Field Trip Overview:
We the enrollees of the Field Trip and Seminars of the year
2012 are regarded as the 3rd successful batch to undergo the said
highlight subject of the semester. I was able to say the highlight of the
semester because for me, students really do are excited when it comes to field
trips and what more added to our feeling of gladness is that our class of 67
students have unanimously decided to take our FTS Major Field trip in a whole
lot new level, and that is to set the Major Field trip to take place in Manila.
Our batch decided that we would be staying for a week in
Manila for our Major Field trip and the dates are September 10-14, 2012, a
reason why the field trip was scheduled on that week was because our batch was eyeing
one of the most prestigious conferences that any Information Technology
inclined courses, the Y4IT Conference which is participated by almost all the
schools throughout the country estimating to over a thousand delegates and is
to be held in University of the Philippines Diliman Campus on the said same
week and our batch saw it as a onetime opportunity to attend the conference and comply one of the requirements of our FTS
which is to attend a National Seminar.
It was also decided in our batch to select a travel
agency that would help facilitate us in our 5 day stay in Manila; our batch chose
the travel agency Maynilad Tours and Educational Services Inc. since it has
already proven its outstanding services in handling the previous two FTS
batches before us. The Maynilad Tours will take responsibility in selecting our
lodging, providing the transportation and suggesting the perfect side trips.
For our lodging, we stayed in the Kabayan Hotel in EDSA-Taft. It is an economy
class hotel which is very accessible, affordable but still the services and the
rooms are all great. For our transportation, the travel agency provided us with
a big and small buss to cater all 67 students and these busses did service us
wherever we went in the whole duration of the Major Field trip.
On
our 5 day Major Filed trip, the travel agency really did a good job in
answering to the needs of the students but what really showed the worth of the
Maynilad Tours is that they became the middleman for us the Field Trip and
Seminars enrollees in communicating to the IT companies that we want to have an
educational visit. They were really quick in providing us with a 5 day
itinerary complete of all the activities that we are to do in the whole
duration of the field trip, and as for me it was a very good thing that the
agency has provided as with something that you can always have something to
look forward each day.
Overall
the 5 day Major Field trip is a big success and is something that I have never
imagined. Though I was really excited about what was going to happen, what I
have experienced during the duration of the field trip was beyond what I have
expected. Of course credit goes to first and foremost our instructors Sir Roy
Manceras and Sir Randy Gamboa who became our parents and friends during the
field trip, the agency who made our everyday activity secured while being fun
and enjoying at the same time, and to the students enrolled in the Field Trip
and Seminars Batch 2012 for making everything possible by cooperating and
sending their full support in the beginning, during and even after the major
field trip.
I
really had fun, was able to encounter new experiences, tapped on learning on
different stuffs and even had a glimpse of what was out in the open that can’t
be taught in the four corners of the classroom.
DAY 1
Today, I went to company visit to…
In the morning was the Science Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) situated in Bicutan, Taguig City and in the afternoon the Traffic Engineering of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which is located in EDSA, Makati City.
What I Learned?
In our educational visit in DOST, I have been given with the opportunity to think out of the box about what technology can still bring us. Our speaker Mr. AP Carandang has presented us with the idea that on our modern age, technology is almost present everywhere and is considered to be a very valuable asset; the fact that technology itself can be used to further empowering mankind the question is how and in what way to use it. Mr. Carandang stated that by combining different facts along with technology, people can achieve something familiar that has meaning yet something new and powerful. One of the examples is the step taken by DOST in an attempt to simplify the process of any research by enriching their database of information, they did this by creating a simple website that unifies all the information and resources that are present in different branches and key partners of DOST. Another example presented by Mr. Carandang is the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) it is a project derived from the need of collaboration of different government agencies that will help integrate advanced science and technology to help strengthen the countries disaster preparedness and management. Nearing the end of the talk, DOST also presented us with a video presentation of the different researches and their new applications of advance technology.
In the afternoon we then proceeded to the next educational visit which is the MMDA, there I was also amazed by how the MMDA functions most notably its Traffic Engineering division by using their advance technology in trying to ensure the safety and quality of the life of the people in Manila. The MMDA also was able to show us a computer system that they developed to help manage flood waters in times of heavy rains by remotely operating the different pumping stations scattered around Manila.
What I Liked?
