Kahalagahan ng isang supervisor, #2

26  January 2012

Sa nakaraang artikulo ay naidiin ko na mahalaga ang mga supervisor sa ikapagtatagumpay ng isang kumpanya (lalong-lalo na ang isang pabrika). Ito ay sa kadahilanang nakaatang sa kanila ang direktang pamamahala sa mga manggagawang siyang gumagawa, o bumubuo, ng produkto ng kumpanya. Lubos na mahalaga ang katungkulang ito dahil sa kailangang maging mabisa silang mga supervisor sa pamamahala upang maayos na magampanan naman ng mga tauhan nila ang inaasahan buhat sa kanila ng kumpanya. Kung walang maayos na produkto, o serbisyo, ay mahihirapang magtagumpay ang kumpanya sa larangan ng negosyo. Ito ang isang dahilan kung kaya’t kailangang bigyan ng matinding pagpapahalaga ng isang kumpanya ang pagsasanay, o training, ng mga supervisor.

Nabanggit ko rin noong nakaraan na sa ganang akin ay dapat ituon ang pagsasanay sa mga sumusunod na paksa: una ay sa kaalaman tungkol sa trabahong sakop (job knowledge); pangalawa ay sa kakayahang makipag-kapwa-tao (behavioural skills); pangatlo ay sa kakayahang mag-isip na parang pangasiwaan (management mindedness). Tatalakayin natin ngayon ang una sa tatlong paksang nabanggit.

 Ang kaalaman tungkol sa trabahong sakop ng isang ‘bisor ay masasabing mayroong tatlong bahagi. Una dito ay ang kakayahang teknikal tungkol sa trabaho (technical skills) na kung saan ay maipapakita niya ang malalim na pagkakaintindi sa mga makinaryang ginagamit ng pangkat niya ; kagaya ng kung anu-ano ang nagagawa ng mga ito, at kung paano pinag-iingatan at inaalagaan upang mapanatili ang kanilang pagk-mabisa. At kasama din dito ang kaalaman tungkol sa mga proseso (processes), pamantayan (standards), detalye ng produkto (product specifications), at ang kailangang kalidad (quality requirements) sa pinangagasiwaan niya.

Pangalawa ay kaalaman tungkol sa mga pamamaraan sa pagpapatakbo ng trabaho (familiarity with operational aspect of assigned work), na kung saan ay matutugunan niya  ang pagtupad sa mga deadline dahil na din sa batid niya ang dami ng kinakailangang magawang mga produkto (volume targets), at ang naipangakong araw ng delibery (delivery commitments). Kaya din niyang tugunan ang naiatang na mga cost limits para sa operasyon ng kanyang pangkat dahil sa matinding kamalayan niya at pagtugon sa productivity targets, ingat sa paggamit ng materials at iba pang mga kagamitan (prudent usage of resources), limitasyon sa mga naaaksayang gamit at mga di pumapasang produkto (waste and rejection limits), at kakayahan sa pagtupad sa mga(performance efficiency targets).

At ang pangatlo ay ang kaalaman at kakayanan tungkol sa pangangasiwa, o pamamahala (administrative and management skills). Sinasabing ang pangunahing tungkulin ng supervisoray ang pagpapatupad sa mga tauhan niya ang mga dapat na magampanan nila, kaya’t bukod sa mga nauna nang nabanggit na mga katangian, ay kailangang marunong din siyang mamahala. Ito ay mas maayos niyang maisasagawa kung may kaalaman siya at susundin niya ang sinasabing apat na proseso ng pamamahala (management process), at ito ay ang mga sumusunod: pagbabalak, o pagpaplano (planning), pag-aayos ng mga kailangan para sa pagpapatupad ng plano (organizing), pagganyak sa mga tauhan upang magtrabaho ng lubos (motivating or directing), at pagtutok at pagrerepaso sa mga kaganapan tungkol sa plano (controlling).

Ang pagpaplaplano o pagbabalak ay ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagtatakda ng iba’t-ibang mga hakbangin upang makamit ang isang hangarin. Mahalagang matukoy din ang panahon na dapat na magugol, at kung sino ang may pananagutan, para sa bawa’t hakbangin. Mahalaga din na kabilang sa nagplaplano ang lahat ng may kinalaman o kaugnayan sa pagpapatupad ng plano.

