By Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador

Salaya in front of the Donadeo Innovation Center for Engineering of the University of Alberta.

Remington Salaya, who obtained his degree in BS in Chemical Engineering cum laude from Central Philippine University (CPU) in 2014, has received a Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship for a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Alberta, a top-ranking university in Canada. His fellowship covers his tuition and fees, living allowance, and research expenses. He is currently a member of the Pipeline Transport Processes research group.

According to him, “It is God’s blessing to be an international graduate student in a university that was ranked number 91 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.”

Born in Capiz, Salaya was ranked number 1 in the May 2015 Chemical Engineering licensure examinations. He gained national attention as his story of triumph over difficulties circulated in national newspapers and on social media. That attention provided him the opportunity to inspire others.

During his college years at CPU, he enjoyed scholarships from the University, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Uygongco Foundation, Inc. He also worked part-time and received aid from relatives. These helped him with his studies especially after his mother died a few years before his graduation. His father followed months before he graduated.
Before his studies in Canada, Salaya was the Operational Excellence Manager at Capiz Sugar Central, Inc., managing various continuous improvement projects and the Company’s GMP and HACCP systems.

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) is one of the academic programs of the CPU College of Engineering. The Commission on Higher Education has recognized the program as a Center of Development. Dr. Dahlia H. Pescos heads the Chemical Engineering Department.