ISSN 2012-4678 Volume 3 Issue No.

1 January - June 2011

CONTENTS
HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES 1 IN PROVIDING POST HARVEST FACILITIES (PHASE I: FISH DRYING FACILITIES)

Eduardo S. Tinao, et al

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY FOR THE 17 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM

Dominic D. Balana

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY (GTS) FOR BACHELOR OF 31 SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (BSCE) PROGRAM, AY 2002-2008

Jonathan C. Muoz

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY OF THE BACHELOR OF 43 SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM, AY 2002-2008

Guillermo O. Lacson

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY OF THE BACHELOR OF 65 SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Cornelio S. Caracas & Gerald S. Robles

The Research and Development Office Bataan Peninsula State University City of Balanga, 2100 Bataan PHILIPPINES

Volume 3, Issue No. 1

January-June 2011

The BPSU Research Journal, published semi-annually, is the official research publication of the Research and Development Office of the Bataan Peninsula State University, City of Balanga, 2100 Bataan, PHILIPPINES. This publishes and disseminates faculty members research outputs and findings under the four research thrusts of the University namely: agriculture, engineering and technology, health and related discipline, and social and behavioral sciences.

Editorial Board
Vice President for Research Extension and Entrepreneurial Services

Gregorio J. Rodis, Ph. D.

Director, Research & Development

Arlene D. Ibaez

Chairperson, R&D Abucay Campus

Jonathan E. Lacayanga Wilma B. Tumaliuan

Chairperson, R&D Balanga Campus

Chairperson, R&D Dinalupihan Campus

Perla B. Estrella, Ed. D.

Felicisima E. Tungol, Ed. D.

Chairperson, R&D Orani Campus

Editorial Staff
Science Research Specialist II

Reynan P. Calderon Consuelo G. Cruz

ISSN 2012-4678
Published and Printed by The Research and Development Office Bataan Peninsula State University City of Balanga, 2100 Bataan PHILIPPINES

Assistant Professor II, RDO Staff

Lorna R. Roldan
Instructor I. RDO Staff

University Research Associate

Ria-Anne L. Dizon Nelissa B. Cui

Administrative Aide III

June, 2011

Andrea O. de Jesus

Administrative Aide III

The Research and Development Office Bataan Peninsula State University City of Balanga, 2100 Bataan PHILIPPINES

HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN PROVIDING POST HARVEST FACILITIES (PHASE I: FISH DRYING FACILITIES)1
Eduardo S. Tinao2, Alfredo D. Valentos3, Eugene V. Vega3, Reynan P. Calderon4, Arlene D. Ibaez5, Adriano B. Singian6, Julieta Lapridad J. Reyes7

ABSTRACT Post harvest technology is a vital component of agricultural and fisheries modernization as it contributes to the improvement of the quality of products and thereby increases the countrys capacity for global competitiveness. Indeed, this is a means for increasing the economic values of the products by the small primary producers as well as a mechanism for responding to the needs of the consumers. To the extent, feasible, drying and other post harvest/processing and similar activities could serve as additional income generating opportunities for small households. Thus, the utilization of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar energy were considered in the fabrication of the fish drying facility. Apparently, the equipment is a movable type of dryer with eight (8) stacks at 250 kg/stack and therefore with a capacity of 2000 kgs of fresh fish for drying (fimbriated sardines, Indian sardines, mullet). Fabrication of the drying facility was carried out for a period of six (6) months which included the following activities: construction of structural support, installation of wind generator, construction of gear transmission and motor support, installation of solar panels, construction of roof trusses with wire mesh for glass roof protection and periodic
1

Paper presented in CLIERDECs 10th Regional R&D Symposium held on December 9, 2010 at Baliuag University, Baliuag, Bulacan. A project in collaboration with Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) Study Leader, Instructor III, BPSU Member, Instructor I, BPSU Member, Science REsearch Specialist I, BPSU Member, R&D Director, BPSU Member, DHVTSU Member, R&D Director, DHVTSU

2 3 4 5 6 7

The BPSU

Research Journal

testing of component parts to determine efficiency and identify errors in construction, installation and assembly of parts. Errors identified during testing were corrected to improve technical and production efficiency of the drying facility. With this drying facility, the time allotted for drying was reduced to eight (8) hours as compared to the traditional method which would take 16-18 hours or two days. Aside from time, space or land devoted for sun drying was reduced considering that there will be eight (8) stacks for each equipment which is the number of stacks used in the traditional method. This means that there will be eight times as many fish that can be dried using the same space. Aside from the production efficiency, production effectiveness was also improved because drying can be done during the rainy season. Further, the equipment will then enhance the quality of drying considering that in the traditional sun drying, different insects may come at any time during the process. Thus, the dried products are hygienic compared to the traditional dried fish. Finally, the facility utilized two types of renewable energy sources; these are solar and wind power which merely implies that it could have low maintenance costs or relatively low variable costs compared to diesel or gas-powered fish drying machines or facility.

The BPSU

Research Journal
INTRODUCTION

Post-harvest technology is an important entry point, and a vital component of agricultural and fisheries modernization. It saves society from incurring unwarranted losses in agricultural and fisheries commodities produced, particularly food, thus, helps in the achievement of food security objectives. It enhances/improves product quality, hence, increases the countrys capacity to compete in the emerging globalized economy. Serving as a vital link between the producers and consumers, it strategically provides a window of opportunity for increased valueadding activities by small primary producers, as well as, the mechanism for responding to the needs of the general consuming public. To the extent, feasible drying, other postharvest/processing and similar activities could serve as additional income-generating opportunities for small households who up to this day, are among the poorest members of society. On the demand side, consumers demand for higher quality products could be responded to more effectively through investments in post-production technologies. Because of the forward and backward linkages that exist among different sectors in the post-production chain, the multiplier effects of a wide range of policies directed at post-harvest technology are expected to be substantial. Similarly, even highly specified policies that have impact on post-harvest technology also have far-reaching implications to broad/national concerns. For example, capital-intensive technologies will affect employment, wages (therefore, income distribution), and women who are currently engaged in post-production activities. Thus, the role of policies on post-production technologies could not be overemphasized. In May of 1999, Post-harvest Policy Workshop/Conference was held in Subic, Olongapo City and some of the major points raised, together with their corresponding implications were 1. Should and in what manner could government intervene in the provision of post harvest facilities? The virtues of the market in allocating investment flows are

The BPSU

Research Journal

now well recognized but in many instances; societys desires are not captured by the normal operation of the market system. Moreover, the time frame within which the market reaches an equilibrium condition that approximates societys desired equilibrium may be too long to bear. Eventually a certain degree of intervention is required to hasten the process of moving towards the so-called desired equilibrium. Thus, direct government intervention must blend well with the normal market operation. 2. Is there an institutional mechanism that will solve indivisibility problem in mechanical technology (e.g. dryer)?

The indivisibility of physical capital proves to be the most critical constraint in the adoption of a wide range of technologies among small farmers. This is particularly true in the case of mechanical technology which entails large sums of investment funds and requires a certain scale of operation in order to achieve maximum efficiency. Based on past experience, there were few cases where institutional arrangements had evolved to address the indivisibility problem in mechanical technology thus allowing a wider access to existing technologies. And one of the most familiar cases was the rental market for tractors, both in the 1960s (for large tractors) and the 1980s (for small hand tractors). This is a strong indication that in many instances, institutional innovations occurred to correct constraints such as indivisibility of physical capital, thus allowing the benefits of mechanical technology to accrue to more farmers, particularly those that could not afford to purchase lumpy capital equipment. 3. Is post-production services for mechanical drying, in contrast to milling, could not be readily availed by small farmers especially during the wet season?

Market institutions have not developed to accommodate the demand for custom hiring. In 1995, Bulaong et al, showed that farmers income could be higher by as much as P49 per cavan if they sold their palay dry rather than wet.

The BPSU

Research Journal

The common thread that ties the above issues together is the question on the specific role that the government plays in the promotion of post-harvest technology. In general, the main objective of this study was to determine whether or not it would make economic sense for government to intervene in the provision of drying services for fish. It aimed to provide valuable information in policy decisions that would support the current efforts to modernize Philippine agriculture amidst the emerging global economic environment where competitiveness and efficiency are the call of the times. It would also provide insights on the role of post-harvest technology in the national goals of food security and poverty alleviation. Consequently, in this light, two State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT) engaged in the development of post-harvest facilities, specifically drying for fish which is not only mechanical but will also harness non-renewable resources :solar and wind energy.

OBJECTIVES The general objective of this program was to harness renewable energy sources in providing post-harvest facilities. The specific objectives of this program were as follows: a) Develop and fabricate fish drying facilities; b) Describe the common fish drying practices; c) Estimate the economic benefits that this drying facilities would create d) Undertake social benefit-cost analysis of providing fish drying services

The BPSU METHODOLOGY

Research Journal

The technical framework of the proposed fish dryer which is shown in the operation block diagram below (Figure 1) states the harnessing of renewable energy sources for the energy requirements of fish drying. Figure 2 on the other hand shows the fish drying facility. The team consisting of researchers from the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trade (DHVCAT) made an ocular visit to the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), Don Mariano Marcos State University (DMMSU), and the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) to examine their fish drying equipments. As a result, it was found out that these drying equipments have the capacity ranging from 35 kilograms to 200 kilograms. After the ocular visit, the team worked collaboratively on the rotary tray testing, construction of tower for wind generation, construction of structural support for the rotary tray, miniature trial for the fan of the wind generator blade, and the fabrication of wind generator fan blade made of stainless steel. Afterwards, the team assembled the tower in the site, then placed the wind generator blade on the top of the tower, and then painted the tower. After installing the equipment to the site chosen, testing was done to the wind generator. Similarly, a tray revision was done, making it double or two (2) stacks type. In addition, the gear was positioned to the rotary tray and the roof trusses were shafted and fabricated. A month after, the team had decided to revise the gear support, put up the gear tensioner between the transmission and the tray shafting gear, loaded the fabricated door, and then developed the wind speed tester. Further, after testing, the wind generator blades were dismantled so that the fan radius can be revised; thus, the bamboo tray was also resized to fit in the rotary tray holder. Afterwards, the roof trusses tray was constructed with 2 wire mesh for the glass roof protection, and so with the stainless steel flooring with elevation to the center. Finally, positioning and aligning of blower fan, covering the fan housing support with stainless steel plate, putting a plywood cover to the wind generator fan blade to increase fan rotation, double walling of block I using stainless plate and styrofoam cork and revision of loading door making it smaller in width were done.

