CIVIL ENGINEERING TRAINING IN THE NEW NORMAL

UNDER ENGR. MARCELO T. ABRERA, JR.

A Field Practice Manuscript

presented to the faculty of the
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
College of Engineering and Technology
Visayas State University
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

In partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

CHRISTINE JOY M. CONCOLES

February 2021
TITLE PAGE
 ii

TRANSMITTAL

The undergraduate thesis/special problem/apprenticeship report/engineering

project report/case study attached hereto entitled, CIVIL ENGINEERING

TRAINING IN THE NEW NORMAL UNDER ENGR. MARCELO T. ABRERA,

JR. prepared and submitted by, CHRISTINE JOY M. CONCOLES in partial

fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil

Engineering is hereby accepted.

MARCELO T. ABRERA, Jr.

Adviser

February 24, 2021

Date

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor

of Science in Civil Engineering.

EPIFANIA G. LORETO
Head
Department of Civil Engineering

____________
Date

ROBERTO C. GUARTE
Dean
College of Engineering

____________
Date
 iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The On-the-Job training that the trainee had during the pandemic was rare for

learning and professional development. The trainee was very grateful for having the

opportunity to be a part of it. Therefore, the trainee would like to recognize and express

her deepest gratitude to these following people or groups of people who have been

instrumental in completing this On-the-Job training and this paper.

The trainee would like to acknowledge her OJT mentor, Engr. Marcelo T.

Abrera Jr., for extending utmost availability, guidance, and entertaining the trainee’s

questions throughout the training.

The trainee would also like to thank her co-trainees, Mr. Norman Zurita and

Mr. Kay Marvin Chavez, for sharing valuable information and technical assistance,

especially during group activities.

The trainee would like to recognize the Department of Civil Engineering

Faculty and Staff for allowing this OJT to happen and provide discussions essential

for the trainee’s development.

The trainee would like to thank her family for their efforts to provide her with

everything. The support and unending lessons they have imparted inspired and

encouraged her to continue despite being amid the pandemic.

The trainee would like to express her most generous gratitude to Mr. Chedie

L. Neñeria for his love and support, which gave the trainee the motivation to continue

and finish this OJT. Thank you for willingly offering your resources to the trainee.
 iv

Finally, the trainee would like to thank the Almighty God, the creator, the author

of all engineering knowledge, and the orchestrator of all the events that led to this OJT’s

completion. To God be all the glory!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

TITLE PAGE i

TRANSMITTAL ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF FIGURES vii

LIST OF TABLES viii

LIST OF APPENDICES ix

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Nature and Importance of Field Practice 1

1.2 Objectives of the Field Practices 2

1.3 Time and Place of Training 2

CHAPTER II. WORK ACTIVITIES 4

2.1 Application Process 4

2.2 Timetable 5

CHAPTER III. DICUSSION 7

3.1 About the Mentor 7

3.2 Learning Experiences 7

3.2.1 Milestone 1: Civil Engineering Practice and Ethics in the Industry 8

3.2.2 Milestone 2: CE Works’ Equipment and Software 10

3.2.3 Milestone 3: Vertical and Horizontal Construction 11

 vi

3.2.4 Milestone 4: Construction Management and Bidding 12

CHAPTER IV. SUMMARY 15

REFERENCES 16

APPENDICES 17
 vii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1 Online Milestone Meeting 3

2 Online Interview with Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera Jr. 4

3 Engr. Apas sharing her experiences and insights on being a licensed CE 8

4 Example case that requires ethical solution 9

5 Importing CAD to STAAD 11

6 Engr. Gaviola showing how Tunnel Formwork System works 12

7 Engr. Vinculado discussing the process of bidding 13

8 Total Estimate of Engr. Abrera’s Group for the Bidding Simulation 14

 viii

LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

1 The timetable of the Online Training 5

 ix

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Title Page

a. Application Letter 20

b. Resume 21
 x

c. Acceptance Letter 23

d. Certificate of Completion 24
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Nature and Importance of Field Practice

Field practice provides an opportunity to apply previous knowledge, view real

examples set in a worldly framework, and opportunity to be involved physically with

real situations in the field. All of this promotes a deeper understanding of one’s

profession and an improved ability to recall the information and experiences later, as

needed. It is understood by all educational disciplines and potential employers that

personal experiences gained by working with “real” world activities and in “real”

setting enhance and improve learning, and increased understanding and knowledge.

Since activities in the field are never limited to one discipline or aspect, trainees will

always broaden awareness and emphasize connections between theoretical ideas and

practical realities. Field practice entails significant benefits that could give trainees

invaluable assets for achieving gainful employment.

Field practice is very important when applying for a job. Oftentimes, employers

will ask the relevance of the training to the course and to the position the employee are

applying for. Field practice acts as a training ground. If students still have no idea on

what is meant to be a worker, the training will give a hint of career realities. It gives

the students a sense of confidence that they can use when applying for a job after

graduation.

But with all of the things going on today, actual field practice was not realized.

