Major Field Trip and Seminars Travel Report

Major Field Trip and Seminars Travel Report

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University of Southeastern Philippines

Bo. Obrero Campus, Davao City

TRAVEL REPORT

September 16-20, 2013

Seminar Overview

The first day of our field trip and seminars, when we arrived in Manila the weather wasn’t very nice. The weather caused us some major delays. Our arrival in NAIA was affected due to the weather condition in Manila. We were supposedly scheduled to visit two companies after the arrival from Davao to Manila, we should be visiting Fluor Daniel in Alabang and Social Security Systems in Quezon City.  But because of heavy rains that caused our arrival delay and the heavy traffic congestion in the road all the way to Fluor Daniel, we are not able to visit the first company because we are super delayed that we cannot make it up in time to Fluor Daniel according to the itinerary. So, the visitation to Fluor Daniel is cancelled, instead we had our lunch and head to the second company which is the SSS (Social Security System).  Our first day was very informative and was a very cold day. We had a short seminar and a company tour at SSS, it was a nice trip, we asked some questions to the company and the company also asked questions to us, giving prizes to those who will answer them. After we visited SSS, we had our dinner at Balanghay restaurant, Seaside, Macapagal Blvd. Then we headed to our hotel at Kabayan. 

Sept. 17, 2013, the second day of our trip. We are scheduled to attend Y4IT (Philippine Youth Congress for Information Technology) held at the SMX Convention Center, the biggest IT event in the country. This time, the weather is nice, it was a sunny day and we were not delayed by the traffic because it is just so near from our hotel. There are so many participants in the said event, students and professionals. This year’s theme is to Imagine, Innovate and Inspire. It was a 3 day event yet we can only attend the first day of the event. We spent the whole day at the convention, listening to the different speakers coming from the different companies and organizations sharing their life stories, telling us all about their careers, how did they have it, and inspiring us through their work. They have shared their experiences as well as their expertise in the different aspects of information and communications technology. Many of the speakers discussed about technical topics about technologies, where some of it are topics I don’t even understand because I don’t have any idea what they are talking about. Although there also some speakers who just discussed everything about principles, attitude and inspiring us to do more in our lives. Many of the speakers inspired me with their words of perseverance; many of them moved me with their touching stories: how they struggle before they reached the position that where they are today. I am very glad that I was able to attend the huge event. It was a very nice and promising experience.

On the third day, Sept. 18, 2013, we were scheduled to visit PLDT and IBM. We visited PLDT in the morning and IBM in the afternoon.  We had a short seminar on two different companies namely, PLDT and IBM which was a very great and educational experience to us IT students, since they gave us the chance to learn how their company operates, educates us about the technology that they are using and they also gave us the chance to have a tour on their company, which is very fun and exciting. We were able to see the company’s products and history’s memorabilia. We might not have taken a lot of pictures on this day because the company prohibited us, but we were able to take lots of knowledge, which is our main purpose in this said field trip. I can say these companies are really technology advanced; there are a lot of technologies I just first saw during the tour. All in all, it was a very satisfying day, were filled so much with knowledge.

The fourth day of our trip (Sept.19,2013), we are scheduled to visit one Toshiba,located in Canlubang. This is the company I was really very excited to go to. When we arrived at the company we changed our shoes and the company gave us badge so that we can go on the tour. But before everything else, they gave us a short orientation about the company, a brief history of the company and what do they do. Then they gave us uniforms, which was very fun and exciting, to be used in the tour. Then we proceeded in the tour, it was so cool, because the people that facilitated the tour were once our schoolmates. The company’s building is so huge, and they manufacture lots of storage device. I was really amazed when I saw the robots making the tests on the products; it was my first time seeing robots at a factory. I was very impressed with all of the things that I have seen in their company, for I thought that it never existed here in our country. I considered Toshiba as one of the best companies that we have visited in our field trip and I also consider this day as the best company visitation ever. They are best in terms of facilities, products and employees. The people of TOSHIBA are very well mannered and disciplined. Their dedication to provide quality products and services to their customers is amazing.

