Two research faculty to deliver lectures

In line with DLSU-Manila’s vision of promoting its research culture, the second batch of research faculty will present this week the results of their projects conducted last school year.

Dr. Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., university fellow and full professor of the Department of Communication, will speak on “Cinema Kontra Kolonyalismo at Komersyalismo: Isang Kasaysayan ng Pelikulang Pilipino” on September 18, 1:30 p.m. at the Ariston Estrada Seminar Room.

On September 19, Dr. Alfredo Robles, chair of the Political Science Department, will present “ASEAN and the European Union: A Structural Approach to Interregional Relations” at 2 p.m. at the Ariston Estrada Seminar Room.

Nicanor Tiongson of the University of the Philippines-Diliman will react on Del Mundo’s paper while Joseph Sedfrey Santiago, Esq., Law and Economic Development Institute managing trustee, will comment on the paper of Robles.

The research faculty position was established to encourage more faculty to do relevant research. As research professors, they were deloaded six units each term for three successive terms, for a total 18 units. Aside from this, they received seed funding up to P50,000 for their approved project.

Del Mundo is a seasoned screenwriter, having been recognized by numerous award-giving bodies for his body of work. His projects include “Maynila…sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” “Kisapmata,” “Batch 81,” “Merika,” “Mulanay,” “Bayaning 3rd World,” and “Markova.” His book, Native Resistance: Philippine Cinema and Colonialism 1898-1941 won the National Book Award in 1998.

Robles, on the other hand, obtained his advanced degrees from the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Université de Paris-I, and Syracuse University. He has done post-doctoral research in Japan, Netherlands and taught in the United States, France, Vietnam, and Spain.

COE tapped to boost LGU capability

The College of Engineering through the Center for Engineering Research Training and Consultancy (CERTC) recently signed a memorandum of agreement with USAID and Associates for Rural Development-Governance for Local Development (ARD-GOLD) to build up institutional capability of local government units.

CERTC Director Edgar Doña said that the agreement calls for cooperation among the three parties to transfer technology in the areas of micro-hydro, infrastructure planning, and solar power development. The CERTC will develop the training modules which will be funded by the USAID. The ARD-GOLD will tap potential LGUs as beneficiaries of the program.

The project, Doña added, provides a venue for engineering faculty to do service and to contribute ultimately to nation-building. Doña noted that for LGUs to avail of the Internal Revenue Allotment for their areas--a budgetary allocation for development--a land use and development plan has to be submitted for evaluation.

Doña said that La Salle was chosen to handle the modules based on the variety of exposure and expertise that the faculty members have.

“A lot of our faculty members have studied abroad, and have had relevant consultancies at some time,” Doña added.

ARD-GOLD intends to institutionalize centers of knowledge in certain fields as it proceeds in its rural development thrusts. Through this project, Doña hopes that La Salle will be able to build up further its reputation in the areas of micro-hydro, infrastructure planning, and solar power development.