SU ranks 8th in top 10 private PH universities for 2024 of AD Scientific Index

DUMAGUETE CITY-- Silliman University (SU) ranked eighth in the Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index’s Top 10 Private Universities in the Philippines 2024 list, which is based on the productivity and citation impact of publications made by a university’s scientists and researchers.

The AD Scientific Index ranks individual scientists and researchers based on their total H-index, i10-index, and citation scores in Google Scholar over the last five years.

The h-index is for individual researchers to measure both the productivity and impact of their published work. According to the scientific social network ResearchGate, the h-index is calculated based on the total number of papers published and the number of citations for each paper.

Meanwhile, the i10-index is defined by the AD Scientific Index as an academic scoring system where the scores are calculated by Google Scholar. In this scoring system, only scientific studies such as articles and books that have received 10 or more citations are taken into account. The number of studies cited ten or more times gives the i10 index value.

 The AD Scientific Index also ranks universities worldwide, by country, and by subject area. The top 10 private universities in the Philippines according to the AD Scientific Index 2024 ranking are: De La Salle University Manila, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas,University of San Agustin, De La Salle Lipa, University of San Carlos, Asian Institute of Management, Silliman University, National University, Far Eastern University.

 The AD Scientific Index is a ranking system developed by two Turkish scientists who are also medical doctors: Prof. Dr. Murat Alper of the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, and Prof. Dr. Cihan Doger of Ankara City Hospital. (Photos: SU-OIP)

 

Budget-conscious housewife in Cebu embraces Converge’s BIDA Fiber

LAPULAPU CITY – A budget-conscious housewife like Imelda Singcol, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu embraces the BIDA Fiber connectivity of Converge ICT Solutions (Converge) as an affordable and dependable internet service.

Singcol said, with her grandchildren immersed in online classes and her need to communicate with relatives far-away, connectivity is rapidly becoming a part of their lives. Even at her age, Imelda longed to stay connected to the world with all the forms of media available on the internet.

  While other households are reaping the benefits of being connected, their family only depends on the internet plan of her niece, who was living next to their house. Because of this, they could not maximize their digital experiences as they usually encounter instability issues.

“For someone my age, the internet is so important because I don't have any other forms of entertainment. My day just doesn't feel complete without the internet.  We couldn't connect because the services available here were expensive, and we couldn't afford them," Imelda added.

A ray of hope emerged when Aly, a sales agent, introduced the BIDA Fiber, a budget-friendly and dependable internet solution to Imelda. BIDA Fiber, the newest connectivity plan of Converge, is a low-cost postpaid solution suited for families on a tight budget, but requires the speed, reliability, and convenience of a postpaid connection.

For only P888 per month, subscribers can get to connect up to six devices at the same time and enjoy unlimited, all-access web browsing, streaming, and mobile gaming.

Upon knowing this, Imelda wasted no time, immediately availing the said service. With the connectivity from BIDA Fiber, the Singcol family effectively embraced the digital world, making education and entertainment readily accessible.

"In the afternoon, when I have nothing to do, I turn on the TV to watch vlogs there. I am very happy during those moments every day.  I have also heard from our cousins that their connection is excellent. It's good. No lags. The service is great," she shared with enthusiasm.

She added that the service goes beyond mere affordability but it's about delivering a high-quality connection that has transformed their lives. BIDA Fiber enabled them to communicate better, gain access to a vast range of entertainment options, and also to be informed about the latest news within their community.

Imelda is just one of the many residents in Cebu whose digital lifestyles have been enriched by this affordable fiber postpaid solution. She bore witness to the remarkable change in her family's online experiences without stashing a significant amount in their monthly budget. (Photos: Converge/JayAnne Encarnado)

 

 

NHCP publishes SU VP’s book on Visayas’ maritime history

DUMAGUETE CITY— “The Visayas, Islands in the Sea: A History” is a book that tells the history of the Visayas using the maritime perspective penned by Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, Silliman University (SU) vice president for academic affairs is now published by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). 

“Dr. Cleope’s book emphasized maritime history, tracing the interactions of people and their activity at sea, and connecting the history of the different islands in the Visayas,” Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, NHCP chair said and congratulated Cleope on his book.

