Vision-Based Ball-on-Bean Balancer with Fuzzy Logic Controller” by Engr. Elyred Baclaan (College of Engineering) and Elmer Maravillas, Ph.D. (College of Computer Studies) of the Cebu Institute of Technology in Cebu City ; “The Reduction-Buildup Algorithm (RBA) for Efficient Support Set Construction” by Jasmine Malinao, Richelle Ann Juayong, Unaiza Garnica and Henry Adorna, Ph.D. of the University of the Philippines-Diliman Department of Computer Science in Quezon City; and “Applying AI Technique to Automate Partially the Software Analysis and Design Phases” by Demelo Lao and Pam Claudine Artiaga of the University of the Philippines-Visayas Department of Computer Science in Cebu City.

The winning piece of Selga and Mariano of the Institute of Computer Science in UPLB – Laguna will be published in the Philippine IT Journal, which is an annual joint publishing of PSITE and the Philippine Computing Society.

By Tyrone Jay V. Smason

To hopefully usher a change in a government marred by widespread corruption, the ABS CBN together with its major partners Globe, Bayan, STI, the Philippine Star, Comelec, BusinessWorld, PPCRV, Namfrel and YouthVote Philippines launched its Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako ang Simula program last May nationwide – in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It aims to instill upon each and everyone the power to make a difference by choosing responsibly our next set of government officials and also taking it upon ourselves to ensure a clean and safe elections in May of 2010.

ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs Head Maria Ressa wrote in an article about the power of the media in bringing about such a lofty goal of peaceful and honest elections next year. She said that “the core of our campaign is how traditional media can combine with new media and mobile phone technology to transform society and clean up our elections. In 2007, we empowered ordinary Filipinos and they rose to the challenge – 500 messages a day in the run-up to elections and more than 2,000 messages on election day! That is only a rehearsal for what we can collectively do in 2010.”

Hoping to pitch in its small part is the DMC College Foundation of Dipolog City through its Community Extension Services Office.

CES Coordinator Pilar Cruz divulged that her office is “one with the youth and the nation in its clamor for change.”

“Being fed up with corruption and non-action on matters that needs answer and attention, we are supporting this ABS CBN program wholeheartedly and, collectively, we hope to make a difference,” Cruz said.

As part of its initial step, DMC recently culminated its “MY VOTE, MY RIGHT!” Campaign to help its students register or transfer their registration Dipolog City’s Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office.

Using its bus, DMC College Foundation brought its students to the (COMELEC) for them to register and exercise their Constitutional right to suffrage.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Making sure that DMC College Foundation is one with publishers, booksellers, educators, librarians and readers all over the country in celebrating reading and literacy, DMC College of Computer Studies dean, Dr. Gerald Concha recently attended the 30^th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) held at the Exhibit Halls of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City.

Dr. Gerald T. Concha with DMC's liaison officer Miss Emma Pandaan.

The MIBF, with the theme “Opening Doors and Pages: A Legacy of Books’’ was held last September 16 to 20.

“Here in DMC, we always make sure to have a representative in the said yearly book fair for us to be updated with the latest publications here and abroad. We always see to it that our library is always up to date when it comes to books. As a matter of fact, we just recently purchased about half a million pesos worth of books for the next school year,” Dr. Concha said.

The book fair’s main thrust is to promote books and reading by giving the bookselling and publishing industry a venue to promote new titles and authors, dialogue with readers, and discuss ways to improve the quality of books.

The five-day fair, considered as the longest running book fair in Asia, featured storytelling sessions like reading and interpretative performances for the participants, book and product launchings, live musical performances, cooking demonstrations, and various other competitions.

The MIBF is joint collaboration of various entities like Primetrade Asia, Inc.; Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc.; the Book Development Association of the Philippines; the Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc.; and the Publishers’ Representatives Organization of the Philippines.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The Zamboanga del Norte Association of Private-Public Technical Institution (ZNAPTI), in coordination with the Second District Congressional Office held the “Pangulong Gloria Scholarship” (PGS) Scholars’ Fair and Enrollment Day at the DMC College Foundation Covered Court last October 28.

Pangulong Gloria Scholarship” (PGS) scholars from all over the province attend the scholars’ fair and enrollment day held at the DMC College Foundation covered court recently.

Gracing the event are Second District representative, Congressman Rosendo “Dodoy” Labadlabad; Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 9 OIC Director Nilda Espiritusanto; TESDA-ZN provincial director, Engr. Lorenzo Macapili; ZNAPTI president, Dr. Romeo Delgado; along with PGS scholars all over the province.