Ang pag-aayos ng mga kailangan ay magagawa sa pamamagitan ng isa-isang pagsusuri sa mga hakbangin upang alamin ang mga pangangailangang paghahanda upang ito ay maisagawa nang maayos. Ang pagtalakay muna sa mga pangangailangan tungkol sa mga tauhan (man), makina o kagamitan (machine or tools), materyales (materials), at pamamaraan (methods) ay makakatulong sa pagpapadali sa pagtupad ng hakbang na ito. Kailangan din ang pagkakalat ng mga gawain sa may mga kakayanang gumawa nito.

Ang pagganyak sa mga tauhan ay maisasagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng mabisang pamumuno; at ito ay magyayari kung makikita ng mga tauhan sa ‘bisor ang tamang halimbawa ng pagbibigay halaga sa tungkulin, ang malasakit para sa kanila, at pagiging patas sa pagbibigay nag trabaho at pagpapataw ng disiplina.

Ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa o pagpapatupad ng isang balakin ay magagawa kung may gagawing tuloy-tuloy na pagtutok at pagrepaso ang ‘bisor sa mga kaganapan hanggang sa kahulihulihang hakbangin. Makakatulong nang malaki dito ang pagkakaroon ng gamit na kagaya ng Gantt Chart na siyang pweding tunghayan mayat-maya ng lahat ng may kinalman at interes sa isang plano o proyekto.

Ang paksang susunod na tatalakayin ng artikulo sa ilalim ng pangkalahatang pamagat na “Kahalagahan ng isang supervisor” ay ang kakayahang makipag-kapwa-tao (behavioural skills). At kung mayroon mang nagnanais na magpadala ng katanungan tungkol sa mga nakasulat ay mangyari lang na magpadala sa aking email na sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com o sa aking webpage na http://www.facebook.com/#!/jtl3mekaniko .

Kahalagahan ng isang supervisor #1

19 January 2012

Kamakailan lang ay may mga nakasalamuha akong mga namamahala ng isang pabrika - ang general manager at dalawa nitong bise-presidente. Sa harapang ito ay napag-usapan namin ang ilan sa mga hakbangin ng pamunuan tungkol sa paghahanda para sa mga darating na tatlo o limang taon. Ang isa dito ay ang paghahanda ng mga kailangang mga tauhan na siyang sasalo’ ng mga tungkuling maiiwanan ng mga nagsisipagretiro o na-promote ng mga tagapamahala. Sa dahilang ito ay ipinag-enroll nila (bilang isa sa mga hakbangin) ang dalawang tauhan sa isang unibersidad upang magkaroon pa ng pormal na edukasyon (at kaalaman) tungkol sa kanilang pangkasalukuyang katungkulan.

Sa puntong ito ay naibahagi ko sa kanila ang aking pananaw tungkol sa kahalagahan ng supervisor sa ikapagtatagumpay ng isang kumpanya, lalong-lalo na ang isang pabrika. Nabanggit ko na nakasalalay nang malaki ang tagumpay ng kumpanya sa kakayanan ng mga trabahador na tuparin nang maayos ang mga nakaatang na trabaho sa kanila, at ang supervisor ang siyang may katungkulang mamahala sa kanila upang makatupad sa kanilang mga tungkulin. At kung sino man ang namamahala ng direkta sa mga manggagawa ay siyang maituturing na katumbas ng supervisor, na kung minsan ay napapangalanan ng ibat-iba, depende sa kumpanya, kagaya ng group leader, leadman, foreman, team leader, shift in charge, office manager, atbp.

Kung ating susuriin ang kalagayan ng supervisor bilang bahagi ng pangasiwaan, o management, ito ay naiiba sa kadahilanang yung unang dalawang bahagi ng pangasiwaan (na top management at middle management) ay pawang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kapuwa taga-pangasiwaan, kung ito man ay sa nakakataas, o sa nasasakupan. Dahil, dito ay mas madali silang magkaintindihan.

Nguni’t ang supervisor, bagama’t taga-pangasiwaan ang nakakataas ay mga trabahador, o rank and file, naman ang kanilang nasasakupan. Dito masusubukan ang kanilang kakayahang mamuno dahil sa unang-una, ang pangunahin nilang tungkulin ay ang magpalabas o maghatid ng mga inaasahang resulta buhat sa kanyang mga tauhan. At bukod sa ma-teknikal na ang usapan, ay mas maraming din na di hamak ang kailangang pagpaliwanagan ng mga layunin, patakaran at alituntunin ng pangasiwaan. Dahil dito ay kailangang bigyan din ng matinding pagpahalaga ng pangasiwaan ang pagsasanay sa mga supervisor upang maging mabisa sila sa pagganap nila sa kanilang tungkulin.

