Written by MVP Migo-Sumagang
Posted: October 29, 2019
The Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (KKP) held its 48th Annual Convention with the theme “Mainstreaming Chemistry in the Life and Health Sciences” at the Kamayan at Palaisdaan Resort, Bay, Laguna last September 5-6, 2019. The two-day event kicked off with a welcome remark from Dr. Mae Joanne B. Aguila, President of KKP and Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry. Various plenary lectures including topics on clinical diagnostics, treatment of hazardous laboratory wastes, scale up of organic agriculture, etc. were presented. Young scientist forums were also held discussing topics on molecular cloning, crop establishment, etc.
The Department of Chemical Engineering (DChE) faculty encourages their students to be more active in sharing their research by participating in presentations, publishing scientific papers, etc. Thus, chemical engineering graduates seized the opportunity to showcase their thesis studies. Out of the 24 poster presentations during the event, 4 posters were from the DChE, UPLB. The following were the graduates, their thesis adviser, and their poster presentation titles:
1) Marjorie DC. Ocampo (Adviser: Dr. Monet Concepcion M. Detras),
Parametric Optimization Studies for NPK Nanofertilizer Production Using Rice
Straw Activated Biochar as Nutrient Carrier.
2) Michaela F. Barleta (Adviser: Dr. Monet Concepcion M. Detras) Optimization
of the Synthesis of an NPK Fertilizer via Batch Impregnation of Nutrients Using
Coffee Husk Biochar as Carrier
3) Jerico Valderrama Gallano (Adviser: Dr. Jewel A. Capunitan)
Schwertmannite-mediated Fenton Process for the Treatment of Paint Manufacturing
Wastewater
4) Jerric John A. Castillo (Adviser: Dr. Jewel A. Capunitan) Color and COD
Removal from Pulp Wastewater by Fenton Process Using Schwertmannite Catalyst
The event ended with an open forum based on the plenary lecture “Beyond Crude Extracts: The Case of Drug Development with Marine Snails in the Philippines” by Dr. Aaron Villaraza. The open forum was moderated by Dr. Veronica P. Migo who is also an active officer of the organization.