UP Association of Civil Engineering Students
The University of the Philippines Association of Civil Engineering Students (UP ACES) is the premier civil engineering organization of the University of the Philippines College of Engineering(UP CoE). For almost 50 years, the organization has ensured the formation of outstanding and well-rounded civil engineers, producing consistent topnotchers in the CE board exams as well as distinguished and respected alumni and faculty in the College of Engineering. As one of the oldest and recognized organizations in the college, UP ACES continues to promote academic excellence, versatility, and camaraderie among its members.
UP ACES is based in the Institute of Civil Engineering of the College of Engineering. Their tambayan is located at the ground floor of Melchor Hall.
History
UP ACES was founded in July 1954 by Reynaldo S. Alberto, Claudio B. Altura, Bernardo O. Armeña, and Ramon C. Arroyo. The organizational structure then was informal. All students of Civil Engineering were automatically a member of the organization. It wasn’t until October 4, 1957 that UP ACES gained official recognition. During its early times UP ACES was a male-only organization. There was a need to import muses from other colleges. The UP ACES Stag and application process eventually became a requirement for its applicants during this time.
In July 31, 1969 the maiden issue of BEAM – a UP ACES monthly publication – was released, its founders being Felicisimo Ver Jr., Antonio David and Pedro Herrera Jr.
Conceived as early as August, 1969, an inter-university group called the Association of Civil Engineering Students virtually served as a guarantee that the various ACES's of Feati, Far Eastern University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Manuel L. Quezon University, National University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines would continue to promote academic and professional growth. As a conglomerate, it served as the PACE (Philippines Association of Civil Engineers) Student Chapter.
From January 8 to 10, 1971, PACE Student Chapter sponsored the First National Convention of Civil Engineering Students on "New Developments in Civil Engineering Practice" at the Auditoriums of FEU and UST. A few months after, difficulties concerning the coordination of activities were encountered. Consequently, during a meeting November 30, 1971 among UP, UE, NU, CCP and AU, it was proposed that a body which is autonomous, though not necessarily independent of the PACE, be formed and be governed by a board of directors, Such a body was to take charge of coordination of activities among the various ACES groups. During another meeting in January 1972, it was agreed to call the new consortium the Philippine Association of Civil Engineering Students (PACES). The succeeding move was the drafting of a constitution. However, the PACES was short-lived because of the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos.
During the eighties, UP ACES started to organize the Civil Engineering Quiz, a Metro Manila-wide quiz show. However the CE Quiz was short-lived and was only revived again in 1993. Two years after its revival, the Civil Engineering Quiz evolved to be a nation-wide competition and is now known among civil engineering schools as the National Civil Engineering Quiz.
In 2006, UP ACES upgraded the National Civil Engineering Quiz and integrated it into a week-long event, the Civil Engineering Summit (which also gained a National status last 2007). To complement the National Civil Engineering Quiz, the National Civil Engineering Symposium, along with other events were added on the summit. Last time, the National Civil Engineering Summit catered to more than three thousand high school students, civil engineering students and professionals.
Organization Structure
UP ACES currently has more than 160 members, all of which are actively participating in UP ACES events and contributing to the organization's growth. UP ACES opens its application period every June for the first semester and January for the second semester. The organization's governing body, the Executive Committee is composed of 12 members, 8 of which has its own committees. Unlike other organizations, the elections and changing of officers are done every December, before the calendar year ends.
Executive Committee 2010
President: Jan Mikhail Ynion
Vice President for Internal Affairs: Nadine Marie Frances Laguerta
Vice President for External Affairs: George Mariano Soriano
Executive Secretary: Ma. Karenina Lardizabal
Executive Treasurer: Kathlyn Jane Madrid
Academics Committee Head: Benilda Fonseca
Professional Formation Committee Head: Angel Gacutan
Publicity Committee Head: Nicole Miranda
Sports and Recreation Committee Head: John Karl Vicenta
Lounge Management Committee Head: Jordan Villanueva