In the educational tour that we had in DOST, I particularly liked the part of them giving us different information on how they developed the Project NOAH and their website for unified research resources. It is because particularly these projects where developed in a way that IT students like me very well understands, and most of all because it helps a lot of people in terms of their research and in preparing in times of disasters and calamities.
In the education tour we had in MMDA, I particularly liked the simple idea of them making use of CCTV cameras in an attempt to monitor road problems that could lead to serious scenarios that is quite possible in busy places like Manila, in that manner also the CCTV cameras were able to stand and testify to the crimes done by different people in the streets of Manila. I also liked the fact that they are able to monitor and manage the different pumping stations around Manila from their headquarters, since it is a must that a centralized head of operation should control these delicate equipment that prevents further catastrophic events from happening.
What I didn’t like?
There was nothing really that I didn’t like in the educational tour that we had in DOST, I find everything suitable for me from arriving to leaving.
In the education tour that we had in MMDA, I find their command center very small to accommodate us a total of 67 students, the command center was also the very same place where the lectures were done about how the MMDA functions and about the technology they use very small. I do understand that we are a pretty big group so it was understandable, it was just the first uncomfortable experience that I had while in the field trip, the command center was jam packed with students and I had to stand in the back the whole time sometimes unable to hear the different speakers.
DAY 2
Today, I went to company visit to…
We
are to participate on the second day of the Philippine Youth Congress on
Information Technology (Y4iT) which is to be held in the University of the
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. The Y4iT this year has the theme “IT is
Power: Celebrating a Decade of Transforming Lives”.
What I Learned?
The
first half of the day we chose to attend the events happening in the UP Bahay
ng Alumni. All the events, discussions and topics in the said venue are all
very informative and interesting but the most special for me is the talk about
the Development and Trends in the Arts
of Animation, the speaker first showed to us an example of animation
entitle “Marianing” which was created by Niko Salazar, I believe not only I but
a lot of us students in the conference wanted to have more of what he has still
in store to show to us. Then speaker proceeded to his presentation from there I
learned the history of animation, the evolution of animation through the years,
the types of animations, the different approaches of creating animations and
the software and hardware that can be used in creating animations. After his
talk a lot of students are still very eager to learn more about animation that
questions where coming from the four corners of the venue. Of course the need
to end the talk on time is needed so the questions are limited. Before the
speaker left he again showed us an animation entitled “De La Salle – The Patron
Saint of Teachers” as the ending presentation.
The
second half of the day we chose to attend the evens happening in the UP Theatre
again all the speakers and well knowledgeable of their fields and topics which
prompted us to listen attentively thus creating an atmosphere very conducive
for learning and again a certain topic ignited again my interest it is the Information Technology in Today’s Digital Filmmaking
and Media Content Production which was discussed by Mr. Joseph Desmon Cruel
a post-production consultant of ABS-CBN, he began by presenting to us the
history of filmmaking, the process of filmmaking and the past equipment that
were used and how it evolved through time. In contrast to that he then showed
us the pictures of the new equipment and explained to use how the latest
technology in filmmaking is making their job easier especially in terms of
media content production. He also shared to us the plan of digitizing old
movies since the past process of recording a movie is through a film roll which
when stored could catch molds, end up torn and other physical factors that does
show up when the film is played back. Mr. Cruel actually showed us the samples
of damaged films and how they really physically manifest when the movie is
played. To provide a solution for this problem, it has been agreed in to
digitize old movies for movie films that are suffering from damage they are
digitally repaired and are stored again digitally. Mr. Cruel actually assured
that only the video and audio quality of the film is digitally edited for
repairs, nothing more and nothing less. The speaker then provided us with
samples clips from movies that were recorded in the past that has its film
damaged and then played it side by side with the same clip of movie only it has
been repaired and digitized, the results where clear. The digitized movie was
much clearer in both audio and visual quality than the past film based movie. Before
ending his presentation, Mr. Cruel was also able to give us a glimpse about the
plan of fully automating the way people watch movies, the process now includes
a lot of advance technology that is going to be used from the project itself to
the storage device where the movie is stored; he explained that this step is
one of the solutions they see befitting that shall end movie piracy in the
Philippines.
What I Liked?
In
attending Y4iT what can I say that I really love is the way it has been organized.
Of course Y4iT is a very big event, attended by thousands of delegates coming
from different schools around the country but I wasn’t able to see any major
mishaps or any unfortunate events. The speakers are very well informed about
their scheduled talks, the volunteers are all very accommodating, the
facilities especially the ones that are being used in all the speakers’
presentation are also very amazing and the venues are very comfortable
What I didn’t like?