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 1. Operational Block Diagram.

Figure 2. Diagram of Fish Dryer

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 3. Fabricated Fish Drying Facility. Figure 3 shows the finished fish drying facility. Finished means that the facility is already established, in good running condition and is ready for use.

The BPSU

Research Journal

Production Aspects The proposed fish drying equipment/facility is a movable type of dryer with an eight (8) stacks at 250 kg per stack, therefore with a capacity of 2000 kg of fresh fish for drying (fimbriated sardines, Indian sardines, and mullet). Table 1 and figures below show the volume of operation per batch of individual engaged in drying activities. Table 1. Average Volume of Fish Dried Respondents 1 2 3 4 Average Volume per Batch (in kgs) 1200-2000 1200-1800 1200-1500 1300-2000 Average Number of Batches 3x a week 2x a week 3x a week 3x a week

It is estimated that there will be a decrease in time allotted for drying by more than 50 % if this equipment will be used, with an estimate of eight (8) hours, considering that the traditional methods require 16-18 hours or 2 days. Aside from time, space or land devoted for sun drying will be reduced considering that there will be eight (8) stacks for each equipment which is the number of stacks increased using traditional technology, meaning there will be eight times as many fish that can be dried using the same space. And if there will be no additional fish, therefore space will be reduced by eight times also. Aside from the production efficiency, production effectiveness will also be improved because drying can be done even during rainy season. Another important consideration in this equipment/facility is that it surely enhances quality of drying considering the method vis--vis the traditional sun drying where different insects may come in at any time to the products. Meaning, this product is hygienic compared to the traditional method of fish drying. In addition to that, the facility utilizes two of non-renewable energy sources, namely: solar and wind power which merely implies that it could have low maintenance costs or relatively low variable

The BPSU costs compared to diesel or gaspowered fish drying machines or facility.

Research Journal

Findings showed that there are only three towns/ municipalities in Bataan that are engaged in fish drying activities; they are Balanga, Orion, Limay. Some municipalities, on the other hand, are engaged in fish drying activities on a non-regular basis, which simply means that they engage only in times when there are huge fish catch of fimbriated sardines, Indian sardines, and mullet fishes that are commonly used for fish drying. And from among those who are engaged in fish drying on a full time basis, drying equipments and facility are necessary only if it can afford to hold as many as they are drying per batch that is around 2,000 kilograms of fish. Otherwise, the question will be what will happen to the other fish catch that was not machine dried? The answer is very simple, it will be traditionally dried. Therefore, there will only be few hygienically dried fish that will be available in the market. Aside from the fact, that willingness to use and own the fish drying equipment/facility that is below their current capacity is closed to nil or near to impossible. But with this facility, it can hold as much as 2,000 kilograms per batch. Initial run showed that the range of drying is at 8 hours to 10 hours which in fact did not let go of the idea that drying reduced from 2 days to 1 day. It goes without saying that the operator can now double the current capacity of fish drying. Labor requirements will also be reduced from four to only two, considering the weight of labor requirements.

10

The BPSU

Research Journal

Table 2 below shows manpower requirements of the facility operated by the owner while Table 3 shows the quarterly expenses and sales. Table 4, on the other hand shows the annual expenses and sales based on July 2008 prices. Table 2. Manpower Requirements Position Helper Total No. of Personnel 2 2 Salary/Month (in Pesos) 10,000 10,000

Table 3. Estimated Quarterly Expenses and Sales

Item Fish Species Fimbriated sardines (tunsoy) Indian sardines (tamban) Mullet (kapak) Total 67,500.00 9,000.00 13,500.00 90,000.00 2,749,950 384,210 654,750 3,788,910 30,375 4,050 6,075 40,500 3,037,500 405,000 668,250 4,110,750 Production (Fresh, in kg) Total Costs Production (Dried, in kg) Total Sales

Assumption: 1. operating at full capacity of 250 kg per stack of 8 stacks 2. tunsoy, tamban and kapak at port prices of 40.74/kg, 42.69/kg and 48.50/kg, respectively 3. recovery rate of 45 percent 4. 45 days of operation for the 90 day period, provision for rainy season and undersupply of fish 5. tunsoy, tamban and kapak at wholesale prices of P100.00/kg, P100/kg and P110/kg., respectively 6. based on BAS quarterly production data of 146.49MT, 18.68MT and 48.5 for tunsoy, tamban and kapak, respectively 7. dried fish production at 1500, 200 and 300 for tunsoy, tamban and kapak, respectively (Source of primary data: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics)

11

The BPSU

Research Journal

Table 4. Estimated Annual Expenses and Sales of Dried Fish

Item Fish dryer 1st Quarter Labor 2nd Quarter Labor 3rd Quarter Labor 4th Quarter Labor Total 3,788,910 30,000 3,788,910 30,000 3,788,910 30,000 3,788,910 50,000 15,295,640 16,443,000 1,147,360 1,147,360 4,110,750 271,840 1,147,360 4,110,750 291,840 875,520 4,110,750 291,840 583,680 4,110,750 291,840 291,840 Expenses Sales Income per Quarter Net Income

Notes: 1. Expenses and sales are based on Table 2 2. Labor cost is based on Table 1 3. 4th quarter labor cost includes 13th month pay

Social Acceptability There are around 150 fisherfolks involved in drying activities in the province of Bataan based on BAS Reports, with an average quarterly production of 146.49MT, 18.68MT and 48.5 for tunsoy, tamban and kapak, respectively (BAS Bataan, 2007). All of these fisherfolks are engaged in fish drying in a traditional manner that is through a two-day or 16-18 hours of sun-drying. And common among these fisherfolks is its volume of operations per batch of drying which ranges from 1,000 kilograms to 2,000 kilograms. Simultaneously this will be dried on the following day after being soaked into water and salt. However, there would be a problem if some of the batches were left, chances will be, a decrease in the supply which will be delivered on specific time to its dealers, and differentiated products in terms of saltiness will be the result of prolonged soaking to the salt

12

The BPSU

Research Journal

and water. In this light, any method of drying outside of their traditional method will surely be unacceptable. Hence, to address the issue, DOST has offered its multi-purpose drying equipments that can hold up to 200 kilograms of fish or crops to some of the individuals doing fish drying activities. Unfortunately, it was rejected by those people engaged in drying activities primarily for the reason mentioned above. But given the current specification and capacity of the CHED Funded Project Fish Drying Facility which will be called BPSU-DHVCAT Solar and Wind Powered Fish Drier, it seems that they are receptive in looking for possibilities or simply testing the equipment. Essentially for one reason and that is to simultaneously dry their products at the least possible time. Yet, by all means they will not only test it, but also prove its efficiency; hence they will be very much willing to use it. The largest drying area which uses lands in Bataan is located in the Puerto Rivas in Balanga City Bataan wherein the volume in single batch of drying ranges from 1,200 kilograms to 2,000 kilograms, thus stretching the area to at least three shorelines of the three adjacent barangays of Puerto Rivas Ibaba, Puerto Rivas Itaas and Tortugas. Nevertheless, it has been a manifestation that they use more land areas which is approximately 1,000 square meters for every 2,000 kilograms. On the other hand, fisherfolks from Orion have practiced other drying methods and that is - they put their bamboo drying equipment atop of the sea water near the sea shores which then also occupies lots of area. However, in contrast to all of these, the BPSU-DHVCAT Solar and Wind Powered Fish Drier will only need less than 100 square meters of lot to be used in the whole drying process. An indication that the additional 100 could be used for the warehousing of dried fish which could sum up to just 200 square meters. Absolutely, these are the factors that contributed to the project which could be of help to make the project socially acceptable: the efficiency of the equipment and facility in terms of hours that can be saved in drying activities, and the lesser use of land area. And thus, the land area that was spared from drying activities could be used in a more profitable and economical uses.

13

The BPSU

Research Journal

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It is the intention of this project to intervene two grounds; firstly, to address the issue of competitiveness, and lastly, address the issue on continuing increase in non-renewable energy sources by optimizing the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Surely, increasing competitiveness is the battle cry of new global order. And with the countrys commitment to World Trade Organization, it is inevitable to increase the efficiency and effectiveness to be more competitive. Another issue coupled with these two is the increasing health-related awareness of products, especially food products. In line with this, the project known as the fish drying facility was able to reduce the time of drying from 18 hours to 8 hours, thus, reducing the time efficiency by more than 50%. Likewise, if the space allotment for traditional drying requires around 1,000 square meters, this (fish drier) facility will only require 100 square meters for the facility with the additional 100 square meters for the warehousing of dried fish. Consequently, there is at least 800 square meters reduction from the traditional system to the new system using the BPSU-DHVCAT Wind and Solar Powered Fish Drying Facility. In addition to this increasing efficiency, the facility is hygienic considering that it is covered unlike the traditional method of drying. Particularly, there will be a uniform drying and hygienic method which is required if the products mean to penetrate the global market. And this facility could address these concerns. Another concern is the continuing effort to harness the renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Although the traditional method requires the use of renewable energy sources such as the sun, it restricts to sun alone. The problem then would be the drying during rainy season and at night when the sun is out. Here, the facility addresses the issue by providing wind power and stored energy. Another worldwide view also helps this facility through the commitment in using renewable energy source as alternative energy source. More often than not, machineries and mechanical equipment required non-renewable sources of energy such as fuel and oil, with this facility, energy sources will not be a problem anymore.

14

The BPSU

Research Journal

In short, the facility (fish drier) will help increase production competitiveness while at the same time the equipment is said to be environment-friendly. Finally, the project was able to showcase Filipino ingenuity without jeopardizing efficiency, effectiveness and environmentfriendly. However, although there is available technology and facility for drying, the problem lies on the accessibility of the drying facility. Even if there is an available facility but cannot be afforded by users, chances will be - less will take it even if this is designed for the benefits of all. In this case, there could be a failure of the market, considering that there is available technology and facility and needed by the users but is not affordable and is not yet in use. And in times when there is a market failure, this is where the role of the government is necessary that is to intervene in the market system. Otherwise, most of the drying activities will be done on traditional method, and the technology will only be used by one or two individuals, leaving the technology unused by most of its possible users. Hence, it is then necessary to look where the government could extend its intervention. In as far as this project is concern, it could be the government that needs to produce more of this kind of facility and provide users fee for this technology to be put in used.