Cleope, who is also a commissioner of the NHCP said, this study of history is framed on the role of the sea in the historical development of the Visayas region. In the introduction of his book, Cleope said he spent 15 years examining the role of the bodies of water surrounding the Visayas islands as “part of the historical discourse.”

With this focus on the seas and maritime activities of people in the Visayas, the book describes the history of the Visayas islands as major historical events in Philippine history unfold.

“This book dealt with voluminous materials dealing with Visayan local history that was synthesized to provide a history of the region with the ultimate goal of contributing to constructing a complete history of the nation,” wrote Cleope. 

Clope added that the book emphasizes the maritime parts of the Visayas that shaped the region’s identity and cultural heritage and attempts to fill in the first gaps needed to develop the region’s history.

Dr. Bernardita Reyes Churchill, Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS) president who wrote the foreword for Cleope’s book, said the book blazed a trail in local/regional history.

“The ultimate goal of [the book] was to synthesize the history of the Visayas, collating the various historical studies thus far, constructing a regional history of the Visayas that would find resonance in the historiography of the other regions in the Philippines,” wrote Churchill.

The NHCP informed Cleope on September 3 that copies of his book are printed and are now for sale at P250 per copy.

Converge now hits 62.3% household coverage nationwide, reaching 16.6M Filipino homes

CEBU CITY – Converge ICT Solutions Inc. now hits 62.3 percent of household coverage nationwide, reaching over 16.6M Filipino homes with reliable fiber broadband connections ending the first half of 2023 with 1.97 million residential subscribers, comprising 1.92 million postpaid and over 54,000 prepaid customers and its net additional subscribers reached more than 92,000 for the January to June 2023 period.

 “We are proud to mark this milestone in our mission to leave no one behind as we empower Filipinos with world-class fiber connectivity. This is a result of our effort to expand growth opportunities through providing more affordable connectivity solutions,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

Converge also pioneered the prepaid product Surf2Sawa (S2S), which has been attracting budget-conscious customers since its launch, evident with the 77 percent growth, or over 25,000 net additions it registered in the second quarter of the year versus the previous quarter.

Converge now operates the biggest fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in the country with more than 7.8 million ports nationwide, as of the first half of the year and also one of the country's most extensive cable systems with 670,000-kilometer fiber backbone. (Photos: Converge/JayAnne Ercarnado)

 

 

CCCI, industry stakeholders find solutions for SWM for Cebu

CEBU CITY – Nearly 200 industry leaders, stakeholders, local government representatives and the academe find solutions for Solid Waste Management (SWM) in a “Nurturing Sustainable Solutions: A Forum on Solid Waste Management and the Circular Economy” on October 23 at Golden Peak Hotel & Suites hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in time with the passage of the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (EPRA), a significant legislative milestone addressing the nation's plastic waste challenges.

“This forum is start of a series of collaborative efforts on shared aspirations to making a difference in the way we approach waste and environmental sustainability,” CCCI president Charles Kenneth Co said, in his opening statement.

 Co said that this program is designed to be comprehensive and insightful, featuring an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panel discussions that will provide the audience with knowledge, expertise, and experience to inspire everyone why we need to catalyze change.

Under the EPRA law, product manufacturers are now held accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, from manufacturing to use and end-of-life disposal. As a forward-thinking business organization, CCCI is committed to future-proofing businesses and championing best practices in this field.

Co added that CCCI plays a vital role in advancing sustainable practices and driving behavioral change and acknowledges the need for a proactive approach to solid waste management. The circular economy is more than a concept; it is a pathway to sustainable living.

In contrast to the traditional linear economy's 'take-make-dispose' pattern, it advocates a closed-loop system in which resources are continuously recycled, reused, and regenerated.  

“This approach encourages sustainable production and consumption, reduces waste and pollution, and promotes resource efficiency. It lessens our reliance on raw materials and energy-intensive processes,” Co noted. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

V1BE booze, arts festival all set on October 27

​CEBU CITY— All systems go for the biggest multiverse event in Cebu, the V1BE Booze and Arts Festival, on October 27 at the SM Seaside City Concert Grounds creating unforgettable memories, perfectly aligned with the spirit of Oktoberfest. 

