Faculty members of SOTECH BS Chemical Engineering held the Let's ChAT: Chemical Awareness Training on December 7, 2023 at the Leonora S. Salapantan National High School, San Miguel, Iloilo. The seminar-training was attended by approximately 250 senior high school students of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand.
Dr. Mary Grace Castillo, school principal, highlighted the importance of the Chemical Awareness Training for their students as they encounter acids, bases, and agricultural chemicals in their laboratory experiments, households, and surroundings as an agricultural municipality. Dr. Castillo further acknowledged the training's importance to students’ lifelong learning and future careers in science.
Engr. Alexis G. Azucena discussed the Introduction to Chemical Awareness covering the basics of chemical safety such as Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and proper protective equipment for handling chemicals inside the laboratory and when handling household chemicals. Dr. Joemel G. Sumbing talked about Acids, delving on the classifications of acids and the dos and don’ts of handling acidic chemicals. Dr. Dennis C. Ong covered Bases, how to identify them, types of common household bases, and handling precautions. Lastly, Dr. Ramer P. Bautista focused on Agricultural Chemicals and how pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides leach and spread into the surroundings, especially into aquatic systems.
Dr. Bautista, with his closing remarks, encouraged the students to pursue careers in science and engineering and also expressed plans for future collaborations through trainings and seminars in partnership with the high school.