The training was done online but with the same importance and objectives to convey.
 2

1.2 Objectives of the Field Practices

The field practice generally aims to provide the trainees with actual workplace

experience, exposure to various construction activities, and project management

applications concerning their respective fields of learning and to broaden the knowledge

and acquire new relevant skills. However, as the country hits by a pandemic wherein

going into the actual field is very risky, the On-the-Job training was conducted online

with the following specific objectives:

• To understand the role of Civil Engineers in the industry.

• To be knowledgeable of the different aspects and processes done in the

construction.

• To acquire necessary character traits as an employee.

1.3 Time and Place of Training

The field practice was conducted online by the Department of Civil Engineering,

Visayas State University through Milestone Meetings. It started on September 30, 2020,

and ended on December 18, 2020.

 3

Figure 1. Online Milestone Meeting

 CHAPTER II

WORK ACTIVITIES

2.1 Application Process

The student submitted an application letter and resume to the Head of the

Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. Epifania G. Loreto. Prof. Loreto then sends a

recommendation letter to the mentor who will supervise the student throughout the

training. The mentor conducted an online interview to meet and accept the student

formally. From thereon, the student started being a trainee to the mentor.

Figure 2. Online Interview with Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera Jr.

 5

2.2 Timetable

The training started with an orientation conducted by Engr. Jessie Corrales, OJT

Coordinator on September 30, 2020. The students were asked to process their

applications on or before October 5, 2020.

Table 1. The timetable of the Online Training

TRAINING
DATE ACTIVITY TRAINING ACTIVITIES
ASSESSMENT
• The students was
September
Orientation assigned to a
30, 2020
mentor.
• The student
submitted an
October 5, Application
application letter
2020 Process
and resume to the
department head.
• The mentor asked
October 13,
Interview the trainee some
2020
questions.
• The student
submitted a written
First Milestone: report.
October 12, Civil Engineering • Case analysis of Milestone
2020 Practice and Ethics some scenarios Report
in the Industry happening in the
construction
industry.
• The student
submitted a written
Second Milestone: report.
October 27, CE Works’ • Familiarizing the Milestone
2020 Equipment and software and Report
Software equipment used in
the construction
field.
Third Milestone:
• The student
November Vertical and Milestone
submitted a written
11, 2020 Horizantal Report
report.
Contruction
• The student
December Fourth Milestone: Milestone
submitted a written
3, 2020 Construction Report
report.
 6

Management and • Learning the process

Bidding of bidding for the
bidding simulation
activity
• The coordinator and
Pre-Bidding some mentors
December
Meeting explained the
14, 2020
Simulation guidelines for the
bidding simulation
• Estimating the bill
of material and total
Decemeber cost
Bidding Simulation
18, 2020 • Experienced how
the bidding process
is done

The training proper lasted for eight weeks and was composed of lectures,

presentations, and exercises facilitated by the OJT mentors (see Table 1). The

remaining weeks of the semester were allotted for completing the OJT manuscripts.
 CHAPTER III

DISCUSSION

3.1 About the Mentor

Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera Jr is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil

Engineering batch 2010 at Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City. After

becoming a licensed civil engineer, he’s been exploring many opportunities that the

profession offers.

Engr. Abrera is also a master plumber. He got the license in 2017 while studying

a master's degree at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. He majors in Structural

Engineering.

Today, Engr. Abrera is currently working as an instructor of the Department of

Civil Engineering, Visayas State University.

3.2 Learning Experiences

The whole training was divided into four milestones. These milestones are

discussions of topics that compensate for the absence of actual training. Each milestone

meeting was led by a pair of faculty of the Department of Civil Engineering who have

experienced or have knowledge on the topic for that milestone.

Milestone meetings were conducted every two weeks, scheduled on Mondays.

The two weeks interval was for the conduct of activities given by mentors to their

trainees.
 8

During some of the milestone meetings, a video was presented that contains an

interview of some engineering graduates of VSU (Fig. 3). They shared their experiences

and some tips to the trainees.

Figure 3. Engr. Apas sharing her experiences and insights on being a licensed CE

3.2.1 Milestone 1: Civil Engineering Practice and Ethics in the Industry

Overview. This milestone was divided into two topics: Civil Engineering Practice

and Ethics in the Industry. Engr. Marcelo T. Abrera, Jr. discussed civil engineering

practice. He talked about the five most essential skills needed in the practice of civil

engineering. These skills are Technical Skills, Project Management, Communication

Skills, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Engr. Abrera also discussed some of the

problems that are usually encountered in the construction industry. Some of these

problems are miscommunication, management problems, technical problems, and

design errors.

Another topic for that day, Ethics in the industry, was discussed by Engr. Lindy

Jane Ando. She talked about some of the gray areas in the industry and how to make

ethical decisions. Engr. Ando also emphasized the importance of knowing and learning

the code of ethics for civil engineers in pursuing this profession.

 9

Learning Insights. The trainee realized that civil engineering practice does not end

by mastering all the theoretical knowledge that the university offers. Character traits

and social development are as essential as having theoretical knowledge. As the saying

goes, “Theoretical knowledge will get you the job, and character traits will let you stay

and excel on the job.”