On the last day of our field trip and seminars we were visiting MMDA or the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. They gave us an orientation about the agency; how the MMDA monitors the happenings within the city and especially the streets of the city and how do they help people, like what are their functions in the community. They showed how they monitor the happenings in the different roads of Manila and they showed us how powerful their cameras were. They also showed us some nerve wracking videos of accidents that happened on the roads caught by their cameras. There was also a discussion on how to be prepared in earthquakes and a little interactive activity in the Shake, Rattle and Learn House, where they let us experience and evaluate the earthquakes. The discussion with the MMDA was fun and interactive. Even in our last stay in Manila we had a lot of fun and learning.  After the visitation we headed straight to the airport, we had are lunch at the airport and waited for our departure on the remaining hours.

  

Day 1

Today I went on a seminar to SSS (Social Security System) at East Avenue, Quezon City. It is a social insurance program for workers here in the country. It is a government agency that provides retirement and health benefits to all enrolled employees in the agency. Members can also make different kinds of loans like, salary or calamity loan. It is also an assurance for social distress or a contingency for sickness, child birth, disability, retirement and death. Though Philippine National Government employees do not contribute to SSS rather they have their own system, the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System). The company was already expecting our arrival. When we arrived at about 2:00 pm in the afternoon, we attended the company’s orientation then, we had the company tour.

What I learned?

I learned so many things about SSS during the visit. I learned so many things about the company’s history and some of their plans for the company and the members in it. The company started in the year 1970-1983 and was already centralized, means that the company’s data and transactions all over the country are centralized in a single place, they have what they called the main branch, where in the sub branches sends their data to the main branch. . Later, on the year 1983-1986 manual verification started and they partnered with Nestle and Meralco. Then, they used Oracles RDBMS and they decentralized their operations on the year1986-1992. Later, RA 8282 was implemented on the year 1997-2003 to strengthen the services of the company and to be able to start of a more interactive service allowing people to send texts to SSS and the implementation of SSS in the web to make online inquiries on the year 2003-2009. Now, SSS can communicate to its members nationwide more effectively.  With its 134 branches all over the country and with the aid of the internet and networking technology, the company can now have better interaction and communication with the members and all the Filipino’s around the world. During the seminar I was able to realize how important SSS to all the employees here in the country and how it is nice and beneficial to be a member because of all the benefits it offers. They also introduced us the system they used for all the transactions happening in SSS. The system uses network technology to link all the branches to the main branch. It is nice to know that the government is open to use advance technologies for the improvement of their services to people all over the country.

What I liked?

I liked the company’s building because it is so clean. The inside of the building is also nice; there are many exhibits of the company’s history, profile and also some huge and beautiful paintings. I also liked the way they welcome us in their office and the people who accompanied us in the building tour are so nice and so welcoming. I liked the way they accepted us as guests in SSS and that they have provided us with the right information that we wanted and that we needed. They are also very eager in sharing their knowledge and answering our questions about the systems that the company uses and all of our technical questions about the company. The company was well prepared and that they’ve prepared for freebies to be given during questions and answer portion in the seminar to make things more fun and exciting.

What I didn’t like? 

I didn’t really like the weather on the first day that we had the company visit, plus the traffic congestion was so heavy and irritating. What I didn’t like during the visit at SSS was during the orientation, the temperature of the room where we had the orientation is very cold.

Day 2

Today we went on a seminar and attended the annual Y4iT (Youth for Information Technology) held at SMX Convention Center of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The seminar had a lot of participants; the SMX Convention Center was so huge. It is my first time to attend such a huge and prestigious event for IT people. The seminar’s aim is to inspire students like us and even professionals to imagine great things to be able to improve our society and to innovate to help the society. Y4IT is a three day event but we can only be there for a day, which is the first day only. There are also lots of professionals and big time people in attendance. I am really excited, seeing the venue, and the people in attendance of the event could really make you think, “this is huge, this seminar is serious, wow, it really is prestigious…”. Lucky for me I was able to attend the event; it feels really great attending this event. 

What I learned?

