DMC Pulse + PhotoBlog

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

With the recent catastrophe brought about by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently declared the observance of the National Disaster Preparedness Month from October 20 to November 21.

In accordance with such memorandum, the DMC College Foundation held a one-day Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the DMC Auditorium last November 13.

Representatives from various entities like CHED, Office of Civil Defense Region IX, PAGASA and PHIVOLCS were on hand to share their expertise to the student participants.

Representing DMC are 15 students including Jobanie Agias, Peter Alegarbes, Rose Dolor Cabilin, Paterno Cimafranca, Rainier Rhett Concha, Janrey Cuenca, Nazra Divinagracia, Bernadette Egual, John Bryan Fernolles, Shielden Vi Gallemit, Jaysa Krystle Guijaro, Ivory Mae Legados, Kemi Maco, Aiza Magcanta and Butch Tambac. They were accompanied by Assistant Emergency Coordinator Jeffrey Laput and Student Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario.

“The seminar was an eye-opener for all of us. In light with the recent tragedy brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng, I hope that we have learned our lesson that tragedies will happen in times when we are most vulnerable. We need to be prepared to act during situations of life and death, moments when we need to help and save others. After today, I believe that these students are now well-equipped to handle disastrous situations,” Laput said.

By Krizaine Cordero (Eximius Editor-in-Chief)

Showing that it definitely is avant-garde in artistry with regard movie-making here in Dipolog City, the DMC College Foundation held the Q Film Festival at the DMC College Foundation Auditorium last October 17.

Students, parents and other movie goers gathered to witness four different films prepared by the BSN II Bio Ethic Class of DMC.

Under the supervision of Ramil “Sir Q” Dominic Quirong, also the adviser of the Progeny of Euterpe and the Teatro Likas-Likha organizations, the BSN II Bio Ethic Class showcased movie films showing four different ethical topics.

The first movie entry was made by the Night Class. With the title “Classmates” and directed by Raul Nocete, the film is about friendship. It focused on showcasing how drug addiction and premarital sex could affect a teenager’s life.

The second entry was made by the Winifred Class. The movie, titled “Life before Sunset,” is directed by Nessan Jane Sallore. It is a story about a woman struggling to fight her cancer disease.

The third entry was made by the Artinian Class. The movie is titled “Fragments” and is directed by Jasle Omamalin. It is a story about three different people that fate brought together. The story revolved around their friendship and love.

The fourth entry, made by the Fitzpatrick Class, is titled “Trigger Point” and is directed by Katrina Grace Gurdiel. It is a story about a girl fighting to rescue his fiancé only to find out that in the end, her fiancé is a part of a drug syndicate she swore to eradicate.

The Q film festival gave out awards to students whose performance were considered “exemplary” by the board of judges.

The winners were as follows: Best Picture to Trigger Point; Most Coordinated Section to the Winifred Class; Best Story to the movie Trigger Point; Best Director to Katrina Grace Gurdiel (Trigger Point); Best Actor to Jessie Loued Partosa (Fragments) Best Actress to Krizia Nica Ione Esteconing (Trigger Point); Best Supporting Actor to Alian Ralph Tan (Trigger Point); Best Supporting Actress to Ma. Carmes Bastasa (Life before Sunset); Best in Make-up Costume to Krizia Nica Ione Esteconing (Trigger Point); Best in Costume Design to Jherwin Salva (Trigger Point); Best in Sound Effects to Jay Bernados (Trigger Point); Best in Sound Tracks to Jay Bernados (Trigger Point); Best in Set Design to Mhay Gomolon (Trigger Point); Best in Editing to Trigger Point; Best in Screen Play to Christian Leo Kaballo (Trigger Point); Best in Cinematography to Jose Mari Suano (Fragments); Male Star of the Night to John Rubex Adaza (Fragments); Female Star of the Night to Katrina Grace Gurdiel (Trigger Point); Male Face of the Night to Kherwin Khan Araje; Female Face of the Night to Misty Ocampo; Best in performance in a Cameo Role to Dwight (Trigger Point); and Best Villain to Ivory Rem Recentes (Trigger Point).

After the festival, I took time to interview the man behind the prestigious event – Sir Q. Here is an excerpt of our discussion. Read on….

Krizaine: Sir. Kindly discuss the brief history of the Q Film Festival? When and why did you start this?

Sir Q:   When I started teaching Health Ethics, now Bio-Ethics, way back in 2002, my final requirement then was to create a role-play with the topics of abortion and withdrawing/withholding life support. Each section was grouped into two and they were assigned one room each for their presentation. Two years later, when Hazel Zambrano Hayward joined me in teaching the subject, one of her sections opted to do it in a movie format, and that gave me an idea of how to do my future final requirements in Bio-Ethics.

K: Where did you pattern such festival?

Q: I’m no stranger when it comes to movie festivals, as far as I can remember, I am already a movie buff but not so much of a geek though. My inspirations were the Oscars, Emmys and our local film award-giving bodies.

K: In your perspective, what was the best film made this year?

