03 Jul UPD Chemical Engineering Department Meets with SPIK: Shaping the Future of the Philippine Chemical Industry Through Collaborative Curriculum Development
The University of the Philippines Diliman’s Department of Chemical Engineering (UPD DChE) recently hosted a strategic meeting with the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), a prominent association representing the chemical industry in the Philippines. The session was spearheaded by Dr. Julie Anne D.R. Paraggua, the UPD DChE Chair and Associate Professor, and Dr. Lawrence A. Limjuco, collaborating with SPIK’s President, Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, and Vice President for External Affairs, Engr. Albert A. Samuela, as well as Executive Director, Engr. Jeffrey G. Mijares. This significant gathering aimed to strengthen the academe-industry partnership by addressing the evolving demands of the local chemical sector.
The highlight of the discussion revolved around the enhancement of the chemical engineering curriculum at UPD, ensuring that it remains in sync with the contemporary landscape of the industry. SPIK, with its wealth of industry insights, provided insights on the current challenges and concerns that the Philippine chemical industry is facing. This synergistic exchange of ideas and knowledge will serve to refine the educational framework, thereby equipping students with skills that are directly applicable and beneficial to the workforce.
This collaborative endeavor was prefaced by a Focus Group Discussion held on June 22, 2024, which convened representatives from leading companies, the academe, and government institutions. The FGD’s goal was to scrutinize and bolster the pertinence of UPD DChE’s degree programs—Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering—by aligning them with the expressed needs and anticipations of the nation’s industrial stakeholders.
The anticipated outcome of these collaborative efforts is a transformative impact on the chemical engineering education in the country, fostering a new generation of professionals who can address and overcome the challenges of the industrial landscape. This strategic alliance promises to not only uplift the academic standards but also significantly contribute to the progress and competitiveness of the Philippine chemical industry.