There
was only an instance where I think a slight technical glitch happened in the
Bahay ng Alumni in which we can’t here the male emcee and some of the following
speakers, thus missing the opportunity to listen about what they are
discussing.
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DAY 3
Today, I went to company visit to…
In
the morning was the PLDT in Mandaluyong City and in the afternoon the Social
Security System (SSS) which is located in East Avenue, Quezon City.
What I Learned?
Our
technical visit in PLDT gave me another concrete example how technology has
spanned out to different branches of with particular usage. As instructed by
our facilitator our visit will be divided into 3 parts, first is the tour in
the memorabilia area followed by the IT lecture and lastly the business
solutions. First going through the memorabilia area in PLDT, our facilitator
took us back in time about the history of PLDT. There were these big shelves
with also big labels of year span and the shelves contain whatever memorabilia
that talks about that certain span of year. The shelves were also adorned with
designs pertaining to that era with which includes the design theme of the big
tarpaulin background of the shelves. PLDT through time has indeed evolved
drastically as an answer to the modern times, as per contrast to the past when
everything was done manually, it even came to a point where thousands of
employees were needed just to operate the manual switching of lines but as time
went on the process was automated and the need for huge manpower declined, with
the dawn of new age PLDT was also able to extend their communication lines
further. Proceeding to the next part of our visit which is all about IT
lecture, the speaker tackled about telecommunication technologies, the types of
communication system the simplex half-duplex and full duplex. The speaker also
included an explanation about the sender, medium and the receiver which is all
about the basic elements of communications. Then we proceeded to the business
solutions, in which PLDT showed us their latest products that aim to be the
perfect solutions for the needs of both home and business needs. We are ushered
to different rooms that are designed varying from business to business. One is
designed as a grocery store, another is a restaurant and another is a bank and
its all for the purpose just to portray how their product works in real
time.
After
our time with the PLDT we then proceeded to our next technical visit which is
in the Social Security System. Our first speaker of SSS was very genours enough
to inform us of our benefits as the future workers and builders of our nation.
They gave us a quick history about SSS but settled down to the most important
part which is explaining the benefits of SSS, how to apply, why is there a need
to apply and the basic right of employees that their employers should pay their
SSS. Another speaker which represents their IT department discussed to us the
history of the technology being used in SSS. Before SSS was sharing systems
with certain company but because of conflict they are forced to use systems of
different companies like Nestle, Meralco and Central Bank on years 1983-1986.
SSS began to use Oracle DBMS and a main frame IBM 4381 on years 1986-1992. SSS
has also used the interactive voice system in year 1992 and has decided for a
full computerization to support its DEL (Digital Equipment machines) on years
1992-1996. On the year 1998 the Biometric SSS cards began. Shortly thereafter
in the year 2000 SSS began to use IBA RISC Servers and implemented the Web
Online Inquiry System (WINS).
What I Liked?
I
really liked how the PLDT Innolab discussed to us their technologies especially
that they have taken the effort to show us a demonstration of it. We were also
shown PLDT’s business partners and the technology or service that they are
availing from PLDT, the benefits of it and why they use it.
The
SSS presentation was filled with information especially about the benefits that
we can avail from SSS and how to avail them. They were also able to clarify the
questions of the students regarding what SSS is, and to some who wants to avail
of its services.
What I didn’t like?
There
was nothing really that I didn’t like in the educational tour that we had in
PLDT, I find everything suitable for me from arriving, lectures to leaving.
In
the SSS partly I find it lacking how their representative of the IT department
discussed to us the technical capabilities of SSS, the presentation dwelled
more in the past technology that was used by SSS and there’s only small
information talking about the current technology being used by SSS.
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DAY 4
Today, I went to company visit to…
In
the afternoon we are to have a technical tour of the Tsukiden Global Solutions
Inc. formerly known as Laguna Electronics located in Canlubang, Calamba City.
What I Learned?