I learned some very important lessons in life. That I could really use for my future knowledge reference. These things are not technical, but rather psychological. These are important quotes and principles that I could really reflect so that I can have a better life.

These are the five sentences that really struck me when I heard this from one of the speakers during the event, namely Mr. Paul Rivera:

1.    There is no replacement for hard work.

2.    The friends you make today are the ones who will help you tomorrow

3.    Failure is part of life, get over it and keep moving forward.

4.    Entrepreneurs are risk takers; they see the invisible and do the impossible.

5.    Be inspired by something.

I have also figured out something while listening to the speakers, it popped into my mind that their ideas became their starting point before they became the people they are now. In other words their huge imagination made them successful by coming up with a big idea that could help the society or the community. In other words, I have learned that I shouldn’t limit my imagination and that I must work very hard so that it won’t just stay as an idea, but to become something very creative or innovative enough to help the society. They worked very hard and they never stopped even if they have failed, yet they struggled hard and pursue their dreams.  The Y4IT convention had taught me great values that could strengthen and improve me as a person and for me that is very great and I was very pleased that I was able to learn those things from great people who had started as ordinary as I am.

What I liked?

The seminar was full of great life stories worth listening and is very inspiring. The speakers themselves are very amazing and all have done amazing things in the ICT industry that made them successful. I also really love the venue, the place was great and it could really accommodate lots of participants well enough. I was very inspired by their talks and if only I will be given a chance to attend the convention again next year, then I would gladly go and join. Also, I liked so much the inspiring life story of Ms. Rhea Althea Guntalilib who had lost her sight and completely became blind at the age of 18. Despite that she is blind she is more successful than those people who are not handicapped and doesn’t have any disabilities, I am really amazed of her courage to face life despite of her life situation as a blind. She’s a strong woman and I salute her for that. I am really honored to be able to be at the convention, because of that I had heard her talk during the Y4iT convention and was inspired with her.

What I didn’t like? 

What I didn’t like is that we could only join the 3 day event on the first day. I really wanted to join the 3 day event. Lastly, I didn’t like the fact that I didn’t have the chance to win the exciting raffle prizes during the convention.

Day 3

Today I went on a seminar to PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) in Mandaluyong City and IBM, Ayala Techno Hub in Commonwealth. In the morning at about 9:00am we went to PLDT Innolab or the Innovation Laboratory and Telecommunication Education Center of PLDT, but actually we arrived at the company’s premises 30 minutes early. Innolab was first created on the year 2003 where it is the focus of research and business solution of PLDT.  PLDT is the leading telecommunications provider here in the Philippines. . No Cell phones and cameras are allowed inside the company for security purposes, but we can have pictures for documentation with the courtesy of PLDT Innolab. Before we had our tour inside their company, we first had the short seminar all about PLDT, Innolab and the birth of PLDT, from where it started up to the day that they become one of the largest telecommunications Company in the Philippines.  After that we had our company tour, during the tour we were able to see the evolution of PLDT from its birth up to the age of transformation in the present. Ma’am Annie together with Sir Gino welcomed us in the company. After our short orientation, and a little tour of the gallery of the history of PLDT, Sir Gino toured us in their upstairs where we saw the projects, Offices and products of PLDT. He introduced us the Smart Home, the product that they are developing. They also introduced to us their Smart Tracker, a tracking device with GPS where you will be able to locate people with the use of their product but their actual target market is logistics companies, because this device could them help monitor their delivery vehicles if they delivered the goods at the right places and they can locate the truck delivering in real time. We were also given the chance to enter their board room and most of us were so amazed because of what we can see inside. It is like what we see in movies in where board members were able to see their employees from above through a glass wall. After our tour, we went back to the room where we listened to the short discussion from Engr. Edmund Mamboyo, Lead Training Officer at PLDT.  He gave us a short talk about the Basics of Communication and how PLDT made it big in the business.

