Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) – Faculty Immersion Program

Last year I was chosen to participate in the Faculty Immersion Program of Smart Communications, Inc. Together with the faculty members in the ECE department - ECE Department Chairperson Engr. Elena Noriega and ECE faculty Engr. Myrna Nagma who were both assigned to SMART’s Data Traffic department, I was assigned and trained in the Prepaid Accounts department. SWEEP is an industry-academe partnership that seeks to help raise the level of engineering technology education in the country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE). Since its launch in March 2003, other partnership with SWEEP schools in the academic field such as IT education and community service programs (Gawad Kalinga, disaster preparedness and training assistance to public schools through the Smart Schools Program) have emerged.

The SWEEP’s core program of initiatives are to wit: 1. Provision of a wireless laboratory that helps students and faculty members in partner schools study different aspects of cellular networks; 2. A continuing education program handled by SMART engineers and industry experts; 3. The SWEEP innovation and Excellence Awards; 4. SWEEP website; and 5. Recruitment of industry-ready graduates from SWEEP partner schools in Metro Manila (PUP, Ateneo, Adamson, FEATI, TUP, New Era and University of Makati).

Among the highlights of SWEEP Phase 1 is the annual SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards that recognize outstanding works in wireless applications development, where the 5th SWEEP Awards was held last March 2009. SMART has also started to involve SWEEP schools in other community service initiatives in the field of education, disaster preparedness, environment and community building. Engr. Julius Cansino, PUP’s former Computer Engineering chairperson, had assisted public high schools under the Smart Schools Program that provided the networking, cabling and installation of computers for Emilio Aguinaldo National High School in Imus Cavite, and Pacita Complex 1 National High School in Laguna.

In a simple contract-signing rites held at its Sta. Mesa campus, PUP became the first partner school in Metro Manila under SWEEP Phase 2. Coincidentally, it was also the first in all of Metro Manila to sign up for the initial Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) back in 2003.

Truly, having this kind of linkages with the industry helps in bridging the gap and bringing a realistic understanding of the telecoms industry to the Professors and students’ skills set in an actual industry setting. PUP is on its way of achieving the university’s 10-point agenda towards becoming a ‘Total University’.

Good Luck to this year’s participants. May you gain first-hand experience and benefit from the knowledge that will be imparted during the conduct of the training.

CE 30th Founding Anniversary – 30 Years of Committed Service

The PUP College of Engineering recently celebrated its founding anniversary with the theme “30 Years in Existence of Academic Excellence Towards Total Engineering Education for the People”. Compared to other universities and colleges that offer engineering degrees, the college is just establishing its roots and making a name for it self. From being an Institute of Technology to College of Engineering and Architecture and presently College of Engineering, the very ideals of producing competitive students that will act as a catalyst in the nation building of our country can be seen from the vision and mission of the college.

There are a lot of things to celebrate and be thankful about for this joyous occasion. Aside from producing graduates that are top-notchers or in the top 10 of the board exams as well as fairing above in comparison to the national passing rate, the six-degree programs (BSCoE, BSECE, BSME, BSIE, BSEE and BSCE) were able to pass the Phase 1 Level 3 AACCUP Accreditation, thus setting a record in the university that has a number of degree programs being accredited.

Different activities were initiated during this weeklong celebration. Sports fests as well as academic contest showcasing the talent and skills of the students were conducted. Awards were also given to the faculty and students for their contribution to the college. Also, Faculty members show the other side of themselves by having a show “CEryoso Po Kami”, the alumni had their Grand Alumni Homecoming at Tramway Buffet Garden, and the upcoming Engineering Research Conference at Bayview Hotel this March.

I have seen the best and worst that happened in the college, since I’ve been here for more than half of its existence, before as a student and now as an Instructor. Despite the fact of having equipments and laboratories that requires an overhaul and having to cope and operate within a tight budget coming from the government, this does not stop the College of Engineering (CE) community in finding innovative ways in delivering its very foundation of existence – i.e. providing affordable quality education to its students. There had been bold steps and radical changes that are implemented in the college – qualifying exams for the incoming 3^rd year that do not meet the required 2.5 GWA and the comprehensive examination for all engineering programs that have board examinations. And now the entire community is harvesting the fruits of its endeavors as one of the premiere college in the university.

Truly it’s an honor and a privilege to be a part and celebrate this event with the entire CE community.

Mabuhay ang College of Engineering!!!