28Feb, 2017

Institutional Study Visit of Dzongkhag Administration, Mongar on Drinking Water Supply Management, Operations and Maintenance

An institutional study visit on Drinking Water Supply Management, Operations and Maintenance, was conducted by International Academy for Continuous Education last February 20-24, 2017 for the Dzongkhag Administration, Mongar, of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The institutional study visit aimed to introduce to the delegates the existing setting of water management and operation here in the Philippines, so that they may use it as a benchmark for their future program development back in Bhutan.

Additionally, the institutional study visit also helped them understand the technical operation and maintenance tasks associated with supplying water, including the technical aspects of water transport and distribution to ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking-water.

International Academy for Continuous Education led by Dir. Aries Balanay welcomed The District Governor Dasho Ugyen Sonam, District Commissioner, District Engineers, Project manager, Technicians, Surveyor and accountants of the Dzongkhag Administration with the traditional welcoming of putting lei (garland of flowers) around their necks in the airport. They then had lunch at the Food Club and visited the well-known Manila Hotel.

LWUA administrator Andres F. Ibarra together with the participants from Mongar District, Royal Government of Bhutan

They visited the Local Water Utility Administration (LWUA) during the first day of the workshop as they were welcomed by the LWUA administrator Andres F. Ibarra. Hydrology, water supply and water demand management, water transport and distribution were explained by LWUA’s Engineer DaniloBasilio. Engineer Allen Lowe also discussed about water treatment, pumps, pipes and storage the following day.

Attorney Leah Javier (Manager for Corporate Affairs division) discussed the Management structure and the operation of the Bulacan Water District

Engineer Florencio Lorenzo Manager of Water treatment Plant Division discussed about their water treatment process to the delegates from Mongar District, Royal Government of Bhutan

Attorney Leah Javier (Manager for Corporate Affairs division), Engineer Florencio Lorenzo (Manager for Water Treatment Plant Division), and Engineer Jay Limense delivered the lectures about the operation and maintenance of a drinking water supply during the site visit at San Jose Del Monte Water District, Bulacan on the third day.

The Batangas City Water District General Manager, Mrs. Yolanda Oyao and the team had a round table discussion together with Mongar District Delegates regarding Water District Management and Operation

Mongar District Delegates together with Batangas Water District Management and officials. Picture taken in front of their office.

The Batangas City Water District General Manager, Mrs. Yolanda Oyao warmly welcomed the delegates on the fourth day as they are to complete their workshop with the Batangas City Water District. Department Manager Engineer Bernardo C. Hornillaand Engineer Jose Roberto Maranan discussed with them the drinking water and treatment systems.

Engr. Bernardo Hornilla guide the Mongar District delegates in visting wells of Batangas City Water District

The delegates also were able to visit the Batangas Capitol during the afternoon. They were warmly welcomed by the Capitol Administrator Mr. Librado Dimaunahan and Ibaan City Councilor Socrates Arellano.

Mongar District Govern Dasho Ugyen Sonam courtesy call with Batangas Capitol Administrator

The awarding of the certificates by IACE CEO Susana Balanay together with President Dr. Albert Alday took place on the last day.

IACE CEO Susana Balanay and IACE President Albert S. Alday awarding the certificate to Mongar District Governor, Dasho Ugyen Sonam

Dasho Ugyen Sonam commended IACE Management team for delivering the institutional study visit more than expected as he said “Thank you IACE for arranging the training you made our stay here wonderful, not only the training part but all other aspects that go with the training”

The training ended with a send off lunch in Barbara’s Restaurant located in the oldest district of Manila in Intramuros, they were personally entertained by the owner Madame Barbara Delos Reyes and prepared a special recipes, Gambas and Fried Crablets cooked and served by Madame Barbara.

Mongar District Delegates together with Barbara’s owner Madame Barbara Delos Reyes

Mongar District Delegates serenaded by Barbara’s Restaurant musician while having lunch.