At papano naman ang dapat na pamamaraan ng pagsasanay upang maging epektibo ang supervisor? Marahil ay dapat munang talakayin kung saan nanggagaling, o dapat na manggaling, ang mga supervisor, bago tunguhin ang pagsasanay.

Sa puntong ito ay maraming babasahin’ ang nagsasabing pinakamaige na manggaling sila sa hanay ng mga manggagawa o trabahador (o rank and file), at ang pipiliin ay kung sino ang may mataas na kaalamang teknikal tungkol sa trabahong sasakupin. Bukod dito ay dapat din na maganda ang record sa trabaho. Mayroon din namang nagsasabing maganda din na ang karanasan nilang pagpili at paghimok ng mga opisyal ng union na nakatalaga sa trabahong sasakupin dahil sa subok na ang kakayanan ng mga ito na mamuno, at di na mahihirapang magpasunod sa magiging mga tauhan. At kung sakaling walang makuhang may kakayahan sa loob ng organisasyon ay saka pa lang dapat na tumingin ng aplikante na manggagaling sa labas.

Sa ganang akin, ang kailangang kakayanan ng isang supervisor, na siyang magiging batayan ng pagsasanay niya ay nakapaloob sa tatlong bahagi: kaalaman tungkol sa trabahong sasakupin (job knowledge), kakayahan sa pakikipag kapwa-tao (bevioral skills), at kakayahang mag-isip na parang pangasiwaan (management mindedness).

Ang detalye tungkol sa tatlong paksang ito ay tatalakayin ko sa mga susunod na mga artikulo ko sa ilalim ng pangkalahatang pamagat na “Kahalagahan ng isang supervisor”.

Kung mayroon mang nagnanais na magpadala ng katanungan tungkol sa mga nakasulat ay mangyari lang na magpadala sa aking email na sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com o sa aking webpage na http://www.facebook.com/#!/jtl3mekaniko .

Professional imbalance - also a mechanical engineering profession concern

01 December 2011

It was serendipitous that while I was contemplating on this article more than a week ago, the editorial of the People’s Journal titled “Tragic and ironic” came out. The editorial talked of professional imbalance, particularly pointing to the shortage of professionals in the mining and health care industries, and how the corresponding professional regulatory boards (i.e., mining and optometry) are addressing their respective problems.

It seems however that this concern extends beyond that of the earlier mentioned professions, as according to Professional Regulation Commission commissioner, Atty. Jenifer Manalili, the country is also suffering from a severe shortage of licensed optometrists, guidance counsellors, psychologist, medical technologist, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionist and dentists. The editorial also noted that the PRC has likewise warned that “...the country may soon run out of mining engineers and other professionals...”

Professional imbalance, if this mechanical engineer may opine, is also a concern (among others) of the mechanical engineering profession – that of the Professional Mechanical Engineer grade in particular. Based on the latest statistics that came my way, there are currently about 5,000 PMEs registered with the PRC, half of whom are already dead, inactive or retired. Section 34 of the ME Law (RA 8495) dictates, among others, that a mechanical work, project or plant with an aggregate rating of more than 2,000 Kilowatts, and which operates for 24 hrs, should have a complement of at least 4 PMEs. This is so that each of the three shifts can be manned by one (while the fourth can also serve, on top of other responsibilities, as a buffer). A simple computation would show that the nation has currently enough PMEs for only about 625 such facilities with a rating of more than 2,000 kW. The effect of this is the large scale non-compliance with this particular aspect of the ME law in various industries. This discrepancy is further magnified by the fact that a good number of PMEs are employed abroad.

The ME law in its statement of policy (Section 2) declares that, “The state recognizes the importance of mechanical engineers in nation building and development... [and] shall develop and nurture competent... mechanical engineers...through regulatory measures, programs and activities”. On the basis of this policy, this writer believes that among the underlying objectives of the law in developing and nurturing the mechanical engineers’ competence is the enhancement of their ability to contribute to the success of the enterprise they are with, as well as, ensure the safety and protection of life and property. In this manner the mechanical engineer’s value is likewise enhanced and would translate into better gains for him from the practice of his profession. The prevalence therefore of the shortage of PMEs that has resulted in the unchecked and large scale violation of the ME law is a disservice not only to the profession but also to the country, as the shortage, in a way, deprives the various enterprises of competent personnel that can enhance their success, and in effect, undermine the country’s nation building and development initiatives. Such a situation, to this writer’s mind, points only to one course of action, which is, expediting the correction of the prevailing particular professional imbalance.