“We’re all set to make V1BE a truly unique and groundbreaking experience for the Cebu market. With our installations, lineup, and esteemed partners, V1BE is not just another music festival – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for our guests,” says L-Squared Productions, Inc., event producer and promoter for V1BE.

Step into a world of music, diverse attractions, and endless excitement at V1BE that is far from any ordinary music festival; it’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that transcends musical preferences, ensuring everyone has an incredible time. Prepare to be captivated by a talented lineup of both local and national artists, treating you to a day filled with hit songs, with artists delivering 30 to 45-minute sets.

Local artists DJ Kate, Wonggoys, and Hollywood Folk Hogan will be joining Rico Blanco, Shanti Dope, Zild, Urbandub, 6cyclemind, Chocolate Factory, Agaw Agimat, Gracenote, Dilaw, and Hey June to captivate the guests with their repertoire at the V1BE Booze and Arts Festival.

Beyond music, V1BE offers many immersive activities on the concert grounds. Embark on a journey through the Interstellar Gateway, an interactive installation which will transport guests into another universe. Take a ride on the Spaceship Swing, an attraction that will surely delight the young and young at heart.

Engage in oversized yard pong, a life-sized version of the beloved college game, or challenge your friends and family to a life-sized game of Jenga, stacking fun to new heights.

But that’s not all! Guests will also pass through the Luminous Tunnel, an LED portal leading to their designated sections, adding to the enchantment of the event.

A convenient respite. V1BE lounges are available to all “Plus” ticket holders – including SVIP+, VIP+, and GA+. These lounges provide a haven with covered spaces, offering exclusive seating, tables, a bar, charging stations, and portalets.

Don’t miss out on October 27 and step into the V1BE multiverse! Tickets available at v1be.beetzee.com, SM Tickets, and Ticket2me. (Photos: V1BE/Robby Alugar)

46 MSMEs in C.Visayas complete DTI’s mentoring program

​CEBU CITY— Some 46 MSMEs from Cebu, Bohol, NegOr and Siquijor completed the 10-module Kapatid Mentor ME-Money and Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online program initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) on October 17 in a face-to-face graduation ceremony in Cebu City.

DTI-7 regional director, Maria Elena Arbon said the program, in partnership with PCE – Go Negosyo, empowers MSMEs by providing invaluable guidance, financial insights, and strategic pathways through a ‘big brother-small brother’ approach, where large corporations teach MSMEs various aspects of business operations with the assistance of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The KMME-MME online program aims to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of MSMEs through improved access to mentorship, money and market (i.e., the 3Ms).

The ‘mentees’ underwent 3-month mentoring and coaching sessions via the Zoom platform and presented a Business Improvement Plan (BIP) to an expanded panel of evaluators, including representatives from banks, online market platforms, and other business support organizations, Arbon bared.

Among the graduates, 14 are from Bohol, 13 from Cebu, 13 from Negros Oriental and six from Siquijor. They are composed of the youth sector, ages 18-35 from various business sectors such as processed food, food service, coffee, retail, creatives, health and wellness, and other services.

Central Visayas has produced 905 KMME graduates since the program’s inception in 2016 and the Face to face graduation afforded the mentees to convene and network with their mentors and coaches.

PCE – Go Negosyo programs development associate Rholan Nuqui, KMME mentors, coaches, and panelists Doc. Leonor “Neng” Caneja, Jo Ann Tudtud-Navalta, Zee Pono, Enrique San Juan, Ana Michelle Kesner, Karl Kesner, and Pearcy Joy Salvador were among the guests at the graduation.

There were also special messages from DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, and mentee testimonials and presentations.

In closing, Arbon said that the DTI will persist to offer programs and services to nurture ‘mentees’ as they transition into small or medium-sized enterprises in the coming years. (Photos: DTI7)

A taste of OTAKUS, Cosplay, charity dance: Superheroes for Mental Health

CEBU CITY – ExZyt and the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHAI) with Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CITU) and Gaisano Mall of Cebu mounted a taste of OTAKUS, Assemble! Cosplay and Charity Dance and Superheroes for Mental Health (#SH4MH), a unique campaign for mental health awareness on October 5 at the Atrium GMall of Cebu.

