Happy New Year Maam and Sir!

First semester of AY 2016-2017 was the most challenging for me compared to

previous ones. Last summer, I took my On-The-Job Training (OJT) in Thammasat
University, Thailand which is sponsored by UST and I finished it one week before the
classes resume. For that reason, I had only a week to rest and to spend time with
my family. When classes resume, the first thing we need to do is to come up with a
thesis proposal and to find a professor that would become our thesis adviser. The
toughest part in a thesis project is starting the project itself as well as coordinating
with the members of the group where all would agree and be comfortable with a
single topic. It took numerous readings and articles before we were able to settle
with our thesis topic entitled, Determination of Parameters for Modified Cam Clay
Model of Soil.
Also, I had two design subjects this semester namely Steel and Timber
Design and Concrete Design. For our Steel and Timber Design, my professor
was Engr. Rodelio Tiburcio who is the current department chair in the Civil
Engineering Department and he required us to design a warehouse with a lot area
of 1500 m2. It was an arduous job since we need to start from architectural plans up
to its structural components. At the same time, we also need to design a 4-storey
concrete structure as a requirement in Concrete I. Due to this requirements, I can
hardly find time to review my other academic subjects. I learned the value of time
management this semester and, at the same time, to be able to produce quality
work academically.
As a member of the Association of Civil Engineering Students, I joined a
community service program called Habitat for Humanity Philippines. It is an
international, non-profit and non-governmental organization which seeks to serve
families in need of decent housing. In line with our course, the organization joined a
community service where we could use our gained knowledge to contribute to our
society. It was held last November 25, 2016 at Vargas Lane, Brgy. Culiat, Quezon
City. It was a socialized housing project by the Quezon City Government with Habitat
for Humanity Philippines as its developer. Also, I was able to represent my
organization in National Civil Engineering Quiz Contest held last September 17,
2016 at University of the Philippines Diliman. We were able to qualify for Top 24
among 106 universities who joined the quiz contest but unfortunately we were not
able to qualify for the Top 5. I am also a member of Engineering International
Relations and Programs (EIRP) which is an organization for students who were sent
by the university to international colleges and universities. As a member, our task is
to invite other students as well as share our experiences abroad to our fellow
Thomasians. Due to conflict of schedules we were unable to launch a project this
semester but we are planning to start the year with a seminar and booth set-up in
Fr. Roque Ruao Building.

It was indeed a challenging semester but it was a different one because I am

more inspired to learn and study due to the scholarship you have granted to me.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me as your recipient of the
scholarship grant. Thank you for your thoughtful and generous gift.
Below are some of my pictures during the community service, quiz contest
and my grades last semester. I am on the left side for the pictures in quiz contest.
Sincerely,
Cesar
Cesar P. Malenab Jr.
Civil Engineering Student
University of Santo Tomas
email: cesarpmalenabjr@gmail.com
mobile: (+63)905-497-0761
phone: (+632)353-9909