Last February 27, 2009 the class in PRESDES section EI1 under Dr. Bernard Lejano had a field trip in Freyssinet Plant located in Barangay Pungo, Calumpit, Bulacan to give the students an experience in seeing the actual materials, the preparations, the prestressing works, and the finished products. Freyssinet fabricates most of the bridge girders here in Luzon. The plant produces both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned members. Despite the scourging heat of the sun, the class of 15 students learned a lot from the experience. Here are some comments of the students regarding the field trip:
“Due to the fieldtrip, the concepts discussed in the lessons are now well understood.”
“In spite of the hot weather, we still enjoyed the trip and we were able to see firsthand the things we learned in class.”
“As we toured around, we were informed on the step by step process of how they create their prestressing members.”
“This trip greatly helped us to have a better visualization of lessons in PRESDES.”
“It was very difficult to study things when you are only allowed to imagine them. Seeing things makes it simpler what is taught in class.”
“The field trip was an experience that helped me realize the importance of actually seeing the construction of structural elements like prestress concrete.”
“We got the chance to look at the customization of steel especially for the use of prestress concrete.”
“I learned field practices in fabricating prestressed beams, piles, etc. I was exposed to the gigantic machines, jacks that they used for fabrications. I never knew such machines existed until our fieldtrip.”
“I never thought it would be that so informative.”
Write-up by B.A. Lejano
AnimoSibil was represented by DLSU-Manila CE alumni - Alvin Varquez, Allen Varquez, J
oseph Reyes, Van Leano, Chito Borja and Art Ramos in the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers - Lungsod ng Maynila (PICE-LNM) Chapter's Summer Bowling Tournament last March 28, 2009 at the Playdium Bowling Center at Quezon City. DLSU CE faculty and PICE-LNM Director, Dr. Andy Oreta also joined the team during the elimination round. The AnimoSibil team was overwhelmed by the strong teams from DPWH, construction and consultancy companies. Over-all, it was an enjoyable activity - there were a few strikes and spares but a lots of fun.
DLSU-Manila faculty members participated in this exchange program as visiting reseachers at Tokyo Tech and other universities in Japan, paper presentors in the various symposia and seminars and contributors in the book. In this symposium, Ronaldo Gallardo, Dr. Andy Oreta and Dr. Jonathan Dungca served as facilitators in the technical sessions and workshops. Papers were presented by Mary Ann Adajar on "Geotechnical Hazards & Disaster Mitigation Technologies", Dr. Dungca on "Geotehcnical Centrifuge Test on the Lateral Response of Double-Pile Group Subjected to Lateral Spreading Liquefied Ground" and Dr. Oreta on the "Impact of Natural Disasters on Infrastructure and the Environment." The other participants were Dr. Alexis Fillone, Dr. Bernardo Lejano and Dr. Danilo Terante. Gallardo, Oreta, Adajar and Dr. Romeo Etsanero (retired faculty) contributed articles in the book.