schoolscolleges2020 hed news

Five books on sanitation and research were launched on Feb 24 as part of Xavier University’s celebration of the Social Consciousness Month. These books are “Low-Cost Sustainable Sanitation Solutions for Mindanao and the Philippines: A Practical Construction Field Guide” by Dr Robert Gensch,  Analiza Miso, Dr Gina Itchon and Mr Elmer Sayre, and the works of  Dr Ester L. Raagas: “Understanding Research Concepts,” “Handbook on Introductory Statistics (3rd ed),” “Operation Manual for Data Analysis (2nd ed),” and “Assessment & Evaluation of Student Learning: Concepts & Applications (3rd ed).”

Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Vice President Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit said that RSO would like to share the essence of the “marriage of research and outreach” through publications and similar outputs where “outreach [is] backed by research that has social significance.”   

Dr Raagas, former dean of the Graduate School and now the Director of XU Center for the Advancement Training (XUCAT),  shared it was not in her wildest dreams to write a book but because of her “high desire [to] teach correctly” and let her students understand her lectures, she came up with these books made for beginning researchers. She used a simple approach for these books so the students can easily understand research. She spent about 20 years of hard work just to fulfill these books.

Dr Miguela Napiere, Research Planning and Development Officer of Lourdes College, who reviewed the books affirmed that the publications are very helpful in teaching assessment.

A practical handbook on sustainable sanitation technologies was also launched. Dr Gensch, Director of the Sustainable Sanitation (SuSaN) Center and one of the authors of the book, explained the process and system of sustainable sanitation. He said that the book is not just about the construction and installation of toilets, which evidently dominate its contents but it also explains the benefits of sustainable sanitation as it is a human right.

Engr Dexter Lo, Director of Engineering Resource Center commented that this sustainable sanitation handbook is like an engineering book that can also serve as reference on community organizing which can be used by NGOs.
 
The book launching held in cooperation with the SUSAN Center, XUCAT and the Xavier University Press was well-attended by representatives from Bukidnon State University, Lapasan National High School, Blessed Mother College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, Mindanao University for Science and Technology, Pilgrim Christian College, XU Engineering Resource Center, College of Nursing, College of Agriculture, School of Education, the Mathematics Department, Chemistry Department, and from other offices of XU.

“Low-Cost Sustainable Sanitation Solutions for Mindanao and the Philippines” is priced at Php 200.00 while the books of Dr. Raagas can be bought at National Bookstore for Php 250.00 each except for “Assessment & Evaluation of Student Learning: Concepts & Applications (3rd ed)” which is priced at Php 450.00.