15

The BPSU

Research Journal

REFERENCES Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. (2007). Province of Bataan. Balanga City. Barker, Randolph, R. Herdt, & B. Rose. (1985). The Rice Economy of Asia. Bulaong, Manolito et. al. Grains Drying in Asia. ACIAR Proceedings No. 71, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand 17-20, October, 1995. Cabanilla, L., M. Paunlagui & R. Calderon. (2002). Economic Analysis of Alternative Policy Options for Improving Grain Drying. Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension. Department of Agriculture. Nepomuceno, Dolora N. (1994). Improving the Status of Disadvantaged Woman in Small-Scale Fishing Communities of Capiz and Pangasinan. Manila, Philippines. FAO. Offemaria, Rodel G. (2006). Dried Fish, Fresh Opportunities.

16

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM1

Dominic D. Balana2

ABSTRACT This study aimed to trace and determine the employment status of the BS Architecture Graduates of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) from 2004 to 2008. Specifically, it was conducted to assess the viability of the architecture program of BPSU in answer to the fast changing needs of the industrial world. Out of 110 graduates 71 were chosen as samples using the Slovins formula and the convenient sampling technique to facilitate and hasten the data gathering procedures. A standardized questionnaire consisting of four (4) parts, namely: general information, educational background, training/ advanced studies taken after college, and employment status, that was provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), was disseminated to the respondents. Data collected were subjected for statistical treatment using simple statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents were male and that 18 % of them took and passed the Architecture Licensure Examination. In addition, 86 % of the respondents are presently employed, either permanent or contractual. Apparently, from the data it can be gleaned that most of the employed graduates, about 72 %, are employed based on their technical knowledge and capabilities in the field of Architecture, and most of the employed graduates have trade and related works. And when asked on the skills and competencies found most useful on their first job, 24 % of the respondents marked communication skills as the first; critical thinking was ranked second with 19 % respondents; and human relations as the third with 18 %. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were

1 2

Paper presented in the 8th BPSU R&D In-House Review held on November 24, 2010 at BPSU main Campus, City of Balanga, Bataan. Proponent, Instructor I

The BPSU

Research Journal

drawn: the graduates should be supported by the university through a comprehensive program of internship/apprenticeship to have an intense training on architectural jobs; the university must establish linkages with more architectural and construction firms that need to be supported with Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) so that graduates could have a bigger opportunity to have job at once. Additionally, universities architecture programs should include ladderized courses on drafting and design that will prepare students before entering bachelor degree. Likewise, it must be a two-year course offering with certificate. Moreover, researchers should make an in-depth study on the demands of the market when it comes to architecture so that state universities and colleges with architecture programs could modify the curriculum as an assurance that graduates skills and capabilities will suit the needs of the companies.

18

The BPSU

Research Journal
RATIONALE

There has always been a rift between architectural education and architectural practice. And this separation between architecture schools and architecture firms has caused the students to have to work harder to adapt to their new work environment. The architecture schools have told the students that they will get more education in the field; while architecture firms have told intern architects that architecture is learned at school. This discrepancy between the two institutions have cause a gap causing the students to not have the appropriate amount of education and leave intern architects without the latest news and technologies. Hence, the start of ones architectural career starts with a good foundation of architectural education. And most students who go to school to become an architect start by getting their undergraduate degree in architecture. This degree is very general knowledge of design and drawing of architecture. Similarly, the first few years of study also encompass the history and technique of architecture. As the student becomes more and more knowledgeable about architecture, the student becomes more and more aware of what type of architecture they would rather work on. The undergraduate degree alone is not enough education for an architecture student to sit through the Architectural Registration Exam. On the other hand, while an architecture student is completing their undergraduate education, they are required to do internships (two years mandatory). In fact, these internships are the schools way of introducing the business side of architecture in the architecture program. These internships at architecture firms usually help students become aware that there is more to architecture than just the drawing of buildings. Most students will learn that in studios at school designing and drawing are the major parts of an architectural education. But, outside of school, architectural designers spend less than half of their time drawing and most of the time dealing with client relations. At architecture firms, interns will learn that architectural education is more than just the design of a building and encompasses the business side of architecture as well. In fact, education is the most important mechanism for the

19

The BPSU

Research Journal

empowerment of people for their socio-economic, political and technological development. And Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), the sole university in the province of Bataan, caters to this need of the people in order to produce globally competitive graduates that could adapt to the fast- changing phase and trend of the global market. BPSU has satellite campuses located in Balanga City, Back, Abucay, Orani and Dinalupihan, with four-fold functions of instruction, research, extension and production. Its main campus which can be found in the Capitol Compound of Balanga City, Bataan offers courses in engineering and architecture. In fact, BPSU had already produced graduates in engineering and architecture who made it in the licensure examination. Hence, to have a profile of these graduates and to know their employment status, a graduate tracer study is needed. As discussed in the CHED-HEDP Graduate Tracer Study Training Program held on May 23-24, 2000 in Calamba Laguna, the Graduate Tracer Study (GTS) is designed to produce data that will be used by institutional and national policy makers. Thus, the data and results of this program can help Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in developing their own curricular that is according to the present needs of its students. Likewise, this would help in deciding program offerings, staffing patterns, and even in faculty development. Additionally, in national level, policy makers can be guided by GTS results in deciding on budget priorities, on developing assistance programs that can be developed for HEIs, and on redirecting the course of higher education among others. Indeed, aside from the fact that HEIs Graduate Tracer Study is one of the requirements of CHED for accreditation, the Architectural Department of the College of Engineering and Architecture cannot deny that GTS is one specific program that must be enhanced to further strengthen the students capabilities in order for them to become more globally competitive. Similarly, they can easily adopt with the abrupt changes of the socio-economic environment that is brought about by the higher standards of competition, privatization, and globalization. Consequently, the Architectural Department should properly monitor all its BS Architecture graduates, so as to know the changes that must be adapted to its current curriculum for a more quality and effective higher learning standards.

20

The BPSU

Research Journal
OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at tracing the whereabouts of the architecture graduates of Bataan Peninsula State University from 2004 to 2008. Specifically, it aimed to:
1. Determine the current employment status to be able to identify the number of employed, unemployed, and underemployed architecture graduates from the said generation. Determine if the graduates are employed properly according to their field of specialization / profession or not. Generate data that may help in establishing linkage and strengthen the departments apprenticeship program with respect to their employing company. Assess the viability of the current Architecture Department of the BPSUCEA in catering the needs of our society.

2. 3.

4.

METHODOLOGY Primary data were gathered through a standard structured GTS questionnaires provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The survey questionnaire contained data which were relevant to the graduates such as, personal data, educational background, training and advanced studies taken after college, and employment status. On the other hand, prior to the survey, the address of the graduates were taken from the BPSUs registrar. The population for this study included all the graduates of Architecture degree in BPSU main campus who completed their degrees in the following academic years; 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 with the total of 110 graduates. Out of 110, 71 were used as samples. Sample respondents were determined using the standard formula provided by CHED which is as follows:

21

The BPSU
Where:

Research Journal

m = is the number of samples

N = total number of populations e = standard of errors (in this case, CHED is recommending to use 5% or .05, but for the completion of these study the group sets a fixed error of 7%)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1. Profile of the Respondents According to Gender and Civil Status
Gender Male Female No answer Total Civil Status Single Married Separated Single Parent Widow Widower Total or 60 11 0 0 0 71 86 16 0 0 0 100 Frequency (f) 33 28 10 71 Percentage (%) 47 39 14 100

Table 1 presents the gender and civil status of the respondents. As can be seen from the table, majority of the respondents were male and single.
Table 2 shows the professional skills possessed by the respondents. From the table, it is clearly seen that 33 out of 71 or 37 % are equipped with computer literacy, know AutoCAD, 3d Max, 2D drafting, Sketch-up, Photoshop, V-ray, Corel draw, Autodesk Viz, 3D rendering and MS Office. From the result, it can be assumed that these

22

The BPSU

Research Journal

skills played pivotal role in their employment. Table 2. Professional Skills of the Respondents
Professional Skills Architectural Design Manual Drafting, Drafting Computer Literate: AutoCAD, 3D Max, 2D Drafting, SketchUp, Photoshop, V-Ray, Corel Draw, Autodesk Viz, 3D Rendering, MS Office Yacht Design, Ship Building Design Analysis Cost Estimating Document Control Project Coordination Architect No answer Total Figure 1. Professional Licensure Examination Frequency (f) 12 15 Percentage (%) 14 17

33

37

1 2 1 1 3 1 20

1 2 1 1 3 1 23 100

Figure 1 presents the number of respondents who passed the licensure examination for Architecture. As can be seen, only 18 % of the respondents took and passed the Architecture Board Examination. Hence, the percentage covered those Architecture graduates who had

23

The BPSU

Research Journal

reached above the yearly national passing rate in the examination of Architecture. Table 3. Reasons for Taking the Course, Pursuing the Degree, for Undergraduate and Graduate Level
Reasons Good grades in subject area Good grades in high school Influence of parents and relatives Strong passion for the profession Prospect for immediate employment Prospect of career advancement Prospect of attractive compensation Status or prestige of the profession Affordability for the family Availability of course offering in chosen institution No particular choice or no better idea Other reasons No Answer Total Frequency (f) 19 16 11 9 9 9 7 7 5 4 3 3 18 Percentage (%) 16 13 9 8 8 8 6 6 4 3 2 2 15 100

Table 3 presents the reasons of why the respondents preferred to take up or even pursue the degree leading to architecture. Based on the respondents answers, most of them or 16 % chose good grades in subject area as their reason in pursuing the BSAR degree; 13 % answered good grades in high school; and only 9 % marked influence of parents and relatives as the main reason. However, as can be seen from the table there were few respondents who chose not to identify any reason in pursuing the course.