In the afternoon, we went to IBM, Ayala techno hub in Commonwealth. When we arrived at about 2:00pm, we have attended a short orientation conducted by Mr.Alexis Pantola, the technical manager of IBM. He had talked about the company, the systems, processes that the company uses. Then, we were divided into three groups. The three groups will tour the techno hub one group at a time; we can’t go all together because the place can’t accommodate all of us if we go tour together. While the first group went on the tour, the remaining group was told to stay in a room prepared by the company; there we watched a video presentation. During the tour they showed their personal techno hub which caters the schools they had partnerships and also the companies.

What I learned?

I learned that PLDT struggled hard in the past, which the company almost shut down. I learned from the seminar that you must adapt changes in order to survive, this was the thing done by PLDT in order to survive. PLDT adapted to the technology of SMART Telecommunications Company in order to atill make it up in the market, because their products are out of date, which is why they adapted and combined their old product from SMART products. That was a very clever move indeed. That is why now, they’re grossing even bigger in the market and they told us that they aim to use fiber optic around the country to further expand and upgrade the lines in the country. They also imparted to us the history of their company from the time it was built until the time it was destroyed and then by the time it was able to stand up again and continued their service to the present. The discussion doesn’t only limit to the PLDT’s history but also they gave us the opportunity to know how their Innolab worked. We also learned so many from PLDT on how their company technically works, especially in the question and answer portion on the discussion.

In our 2nd company visit, at the IBM, Ayala techno hub wehere our speaker was Mr. Alexis V. Pantola the Technical Manager in IBM Innovation Center. He educated us a lot about networking, network technologies and the data base management processes they use. It was really nice, exciting and very educating we can all relate because we have a database subject.  Also, Smarter Analytics reveals patterns within data that enable individuals and organizations to make the right decisions at the right time.

What I liked?

I liked the way the company accommodated and welcomed us. I am so pleased of the opportunity to tour around Innolab and their Business Solution department. They were also eager to inform us, and they are always gratified if we ask questions to them, thus making our tour very interactive enough because both parties can ask questions. I really enjoyed the tour where we were able to see and explore some of their products it was really fun and exciting.

I also liked IBM techno hub, the building is so nice, and you can see in the inside that is really technologically advanced. I also like the fact that they provide assistance to students or beginners for their projects or research, particularly in the hardware part, where they allow them to use their stuffs.

What I didn’t like? 

What I didn’t like was that the two companies we have visited were so strict.

Day 4

Today I went on a seminar to TOSHIBA Information Equipment (Phil.) Inc. located at Canlubang, Laguna where we were able to tour around their company and the factory itself. There you can find how they manufacture their products such as HDDs and SSDs. There we met some of our schoolmates from USEP who already worked in the company. But before we could enter the building we were told to change our shoes that the company had prepared for us, we were already briefed about this so, we are prepared for this. After which, we entered the room that was prepared wherein they’ll conduct a short orientation and after the orientation we were given uniforms to be used so to be used in the tour. Mr. Emir Ramos the General Manager was the one who welcomed us and gave us an orientation about their company. During the tour I learned that “Toshiba” was derived from “Tokyo Shibaura” that’s why it’s now called Toshiba. It felt so nice wearing those uniforms; we almost looked like employees in the company. The employees in TOSHIBA are very well disciplined that whenever we passed by they always greet us with a smile and they are also very energetic making it more fun and interactive in our tour. They divided us into two different groups, during the tour, the company’s employees who were also once our schoolmates were the ones that educated us. The company’s building is very huge and it was so amazing because they use robots in manufacturing. While on tour, we can also ask some questions, thus making it very educational and very exciting. After the tour, we returned to the room and had the snacks prepared by the company for us. While we are eating the employees who were once our schoolmates shared their stories and experiences in the company. It was so cool that it made me think that someday I want to be in that company.

What I learned?

I learned a lot about the processes on how to manufacture a storage device. Also how do they test their, products and how do they ensure that they maintain the best quality of their products. I also learned about cloud computing.

What I liked?

I liked everything about the company. I like the way they work, and the way they treat people. Also they just don’t focus on making profit, they also think of helping the mother nature and helping people. TOSHIBA is a very nice company; I really wanted to have a chance to work in that company.

