TRE Division of the Civil Engineering Department Participates in the 16th EASTS Conference in Surakarta, Indonesia

 The Transportation Engineering (TRE) Division of the Civil Engineering Department participated in the 16th Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS) Conference, held in Surakarta, Indonesia from September 1–4, 2025. The biennial conference is a premier platform for advancing transportation research and practice, bringing together experts, scholars, and practitioners from across East Asia. This year’s event gathered participants from 19 countries and regions under the theme “Harnessing Local Wisdom and Green Technology to Build a Sustainable Transport Sector in East Asia.”

Participants form the TRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering

Highlighting the division’s active role in this international gathering, nine (9) research papers by TRE students and faculty members were presented at the conference. The researchers and their studies presented are as follows:

1.            “Route Simulation of Bridge and Road Infrastructure Under Diverse Flood Scenarios: A Case Study of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines” by Alexis FILLONE, Anabel ABUZO, Jefferson VALLENTE, Gifrey SULAY, and John OSIA

2.            “A Comparison of Access and Egress Characteristics to and from Rail Stations in Bangkok and Metro Manila” by Alexis FILLONE, Saksith CHALERMPONG, Phathinan THAITHATKUL, and Hironori KATO

3.            “Impact of Proposed Truck Routes in Vehicular Movement in Metro Manila” by Riches BACERO and Alexis FILLONE

4.            “The Role of School Travel on Student Well-being and Satisfaction in Region I, Philippines: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach” by Karen Joyce SANTIAGO and Alexis FILLONE

5.            “Assessing Objective Microscale Utilitarian Walkability Based on Subjective Pedestrian Needs in Baguio City's CBD” by Angelyn ILAGAN, Alexis FILLONE, and Maria Cecilia PARINGIT

6.            “Developing an Excel-Based Route Planning System for Agricultural Products Pickup and Delivery in Benguet, Philippines” by Alerik Ezekiel RUIZ, Krister Ian Daniel ROQUEL, Alexis FILLONE, and Marla MANIQUIZ- REDILLAS

7.            “Enhancing Urban Mobility: A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System Plan for Iloilo City” by Max Aldea DEL ROSARIO, Keith CAMENA, Ronald CARTAGENA, Hermilo GOSUICO, and Alexis FILLONE

8.            “Impact of Typhoon-Induced Flooding on Traffic Patterns and Vehicle Mix: A 24-Hour Analysis of Metro Manila's Gregorio Araneta Avenue” by Lance Kenneth Diaz MAMUYAC, Louisse Shaola LUMANGLAS, and Alexis FILLONE

9.            “Correlation of Light and Metro Rail Passenger Service Quality Perception to Sociodemographic Factors and Travel Behavior” by Uzziah GALERO, David Angelo Mauro VALENZUELA, Dane UY, and Nicanor ROXAS

Aside from De La Salle University, the Philippines was also represented by presenters from the University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Asia and the Pacific, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan, and Bulacan State University.

TRE Students and Faculty attended the 18th Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS) Annual Conference, Bangkok, Thailand

The Transportation Engineering Division of the Department of Civil Engineering at De La Salle University (DLSU) attended the 18th ATRANS Annual Conference: Young Researcher’s Forum (AYRF) 2025, which was hosted at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, last August 29, 2025. The DLSU delegation included PhD student Engr. Karen Joyce Santiago, BS Civil Engineering (BSCE) students Mikaela Geline Santos, Flor Mikaela Gonzales, and Alfonso Jose Fernandez, who presented their research papers in the AYRF sessions.

By providing a global platform for the dissemination of peer-reviewed research and expert commentary, AYRF aims to elevate the work of emerging researchers. The forum, organized annually by the Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS), brings together young researchers to share new findings, improve techniques, and form partnerships throughout ASEAN and beyond.

The following are the list of papers from the TRE Division presented during the conference:

•       The Influence of Daily School Travel and Transport Satisfaction on Student Achievement and Well-being: A Regional Case, by Engr. Karen Joyce B. Santiago.
•         Influence of Occupational Factors on the Risk-Taking Behaviors of Occupational Riders in Metro Manila by Flor Mikaela Gonzales, Samantha Emmanuelle Dimayuga, Josiah Delima, and Winonna Maligaya.
•         A Trip Based Data Analysis of Travel Choice in Response to Weather Variability by Brent L.P. Berenguer, Dharlene, C.C. Gilbuena, Gwen A. Panganiban and Mikaella G.M. Santos.
•         Assessing the Accessibility of Public Transport in an In-City Relocated Community: The Case of LRB-Manggahan Households in Pasig City, Philippines by John D.A. Franzuela, Aeron V. Garon, Clair N.J. Lota, and Carl G.A. Navarro
•         Evaluating the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Typology of the Metro Manila Subway Using the Node-Place Model by Sebastian M.C. Bravo, Alfonzo J.V. Fernandez, Jan H. Najera, and Mohammad K.A. Tanggol.