24

The BPSU

Research Journal
Table 4. Employment Status of the Respondents
Item Frequency (f) 6 57 8 Total 71 Percentage (%) 9 80 11 100

Never Employed No Yes No Answer

Figure 2. Employment Status of the Respondents

Table 4 and Figure 2 show the employment status of the respondents. Based on the data shown on the table and figure, majority of the respondents, specifically 80 %, are presently employed wherein 45 % have regular or permanent status, 41 % are contractual, and 2 % are self-employed as shown in Figure 3. Evidently, many of the graduates are still in contractual or temporary basis even if the trace back period is already four years wherein possibilities of permanency can be applied. It can then be assumed that it is because of the apprenticeship program of Architecture students, wherein they should acquire their two years experience before they take the board examination. And in this case, it is not considered as a regular job because it falls under the apprenticeship program. On the other hand , with regards to the nature of the job of the respondents, most of them, 47 or 66 % were employed on trades and related works, 15 or 21 % had special occupation, 2 or 3 % as clerk , and only 1 or 1 % as technicians and associate professionals as shown in Table 6.

25

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 3. Present Employment Status

Table 6. Occupation of Employed Respondents

Occupation Officials of Government and SpecialInterest Organizations, Corporate Executives, Managers, Managing Proprietors and Supervisors Professionals Technicians and Associate Professionals Clerks Service Workers and Shop and Market Sales Workers Farmers, Forestry Workers and Fishermen Trades and Related Workers Plant and Assemblers Machine Operators and 47 66 1 2 1 3 Frequency (f) Percentage (%)

Laborers and Unskilled Workers Special Occupation No Answer Total No Answer Total 15 6 71 18 21 9 100 15 100

26

The BPSU

Research Journal

Table 7 shown below presents the classification of the company or organization wherein the respondents have been hired. As can be seen majority, that is 47 or 66 % of the graduates are working in a construction firm, 15 or 21 % have special occupation, and 3 or 4 % in manufacturing, transport, storage and communication, and other community, social and personal service activities. While only 1 % has job relating to electricity, gas and water supply and even wholesale and retail trade and the like. Furthermore, as can be gleaned, majority of the respondents are in construction industry which perhaps dictated by the technical knowledge of the graduates in terms of design and construction Table 7. Classification of Company /Organization
Classification of Company or Organization Manufacturing Electricity, Gas and Water Supply Construction Wholesale and Retail Trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods Transport, Storage and Communication Other Community, Social and Personal Service Activities No Answer Total
Number of Respondents

Percentage 4 1 66 1 4 4 20 100

3 1 47 1 3 3 14 71

Table 8 below reveals that 78 % of the respondents said that their job was directly related to their field of study, and only 9 % said that it was not relevant to their field of study. On the other hand Table 9 presents the skills or competencies found most useful in the respondents first job. And as can be seen from the table, 22 % said that communication skills is useful, followed by critical thinking skills with 18 %, and human relations skills as the third with 17 %.

27

The BPSU

Research Journal

Table 8. Relevance of the Job to the Course Completed in College Relevance of the Job to Course Yes No No Answer Total
Frequency (f)

Percentage (%) 78 9 13 100

55 6 10 71

Table 9. Skills or Competencies Found Most Useful in the First Job Skills or Competencies Communication skills Human relations skills Entrepreneurship skills Information technology skills Problem-solving skills Critical thinking skills Other skills No Answer Total
Frequency (f)

Percentage (%) 22 17 5 14 12 18 5 7 100

34 26 7 21 19 27 8 11

CONCLUSIONS In view of the findings drawn from the data, the following conclusions were arrived at: Out of 71 respondents, 47 % were male and only 39 % were female. However, based on the findings, only 18 % took and passed the professional examination for architect. Moreover, majority of the respondents or 80 % are presently employed wherein 45 % of them are hired on a regular or permanent basis, 41 % are contractual, and 2 % are self-employed. In addition, most of the employed graduates were

28

The BPSU

Research Journal

found out to have jobs related to the fields of their study, specifically trades and related works since they are working in a construction firm. Apparently, it can be assumed that they have been hired because of the technical knowledge of the graduates in terms of design and construction. On the other hand it was found out that communication skills was useful on their jobs, followed by critical thinking skills and then by human relations skills. Likewise, the findings revealed that the Intern (Apprenticeship) Development Program has a very structured system to transform students into licensed professionals. Thus, this program was found to be beneficial to the architecture graduates of Bataan Peninsula State University and was assumed to be one reason of why they passed in the professional board exam.

RECOMMENDATIONS On the basis of the findings of this study and from the conclusion drawn, the following recommendations are posed: 1. Evidently, the architecture graduates can easily land their jobs in one to six through walk-in applications and recommendations, but having this situation does not mean that there will be no change. In fact, change will be seemingly evident because of the increase in competition in schools and firms. With the expected change, the graduates need support from the university having a comprehensive program of internship/apprenticeship. Similarly, the university must establish linkages with architectural and construction firms which need to be supported with Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to assure that architecture graduates will have a bigger opportunity to be hired after graduation. 2. Universities architecture program should introduce ladderized courses that will prepare students before entering bachelor degree. It intends to increase enrollment and minimize dropouts on the bachelors degree to ensure that there will be an increase in the number of graduates and board exam passers. Such ladderized course should include basic techniques in drafting and design making the students

29

The BPSU

Research Journal

more aware of the course that will allow them to take early decision before their entry to the bachelor degree of Architecture. The course must be a two-year course offering, giving them certificates that the students can use to find jobs if they will not pursue their bachelors degree thus helping poor families to give a bachelor education to their children, allowing their children to work while studying the degree. Sample courses maybe AT-GT, Architecture Technology and Graphics Technology. Offering these courses will then help the university improve its education in the field of Architecture creating a globally competitive Architecture graduates. 3. Researchers who intend to make another study similar to this should conduct an intense study on the greatest demand of the market when it comes to architecture so that state colleges and universities offering the course could enhance and modify their curriculum to ensure that graduates will suit the needs of the companies.

REFERENCES
Commission on Higher Education. (2006). Statistics. Retrieved from http:// www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/index.html. Debono, M., Debono, A. & Caruana, N. (2005). Career outcomes of graduates 2004: A career guidance tool. Malta: Euroguidance. National Statistics Coordination Board. (2006). Labor and employment. Retrieved from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_labor.asp. Schomburg, H. (1995). Handbook for graduate tracer studies. Center for Research on Higher Education and Work. Germany: University of Kassel.

30

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY (GTS) FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (BSCE) PROGRAM, AY 2002-20081
Jonathan C. Muoz2

ABSTRACT Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) were surveyed with the aim of tracing their whereabouts, determining their employability rate, identifying whether they are employed in relation with their profession or not, and assessing whether the BSCE program still answers the needs of the society. The study focused on the selected graduates of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) for the academic years 2002 to 2008 with a total of 90 respondents. Out of 90 respondents, 53 or 59 % were male and 37 or 41 % were female. The sample respondents were determined by using the Slovins formula. The instrument used in the study was the survey questionnaire provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This questionnaire was divided into four (4) parts, namely: general information, educational background, training or advanced studies taken after college and the employment data, which were all related to the graduate respondents. The data gathered were then collated, encoded, tallied and then treated by using simple statistical analysis and correlations. Hence, the findings reveal that 80% of the respondents were employed as professionals, an indication that the school curriculum is relevant to their present jobs. However, with the employed graduates, only 28% are working in the Province of Bataan, and of the 72 % with work outside, 21% are working outside the Philippines due to salaries and wages. Apparently, with the high percentage of the employment rate of the graduates it is concluded that the BSCE program of BPSU still

1 2

Paper presented in the 8th BPSU R&D In-House Review held on November 24, 2010 at BPSU main Campus, City of Balanga, Bataan. Proponent, Instructor III

The BPSU answers the needs of the society.

Research Journal

Based on the findings of this study, it is essential for the schools job placement center to device a program with regards to the employment of graduates. Furthermore, a thorough study must be done on determining the reasons of why the schools graduates preferred to work outside the country.

32

The BPSU

Research Journal
RATIONALE

The Graduate Tracer Study (GTS) aims at generating data that will be used by institutional and national policy makers. Moreover, GTS results can help the higher education institutions (HEIs) like Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) in improving their curricula, in deciding the program offerings, in staffing patterns, in faculty development, and the like. Truly, aside from the fact that one of the requirements of CHED for accreditation is for HEIs to have a Graduate Tracer Study (GTS), the College of Engineering and Architecture(CEA) of BPSU, specifically the Civil Engineering program, agreed that GTS is one area that needs to be well-enhanced and monitored to ensure that graduates could be more competitive and could easily adapt to the fast- changing socio-economic environment brought about by the new global order of competition, liberalization, privatization and globalization. Certainly this is essential, especially now that the program is developing swiftly. Indeed its graduates must be well monitored in order to determine their skills and capabilities, and to know how well they could adapt to the current global trend. In this light, the faculty members of the BPSUs Civil Engineering (CE) program opted to conduct a study on the employment status of their CE graduates for the academic years 2002 to 2008. Concurrently, this study aimed at assessing the necessary skills and competencies required by the industries to address the unemployment issues of the society.

OBJECTIVE Generally, this study was conducted to trace all the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) graduates of BPSU from 2002 to 2008. Specifically it aimed at: 1. Determining the employability rates of the BSCE graduates;

33

The BPSU

Research Journal

2. Determining whether they are employed in relation with their profession or not; 3. Establishing linkage to the industry where they are employed; and 4. Assessing whether the BSCE program of BPSU-CEA still answers the needs of the society.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This study focused on the selected graduates of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) for the academic years 2002 to 2008 with a total of 90 respondents. Out of 90 respondents, 53 or 59 % were male and 37 or 41 % were female. The respondents of the study were mostly graduates residing in the province of Bataan. However those graduates residing outside Bataan were disregarded since they just comprised a very little percentage.