Engr. Ando also tested the trainee's ethical thinking skills by giving conflicting

situations that would need ethical solutions. An example of the situation is shown in

Figure 4.

Figure 4. Example case that requires ethical solution

 10

3.2.2 Milestone 2: CE Works’ Equipment and Software

Overview. This milestone was discussed by Engr. Beatriz Nicolle A. Oppus (Fig.

5). This talk was about softwares commonly used in architectural drawings, structural

plans, and project management. Based on architecture, software like AutoCad and

Sketchup are used. For structural software, SAP2000, STAAD Pro, ETABS, and

MIDAS are commonly used. And for project management, some useful softwares are

Project Microsoft and Oracle Primavera.

Engr. Oppus also introduced some heavy-duty equipment used in construction;

what are they for and how to operate the equipment were also included.

Learning Insights. Modern technology has developed a wide range of software

and equipment that helped professionals work efficiently and effectively. Learning how

to operate software and equipment is essential in applying for a job in the future. That

is why investing in self-development, discoveries, and explorations of the different

engineering aspects is a tool needed to pursue this profession.

One interesting lesson in the discussion is the steps on how to import CAD to

STAAD. This skill is beneficial and convenient, especially when dealing with high-rise

buildings.
 11

Figure 5. Importing CAD to STAAD

3.2.3 Milestone 3: Vertical and Horizontal Construction

Overview. Engr. John Christian Gaviola explained the difference between vertical

and horizontal construction (Fig. 6). Moreover, he also discussed the risks, advantages,

and disadvantages of these types of construction. He shared the roles of engineers in

the construction field and the importance of project management.

Engr. Gaviola also showed a video presentation of the building and bridge

construction techniques. For the building construction, some techniques are 3d

volumetric construction, pre-cast flat panel modules, hybrid concrete building

technique, and tunnel formwork system. For the bridge constructions, balanced

cantilever method, cast-in-situ method, and incremental launching method are

commonly used
 12

Figure 6. Engr. Gaviola showing how Tunnel Formwork System works

Learning Insights. There are two types of agencies in the industry, the public and

private agencies. The discussion helped the trainee decide where to work in the future,

knowing that construction is where most young engineers have their first work. The

construction industry has many opportunities to offer, and it is still growing. It will

continue to grow in the years to come.

3.2.4 Milestone 4: Construction Management and Bidding

Overview. Engr. Ramil Vinculado introduced bidding to the trainees and talked

about the process of government bidding, the terminologies, and the people involved in

the process (Fig. 7). Together with Ar. Raffy Andrew G. Loreto, Engr. Vinculado

clarified the differences between the government and the private bidding process. In the

government bidding process, brands will not be specified, while for the private bidding,

bidders would specify brands.

 13

Engr. Vinculado also added the difference between construction management

and project management. He also shared some software essential in construction

management. Some of these softwares are Planisware, Oracle Primavera, Autodesk

Rivet, and Microsoft Project. These softwares have many features that are very helpful

in project management by inputting correct values into the software.

Figure 7. Engr. Vinculado discussing the process of bidding

Learning Insights. In this milestone, the trainees were given an activity called the

bidding simulation. They were tasked to estimate the material and over-all cost of a

particular project. The trainees were grouped according to their mentors. Engr. Abrera’s

group bid amount was PhP 2,566,832.55 (Fig. 8).

Through the activity, the trainee learned the importance of time. One has to follow

the deadlines and guidelines given to avoid termination or in the case of bidding,

disqualification.
 14

Figure 8. Total Estimate of Engr. Abrera’s Group for the Bidding Simulation
 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY

As pandemic hits the country wherein going into the actual field is very risky, the

On-the-Job training was conducted online by the Department of Civil Engineering,

Visayas State University, through Milestone Meetings. The training started on

September 30, 2020, and ended on December 18, 2020. The field practice generally

aims to provide the trainees with actual workplace experience, exposure to various

construction activities, and project management applications concerning their

respective fields of learning and broaden their knowledge and acquire new relevant

skills. Specifically, the field practice aims: to understand the role of Civil Engineers in

the industry; to be knowledgeable of the different aspects and processes done in the

construction; and to acquire necessary character traits as an employee.

The whole training was divided into four milestones. These milestones are

discussions of topics that compensate for the absence of actual field training. Each

milestone meeting was led by a pair of faculty of the Department of Civil Engineering

who have experienced or have knowledge on the topic for that milestone. Milestone

meetings were conducted every two weeks, scheduled on Mondays. The two weeks

interval was for the conduct of activities given by mentors to their trainees.

The trainee learned much information about the construction industry. Although the

field practice was conducted online, the trainee believed she has learned more

knowledge, skills, and abilities that are still important in the workplace.
 16

REFERENCES

• CEng 200a On-the Job Training Guidelines: Internship Guidelines Amidst

Pandemic, First Edition. August 2020

• Wilson, J. (2011).Importance of Field Study Programs.Journal of Sierra

College Natural History Museum.4(1).

https://www.sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jscnhm/v4n1/importance.html
APPENDICES
 20

a. Application Letter
 21

b. Resume
22
 23

c. Acceptance Letter
 24

d. Certificate of Completion