What I didn’t like?

I didn’t only like the shoes that I wore during the tour, because it is so tight.

Day 5

Today I went on a seminar to MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)Traffic Engineering in Mandaluyong City. The MMDA is responsible in performing the planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, in the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters. We have listened to the speakers who presented their monitoring devices for the different roads, pumping stations and weather their strategies on how they help and coordinate with other government agencies and organizations in times in times of accidents, disasters or calamities.

What I learned?

I learned that the MMDA monitors the roads and highways of Metro Manila 24/7.  I learned that MMDA monitors the traffic in metro Manila and make strategic plans on how they lessen the traffic congestion. Also, MMDA doesn’t only focuses on the traffic situations of the main roads in Manila, but they are also the ones that make the strategic plans in case of emergencies or in case of typhoons and any other calamities and the dissemination of information to the public. They are the ones who collaborate with different government agencies that take actions in times that people need them.  I also learned that they have cameras that can turn 360 degrees enabling a more flexible way of monitoring the streets and that can zoom subjects 24 times thus allowing them to identify plate numbers during road traffic violation and accidents. They also store all the video files and have back-ups for the recording of the accidents that happened in the past.

What I liked? 

I liked the part that they showed to us the different video accidents that were caught by their cameras. I also liked watching their huge monitors, they were so cool. I liked the visit, it was really educational for all of us.

What I didn’t like?

I didn’t like the place; the room has quite small space. Also, their Shake, Rattle and Learn House where we could experience a simulation of a strong earthquake disappointed me.

APPENDIX

What can I recommend for the improvement of the advance seminar program of USEP?

I recommend that everything should be start working a semester before the seminar program itself so that when the time comes that they will enroll the subject only few requirements are left needed to comply. Parents should be informed and be prepared ahead of time so that they can prepare for the payment of the program in a long span of time. The students who are going to enroll the seminar program should be prepared enough and will immediately do the requirements told to them. Decisions must be approved by the majority but there should always be a second plan for those who do not approve it. Information dissemination should always run smooth and fast. There should be a constant communication between the officers, the participants, the adviser and the parents so that information is constantly passed to everyone leaving no secrecy and minimizing risks in the future. If there is a problem the student must inform the officers quickly so that it will be solved quickly to prevent further domino effect of it in the group.

My advice to those who will take their advance seminar program in the near future:

My advice that you should inform your parents earlier and do not keep them uninformed. They should be able to explain the matters to their parents smoothly so that parents can understand everything thoroughly. There should always be transparency between you, the adviser, and the officers and especially to your parents. Students should also have their own ability to decide for him well enough if needed. They must always follow instructions given to them. And during the field trip and seminars they should act like disciplined adults, and must always have and show respect to others. They should comply everything that are needed to comply as early as possible before the given deadline.

Day 1 photos

                                                                                                        

Day 2 photos

Day 3 photos

Day 4 photos

Day 5 photos

Waiver

Itinerary

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE

TENTATIVE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 12, 2013

SEPTEMBER 16-20, 2013

	Day 1	08:00	-		AM	Arrival - Domestic Airport via Cebu Pacific
	Sept. 16				-	Breakfast – Mcdonalds, Newport
	Monday	09:30	-	11:30	-	Arrival/Visit – Fluor Daniel, Alabang, Muntinlupa
		12:00	-	01:00	PM	Lunch – Great Eastern, Makati
		02:00	-	04:00	-	Arrival/Visit  -  Social Security System, East Ave., QC
		05:00	-	08:00	-	Shopping/Malling - SM Mall of Asia
					-	Dinner  -  Balanghay Restaurant, Seaside, Macapagal Blvd
					-	Arrival/Check-In  -  Kabayan hotel, Pasay City
	Day 2	06:30	-	07:00	AM	Departure for Y4IT (SMX Convention Center, Pasay City)
	Sept. 17					Breakfast  -   Kabayan Hotel
	Tuesday	08:00	-	12:00	-	Arrival/Registration/Program Proper  - Philippine Youth
						Congress  Information Technology (Y4IT)
		12:00	-	12:30	PM	Lunch  - Kenny Rogers. MOA
		01:00	-	05:00	-	Convention – Program Proper
			-		-	Arrival/Visit  -
		06:00	-	09:00	-	Shopping/Malling –  Tutuban Shopping Center
					-	Dinner – Meal Allowance
					-	Return to Hotel
	Day 3	06:30	-	07:00	AM	Departure for Technical Visits
	Sept. 18		-		-	Breakfast  - Kabayan Hotel
	Wednesday	09:00	-	12:00	-	Arrival /Visit - PLDT, Mandaluyong City
		12:30	-	01:30	PM	Lunch – Take out, KFC
		02:00	-	04:00	-	Arrival/Visit – IBM, Ayala Techno Hub, Commonwealth
		05:00	-	08:00	-	Shopping/Malling -
					-	Dinner  -  Tramway, QC
					-	Return to Hotel