METHODOLOGY A total of 90 respondents were utilized in this study composing of 53 male civil engineering graduates and 37 female, with a total of 90 for the academic years 2002 to 2008. The sample respondents were determined by using the Slovins formula which is as follows:

Where:

N = total number of populations e = errors of 7% Prior to the dissemination of questionnaire, the addresses of the graduates were taken from the BPSUs university registrar to directly track the whereabouts of the graduate respondents. Then, to facilitate the dissemination of questionnaire with ease, the researcher hired the

m = is the number of samples

34

The BPSU

Research Journal

service of 14 enumerators in order to get samples equal to 90/161. Depending on the availability of respondents, enumerators were able to gather the target numbers of respondents in which the data gathered were subjected for final analysis. The researcher utilized the survey questionnaire provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in data gathering. The research instrument used was divided into four (4) parts, namely: general information, educational background, training or advanced studies taken after college and the employment data, which were all related to the graduate respondents. Data were then collated, encoded, tallied and then treated by using simple statistical analysis and correlations.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Figure 1 below shows the passing rate of the respondents who took the Civil Engineering licensure examination. As can be gleaned from the figure, 37% of the 90 respondents passed the Licensure Examinations for Civil Engineering which tallies with the college annual performance average rating of 30-35 percent. Fig. 1. Percentage of Board Passers

35

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 2 below presents the employment rate of the respondents. Form the figure, it can be seen that 72 of the respondents or 80% have landed on a job whether board passers or not. On the other hand, 18 or 20 % of the respondents were found to be unemployed. Thus, with the data, it can be concluded that the graduates of civil engineering for the years 2002 to 2008 have a big employment rate. Fig. 2. Employment Rate of the Respondents

Fig. 3 . Reasons for Taking the Course

36

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 3 presents the possible reasons of the respondents for taking the civil engineering course. As can be seen from the figure, the Influence of parents or relatives still gave weight on why the respondents took Civil Engineering with 42 %; followed by status or prestige of the profession with 40 %; and prospect for immediate employment and affordability for the family, both with 30% of the respondents. Further, as can be gleaned, the least reason stated for taking the course is no particular choice or no better idea with 5%. Fig. 4. Reasons on How they Landed on their First Job

Though the previous graph showed a good percentage of employment, only 3% of that employed graduates landed on job through the universitys job placement as shown in Figure 4 above. However, 33% of the respondents found their jobs through recommendation; followed by as walk-in applicants with 27%; and information from friends with 22%. Clearly seen also from the figure is the fact that they were able to find job through advertisement as 12% of the respondents answered such. With the least , for schools job placement, comprising of 3%, it can be concluded that this is a manifestation that the school needs to device a program in its job placement part to ensure a much bigger employment rate of the graduates.

37

The BPSU

Research Journal

Fig. 5. Nature of Respondents Occupation

Figure 5 presents the nature the occupation of the respondents. The figure revealed that 68% of the respondents have worked as professionals that is- as full-pledge civil engineers, a manifestation that their job is related to their course. On the other hand, as shown in the figure above, 15% of the respondents are working as technicians and associate professionals. While 4% are said to work as officials of government and special interest organizations, corporate executives, managers, managing proprietors and supervisors; clerks; and even as traders and related works, all with 4%. Fig. 6. Relevance of the Curriculum to the Respondents Present Job

38

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 6 above shows the relevance of the curriculum to the present job of the respondents. As shown in the figure, 80% of the respondents said that they found the schools curriculum relevant to their present job. Thus, it can be concluded that the curriculum of BPSU still answers the needs of the industries/companies either within the country or outside the Philippines. Nevertheless, it was concluded because of the big percentage of the yes answer as compared to those who said no with only 14%. Fig. 7 . Respondents Working in the Province of Bataan

Data showed that CE graduates of BPSU have a good employment rate, however ,only 28% of those who are employed are serving the province as shown in Figure 7 above, while 72 % of them are working outside , and even abroad which can be seen in Figure 8 below. Fig. 8. Respondents Working Outside the Philippines

39

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 8 discloses the percentage rate of the employed respondents. As can be seen 21% of them are working outside the country in which Salaries and Wages played the number one factor of why they decided to work outside the Philippines.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Based on the findings , the following can be concluded: 1. With regards to the reasons on why the respondents took up civil engineering courses, the influence of parents and relatives played the biggest percentage with 42% which can be one of the reasons as to the 30-35% average annual passing rate of the course in the Civil Engineering Licensure Examinations. Civil Engineering graduates have bigger employment rate based on the 81% result of the survey. Employment data also showed that civil engineering graduates were able to land for a job in a half-year after they graduated or took the board examination. Only two or 3% of those employed civil engineering graduates landed their job through the schools job placement program. Sixty eight (68%) percent of those employed graduates are working in their chosen degree which shows that the civil engineering program answers the needs of the industry. Almost one-fourth of the employed graduates are working outside the country and only 21% of those working within the country are serving the province of Bataan. With the results, it can be concluded that the curriculum of the BSCE program of the university can be considered as relevant to the needs of the industry as indicated by the 80% responses of the employed graduates.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6.

7.

40

The BPSU

Research Journal
RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were made: 1. A preliminary evaluation on the application of the incoming freshmen for civil engineering must be done to further determine their reasons in taking the course as it is essential. Hence, this might result to bigger passing percentage rate in the licensure examinations since most of our students will graduate from their field of interest. The schools Job Placement Center must device a program with regards to the employment of its graduates. The school must also find ways on how to establish more linkages to ensure that graduates can be accommodated by more industries/ companies, thereby giving them more opportunities to be hired after their OJT. A thorough study must be done on why most of the schools graduates are working outside the country and outside the province as well.

2. 3.

4.

41

The BPSU REFERENCES

Research Journal

Commission on Higher Education. (2006). Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/index.html. Debono, M., Debono, A. & Caruana, N. (2005). Career outcomes of graduates 2004: A career guidance tool. Malta: Euroguidance. National Statistics Coordination Board. (2006). Labor and employment. Retrieved from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_labor.asp. Schomburg, H. (1995). Handbook for graduate tracer studies. Center for Research on Higher Education and Work. Germany: University of Kassel.

42

GRADUATES TRACER STUDY OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM, AY 2002-20081
Guillermo O. Lacson2

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the employability of the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) graduates of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) from 2002 to 2008. Specifically, it aimed to establish linkages and to determine whether the BSEE program still answers the needs of the society. This GTS utilized 97 samples selected from 187 BSEE graduates by using Slovins formula with 7 percent of error. Addresses and contact numbers were obtained from the schools registrars office. The data obtained from the questionnaire were tabulated, coded, and analyzed. From the data gathered, it was found out that most of the graduates have been employed with permanent position. Further, the data revealed that the respondents had found their jobs for a period of 1- 6 months and through recommendations. Moreover, the respondents landed on their first job as professional/ technical/supervisory or rank and file. But after their first job, they were hired in professional/technical/ and supervisory positions. Thus, graduates work in relation with their profession since they are engaged in constructions/engineering, oil/ petrochemical/ gas and ship related jobs. Additionally, most of the graduates passed the board exam as per data gathered. But practically the Department of Electrical Engineering most of the time suffer in the national passing mark of the Electrical Engineering Licensure Exam. It is because most of the respondents appeared having only little passion on the course. And that they took up electrical engineering because of the influence of parents, and others said, for immediate employment.

1 2

Paper presented in the 8th BPSU R&D In-House Review held on November 24, 2010 at BPSU main Campus, City of Balanga, Bataan. Proponent, Instructor I

The BPSU

Research Journal

Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations were posed: some contents of the GTS questionnaire must be revised to emphasize some important points; engage the students to more on the job trainings (OJT) to expose them to more application besides from theory. In addition, BSEE curriculum must be reviewed to make it more correlated to the jobs. Moreover, a follow up GTS program for the next batch of BSEE graduates must be conducted to continuously monitor their employment status.

44

The BPSU

Research Journal
INTRODUCTION

Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) main campus, formerly Bataan National School of Arts and Trades (BNSAT) has been among the countries top producers of high-calibre technician leaders needed locally and abroad since 1953. Apparently, the university has aspired to produce well-skilled and globally competent professionals by all means which are necessitated by the society. Subsequently, the campus has been offering engineering courses since 1997 as time demands. Additionally in 2002, the school has offered Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). Today, the university has already produced around two hundred BSEE graduates. However, the university would like to evaluate how the offered curriculum has gone for eight years in the field of electrical engineering. Thus, through the instrument given and made by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), BPSU tried to locate and assess its graduates through the Graduate Tracer Study for BSEE. It is believed that the Graduate Tracer study can help the university to accomplish its aspiration by assessing its graduates which can be a source of pertinent data that can be used to measure the relevance of the BSEE program, likewise, to improve BPSUs curriculum. The study aimed to know how the curriculum affects the graduates as an individual and as a professional in their job. In addition, it also determined the importance and contribution of the graduates to their society. Indeed, measuring the significance of the program in point of view of the graduates can be a considerable factor of evaluation for the program. Similarly, this can serve a basis in the continuance and discontinuance of the program offered. Furthermore, this can also serve as basis for plans, regulation, budget allocation, implementation and others concerning the improvement of the curriculum. The researcher had opined that the Graduate Tracer study can help the university to accomplish its aspiration by means of assessing its graduates that will measure the relevance of the BSEE program and will improve its curriculum. Hence, the university can find out its strength and its weakness as well.

45

The BPSU OBJECTIVES

Research Journal

This study was conducted to: 1. Trace all graduates of BPSUs BSEE program from 2002 to 2008. 2. Determine whether BSEE graduates are employed, underemployed, and unemployed. 3. Determine whether the graduates are employed in relation to their profession or not. 4. Generate data that may help in establishing linkages. 5. Assess if the BSEE program of BPSU-CEA still answers the needs of the society.

METHODOLOGY The GTS program was facilitated by the Faculty researcher (leader) together with the student researchers (members). Secondary information like address and contact numbers of the BSEE graduates was obtained from the BPSU Registrars Office, and sorted out into different areas. Student researchers then served as enumerators and fielded the survey questionnaires provided by BPSUs Research and Development office (RDO) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The data from the survey questionnaires obtained were tabulated, coded and analyzed. Recommendations were then drawn out from the data obtained.

46

The BPSU

Research Journal
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Figure 1 presents the distribution of graduates according to civil status. It can be seen from the figure that most of the graduates or 75 % are still single, 24 % are married and 1 % is single parent. Figure 1. Distribution of Graduates According to Civil Status

Figure 2. Distribution of Graduates According to Gender

On the other hand Figure 2 above shows the distribution of graduates according to gender. The figure reveals that almost all that is 90%, of the respondents are male and only 19 % are female. It can be assumed that this is because engineering is somehow a man dominated course.

47

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 3. Distribution of Graduates According to Age

The age of the respondents was categorized into seven groups namely: below 20 years old, 21-22, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28, 29-30 and above 30 years old as can be seen in Figure 3. Hence, most or 31 % of the respondents are 23-24 years old; 27 % are 25-26 years old; 12 % 27-28 and 29-30 years old; 11 % are 21-22; and only 6% are above 30 years old. Figure 4. Distribution of Graduates According to the Location of Residence

Figure 4 shows the locations of the residence of the graduates. It shows that most of the graduates or 77% of them have resided in municipality and the others which are composed of the remaining 23% of the graduates have resided in the city.