Q: The four entries of this year’s film festival for the first semester were all substantially good. However, Trigger Point presented a more vivid and lucid output, thus, making it the best film of this second half of 2009.

K: And in the history of the Q Film Festival, what movie stands out? Why?

Q: I don’t think there is one movie that stood out of the rest when you talk about the history of the Q Film Festival, for the reason that the winning films have different genre every year.

K: Any parting statement Sir Q?

Q: Yes, this crusade of mine is making one step forward to enhance the capability of students to hone their skills and use their creative juices in such a way that they will be able to coordinate, synchronize, manage and cooperate with the entire class, making them good and, hopefully not just nationally recognized but also globally competitive leaders in the near future. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire DMC family who never fail to support my endeavor for such a greater cause.

By: Trizia Glae Tubungbanua (DMC Eximius Associate Editor)

We laugh together. Take examinations together. We study side by side and we even share stories to each other. We even go to each other’s houses to prepare for parties or whatever. These moments are spent with a good friend.

A good friend is someone who understands you for who you are and what you become. He stands beside you during hard times and sways when hearing happy tunes. A good friend never condemns without hearing truths. A good friend slaps you on the face but later on tells you what you’ve done. A good friend asks what’s wrong and doesn’t get mad without knowing your side. A good friend understands.

A good friend is not judgmental. A good friend is not hesitant to tell you if you did something wrong because a good friend corrects your mistakes. A good friend doesn’t count the cost of friendship because there is never a shop in the world where one can buy friendship. Friendship is abstract and can only be understood when you have found a friend.

When you have a friend, let them feel you care. Never be unfair and never be selfish. Don’t over react on things you never heard first hand because it can tear up a friendship. Listen to what your friend has to say. If you listen to what other people say and get furious because you don’t like what you’ve heard, think before you act. You don’t own the world. There are people who live in it so you cannot just shout and nag the whole thing.

Trust is necessary in every relationship. Love is the root of friendship. Just as the famous line of Cupid to Psyche says “Love cannot live when there is no trust.” Friendship requires trust and companionship. When two people decide to live their lives together, they create a bond that is strengthened by trust. However, some friendships end up broken and shattered because either of the other counts the cost and possibly doesn’t trust his friend.

A friend makes mistakes. No one has ever lived the world without committing a sin. But a friend repents and asks for forgiveness and forgets the lapses of his friend. A good friend humbles himself for the sake of his friend but doesn’t tolerate an insult.

If you have a friend, treasure him, if he has done something wrong against you, ask him why and listen to what he has to say. Never blame him for things he doesn’t have control. Don’t accuse him of wrong doings until you have proof and confirmation from him. Because you can never be a friend until you learn how to understand and consider his side.

Who knows, you might have the good friend but you lost him for the reason of nagging and hurting his feelings because you never listened to what he has to say.

Don’t let these things happen to you. It’s not too late to ask for forgiveness. Because when you have a good friend, no matter what you do, no matter how hurtful the things you’ve said to him, he will always extend his hand and give you another chance.

It’s not too late to say sorry and make the friendship last forever.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

With a respectable record of two wins against two losses, the DMC College Foundation Football team placed sixth in the 14-team 14^th University Games Tournament held at the Central Philippines University (CPU) in Iloilo last October 24 to 30.

“DMC footballers pose for a group picture during the 14th University Games held at the Central Philippines University (CPU) in Iloilo last October 24 to 30.”

Emerging as the top dog in Philippine collegiate football is the West Negros University of Bacolod City with La Salle St. Benilde taking the first runner-up and University of the Philippines taking third place.

Rounding up the top six are fourth placer University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City); fifth placer University of Sto. Tomas (Manila) and DMC. Other competing teams are host school CPU, Silliman University (Dumaguete City), Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), Western Institute of Technology (Iloilo), John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Iloilo), Ateneo de Manila (Manila), De La Salle University (Manila), and Rizal Technological University.

The DMC contingent is composed of GR Gleen Acopiado, Jeffrey Arquiza, Michael Aubrey Atienza, John Lloyd Bastasa, John Michael Bastasa, Clifford Daypuyat, Johnquinnoel Dequiña, Vincent Gambana, Cyri Icalina, Oliver Manalo, Renando Mantua, Lendon Loi Marcojos, Niño Ochotorena, Je-lord Paghasian, Sergio Alexis Pellerin, John Michael Samonte, Russel Veña, and Rezziel Villaespin. Accompanying them are the DMC coaching staff of Head Coach Reginald Jukes, Assistant Coach Joseph Fiel and Sports Coordinator Joelito Turno.

“The competition was very tough. Even Silliman University of Dumaguete City, the reigning powerhouse in Negros football was relegated outside the top six. Just making it to the upper half of team standings is already an achievement for us. This is a testament to the willpower and chemistry of the players and the determination and discipline provided for by the coaching staff. And we hope that we can continue pursuing such excellence in the event of football especially considering the all-out support given by the school to our sports program,” Turno said.

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.”