8Feb, 2017

Institutional Visit of JDWNRH, Bhutan for Hospital Administration and Management

An institutional study visit for Strategic Management for Hospital Administration and Management was successfully conducted by the International Academy for Continuous Education for the officers of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) from Royal Kingdom of Bhutan last January 30 to February 4, 2017.

The JDWNRH is the apex institution of Bhutan in delivering health care services in the country. It caters to the population of Thimphu Dzongkhag and also the non-referred patients from neighboring Dzongkhags and referred cases from the 20 Dzongkhag hospitals.

The study visit consisted of a series of lectures conducted by Dr. Juan Pablo Nanagas, a prominent Ophthalmologist, former Director of the biggest government training hospital in the country The Philippine General Hospital, Dr Nanagas is also a former Undersecretary of the Department of Health during the term of Sec. Juan M. Flavier.

Delegates from JDWNRH together with Dr. Juan Nanagas

The participants from JDWNRH; Human Resource Officer Rekha Monger, Administrative Officer Dema Dorji, Planning Officer Ugyen Tshering, and Mr. Narayan Acharya, visited St Luke’s Hospital where they were able to view the rooms for the patients.

JDWRNH together with IACE Director Aries Balanay in front of St. Luke’s Hospital

During the hospital trip in St. Lukes the team was divided into three groups and had a session with their respective departments, Human Resource Officer Rekha Monger had a one-on-one meeting with St. Lukes HR head, and was introduced to the St. Lukes HR Department’s structure and process flow.

Human Resource Officer Rekha Monger together with St. Lukes HR Department Head

Administrative Officer Dema Dorji and Planning Officer Ugyen Tshering were given a lectures about St. Luke’s strategic plan and for 2020 and their nursing care management.

Administrative Officer Dema Dorji and Planning Officer Ugyen Tshering together with the officers of St. Lukes Nursing Care Department

Mr. Narayan Acharya met with the St. Luke’s Finance Department and introduce to the office’s Finance Information Management System.

The Instituional Study Visit in St. Lukes hospital ended up with hospital tour showing the delegates from JDWNRH St. Lukes’ state-of-the-art equipment and introducing the team to the different heads of their department.

JDWNRH delegates visited "hotel" like atmosphere room of St. Lukes Hospital

JDWNRH delegates visited “five-star hotel” like atmosphere room of St. Lukes Hospital

JDWRNH Delegates visited the hyperbaric chambers of St. Lukes hospital

JDWNRH delegates visited the Cyclotron Deparment of St. Lukes Hospital

JDWNRH delegates visited the Cyclotron Department of St. Lukes Hospital

JDWNRH also visited the second biggest government hospital in the Philippines, The East Avenue Medical Center completed the training as it presented the Philippine’s hospital setting handled in the public sector.

East Avenue Management Team together with JDWRNH delegates

East Avenue Medical Center Finance Team together with JDWNRH delegates

East Avenue Medical Center Finance Team together with JDWRNH delegates

The participants were able to reach their objectives of knowing how the hospitals in the Philippines operate, Human resource management and administration, accounting and finance, and sales and marketing.

The 5 day training ended up with awarding of Professional graduate level certificate for Strategic Management for Hospital Administration awarded by IACE’s President Dr. Albert Alday and CEO Susana B. Balanay

“The practical session of hospital and field visit combined with the theoretical knowledge were very aptly customized and tailored to the training needs of the participants. It was a good learning experience.” Rekha Monger

7Feb, 2017

Institutional Study Visit for Industry Information Management System

International Academy for Continuous Education conducted an Institutional Study Visit for Industry Information Management System for Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan.

The International Academy for Continuous Education (iACE) recently conducted an institutional study visit on Industry Information Management System last January 26, 2017 to February 2, 2017, for the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industry (MOEA) from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The MOEA’s Department of Industry is responsible for the promotion and regulation of large and medium scale industries and FDI enterprises covering the industrial sector classified broadly under manufacturing and services. Additionally, the department also possesses responsibility in fostering sustainable industrial development in harmony with national objectives and priorities for the Kingdom of Bhutan.