“This is Year 3 of the #SH4MH, as we join the World Mental Health Day celebration since 2020. Dance Fuzion Marathon! Let's Dance-for-a-Cause for this year and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the indigent patients of mental health clinics and outreach programs in far-flung barangays all over Cebu, including victims of Gender-Based Violence and trauma,” Heno Rey Chin, organizer of the yearly event told this writer.

The venue was filled with best Disney-themed, Anime Cosplay, Superhero outfit/masks, or simply any All-White or All-Black attire, as the dancers grooved to awesome beats. Tons of prizes and raffles were also at stake courtesy of their beloved event partners, Chin said.

What inspired Heno Rey for #SH4MH campaign?

Heno Rey Chin is a professor at the ETEEAP/SBM of the University of San Jose-Recoletos since 2010 and he is a licensed ZIN Coach since 2016, having taught in World Gym Canada and LA Fitness. He is also a member of the Philippine Mental Health Association since 2020, amid the growing importance of mental health in the light of the pandemic. 

Heno shared with this writer that he was diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression in 2006 and having struggled through most of his adult life and he relies on taking seven psychiatric medications daily to function.

“I am so grateful for the government’s mental health initiatives. I realized, however, that such interventions may not be enough especially for those in far-flung areas or those underprivileged needing psychological care, hence my desire to partner with various stakeholders to magnify the advocacy as a whole,” Heno Rey said.

Heno Rey bared that he has been organizing advocacy events in his years at the University of the Philippines, but just recently renewed his passion for the mental health advocacy as he empathizes with people who suffer with mental health, disorders and other trauma.

He narrated how devastated he was when his former student committed suicide two months ago, and his neighbor a month later. “I know the value of mental health care having experienced the struggles myself,” Heno Rey added.

Heno Rey wants to continue raising awareness for mental health, hoping that everyone realizes that there is hope, and there is help. He encourages everyone to not be embarrassed to seek help.

“If you or your loved ones are going through depression, please know that mental health professionals are always ready to help 24/7. Call the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline 0917-558-HOPE (4673); 0917-899-USAP (8727) & 0963-351-4518,” Heno Rey concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

NCSC calls on all senior citizens to register @ncsc.gov.ph, know their rights

CEBU CITY— Atty. Franklin Quijano, chairman of the National Commission for Senior Citizens called on all the senior citizens in the country to have themselves registered with the NCSC website @ncsc.gov.ph to enable them to know their rights, services and activities beneficial to them.

In a forum, “Senior Voices Unite: Empowering the Elderly” on October 5 at the Gansenwinkel Hall, University of San Carlos Law Building, Pelaez St, Cebu City, Quijano told a group of senior citizen organizations and homeowners in Lapulapu City that it is very important for all of them to register at the NCSC.

Quijano said he wants to listen to the elderlies’ concerns and other issues relevant them such as pensions, healthcare, others.  He actually called on all SCs to get enrolled at Philhealth and get a yearly check-up for free.

“Under the Universal Healthcare Law, all senior citizens have a P5,000 budget each for a yearly check-up in hospitals that’s taken cared of by PhilHealth,” Quijano said.

Quijano also huddled with the local media and shared updates on the NCSC’s programs and activities beneficial to the country’s elderly.  He added that this is the first time that there is an agency that focuses on the SC.

“We are just functional this year from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the NCSC.  We have a handful of projects, creating an agenda for the SC for that Plan of Action to encourage all local government units in the country for elderly age-friendly governance and programs,” Quijano said.

Quijano bared that there are more than three million SCs registered at the NCSC to date but cascading information on the various programs and services for the elderly are slow and weak.  He cited the comprehensive health assessment program for the SC every two years, this must be reviewed.

“PhilHealth has a P43B budget for the SC health benefits including a yearly check-up but, only a few SC know this. Let us help the elderly to get registered at the NCSC so we can guide them,” Quijano concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)