The ME law was passed in 1998, some 13 years ago, but sadly, its implementation is grossly wanting as of today. The situation has prevailed despite PSME, with its roughly 10,000 members, engaging in an effort during the last few years to rectify the anomaly (but barely made a dent in improving the situation). This development, again, to this writer’s mind, may be the biggest factor that caused the stagnation of the profession and parked it to the sad state that it is now in. There seems to be however a proverbial “light at the end of the [dark] tunnel” development in the person of the new PRC Chairperson, Atty. Teresita Manzala who has personally assumed oversight function over the mechanical engineering profession (the only engineering profession under the PRC chair). As I mentioned in an earlier article about her message to the “Society” during the 59^th Natcon, she feels that this enabled her to gain a deeper awareness and involvement which has given her intimate views of its issues and concerns. “This, according to her gives the profession a special place among the roster of regulated professions, and has made, as well, the upliftment of the mechanical engineers of special significance in the PRC”.

Hopefully, her “presence” would usher in the necessary initiatives and changes that would improve the profession, and also, bring about dynamism to this “sleeping giant-resource” – the more than 70,000 mechanical engineers registered with the PRC- so that it could finally unleash its potential abilities and gain its rightful place as a significant partner in the country’s effort to achieve economic prominence and progress for all.

Comments/reactions from the readers, especially from the 60,000 or more inactive registered mechanical engineers, can be sent through this writer’s email (sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com) or through this writer’s blog (mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com). 

PSME 59th NatCon notes (#3)

17 November 2011

There was obviously a determined effort, during the recently concluded convention, to expand the outlook of the members of the mechanical engineering profession with the inclusion of Technopreneurship as one of the plenary talk topics. As mentioned in my previous article, we had a very qualified speaker in the person of the “Society’s” immediate past national president, Engr. Renato Florencio. He has had 32 years of exceptional employment experience, capping it with being General Manager and President (during his last 13 years of employment) of Conell Brothers Philippines, Inc., an American multinational company. He has also been a successful entrepreneur since he retired from employment 15 years ago.

Engr. Florencio, who currently is into the jewelry manufacturing and distribution business, was able (just like the other speaker featured in my last article) to capture the continuous attention of the delegates, despite speaking in a time slot where the audience would be prone to drowsiness. He shared his experience, both the good and the bad things that happened to him, as well as the wrong things he did, so that the prospective entrepreneurs in the audience may be spared from repeating them. He also gave some tips on what concerns to address, to improve the mechanical engineer’s chances of succeeding once he goes into business.

According to him, anyone who wants to be a businessman should first do a self assessment because not everyone can be a businessman. Going into business means shifting one’s attitude and mentality from that of a safe (or employee) mode, to that of being resolute, and a risk taker. Unlike employment, where one has fixed work hours and assured of regular pay, going into business means that one has to take risks, and do what’s needed to sustain his business and generate income for himself as well as his employees. He has to therefore be prepared to depend on himself for generating not only his own sustenance, but also that of his dependents.

When one goes into business, one has to maximize his opportunities. It requires one’s mind to be always alert and active in considering opportunities or solutions to problems of his business. It’s a different mind-set that’s needed and one that would require effort to achieve; but there are rewards if one is willing to pay the price for being a businessman.

One requirement of business is capital. And for mechanical engineers this can come by way of not only money. Their training makes them a very systematic person, which in itself alone gives them an advantage. Given a situation, they practically can automatically identify the problem, establish the givens and formulate a solution, while others are still pondering on what to do. This is an asset that can be used as an advantage, and used as a means of convincing others with cash resources to provide the needed money for capital, or, even to be a partner.

Engr. Florencio believes that one should not go into business alone, and that one must talk to people who know about the business from the very beginning. He learned this lesson when he went into farming about 18 years ago. He made the mistake of planting mango trees mainly on the advice of a seedling supplier, only to find out that he had to chop down about 50 percent of them after 10 years for being too close to each other. The cost of getting a mango expert to advise him would have been a lot less than the losses he incurred.

It is also necessary to make an assessment of what are needed and what should be learned for a business. Mechanical engineers are already proficient in math, problem solving as well as processes, but most probably are not knowledgeable with accounting and financial management. How is product costed? How much profit can be made? What taxes are supposed to be paid? Deficiencies in information and knowledge such as these need to be filled and learned.