National Economic and Development Authority Visit

The participants were introduced to the Philippines’ National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country’s premier socio-economic planning body highly regarded as the authority in micro-economic forecasting policy analysis and research, where they learned about its Inter-organizational structure and responsibilities. The NEDA’s representative talk about the Agency’s mandate and flagship project regarding Information Systems

MOEA’s delegates with NEDA’s representatives

Department of Information and Communications Technology Visit

For their second visit, they were able to know about the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) database building and storage processing. The department also discussed their several undertaking including Juan Konek Project, a Free Public Wi-Fi covering the whole country and other Government to Citizens Projects. The delegates had a chance to meet the Minister/Secretary Atty. Rodolfo Salalima and other officials.

DICT’s Secretary/Minister and official from L-R Undersecretary Eliseo M. Rio, (MOEA) Mr. Trashi Younten, Ms. Dechen Choden, DICT Secretary/Minister Atty. Rodolfo Salalima, (MOEA) Ms. Sonam Tshomo, Mr. Tashi Wangdi, (IACE) Director Aries Balanay, and DICT’s Assistant Secretary Atty. Carlos Caliwara

Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Investments

A visit in the Philippine Board of Investments, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the lead government agency responsible for the promotion of investments in the Philippines, gave them ideas about BOI’s Information Management Systems and Invest Philippines Project- a project of the government to boost the foreign direct investment of the country.

Manila City Hall

Aside from the National Agencies, the delegates also visited one Local Government Unit to check on the ease of doing business in the country. They had a chance to visit the country’s National Capital Region, Manila City under Business Permit Licensing Office, they were gladly welcomed by the head of the said department and explained the department’s process work flow.

MOEA’s Delegates together with (IACE) Director Aries Balanay, CEO Susana Balanay, (MOEA) Ms. Dechen Choden, Manila City Coucilor Joel T. Villanueva, (MOEA) Ms. Sonam Tshomo, (MOEA) Mr. Tashi Wandi, (MOEA) Mr. Trashi Younten, and Councilor Villanueva’s Chief of Staff

Philippine Statistics Authority Visit

MOEA’s delegates together with the PSA’s officials and IT Department

Lastly, they visited the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) wherein they were graced with PSA’ s concept of “Trade for growth, growth for trade” and were introduced to CountrySTAT, a web-based system that integrates national food and agricultural statistical information to ensure harmonization of national data and metadata collections for analysis and policy making. PSA’s Interactive Statistical Databases and updates on the economic and financial data of the Philippines including the Industry Information System of the country.

The 8-day study visit ended with the awarding of professional graduate-level certificate in Industry Information System, awarded by IACE CEO Susana Balanay and President Albert S. Alday. The delegates were very satisfied and IACE team were given a high rating assessment by the MOEA’s team.

Photo together with MOEA’s delegates and IACE officials Standing from L-R Senior ICT Associate Mr. Trashi Younten, Industries Officers Mr. Tashi Wangdi, (IACE) President Dr. Albert S. Alday, (IACE) Director Aries B. Balanay, (IACE) Senior Training Coordinator Mr. Regie Boquio, Sitting from L-R Senior Administration Assistant Sonam Tshomo, (IACE) CEO Susana Balanay and Industries Officers Dechen Cheden.

“The study visit was useful and informative. The team, especially myself learned many new things which I am going to take back home and try to use and implement it. Hope to attend similar visit next time. Good Luck to IACE Team!!!” – Dechen Choden

6Jan, 2017

Institutional study visit on Flood forecasting and disaster management for Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan

An institutional visit on Flood Forecasting, Control Room Operations and Hydrological Services Delivery in the Philippines was conducted by International Academy for Continuous Education (IACE) for the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Royal Government of Bhutan last October 30 until November 4, 2016.