The event featured the enrollment of new scholars, youth profiling, and a training induction program for the scholars.

NSO holds 18^th Stats Quiz in DMC

The NSO holds the 18th Philippine Statistics Quiz in DMC College Foundation Auditorium recently.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) recently culminated its 2009 National Statistics Month Celebration with the 18^th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) at the DMC College Foundation last October 28.

DMC Accountancy student Jess Patangan placed third in the PSQ behind eventual champion, Saint Vincent College’s Jefferson Martinez and first runner-up Leah Mariel Reyes also of SVC.

On hand to partake in the celebration are Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy, NSO Regional Director Expedito Rebollos, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Information Officer Franklin Gumapon, Department of Trade and Industry Division Chief Julius Salaveria, and Provincial Statistics Officer Lila Daan.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

With the theme “One La Salle… One Region… One Mission,” the DMC College Foundation Science High School will host the Second Brother Narciso Erguiza FSC. Inter – La Sallian School Supervised Office (LASSO) Academic and Cultural Dance Festival on November 4 to 6.

The festival is a Mindanao-wide event open to all LASSO and La Salle district schools with at least a hundred students expected to attend. Aside from the number of academic and dance competitions, the event will also provide the participants with an “exposure trip” to various scenic and historical spots in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan like the Eco- Park, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Rizal Shrine, Mindanao Map, St. James Parish, Gloria de Dapitan, and Dakak.

“The festival aims to enhance the intellectual capabilities and cultural awareness of the students,” LASSO Mindanao Superintendent Ophelia Fugoso said in her letter addressed to schools all over Mindanao.

Schools that are expected to participate include St. Cecelia College of Cebu City, Rizal Special Education Learning Center of Davao City, Holy Name School of Samal City, Maryknoll School of Lambajon of Baganga in Davao Oriental, De La Salle John Bosco College of Bislig City, San Benildo Integrated School of Cagayan de Oro City, La Salle Academy of Iligan City, and La Salle University of Ozamiz City.

“We are very ecstatic that we are going to host such a huge event. And we are looking forward to giving each and everyone a grand time in their visit not just here in DMC but also to the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan,” DMC Science High School Principal Elizabeth Ocer disclosed.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing Inc. (ADPCN) celebrated its 50th Founding Anniversary and Annual Convention at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel in Manila last October 14-15.

On hand to represent DMC College Foundation in the said gathering is College of Nursing dean, Dr. Ma. Grace Gurdiel.

“Twice a year, the ADPCN, composed of nursing deans of schools all over the county meet to discuss solutions of problems we encounter in nursing education and to improve the quality of nursing profession in the Philippines,” Dr. Gurdiel said. “It was an eye-opener and I hope to bring to DMC the learning I got from this momentous occasion.”

Among those who attended the two-day event are Professional Regulation Commission Commissioner Nilo Rosas, Asian Institute of Management Professor Patricia Lontoc, Success Options Publishing Company President Francis Kong, Creative House Inc. founder and President Arun Gogna, and nursing school deans all over the Philippines led by ADPCN National President Carmelita Divinagracia.

“DMC College Foundation College of Nursing dean, Dr. Ma. Grace Gurdiel (on the left) pose with Dr. Rizalyn Tabanao, dean and owner of the Lanao School of Science and Technology in Lanao del Norte, during the ADPCN 50th Founding Anniversary Convention in Manila.”

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) of DMC College Foundation – College of Computer Studies (CCS) recently organized the first ever Regional PSITS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Convention held at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center in Dipolog City on October 9 and 10.

Heading the list of winners from DMC in the skills competition are John Woo and Kalil Rhudy. The duo was adjudged as the champions in the Visual Basic Programming contest. Placing second in the said competition is the team from Pagadian Capitol College and with Jose Rizal Memorial State College (JRMSC) – Dapitan campus placing third.

Other results are as follows; Quiz Bowl Champion is the team from Andres Bonifacio College (ABC), second is St. Columban College, and third Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology (ZSMIT); in the PC Building Category, champion team is ABC followed by JRMSC Siocon and JRMSC Dapitan; in the Web-Based Programming, champion is Kyle Sy of ABC, followed by Ifur Salimbagat of DMC and Joseph del Rosario of JRMSC Dapitan;  in the Electronic Poster Making category, champion is Elmer Aprecio of JRMSC Dapitan, followed Deborah Hampac of DMC and Ronie Apostol of ABC; in the Networking category, champion is JRMSC Dapitan, followed by Jecs Cagas of DMC with the Pagadian Capitol College (PCC) placing third; in the Gimmick Presentation category, champion is ABC; and the Mr. and Ms. ICT 2009 are from ZSMIT with the ABC duo placing first runner-up with PCC taking third place.