One goes into business to make money, no ifs and buts about it. It is therefore important that one understands what money is all about. This means that one should be knowledgeable of the reasonable source of loans needed for capital as well as the cost of money or interest rates. He explained that loans can currently be obtained for about 12-14 percent per year, and he related how shocked he was when a student in one of his earlier lectures approached him about a concern regarding the business of the student’s family. They were paying P30k per month on a loan of P500k, which is equivalent to an interest rate of 6% per month or 72% p.a. He referred the student to a source where he can avail of another loan at 12 % p.a. to pay off the current loan.

One has to protect credit reputation especially when going into business. Engr. Florencio related how shocked he was when a Chinese businessman friend told him that the best time to borrow for business is when one does not really need the money. In this manner one would be liquid enough to be in a position to meet his payment obligations regularly, and in the process boost his credibility as a borrower. This would improve his chances of getting the loan when the time comes that he really needs one. In relation to this, he advises everyone to develop truthful and friendly relationships with business people, as aside from being a source of valuable business advise, they could be a source of solid support if or when one finds his business in a tight fix.

You can not be an introvert when you go into business. Unfortunately mechanical engineers typically are silent and tend to be loners. This is brought about by their training and their work environment when already practising their profession. In school they have their heads down most of the time trying to solve math and engineering problems, and once out in the field already, they (more often than not) face machines that do not talk. These conditions deprive them of the opportunity to regularly interact with people and improve on their skills in communicating. It is not unusual for them ending up treating others (including their wives and children) like the machines and equipment they work with. So they usually end up staying in the background, or taking the seats farthest from the front in any gathering.

This detrimental characteristic should be recognized and corrected by the mechanical engineers, especially those that are intending to be entrepreneurs. As it is, it is already a deficiency for practitioners. In business it would be a fatal liability. Engr.  Florencio encourages everyone to get out of their shell by being active in joining groups that will improve in their ability to talk and interact with people. He shared how he developed his social skill by joining various groups, among them the Jaycees, Toastmaster’s Club, Rotary Club, Free Masons of the Philippines, PCCI, MAP, and of course the PSME. In relation to this, he advised the practitioners to make it a point to always develop new acquaintances when attending meetings and other gatherings by always being ready to give out his calling card which should be properly encased in a decent card holder.

Mechanical engineers, especially those with already a certain amount of practice (in the huge and diverse areas of the profession) would probably have acquired sufficient special knowledge and skills to start them out in business. Engr. Florencio, in closing, reiterated his availability for consultation (pro bono, for the sake of PSME) to all of those who may be inclined to jump in. Any member of the profession interested with the offer may course their communication through this writer at sl3.mekaniko@gmail.com or through my blog at mekaniko-sl3.blogspot.com.

PSME 59th NatCon notes (#2)

10 November 2011

Technical lectures and speeches from personalities that matter would be routine elements of an engineering national convention such as the 59^th PSME Natcon, recently held last October 25-28 at the SMX  Convention Center. There were however two activities that did not follow the mold, but were to me quite interesting, and must have enhanced the outlook of a lot of mechanical engineering delegates. These were the plenary talks of Mr. Wilson Lee, Columnist of Philippine Star and Engr. Renato Florencio, the “Society’s” Immediate Past National President.

Mr. Lee, who also has an economics background, spoke during the second day of the convention to share his ideas about the merits of engineers, and was able to capture continuous attention despite the fact that the audience would be prone to drowsiness during his time slot. He said that he was excited to speak before the assembly of mechanical engineers because he believes that the engineers are most important for the country. He feels sorry however that, because of the not so great economic condition, many of them are abroad. He thinks that we should continue to produce more engineers to compensate for the talent drain.

According to him, he feels that even engineers don’t realize that in most of the developed countries in Asia, almost all of their leaders are engineers. He mentioned the likes of Korea, Taiwan, and particularly China which he said, based on his Google research,  is, for the last 30 years, the fastest rising economy in the world (at 8-12 % per year). Researching on and analyzing China, he came to a conclusion that the country progressed because engineers are running that country. In a convention related article that he wrote recently, he mentioned some of the past, present and even future national leaders of China during the last 30 years that have engineering degrees, namely: former Premiers Zhu Rongji and Li Peng, former President Hu Jintao, President Jiang Zemin, Premier Wen Jiabao, National Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo and incoming President Xi Jinping.

In an effort to understand the success of these engineer national leaders, Mr. Lee made it a point to discuss with successful local engineers each time he encounters them. He had opportunity to interact with at least two of them, who opined that engineers can become successful as political leaders because they are usually more systematic and are usually problem solvers.