USEP  - ITCS

Itinerary of Travel – Page Two                    

	Day 4	06:30	-	07:30	AM	Departure for Technical Visit
	Sept. 19		-		-	Breakfast  -  Kabayan Hotel
	Thursday	09:00	-	11:00	-	Arrival/Visit  -   Toshiba Storage Device, Canlubang
					-	Departure for Tagaytay City
		12:30	-	01:30	PM	Lunch – Max’s Restaurant, Tagaytay
		02:00	-	02:30	-	Arrival/Sightseeing - People’s Park, Tagaytay City
		03:30	-	07:00	-	Arrival/Ride-all-you-can  -  Enchanted Kingdom
		08:00	-	09:00	-	Dinner  -  Taste Asia, MOA
					-	Return to Hotel
	Day 5	07:00	-	07:30	AM	Check-out
	Sept. 20				-	Breakfast  -  Kabayan Hotel
	Friday	09:00	-	11:00	-	Arrival/Visit  -  MMDA (Traffic Engineering), Mandaluyong
		11:30	-		PM	Lunch  -
					-	Shopping/Malling
					-	Transfer-out
					-	END OF TOUR

Plane ticket

	Confirmation No. VYWN7G/H744SC	Booking Date Fri, Jul 19, 2013	Status CONFIRMED
Flight Details
Departure Davao(DVO) (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) to Manila(MNL) (NAIA Terminal 3) Departure: 16 Sep 2013, Monday, 0555 AM Arrival: 16 Sep 2013, Monday, 0735 AM Flight No.: Flight 5J - 962		Return Manila(MNL) (NAIA Terminal 3) to Davao(DVO) (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) Departure: 20 Sep 2013, Friday, 0325 PM Arrival: 20 Sep 2013, Friday, 0510 PM Flight No.: Flight 5J - 977
Guest Details
Guest Names NIEL JOHN QUINANOLA|Seat No. none, Seat No. none, | Baggage: 5J962-BAG15.0 5J977-BAG15.0		Address ISOYAMA TRAVEL AND TOURS Km. 9 Rodriguez Road Dona Pilar Village Sasa, Davao, Contact Numbers 0822711206 isoyamatravel@gmail.com
Payment Details
Payment Type: Agency Credit Status: confirmed Date: 07/19/2013 Amount: PHP 6,002.00
Fare Rules
Flight changes must be made more than one (1) day before date of departure with the following options: (1) rebook the flight subject to applicable fees and penalties, (2) cancel and store it in a Travel Fund subject to penalties which may be used within 90 days, or (3) transfer the booking to another for a fee. Go Fares are rebookable and may be stored in a Travel Fund subject to applicable fees and fare differences. Go Throughfare must be used in sequence, as booked. Flight changes or cancellations are not permitted once any of the segments has been used. Promo fares are non-reroutable, non-transferable and may not be stored in a Travel Fund, but in certain cases may be rebookable subject to applicable fees and fare differences. Civil Aeronautics Board. For the complete General Terms and Conditions of Carriage of Passengers and Baggage, and the Travel Regulations in force, please log on to http://cebupacificair.com/terms&conditions.html .