48

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 5. Respondents Grades on Licensure Examination

Figure 5 above presents the grades of the respondents in licensure examination in Electrical Engineering. However, the choices of the given questionnaire were limited to those who passed the licensure examination. From the figure it can be seen that 25 % got a grade ranging from 70-74; 20% for 80-84; 6% for 75-79; 2 % for 80-84; and 1% for 90-94. While no one of the graduates got a grade that ranges from 95-100. Figure 6. Reasons for Taking the Course

49

The BPSU

Research Journal

The data from Figure 6 show the reason/s why the graduates had taken up the course. And these are: good grades in subject area (6%), good grades in high school (12%), influence of parents and relatives (12%), peer influence (3%), inspired by a role model (4%), strong passion for the profession (8%), prospect for immediate employment (10%), status or prestige of the profession (6%), availability of course offering in chosen institution (11%), affordability for the family (14%), prospect of attractive compensation (6%) and no particular choice or no better idea (6%). Figure 7. Training or Advanced Studies Taken After College

Figure 7 shows the training or advanced studies pursued by the respondents after their bachelors degree. It shows that 8% of them took Advanced Studies or Graduate Programs; however, none of them pursued Post Baccalaureate or Professional Certificate Program or Training that is more than one year. Whereas 31% had a short term or intensive professional development seminar for at least a month but not more than a year; 56 % took short term professional related training for at least 5 days or 40 hours but not more than a month; 5% took other trainings; while the remaining 57% did not respond.

50

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 8. Reasons for Pursuing Advanced Studies

Figure 8 shows the reasons of the graduates for pursuing advanced studies. From the answers given, 12% stated that it was because of promotion; 24% because of professional development; and 2% had other reasons. Figure 9. Distribution of Graduates whether Employed or Not

Figure 9 shows that most of the graduates or 86% are employed. On the other hand, some of them or 12% are jobless, while 2% are never employed.

51

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 10. Reasons Why the Graduates are not Yet Employed

Figure 10 shows that some of the respondents or 25 % believed that they are not employed because of lack of work experience. While 15% stated family concern, decided not to find a job, no job opportunity and never look for a job as their reasons for unemployment. On the other hand, most of them or 30% disclosed another reasons for being unemployed. Figure 11. Present Employment Status of Graduates

Figure 11 shows the present employment status of the graduates. As can be seen from the figure, most of them or 50% have permanent status; 18% are hired on a contractual basis while 4% are casual, and 3% self-employed. On the other hand 3% stated that they are unemployed, whereas 14% did not answer at all.

52

The BPSU

Research Journal
Figure 12. Nature of the Graduates Jobs

Figure 12 shows the nature of work of the graduates who are employed. The table reveals that although 54% had decided not to respond at all; it can be gleaned that 29% have worked as professionals; 13% as plant and machine operators and assemblers; 2% in Government and Special-Interest Organization, Corporate Executives, Managers, Managing Proprietors and Supervisors; and 1% as service workers and shop and market sales workers. Figure 13. Nature of Company/Organization

Figure 13 deals with the nature of the company/organization where the graduates/respondents are working. As seen from the figure, 37% are in engineering and construction; 31% in oil/gas/petrochemical;

53

The BPSU

Research Journal

12% in power/utilities; and 10% in manufacturing. On the other hand, 2% are in shipyard/shipbuilding, ship transport, sales/service and real estate development categories, and 1% in power/utilities. Figure 14. Distribution of Graduates According to Place of Work

Figure 14 shows the distribution of graduates according to place of work. It shows that most of them or 80% work locally while the 13% work abroad. Figure 15 shows that 33% of the graduates are still on their first job. And most of them or 67% of them had already decided to change their first jobs. Figure 15. Distribution of Graduates whether First Job or Not

54

The BPSU

Research Journal
Figure 16. Reasons for Staying on the Job

Figure 16 shows the reasons of the respondents why they are staying on their respective jobs. Most of them, 21%, considered viable salaries and benefits; 20% related to course of study; 19% career challenge; and 15% related to special skills. On the other hand, 9% said they have stayed on their first job because of its proximity to residence; 7% because of family influence; and 4%, peer influence. Figure 17. Relation of Course to the First Job of the Respondents

Figure 17 shows that 42 % replied that their first job was related to their course while most of the graduates, 50% of them, decided not to reply either yes or no. On the other hand 7% of the respondents said that their first job was not related to their course.

55

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 18. Distribution of Graduates according to the Reasons of Accepting Job not Related to the Course

Figure 18 shows the responses of the graduates as to the reasons of why they accepted jobs not related to their course. Though some of the respondents, 26%, decided not to give reasons, still 27% of the respondents said that it was because of career challenge, and 20% said because of proximity to residence. On the other hand, 13% of the respondents marked salaries and benefits as the reason, while 7% said it was because the job was related to special skills, and another, that is 7%, stated other reasons. Figure 19. Reasons of Changing Job

Figure 19 presents the reasons of the respondents on why they

56

The BPSU

Research Journal

changed their first job. As can be seen from the table, 33% said salaries and benefit had provoked them to go for another job; 31% mentioned because of career challenge; 19% said because it is related to special skills; 9% said proximity to residence; and 4% stated other reasons in changing their first job. Figure 20. Length of Stay in First Job

Figure 20 shows how long the graduates stayed on their first job. The longest being 3 years to less than 4 years with 2% only and the shortest, less than a month, with 6%. Apparently, the table reveals that 37% of the respondents worked from 1 to 6 months only on their first job; 22% said from1 year to less than 2 years; 13%,7 to 11 months; 12%, others; and 8%, 2 years to less than 3 years. Figure 21. Distribution of Graduates according to How the First Job was Found

57

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 21 shows how the graduates found their first job. As can be gleaned from the table, 39% said they landed on their first job through recommendation by someone; followed by as walk-in applicant with 28%; and through information from friends with 18% as the third. On the other hand, the table also reveals that 9% of the respondents found their first job through advertisement while 6% said it was through schools job placement. Figure 22 shows how long the graduates waited for them to have their first job. The table reveals that most or 57% of the graduates had their first job in 1-6 months; followed by in less than one month with 29%. On the other hand, a few or 7 % said it took them 7 to 11 months, while 6% said 1 year to less than 2 years, and only 1% said it was 2 years to less than 3 years. Figure 22. Distribution of Graduates according to the Waiting Time to find First Job

Figure 23 shows the level of the respondents first job. Apparently, most of the graduates or 47 % had been lined in rank and file, while 44 % of them into professional, technical and supervisory level. Likewise, from the figure it can be gleaned that 8% were self-employed while 1% had been lined in managerial and executive positions.

58

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 23. Job Level on the Respondents First Job

Figure 24 shows that after the first job, most of the graduates or 60% have been lined in professional, technical and supervisory; 32% into rank and file; and 2%, managerial and executive. On the other hand, 6% are self-employed. Figure 24. Distribution of Graduates according to Jobs Level/ Position after First Job

59

The BPSU

Research Journal

Figure 25. Relevance of the Respondents First Job to the Curriculum

Figure 25 presents the relevance of the graduates first job to the curriculum. And as can be seen from the figure, majority of the respondents or 83% said that their first job was relevant to the curriculum, while 14% said no, and 3% decided not to make any response. Figure 26. Skills/Competencies Found most Useful on the Graduates First Job

Figure

26

above

presents

the

skills/competencies

the

60

The BPSU

Research Journal

graduates found most useful on their first job. And these are as follows: communication skills (16%), human relations skills (12%), entrepreneurship skills (2%), and information technology skills (21%), problem solving skills (18%), critical thinking skills (17%), and others (1%). However, the remaining 15% decided not to answer.

CONCLUSION Thus, the study arrived at the following conclusions: 1. BSEE graduates are mostly employed and with permanent and regular job. They commonly found their job within the period of 1-6 months, and through recommendation. On the first job, most of them were lined in rank and file but has a negligible difference in number with the professional/ technical/ supervisory position. And, after the first job, most of the respondents are already in professional/ technical and supervisory position. Most of them commonly reside on the first job for 1-6 months.

There is no direct implication of underemployment from the interpreted and gathered data. However, considering one aspect of underemployment having a work not suitable for acquired skills of the particular profession, some of the respondents may be considered underemployed. Lastly, few of the graduates are unemployed and aggregated by some reasons they cited, one of which is lack of work experiences. 2. Most of the graduates work in relation with their profession. Their current and respective jobs are in constructions/engineering, oil/ petrochemical/gas and ship related jobs. But there are also few that landed on sales/services and real estate/ development. Most of them are working locally while the rest works abroad. Theoretically based on the gathered data and its results, most of the graduates passed the board exam, although others answered either did not take or had failed the licensure examination. In addition, the graduates believed that the curriculum becomes useful to their first job. However, the used specific skills for their

3.

61

The BPSU

Research Journal

first job acquired through the curriculum are relatively low. And the data revealed that the skill most used is information technology. Next to it are skills on problem solving, critical thinking and communication. However, practically BPSUs BSEE program suffers from not reaching the national passing mark. Somehow, the researcher could say that it is because of inappropriate reasons and false reasons of taking the course. As can be gleaned from the data, the graduates had considered more the affordability of the family and other reasons than true passion to the course.

RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were arrived at: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The questionnaires used as instrument in this study should be revised to make sure that emphasis will be given to some considerable points. The school should give more on the job training (OJT) to the students for them to have more working experience and school placement that can help them in finding jobs. The school should also review their curriculum to make it more correlated to the jobs. The whereabouts of BPSUs graduates must be updated through its alumni association. A follow-up graduate tracer study must be conducted for the next batch of BSEE graduates. The contents of the questionnaire must be clearly explained to the soon-to-be respondents for comprehension purposes. For further information about the respondents, it is essential that the future researcher/s should conduct a one-on-one interview with the respondent.

62

The BPSU

Research Journal
REFERENCES

Commission on Higher Education. (2006). Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/index.html. Debono, M., Debono, A. & Caruana, N. (2005). Career outcomes of graduates 2004: A career guidance tool. Malta: Euroguidance. National Statistics Coordination Board. (2006). Labor and employment. Retrieved from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_labor.asp. Schomburg, H. (1995). Handbook for graduate tracer studies. Center for Research on Higher Education and Work. Germany: University of Kassel.