Because of his observation regarding the involvement of engineer leaders in the economic success and progress of some Asian nations, Mr. Lee came up with the radical idea of encouraging the delegates to get interested in, and join politics. He even declared that if the Security Guards and the Balut Vendors can qualify for a party list accreditation, he thinks that PSME with its seventy plus chapters nationwide can also form their own party and get it accredited. He feels strongly about the idea because, according to him, by joining politics, the mechanical engineers will be improving the quality of the individuals that enters politics, and this would give the country a wider choice from which it can elect its local and national leaders. In addition, their technical and analytical skills, as well as innovativeness, among their traits, can help bring about the technological advancement that can help propel our country to being world class.

The delegates were also encouraged to explore (aside from politics) being an inventor, or, going into business where he/she can aspire to become a tycoon like some of the successful engineer-businessmen in the country. He mentioned four such individuals with mechanical engineering education who have become such, like, Geronimo Velasco of Republic Glass Holdings Corp, Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, Henry Lim Bon Liong of Sterling Paper Group, and, Bayani Fernando of BF Corporation. ,

Mr. Lee also touched on Research and Development, and shared his impressions regarding its importance in the success and progress of not only companies, but also the economic life of nations. This thinking is born out of his interaction with successful business taipans and executives of very successful companies. He related one such encounter with the executive of a multinational company during the launching of a detergent product. When he asked about the chances of a local company in successfully competing with them, the executive said it would not be easy because the multinational company spends millions of dollars every week for research and development in their R&D Center in Beijing. In the center, they do not only continuously improve existing as well as develop new products. They also continuously monitor and study the characteristics and habits of the consumers and make the necessary adjustments to enhance their product’s market acceptability. They have done this to the extent of establishing that Filipinos spend about 1-1/2 hours a day washing, and are probably the cleanest people in the world (dahil ligo ng ligo; laba ng laba).

Mr. Lee feels that the engineers have very significant roles to play in R&D and says that if he were the government of the country, he would not only pump money into R&D, but would also provide enough resources to engineers for their continuous education and training. He mentioned this in reaction to a press release that he earlier received from a government office announcing that the allocation for R&D, for the entire year, in next year’s budget is P322 million, and which to him is meager. He thinks that government and business should invest more in R&D to create he bedrock of true socio-economic progress like the way our successful Asian neighbors  (as well as Germany and Israel) did.

Mr Wilson Lee’s faith in the engineers is very generous; and given that it comes unsolicited, and from someone belonging to another discipline, makes it more gratifying and inspiring. A hefty response to the challenges he posed would be nice to see, but this is easier said than done as there is a maze of underlying factors that needs to be addressed to clear the way. What may be significant though is that the idea has been injected. And just like a seed that is planted, it will have to go through a gestation, the outcome of which would depend on the quality of the seed, the quality of the soil on which the seed would grow, and the conditions that would nurture and shield it to maturity once it sprouts. Never the less, I won’t be surprised if there would be a few avant-gardes who –out of the pack- will take it. If this happens, then I think the profession shall have returned the favour to Mr. Lee, and shall have also done the country a favour.

Engr. Renato Florencio’s talk, shall come next as Part #3 of this series. 

PSME 59th NatCon notes (#1)

04 November 2011

The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers successfully conducted last week its annual national convention, participated in by at least 2,000 delegates and 1,800 students from all over the country and abroad.

This year’s program, as indicated in an earlier article, did, as intended, set new milestones (e.g., 1^st National ME Student’s Conference, Philmach launching, CPE resumption, etc.) that will have its enhancing effect on the profession, and make the members of the organization proud. Despite this, however, it is this writer’s thinking that it was the message of the convention’s third day guest speaker, Atty. Teresita R. Manzala, Chairperson of the Professional Regulations Commission, that had the most profound impact on the “Society’s” ability to successfully pursue its objectives of “…advancing the arts and science of mechanical engineering…for the benefit of the general public…” and to “…participate and contribute in the social, economic, and industrial growth of the country”.

In her message, Chairperson Manzala enlightened the delegates on at least four important topics which are of significant relevance to the profession, namely:  the resolution of the PSME legitimacy issue, the Certificate of Good Standing, the Continuing Professional Education, and Green Energy/Engineering.