IACE CEO Susana Balanay personally welcomed from the Airport the MoEA, Bhutan led by their Chief of Hydrology Division, Mr. Karma Dupchu

IACE CEO Susana Balanay personally welcomed from the Airport the MoEA, Bhutan led by their Chief of Hydrology Division Deparment of Hydromet Services, Mr. Karma Dupchu

IACE opened the program by introducing and briefing the participants of the activities beginning with the Marikina Flood Early Warning System (Urban Setting). Dr. Jenny Fernando gave an overview of the Community-based Flood Early Warning Systems (CBFEWS), its elements, characteristics and functions. She also discussed the factors influencing the design of CBFEWS, its sustainability, structure and experiences, data and information exchange scheme and other related activities, issues and best practices.

Marikina's MDRRMO Chief Dr. Jenny Fernando personally discussed Marikina's Control Room and Monitoring for Disaster Management

Marikina’s MDRRMO’s Chief, Dr. Jenny Fernando personally discussing Marikina’s Control and Monitoring Room for Disaster Management to MoEA’s institutional study visit participants.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Hydro-Met and Meteorological Office in Quezon City’s very own Engr. Rosalie Pagulayan and Aldczar Aurelio presented an overview of Flood Forecasting, Flood Forecasting Warning Systems, Monitoring and Prediction, Meteorological Monitoring Networks, Flood and Typhoon Warming Systems, Computer-based Applications for Meteorological Services on the second day.

PAGASA’s Weather Forecaster Mr. Aldczar Aurelio discussing the Typhoon Warning System

PAGASA’s Senior Hydrologist Engr. Rosalie Pagulayan explaining the Flood Forecasting Warning Systems of the Agency

The PAGASA Field Stations: Pampanga River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, Main Operations Office in San Fernando, Pampanga and the Candaba Rainfall and Water level Station (Rural Setting), represented by Hilton Hernandez, discussed about its community-based flood early warning systems for river basins including its issues and best practices.

PAGASA Pamapanga Field Station’s Head, Mr. Hilton Hernandez, discussing about its community-based flood early warning systems for river basins including its issues and best practices.

The participants met Mr. Edwin Salonga and Ms. Maritess Galang of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Quezon City on the third day and were familiarized with the Council’s composition and functions and their Flood Disaster Management Programs.

Mr. Edwin Salonga and Ms. Maritess Galang of the National Disaster Risk Reduction discussing the mandate of the agency.

Participants were also able to get an overview of the Community-based Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management Program in the Province of Bulacan conducted by Engr. Lito Pascual and Carl De Leon of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Coordinating Office in Malolos, Bulacan. They then visited the Operation and Maintenance of Rainfall, River and Flood Stage Observation Stations and were familiarized to how the Review and Enhancement of Draft Response and Flow of Information Plans was done.

Engr. Lito Pascual and Carl De Leon discussing Bulacan Provincial’s Community-based Flood Disaster Mitigation and Management Program

Mr. Alex Pallada was the resource person for the program’s last activity which was located at the Angat Hydropower Plant (Dam Operations). Mr. Pallada discussed about Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems for Dam Operations.

Mr. Alex Pallada discussing about Angat Hydropower Plant’s Dam Operation

IACE closed the program by awarding the participants with a certificate. The Head of the team, Mr. Karma Dupchu gave his warmest gratitude to the International Academy for Continuous Education management and staff for the well prepared itinerary.

“Institutional visit was well organized to all the relevant organization what we expected. I am fully enjoyed with all the appointments experts we have met. Flexible approach assisted rendered during our stay here in the Philippines is fully appreciated. I have nothing to recommends, the institutional visit was fully met my expectations.” Mr Karma Dupchu’s Testimonials

IACE CEO Ms. Susana B. Balanay and President Dr. Albert S. Alday together with MoEA’s Hydromet Division during the Awarding of Certificate held in IACE (Standing from L-R Mr. Ngawang Namgyal, Mr. Jai Ram, Mr. Tashi Tenzin, Mr. Tshewang Rinzin, and Mr.Pema Wangdi) (Sitting L-R Ms Sangay Choden, IACE CEO Susana Balanay, IACE President Albert Alday and Chief Mr. Karma Dupchu)