63

The BPSU

Research Journal

64

GRADUATE TRACER STUDY OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING1

Cornelio S. Caracas2 & Gerald S. Robles2

ABSTRACT The Graduate Tracer Study of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) aimed to generate data that will help understand the current status of the Mechanical Engineering Graduates of BPSU in terms of their employment and other important factors directly related to their course. These data may then be used in evaluating the course curriculum so that it may be modified as needed to make it more suitable to the requirements of the industry where the Mechanical Engineering profession is applicable. Pertinent data were gathered using GTS questionnaires from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The questionnaires were then distributed to the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from 2002 to 2008 whose locations were identified from available sources. Findings revealed that most of the students who took up Mechanical Engineering were male, and that the reasons for pursuing it as a course and a career were because of a strong passion for the profession, prospect of career advancement, prospect of immediate employment, availability of course in the chosen institute, and good grades in high school. According to the data gathered most of the graduates were able to pass the Licensure Examination, and that the majority of those who passed garnered a score from 70 to 74 percentile. Moreover, the study revealed that majority of the respondents are currently employed, most of them are enjoying regular position, and that they are working for companies located in the province of Bataan. While some of them are earning a living as Overseas Filipino
1 2

Paper presented in the 8th BPSU R&D In-House Review held on November 24, 2010 at BPSU main Campus, City of Balanga, Bataan. Proponent, Instructor I

The BPSU

Research Journal

Workers (OFW) in other countries , the greater majority of them have managed to find employment inside the Philippines. In the province of Bataan, the top employers of BPSU graduates are the Oil Refinery and the Petrochemical Companies located in the Municipality of Limay and Mariveles respectively. Moreover, this study also found out that the respondents are employed in a wide range of industry such as power plants, refineries, manufacturing plants, shipyards, petrochemical plants, and engineering and construction firms. Equally diverse are their jobs such as maintenance personnel, design and construction engineers, planners/ estimators, process/plant operators/technicians and others. These are technical jobs although most are rank and file positions. However, only a few are holding professional, supervisory or managerial position. This is, nonetheless, a testament to the versatility of the Mechanical Engineering Profession when it comes to employability. Further, it was found out that more than half of the respondents who are currently employed said that they had a first job before. In addition, most of them had found their first jobs as walk-in applicants but had stayed there for only a short period of time. After one (1) to six (6) months, they found another job that offers better salaries and benefits. Those who kept their first jobs said they did so because their first jobs are related to their course of study, and also because of career challenge. As can be gleaned from the findings, most of the respondents thought that their first jobs are related to their course in college. They said that the skills that they found most useful to their first jobs are critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Those who did not find their course relevant to their first jobs made a list of suggestions that include: inclusion of AutoCAD and OJT in curriculum, more exposure to industry while studying, and job familiarization among others.

66

The BPSU

Research Journal
INTRODUCTION

The Graduate Tracer study of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Bataan Peninsula State University intent to study and analyze the current employment situation of the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In doing this, much data will be generated that will help understand whether the Department of Mechanical Engineering is producing graduates who are able to integrate into the labor force. This is important because it is one of the indicators of the effectiveness or suitability of the curriculum in relation to the requirements of the industry. When the graduates are being employed by industry, it means that the labor market for a specific type of skill, that of a mechanical engineer, is present and thus, it justifies the continued offering of the course. When the graduates are not being absorbed by the industry, it raises many questions: Is there a labor market present? If there is, are the skills of the graduates suitable to industry requirements? If the skills are not suitable, should the curriculum be modified to make it more suitable? Or, if the industry demand is very little, should the course offering be continued at all? Of course, when these questions are viewed in a bigger picture, the implication will be national in scope: Is the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Bataan Peninsula State University producing graduates who contribute to the economic progress of the Philippines? It may take quite an undertaking to be able to answer the foregoing question but it is quite obvious that in order to solve bigger problems, the smaller problems should be solved first. In this light, the Graduate Tracer study intent to do just that. The individual response of each respondent on some of the factors that are related to their employment and work experiences will generate important data that will help determine if the curriculum is responsive to the demands of the industry, and if not, what might be done in order to improve it in order to benefit the local community in terms of relevant labor supply? When the local community is to be benefitted, then it contributes to the general welfare of the country in terms of the economy. Objectives The general objective of this study was to trace the graduates of

67

The BPSU

Research Journal

the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering of BPSU in order to generate data that may be used in evaluating the BSME program. Specifically it aimed to: 1. Investigate the employment status of the graduate, 2. Generate data that may help in establishing linkages between the college and the companies where the graduates are employed, 3. Determine course and curriculum relevance to the graduates jobs, 4. Recommend improvements to the curriculum (if needed) in order to make the BS Mechanical Engineering Program more relevant to local industry. Institutional Background The Institute of Engineering started its course offerings in 1997 under the consortium of Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades and through the initiative of former vocational school superintendent Dr. Violeta G. Tolentino and Engr. Angelita P. Maglaqui. Due to the needs of the community, BS Architecture was included in the courses offered in academic year 1999-2000. The first batch of BS Mechanical Engineering graduates finished their course on the year 2002. Since then, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has steadily produced Mechanical Engineers, and most of whom are now members of the labor force of the country.

METHODOLOGY Primary data were gathered by using slightly modified standard structured GTS questionnaires from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Other data on the graduates such as names and addresses came from the existing records of the College Secretariat. The population of this study included graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program from 2002 to 2008. Sample size was determined using Slovins formula:

68

The BPSU

Research Journal

where: = number of samples N= total number of populations, 238 e = standard error , 7% (note: 5% is recommended by CHED) thus, = 110 Descriptive analysis, using tables was employed in order to understand the current situation.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION This tracer study was conducted on the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program of the College of Engineering and Architecture of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) who graduated from year 2002 to year 2008. The study was limited to the responses of the graduates on a standard- structured tracer study questionnaire. The sample size was determined by using the Slovins formula using a 7% error, which is 2% more than the recommended 5% error. The decision to use the 7% error was reached because of the difficulty in locating respondents and the time constraint on the project.

FINDINGS Respondents Profile The respondents were consisted of 106 males and 4 females for a total of 110 respondents all in all. About 74% of the respondents were single while more than 26% were married. Majority of the respondents were 25-26 years of age. One of the respondents was a Magna Cum Laude who is now working as a Mechanical Engineer in a petroleum refinery company in the province of Bataan. Table 1 shows

69

The BPSU

Research Journal

the distribution of the respondents according to year of graduation. Fig. 1. Civil Status of Respondents

Fig. 2. Gender of Respondents

Fig. 3. Age of Respondents

70

The BPSU

Research Journal

Fig. 4. Year of Graduation of the Respondents

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents According to Year of Graduation

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 12 11 18 12 19 19 19 Percentage (%) 11 10 16 11 17 17 17

110 100 More than 57% of the respondents passed the Licensure Examinations for Registered Mechanical Engineers, while 43 % failed. Figure 5 shows the passing rate of the respondents who took the board exam.

Total

71

The BPSU

Research Journal

Fig. 5. Passing Rate in Board Exam of Respondents

Of the board passers who responded, 31 % obtained a score between 70-74 percentile, while 29% got a score between 75-79 percentile. Only 7 % obtained a score between 85-89 percentile. The latter score has managed to put two graduates into the 4th and 5th place in a Licensure Examination for Registered Mechanical Engineers very recently. Fig. 6 shows the scores obtained by the board passers. Fig.6. Scores Obtained by Respondents Who Passed the Board Exam

72

The BPSU

Research Journal

Majority of the respondents, or 41% of them, said they took up Mechanical Engineering because of a strong passion for the profession and because of a prospect of career advancement. 35% of the respondents said that the reason why they pursued the course was because of its availability in their chosen institution and another 35% said it was because of their high grade in high school. Table 3 below shows the reasons of the respondents in taking up Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Table 3. Reasons Cited by Respondents in Taking up BS Mechanical Engineering
Reason No response Good grades in subject area Good grades in high school Influence of parents and relatives Peer influence Inspired by a role model Strong passion for the profession Prospect for immediate employment Status or prestige of the profession Availability of course offering in chosen institution Prospect of career advancement affordability for the family Prospect of attractive compensation No particular choice or no better idea Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Response 24 30 35 32 12 17 41 36 16 35 41 22 21 4 366 Percentage (%) 7 8 10 9 3 5 11 10 4 10 11 6 6 1 100

73

The BPSU Employment Analysis

Research Journal

Of the 110 respondents, only 5 % are unemployed while 96 % are employed. Of the unemployed respondents, 20% said there was no job opportunity, 20% said they lacked work experience, 20% blamed it on health reasons, and another 20% intentionally did not look for a job. Table 4 and Fig. 8 show the reasons of unemployment according to the respondents. Fig. 7. Current Employment Rate of the Respondents

Table 4. Reasons for Unemployment

Reasons for unemployment No response Advance or further study Family concern and decided not to find a job Health related reasons Lack of work experience No job opportunity Did not look for a job Other reasons Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 5 Percentage (%) 0 0 0 20 20 20 20 20 100

74

The BPSU

Research Journal
Fig. 8. Reasons Cited by Respondents Why they are not Currently Employed

Among the employed respondents , 56 % are regular, 30% are contractual, while the rest are probationary, casual or temporary. Two respondents are self-employed as trade workers. Fig. 9 below illustrates the employment status of the respondents. Fig. 9. Employment Status of Respondents Currently Employed

Majority of the employed respondents, 27 % of them, work as Process Operators/Technicians in the Refinery and Petrochemical Industry, 18% as Mechanical Engineers engaged in Construction and Fabrication Industry, 9 % as Plant Operations Engineers, and 8 % as Material Quality Inspectors. Only 7 % of the employed respondents work as Design Engineers, 2 % work as seafarers and there is 1 nurse in a local hospital. This nurse is female who opted to take Nursing as a second course after obtaining her BSME degree.