As a backgrounder, an election dispute in October 2006 resulted in two contending groups (one based in P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, Manila and the other in Bayoran St., South Triangle, QC) that claimed legitimacy as the leaders of the PSME. Although the conflict was resolved in May 2007 by the PRC (then chaired by Chairperson Leonor Rocero) in favour of the P. Paredes group, the division in the organization still created lingering confusion among the “Society’s” members as to which group they should secure their COGS – a requirement for the renewal of registration of practitioners. Addressing this problem was one of the justifications cited by the PRC (then under Chairman Nicolas Lapena) when they suspended the COGS requirement in July 2009, through their Office Order 2009-285. This decision, for various reasons, impacted negatively on the ability of the leadership of the “Society” to communicate with, and institute supervision over its members, as well as weaken its ability to operate effectively and provide the necessary services that would enhance both the profession and organization.  As a result, the number of active chapters shrunk from 90 to around 70 – its current level.

The PSME (P. Paredes) leadership, seeing the havoc being caused by the split in the organization, has, during the past four years pursued various initiatives geared to unify the contending groups and to stop the demoralization of its members and the deterioration of its chapters. But after experiencing only frustration after frustration from its efforts, it was forced to go to court to settle the legitimacy issue. This move resulted in a Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued very recently by the Manila RTC, Branch 24, enjoining the Bayoran St. based group (and its affiliates) from committing and performing the act of issuing a Certificate of Good Standing to mechanical engineers for the purpose of obtaining PRC licenses. On the strength of this Writ of Preliminary Injunction, the PRC issued Office Order #2011-375, dated October 27, 2011, directing (for immediate compliance) all Regional Directors and the Chief, Registration Division, to “…strictly implement the BME Resolution #5, S2003, and admit the COGS issued by the PSME holding office at Don Lorenzo Bldg., in P. Paredes, Manila and its duly accredited regional chapters”.

This positive development regarding the COGS, together with the resolution of the legitimacy issue (which was addressed earlier in favor of the P. Paredes group when it was granted on August 10, 2011 the Certificate of Accreditation No. I-APO-004, as the duly accredited professional organization for mechanical engineers) bodes well for the organization as it can now focus on “growing” the organization, as well as, rely on a more stable infrastructure for support, as it pursues its objectives.

In line with what she considers as an important function of PSME – that of educating its members - Chairperson Manzala  also formally announced that the CPE Council for mechanical engineering has already been constituted, and that the council is already empowered to approve CPE units of the seminars and trainings offered by the PSME. She further added that the attendance in the 59^th Natcon would earn the delegate 20 units, provided he/she attends all seminars and lectures (and as a reminder all mechanical engineering professionals will now have to earn CPE units each year – at least 20 for PME/ME and 10 for CPM - to be able to renew their licenses). The convention, according to her, has reflected PSME’s support for PRC’s own advocacy for CPE, especially with the timely focus on Green Energy, whereby members of the profession were given the opportunity to keep abreast of the most recent developments in green energy and green engineering. This exposure, according to her, fulfils the purpose of providing education that would make mechanical engineers competitive; and since the current mechanical engineering curriculum does not yet incorporate subjects on green energy/engineering, it is now still within the realm of CPE to provide this education.

Chairperson Manzala touched on using the engineering report (or thesis) required of Professional Mechanical Engineering applicants (more on this later) as PRC’s vehicle for promoting awareness of Green Energy. She envisions that knowledge on it can be acquired through the incorporation in the report of the design of energy efficient as well as environmentally sustainable machinery and equipment.  She also opined that the mechanical engineer has a direct stake in the development as well as the efficient utilization of green energy (from sustainable sources) as it impacts on the competitiveness of business and industry.

In buildings, which according to the Philippine Green Building Council is a sector that accounts for about 30-40% of global energy use, the expertise of the profession could play a key role especially in the area of refrigeration and air conditioning design and installation. It is important , according to Chairperson Manzala that practitioners in this area keep abreast of the Montreal Protocol (the international agreement on the reduction and phase out of ozone depleting substances) where  the Philippines is one of the 196 ratifying countries. This is relevant in the sense that the HCFCs that are being used in the refrigeration and air conditioning systems as refrigerants (as well as solvents, fire extinguishers, blowing agents for plastic foam production, etc.) are just transitional CFC replacements. As the production and use of these substances are due to be frozen starting 2013, and reduced starting 2015, the services of the mechanical engineer will be needed in the conversion of the equipment to the new refrigerant.

The PSME was commended for putting its members in the right track by raising their awareness of green energy, and in effect promoting their global competitiveness. This awareness is expected to lead to the adoption of efficient energy utilization and energy conservation practices. The members were encouraged to benchmark their knowledge with the worldwide movement towards green building and to be pro-active and responsive to the challenges in our environment. Finally, the PRC Chairperson expressed hope that there would be a continuing momentum towards the greening of the Philippine mechanical engineer.