Our
technical visit in Tsukiden gave us another thing to look forward to finally we
are able to visit an electronics company. Upon arriving early we are asked to
wait inside the bus for our scheduled time of appointment. Apparently I have
learned that this company is indeed strict in following their schedule. On
exact time of our appointment we were ushered by an employee inside the
building but before we are to go inside we are asked to leave our shoes and
change to slippers. We are to do this since the chips being developed inside
the plant is highly sensitive to external factors like dust and dirt. I was
also able to take notice of a blue mat that when I stepped on, it was very
sticky. Another precautionary measure to ensure that dust and dirt inside the
plant is regulated. The corridors inside the building is divided by a yellow
line in the center and the employees are asked to keep on their own lane,
perhaps to avoid any accidents once everyone is in rush. Along the way as we
are being ushered to the room we are also asked to keep quite. Though the plant
is fully automated there are parts and procedures or when time calls for in
creating a chip when human intervention is called for and employees are
supposed to be on their full focus and concentration when working. Reaching our
designated room discussion then swiftly starts, we are greeted by our first
speaker which discussed the company profile and orients us with the need to
know information about the company itself. The second speaker presented to us
the step by step process of them creating a chip, she also clarified that
Tsukiden doesn’t make a chip for a single company alone, what actually happens
is that they receive numerous orders of chips from different brands of
different uses. She also showed us a video of their machines at operation. She
was also the one who explained to use that at times when the task is too much
for the machine human intervention is needed, and employees work as fast but
also as sure as they can, with both hands, yep, not just one but with both
hands. The last speaker discussed to us the employer/company to employee
relationship of Tsukiden, it was clear in the discussion of the last speaker
that Tsukiden cares for its employees as it holds its own contests in an
attempt to rally sportsmanship and camaraderie while having fun and excitement
among the employees.
What I Liked?
I
actually like how they accommodate us, even though they were very strict they
also come up with an explanation of why we need to follow that certain
particular rule so as to not disappoint us thoroughly about the way they do
things. I also like the environment of their workplace it was very organized
and clean. There are also projects approved by the company to help lessen its
bills and save mother nature by installing automatic turn off devices are
connected to many of the electronic equipment which can be simply set to be
timed or motion detecting
What I didn’t like?
I
didn’t like the fact the we weren’t able to experience what we came for which
is to proceed to their plant or operations area and watch in real time chip
assembly since Tsukiden explained that there is a current conflict with our
schedule that’s why we are not allowed to go.
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DAY 5
Today, I went to company visit to…
The
last company to have our technical visit the J.P. Morgan Chase which is an
international company located in Bonifacio Global, Taguig City
What I Learned?
Our
technical visit in the J.P. Morgan Chase is undoubtedly one of the most
exciting, amazing and fun technical visit. Upon entering we are already aware
of the tight security the place has, it even has its own mini x-ray machine for
visitors who brought bags with them. We were then ushered to the applicant’s
area where the personnel are beyond standard nice and what blew us out is that
a vending machine is dispensing any of the drink in its menu for free. After
the vending experience we are then asked to proceed to a room after which we are
divided into 4 groups to have a better, quicker and quality time of touring the
company. I was included in group 4 under Ms. Coco. We then took our time
touring the company, the company was so big and it uses state of the art
technology. There was also this room in which Ms. Coco names it the start wars
room since it is a special place where they could conduct a meeting from
different branches and countries through its big screens. Upon returning, the
main speaker was already in a room waiting for us and shortly after everyone
arrived we started the discussion. My first learning of the company is that
their founder Mr. J.P Morgan is so influential that the Monopoly Guy from the
Monopoly Board Game was actually modeled in honor of him. It was also explained
that J.P. Morgan Chase & Company in the Philippines is a branch out of the
main bank in the United States. Particularly the work done here in the
Philippines are the transactions or processes that is done after a regular
client talks to the teller in the United States which simply means all the
processing after the teller is done here in our country. Since the J.P. Morgan
Chase is an international company it simple means international standards do
apply and that automatically includes and mandates that should be no employee
discrimination in work whether it is by race, religion, gender or country. The
company also enables opportunities for those who are not able to graduate from
college and has only finished high school and particularly enables and
encourages its employees to try out different jobs within the company by
shifting from division to division.
What I Liked?
I
actually liked the ethics and discipline of how their employees deal with us students;
they gave us the appropriate respect and allowed us have fun while still being
able to make us follow the rules. I also like the benefits that they give their
employees; they provide them not just simply with jobs but security, understanding
and fairness as a human being as well.
What I didn’t like?
The
thing that I didn’t like about the J.P Morgan Chase is that they prohibit
picture taking inside, unless given a permit by the management in which case
only one of us was able to acquire. We missed out the fun of having able to
take a picture of the grandeur and elegance of the place and its employees.
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