“In behalf of the PSITS chapter of DMC College of Computer Studies, we are very thankful to our teachers who were very supportive to our endeavor. We would also like to thank our fellow DMC CCS students who gave their all-out support. And finally, we would also like express our gratitude to our school officials especially to our dean, Dr. Gerald Concha, for giving us the green light to pursue this event,” Vale said. “Despite some minor setbacks and miscalculations, I’m happy to announce that the regional event was successful.”

Among those who graced the event are Dipolog City Vice Mayor Senen Angeles; DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald Concha; Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) Region IX president and DMC CCS faculty Jovanie Talaroc; PSITE National Board Member and DMC CCS Vice Dean Anthony Harvey Dalmacio; PSITS DMC Chapter President Kim Therese Vale; among others.

The convention drew a total of 483 participants from all over the region. Students from Pagadian, Siocon, Katipunan and Dipolog arrived to participate in the convention. Among the schools that participated are DMC; ABC; PCC; JRMSC –Katipunan, Siocon, and Dapitan campuses; EMCOTECH, ZSMIT, Pagadian Technical and Marine Science; St. Columban College; and ZSAT – Western Mindanao State University.

Moreover, with the opening program and day activities of the event held at the Convention Center, the DMC school also pledged the use of the DMC Auditorium for the entertainment show on the night of October 9 and the closing ceremonies on October 10. The school will also offer the use of the DMC bus for transportation of the delegates to and from the Convention Center.

“It was all about the students. The event was a brain-child of our active and creative batch of DMC CCS students, who I am practically very proud of. I’m very pleased with such a well-planned activity. Although there was some hitch on the schedule of giving snacks and some other minor problems, still all-in-all, it was a great learning experience not just for them, but also for us as their mentors,” Dalmacio disclosed

And in his speech, Dr. Concha reiterated such expression of pride for the DMC students, particularly identifying PSITS President Vale and PSITS Consultant Olasiman. “I see that our current batch of PSITS officers is headed by a very competent leader in their President, Kim Therese Vale. We also have former President Olah Olasiman to give her a lending hand. I hope that you will put into good use the knowledge you absorbed in this two-day activity. About what’s new and current ICT trends and issues; about future career opportunities in IT after graduation; with regard in-demand skills required by the IT Industry and many more,” Concha said.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Bent on giving its School of Hotel, Institution and Restaurant Management (SHRIM) students a thorough experience and learning through exposure to different knowledge-inducing field trips, the DMC College Foundation recently sent students to attend two events, one in Cagayan de Oro City and the other in Ozamiz City, respectively.

In Ozamiz City, the School of Hospitality Management of La Salle University held the 4^th Culinary Congress last September 25 to 26 at the La Salle University Arts Center.

Eight DMC students were able to attend the two-day culinary congress. They are Liza Faye Belocuro, Charde Mae Cabil, Rowena Dalogdog, Marian Grace dela Cruz, Kemberly Enguito, Sheena Enguito, Lyndon Recera and Hannah Florence Nasala.

The event, with the theme “Enhancing Culinary Ability and Quality”, was organized in partnership with regional office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). It showcased demonstrations in cooking, cake decorating, table setting, fruit carving, bartending and flair tending, pasta making and food and beverage service procedures.

In Cagayan de Oro, 50 DMC SHRIM students were able to witness the Kumbira 2009 Festival presented by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) last August 13-15 at the Atrium of Limketkai in Cagayan de Oro City.

The event featured various cooking demonstrations by experts in the food industry, and also trade exhibits on Hotel and Restaurant equipment, supplies and services.

“I am very happy that the DMC School of HRIM was able to participate in such a grand gathering as KUMBIRA 2009. We didn’t expect that KUMBIRA will be such a huge event participated and attended by different schools from the Visayas and Mindanao. And, after such an enlightening experience, we are planning to participate in the annual KUMBIRA festival from here on out,” DMC SHRIM dean, Atty. Diana Concha said.

Accompanying the students in the said festival together with Atty. Concha are SHRIM Coordinator Arnielyn Saguin, DMC staff Nadelle Gaylan, and Bartending and Cocktail Mixing Coach Raul Alvarez.

Aside from the Kumbira 2009 event, the DMC SHRIM contingent also had a side trip as part of the said study tour. They visited institutions and tourist places in Cagayan such as the Xavier Estates and Country Sports Club, Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, Del Monte Canary, and the Divine Mercy Shrine.

