​In line with its goal of providing continuing education for its members on the different facets of sugar production technology, the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (Philsutech) announces the schedule of its mid-year technical courses for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

   The Farm Tour and Seminar, which is the most popular activity among Philsutech members, is tentatively on March 3 & 4. Spearheading the activity is Agriculture & Farm Engineering Division Vice-President & Director Elsie A. Monteclaro (Manager, Alliance of Sonedco Planters Kabankalan).

   On April 21 & 22, the Bioenergy and Environmental Management Division, headed by Vice-Pres. & Dir. Sherryl Ann R. Jarder (Process Manager, URC-La Carlota) and Dir. Hernie C. Alpas (Plant Manager, URC Distillery Bais), will conduct the Applied Technology on Bioenergy & Environmental Management (ATBEM) Seminar.

 The Seminar on Applied Technology on Sugar Processing (ATSP) follows shortly on April 26-29, spearheaded by Process Division Vice-Pres. & Dir. Marlowe A. Lugador (Refined Sugar Department Manager, Victorias Milling Company) and Raylin R. Aligaen (Operations Manager, URC-SURE Passi).

 The Engineering Division, headed by Vice-Pres. Marifi T. Escabusa (Instrumentation / Centrifugals & Hydraulics Superintendent, Busco Sugar Milling Company) and Dir. Glorybell Y. Galinea (Factory Manager, Sagay Central), will conduct the Applied Technology on Energy Management & Utilization (ATEMU) on May 23-27.

 On the other hand, the Management Division is headed by Vice-Pres. & Dir. Sheila D. Cabrestante (Human Resources & Organization Development Head, Victorias Milling Company) and Dir. Marcelo L. Karaan (Vice-President-Human Resource Department, Central Azucarera de Tarlac & Affiliates) will announce the schedule of the management seminar at a later date.

   Meanwhile, the 68th Philsutech Annual National Convention is slated on August 23-26, will be held at Bacolod City. Venues for the seminars and trainings will likewise be announced later. 

   “Resource speakers for the seminars are industry experts with decades of experience in their respective fields of sugar production technology. The seminars themselves will be conducted in hybrid format, via a combination of online and physical presentations, in accordance with existing health and safety protocols,” said Philsutech President Jose Maria R. Valmayor.

   Valmayor was the Overall Convention Coordinator of the historic 67th Philsutech Annual National Convention conducted last August 2021 in Bacolod City, which was the first convention featuring an online format for most activities. 

   Previously the Philsutech Director for Agriculture and Farm Engineering (2021-2021), Valmayor is a graduate of Bachelor of Laws and is the Manager, Operation & Finance, San Jose Sugar Development Corp.

Immediate Past President Dr. Neil Andrew C. Cortez, Director of Sagay Central and EVP-FNC takes over as Chairman of the Board, replacing Domingo Lazaro L. Carranza.

   Robert O. Lau and Miss Haydee V. Rivera remain as the Treasurer and Corporate Secretary / Administrative Manager, respectively.