75

The BPSU

Research Journal

Table 5 shows the distribution of the respondents according to occupation. It paints a very clear picture of the versatility of the Mechanical Engineering Profession as shown by the wide range of jobs where the Mechanical Engineer can engage in. Further, the table enumerates the names of the jobs of the employed respondents. Table 5. Occupation of Respondents
Occupation No Response Construction/Fabrication Engineers Design Engineers Industrial Plant Operation Engineers Plant Maintenance Engineers Planner/Estimator Power Plant Operators Process Operator/Technician Maintenance/Repair Technician Machine/ Equipment Operator Tradesmen (Mechanic/Welder/ etc.) Materials/Warehouse Related Works Material Test/Inspection Draftsman/CADD Operator Seafarer Shipyard Operation Related Occupation Safety Engineer Others Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Response 1 19 7 9 2 3 5 28 2 4 0 2 8 4 3 1 3 4 105 Percentage (%) 1 18 7 9 2 3 5 27 2 4 0 2 8 4 3 1 3 4 100

As can be seen from the table, majority or 40% of the employed respondents work in the Oil and Gas/Petrochemical Industry, 25 % in

76

The BPSU

Research Journal

the Engineering and Construction Industry, and 14 % in Manufacturing. On the other hand, Table 6 and Fig.10 below show the distribution of the respondents according to organization. Table 6. Type of Company/Organization that Employs the Respondents
Company/Organization No Response Oil/Gas/Petrochemical Engineering and Construction Power/Utilities Shipyard/Shipbuilding Ship Transport Manufacturing Sales/Services Real Estate/Development Others Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Response 1 42 26 5 7 4 15 1 2 2 105 Percentage (%) 1 40 25 5 7 4 14 1 2 2 100

Fig. 10. The Type of Company/Organization where the Respondents are Employed

77

The BPSU

Research Journal

The graduates are employed by various industries in different locations inside and outside the country, and Table 7 presents this various locations. It is interesting to note that majority of the employed respondents, or 5 % of them are currently employed in companies that are located locally, that is - inside the province of Bataan. While 29 % work in organizations located in Manila and other provinces in the country. Furthermore, only 17 % are employed overseas. The pie chart in Fig.11 shows the remarkably big contribution of the local industry in the province of Bataan in the employment of the Mechanical Engineering graduates of BPSU. Table 7. Place of Employment of Respondents
Place of Employment No Response Bataan Manila Other Provinces in the Philippines Abroad Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 Response 0 57 18 12 18 105 Percentage (%) 0 55 17 11 17 100

Fig. 11. Location of employment of respondents

78

The BPSU

Research Journal

In Bataan, the company that employs the most number of BPSU graduates is the Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR), situated in the municipality of Limay followed by Philippine Resins Inc. (PRII), NPC Alliance Inc., and Alstom Philippines Inc.. PRII and NPC Alliance are two of the petrochemical companies situated in Mariveles, Bataan while Alstom Philippines Inc. is in Limay, Bataan. Fig. 12 below shows the companies in Bataan where the respondents are currently employed. Fig. 12. Companies in the Province of Bataan that Employ BPSU Graduates

It is very interesting to note that in the province of Bataan alone, where BPSU is located, the bulk of the graduates were able to find employment. This only shows that the local industry in the province of Bataan is playing a major role in providing employment to the technically trained graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) program and as such should be viewed as a very good opportunity on the part of the University to exploit. Nevertheless, an institutionalized partnership between these local industries and the University may bring about a more assured future for the graduates of the University.

79

The BPSU First Job Analysis

Research Journal

According to the 105 presently employed respondents, 46 of them or 44 % said it is their first job while 56 % said that it is their second or so job. When asked why they stayed in their first job, their top answer was because it is related to course of study (23 %), followed by career challenge (21%), salaries and benefits (18 %), and related to special skills(15 %). Table 9 shows the complete list of responses of the graduates on the question why they stayed in their first jobs. Table 9. Reasons Why Respondents Stayed on their First Job
Reasons No response Salaries and benefits Career challenge Related to special skills Related to course of study Proximity to residence Peer influence Family influence Other reasons Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Response 3 25 29 20 31 14 6 8 2 138 Percentage (%) 2 18 21 15 23 10 4 6 1 100

Of the 46 respondents who said that their current jobs are actually their first jobs, 78% said that their first jobs are related to their course in college while only 4% said that their first jobs are not related to their course in college, and 17% did not respond. Among those who said that their first jobs were not related to their college course, 50% of them kept their jobs because of salaries and benefits, while 50% stayed because of its proximity to their place of residence. Those whose current jobs are not their first jobs, they changed to a second job because of the reasons identified in Table 10 below.

80

The BPSU

Research Journal
Table 10. Reasons Why Respondents Changed their First Jobs
Reasons Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 Total Response 6 41 38 21 11 4 121 Percentage (%) 5 34 31 17 9 3 100

No response Salaries and benefits Career challenge Related to special skills Proximity to residence Other reasons

About 36% of the respondents stayed one (1) to six (6) months on their first jobs before looking for another one. On the other hand, 14 % looked for another job after staying on their first jobs for one (1) to two (2) years. Hence, table 11 shows the distribution of the respondents according to the length of their stay on their first jobs. Table 11. Length of Stay of Respondents on their First Jobs
Length of Stay No response Less than a month 1 to 6 months 7 to 11 months 1 year to less than 2 years 2 years to less than 3 years 3 years to less than 4 years Others Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 12 3 21 7 8 2 4 2 59 Percentage (%) 20 5 36 12 14 3 7 3 100

When the respondents were asked how they were able to find their first jobs, 40% said they found it by walk-in application, 20% said they were recommended by someone, and 17 % found their jobs through information from their friends. A very small portion, specifically 6 % were able to find their first jobs through the effort of the schools job placement service. Table 13 shows all the responses on

81

The BPSU

Research Journal

the question of how the graduates found their first job. It is good to know that even though it is only a small percentage, the schools job placement was able to assist the graduates in finding employment. Table 12. Methods by which the Respondents Found their First Jobs
Means by which Respondents found their First Job No response Advertisement Walk-in application Recommended by someone Information from friends School's job placement Family business Others Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 6 6 44 22 19 6 0 7 100 Percentage (%) 6 6 40 20 17 6 0 6 100

On the question of how long it took the graduate to land on their first job, 49 % said it took them one (1) to six (6) months, 21 % said the waiting time was less than month, while 4 % of them took 7 to 11 months before they were employed on their first job. About 3% of the respondents waited three (3) to four (4) years before finding their first jobs. Table 13. Waiting Time of Respondents before Landing a Job
Waiting No response Less than 1 month 1 to 6 months 7 to 11 months 1 year to less than 2 years 2 years to less than 3 years 3 years to less than 4 years Others Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 19 23 54 4 2 0 3 5 110 Percentage (%) 17 21 49 4 2 0 3 5 100

82

The BPSU

Research Journal

Fig. 13. Length of Time before Respondents Land a Job

Type of Job Analysis This study also tried to analyze the job level position of the respondents first and current jobs. On their current jobs, 57 % belong to the rank and file, 30 % hold Professional or Technical positions, 10 % are Supervisors, while 2 % are Managers. The bulk of the rank and file positions range from Process Operators/Technicians, Plant Operators, to Maintenance Technicians. Professional and Technical Positions include Mechanical/ Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Specialists. On their first jobs, 46 % of the respondents belonged to the rank and file position, 37 % were Professional/Technical while 46 % did not respond. Fig. 14 and 15 show the job level positions of the respondents Fig. 14. Level Position of Respondents on their First Jobs

83

The BPSU

Research Journal

Fig. 15. Level Position of the Respondents on their Current Jobs

Curriculum Analysis When the respondents were asked whether their curriculum is relevant to their first jobs, 76% of the respondents said yes, 6% said no, while 18% did not respond. Fig. 16. Response to Question whether the Curriculum is Relevant to Respondents First Job

The findings of the study revealed that the respondents who found that their curriculum not relevant to their first job said that the

84

The BPSU

Research Journal

skills and competencies that they found most useful to their first jobs are (according to most number of responses): critical thinking skills (22%), problem solving skills (21%), communication skills (29%) and human relations skills (16%). Table 14 details all the responses of the respondents. Table 14. Skills Most Useful to Respondents who said that their Curriculum is Relevant to their First Jobs
Skills No response Communication skills Human relations skills Entrepreneurship skills Information technology skills Problem solving skills Critical thinking skills Other skills Total Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Response 4 50 39 13 33 53 54 5 251 Percentage (%) 2 20 16 5 13 21 22 2 100

Table 15. Suggestions made by Respondents who said that their Curriculum is not related to their First Jobs
Suggestions Include AutoCAD in curriculum Advance training during lower years Include OJT in curriculum (during early years) Include piping standards in curriculum More exposure to industry while studying More seminars Job familiarization Course familiarization Designed subject should be limited to one semester Total Response 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 Percentage (%) 30 8 15 8 8 8 8 8 8 100

85

The BPSU

Research Journal

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed that the BS Mechanical Engineering Graduates of the Bataan Peninsula University have been absorbed by many industries both local and abroad. Thus, this is an implication that the Province of Bataan has local industries that can provide employment to BPSU Mechanical Engineering graduates. Further, as can be seen from the results of the study, there were more BSME graduates who passed the Board Exam than those who failed. Moreover, with the findings, it can be concluded that BSME graduates could be able to land on jobs relatively quickly. Moreover, it was found out that the course curriculum of the BSME program is relevant to the jobs of the graduates but they can still be improved to equip the graduates with the best skills suited to the demands of the local industry, as well. Recommendation Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that a follow up research be conducted to study the performance of the BSME graduates on their respective companies especially those that are located within the province of Bataan. Hence this is to assess the need to strengthen skills that are required by local employers in light of their big contribution to the employability of the BSME graduates. Likewise, a separate research needs to be conducted on the specific skill requirements of the local industry in order that the College of Engineering may adopt a more responsive curriculum to capitalize on the local labor market. In addition, the College of Engineering should establish a closer relationship with the local industries in Bataan to attain the utmost benefit of employment to its BSME graduates.

86

The BPSU

Research Journal
REFERENCES

Commission on Higher Education. (2006). Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/index.html. Debono, M., Debono, A. & Caruana, N. (2005). Career outcomes of graduates 2004: A career guidance tool. Malta: Euroguidance. National Statistics Coordination Board. (2006). Labor and employment. Retrieved from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_labor.asp. Schomburg, H. (1995). Handbook for graduate tracer studies. Center for Research on Higher Education and Work. Germany: University of Kassel.

87