Early in her talk, Chairperson Manzala informed the delegates that she is the commissioner who has a direct oversight over the mechanical engineering profession (the only engineering profession under the PRC chair), and that this deep awareness and involvement has given her intimate views of its issues and concerns. This, according to her, gives the profession a special place mong the roster of regulated professions, and has made, as well, the upliftment of the mechanical engineers of special significance in the PRC. This was heart warming to hear, and it is this writer’s personal hope (as a mechanical engineering professional) that with her involvement, she would be a partner in addressing a lot of other matters that need correction or improvement in the profession, and bring about the significant upliftment of the Philippine mechanical engineering profession.

Phl solar car Sikat II in World Solar Challenge

17 October 2011

As I write this article, the Team Solar Philippines (TSP) from De la Salle University would now be in Australia pitting its Sikat II solar car against 37 other cars, also built by engineering students, from 20 nations. The race, a good part of it probably covered already by the time this article hits the press, started yesterday, October 16 and will last up to the 23rd. Participating cars will traverse a little more than 3,000 kilometers of highways, from Darwin, through the Australian outback, and into Adelaide, utilizing only the energy from the sun – gathered through photovoltaic cells – as their source of power.

TSP is a group composed of students and professors from the Mechanical Engineering, and Communications and Electronics Engineering Departments of DLSU, who designed and built the car themselves. Sikat II is a third generation car, the earlier ones being Sinag and Sikat I, which were only the other two solar car prototypes built over the last four and a half years since the project was started. It is worth noting that when Sinag, the first ever locally made solar car competed, it placed 11^th among 40 participants. This was gratifying given that the team started from scratch and had only a year to build the car to participate in a race that has been participated in by others since 1987.

Needless to say, the current car, Sikat II, is a better unit, having benefited from the experience gained from the first two earlier prototypes; it is said to be faster, being capable of a top speed of 110 kph with its 2 kw motor that draws power from its 4kwh capacity Lithium-ion batteries. At 180 kgs, it is lighter than Sinag by 110 kgs , or about 38%, and the sleek and more aerodynamically designed body, made of carbon fiber composite, is equipped on the top side with Filipino made solar panels from the Laguna based Sunpower Philippines – currently considered as the producer of the most efficient photovoltaic, or solar, cells in the world. Given these improvements, the team hopes to improve on the 11^th place performance of Sinag. They aspire to land in at least the top five positions in this 2011 race.

The accomplishments of the TSP was made possible through the financial and logistical support given by the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. headed by Mr. Federico Lopez (Chairman) and Mr. Ramon Agustines (President), and composed of First Gen Corp., its sister company First Philec Solar Corp, Energy Development Corp., and Sunpower Corporation, all of which are involved in the development and production of clean energy. Ford Philippines, Motolite and Shell likewise also participated as corporate sponsors.

It seems that the TSP is the only participating team from a developing country, which should somehow make us proud as it shows that our country, despite being bunched with the third world, is also capable of making inroads with respect to renewable energy, given our accomplishments with geothermals (being the 2^nd biggest producer worldwide), and now with this “solar car” development. A lot more developments along this area can be expected as this pioneering accomplishment can make the others realize its possibilities, and recognize the attached opportunities. This, hopefully, will spur those with technical as well as those with financial capabilities to set their sights on tapping solar energy, given that the country (according to the Department of Energy) receives a daily average of 5.1 kw-hrs of solar radiation per sq.m. of land.

The Sikat II Project is headed by Dr. Pag-Asa Gaspillo, while the TSP/Sikat II team leader, as well as electrical head, is Jack Catalan. When interviewed as to what drives them regarding this project, the members of the group mentioned the following: to generate pride for the Philippines and raise awareness for the vehicle-technology skill and potential in the country; demonstrate , and interest the youth in, technology; inspire other young people to become engineers; push Filipino engineers to work towards more ecologically friendly technology and to develop technological solutions to abet the further deterioration of the environment.

Well, regardless of what the outcome of the race would be for the TSP/Sikat II, for me, they already deserve congratulations as they have definitely already gained valuable points for the country. Just by being able to go back and and participate in the WSC race again, and with a much improved car, I think that they have demonstrated the technical mettle of the Filipinos. And unquestionably, they have caused the Philippines to be included in the exclusive list of 20 countries that have the intellectual and craft skills to produce (and implement an improvement program for) a solar car. With this, as a Filipino, I salute and thank the DLSU TSP/Sikat team for their accomplishment and what to me is the honor that they gained for the country. Therefore, ANIMO LA SALLE! --- coming from a Mapuan Mechanical Engineer.