“DMC SHRIM students pose during the 2009 Kumbira Festival held in the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro last August 13-15.”

: “During their trip to Cagayan de Oro City for the Kumbira 2009, the DMC SHRIM also went on a side trip for their study tour to the Xavier Estates Country and Sports Club. Here, the group pose for a picture with DMC SHRIM dean, Atty. Diana Concha.”

“DMC SHRIM student Lyndon Recera gave the Cagayanons a show with his bartending and flair-tending skills during the Kumbira 2009 Festival.”

“DMC SHRIM student Lyndon Recera gave the Cagayanons a show with his bartending and flair-tending skills during the Kumbira 2009 Festival.”

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

“This is a milestone of an event.”

Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) DMC College Foundation – College of Computer Studies (CCS) Chapter President Kim Therese Vale pronounced of the recently organized PSITS Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Convention to be held at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center in Dipolog City on October 9 and 10.

According to Vale, “this is an event wherein IT students from different IT schools all over the region gather together to enhance their knowledge in current ICT trends and issues, career opportunities in IT after graduation, in-demand skills required by the IT Industry and many more. It also promotes camaraderie and serves as a venue for students to explore and evaluate emerging ideas in ICT.”

Among those who are expected to grace the event are Dipolog City Vice Mayor Senen Angeles; DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald Concha; Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) Region IX president and DMC CCS faculty Jovanie Talaroc; PSITE National Board and DMC CCS Vice Dean Anthony Harvey Dalmacio; among others.

“This is the first time the PSITS of DMC organize an ICT Convention, and it is a regional event for the first time also. This is a huge challenge for us and we relish such responsibility to show that DMC is indeed a golden standard in terms of information and communication technology,” PSITS consultant and former president Cristituto “Ola” Olasiman said.

The convention is expected to draw 303 participants as of press time. And with the opening program and day activities of the event held at the Convention Center, the DMC school also pledged the use of the DMC Auditorium for the entertainment show on the night of October 9 and the closing ceremonies on October 10. The school will also offer the use of the DMC bus for transportation of the delegates to and from the Convention Center.

“I am expecting, and very optimistic, that this event will be successful since this is the first big event that the PSITS of DMC organized. And all of us in PSITS are working hard together to make sure that we can host a lively, safe, and conducive-for-learning environment for the two-day event. I am also hoping that this event will help future IT professionals in enhancing their skills and knowledge,” Vale said.

Beaming with pride, Dr. Concha expressed his elation with the “active” PSITS set of officers this year. “I commend the PSITS officers of DMC for initiating this first Regional PSITS convention here in Dipolog. DMC is proud to be the host school. This is a very good exposure for students to the latest trends in the ICT” he added.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Hoping to give clinical instructors and students alike further learning in the field of nursing, the DMC College Foundation recently sent 10 CIs and 35 fourth-year BSN students to Ozamis City to attend a seminar on core competencies and Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) updates at the La Salle University Arts Center last October 3

The seminar is organized by the La Salle University College of Nursing in coordination with the PNA.

The CIs who attended the seminar are Jennifer Jarantilla, Vida Omamalin, Marilou Regencia, Jaypee Buhisan, Jackie Lou Sanoy, Georgie Jumalon, Benjie Mananzan, Edsel Eway, Mary Ursula Nasthassia April Te, and Ellie Jean Barillo.

Among those in attendance during the seminar are Liceo de Cagayan Nursing vice dean and PNA Region 10 governor Neil Martin, La Salle School of Graduate Studies Dean Maria Nancy Quinco-Cadosales, La Salle College of Nursing Dean Marilyn Bacsain, and other clinical instructors in Ozamiz.

“This is a great learning experience for our students and instructors. The knowledge and experience they get from this activity is a huge plus in helping them become better nurses and students. I hope that they will put such learning into good use in their everyday lives,” DMC BSN dean, Dr. Ma. Grace Gurdiel said.

DMC BSN holds IMCI, COPAR symposium

The DMC College Foundation College of Nursing recently organized an Integrated Management on Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) and Community Organizing Participatory Action Research (COPAR) Symposium held at the DMC Auditorium last September 26.

On hand to impart her knowledge childhood illnesses and community health nursing is registered nurse Agnes Ortega. She walked in front of all second-year DMC nursing students.

This is part of the Department of Health strategy and as part of our curriculum, we hold this IMCI and COPAR symposium so that we can give our students knowledge which they can use in their actual community and hospital exposure,” Dr. Gurdiel said.