In parallel, Dr. Alexis M. Fillone, acted as one of the forum's moderators, promoting intellectual conversation and constructive critique among presenters.

This year's forum reiterated ATRANS' commitment to promoting early-career scholarship by combining formal paper presentations with modearated Q&A sessions and recognition methods such as best-paper judging. The framework prioritizes problem framing clarity, methodological soundness, data and analytic quality, and practical implications—criteria that assist young researchers in orienting their work toward being publishable and real-world applicability.

Every August, the Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS) holds an annual conference and related activities, bringing together notable speakers and academics to explore breakthroughs in transportation systems, policy, and practice. The Young Researcher's Forum (AYRF) is a different track that invites students and early-career scholars to submit full papers for peer review, speak at the annual conference, and compete for best-paper awards. 

The DLSU students and faculty with Prof. Atsushi Fukuda (center), Professor of Nihon University, and Dr. Tuenjai Fukuda (leftmost), Secretary General of ATRANS

Dr. Oreta (DLSU-M Delegate) presented at ASAIHL2025, HCM, Vietnam

 ASAIHL Winter 2025 Conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Dec. 3-5, 2025 with the theme: “LEARN BY DOING: Experiential Learning in International Education.” The conference was organized by Keuka College (New York, USA) in collaboration with the University of Economics and Finance (UEF).

Oreta presents in the Breakout session on Simulated Experiential Education in Math and Science

De La Salle University (Manila) was represented by Dr. Feorillo Petronilo A. Demeterio III (Director of the DLSU University Research Coordination Office), Ms. Miriam Abayan (Office of Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization) and Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta (Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering).

Dr. Oreta presented in the Dec. 5 breakout session on Simulated Experiential Education in Math and Science. Dr. Oreta presented his paper on “Designing Student-Centered Assignments Using Digital Tools and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory in Structural and Earthquake Engineering.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Demeterio presented the Country Report for the Philippines in behalf of Bernard Oca, FSC (President of DLSU and ASAIHL Philippine National Chapter). Dr. Demeterio also presented in the Dec 4 breakout session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Experiential Education for Researchers. 

Demeterio presents the Country Report (Philippines)

Demeterio, Abayan and Oreta at ASAIHL 2025, HCM, Vietnam

ASAIHL 2025 Delegates at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) holds conferences annually. In this 2025 conference, about 100 participants attended the conference. In July 2026, ASAIHL will be hosted by the University of Malaysia Sabah at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Group Photo of Philippine Delegates from DLSU-Manila, DLSU-Dasmarinas, UE

 

Prof. Oreta receives UPAE National Achievement Award in CE Education

 

National Achievement Awardees were awarded during the 78th UP Alumni Engineers (UPAE) Alumni Homecoming and Founding Anniversary Celebration 2025 November 16, 2025 (Sunday), at UP Diliman Bahay ng Alumni!

Oreta receives the award from UP COE Dean Tanchuling and UPAE President Guangco.

Prof. Andres Winston C. Oreta, full professor of the DLSU Department of Civil Engineering was one of the UPAE National Achievement awardees. Dr. Oreta was recognized for the field on Civil Engineering Education: “For his influential leadership and innovations in civil engineering education, transforming traditional instruction into digital and outcomes-based learning environments. His work developing teaching modules in structural analysis, earthquake engineering, and disaster risk reduction has profoundly influenced generations of students, elevating instructional quality nationwide and receiving prestigious academic recognition.” The plaque was signed by UPAE President Manfeed Guangco and UP College of Engineering Dean Maria Antonia Tanchuling. The nomination citation (See Attached) is featured in the Ingenium 2025, the souvenir program of the UPAE Homecoming 2025 with the theme:”Double Up, Level Up. Engineers Driven for Progress.

Dr. Oreta was a former instructor at UP Department of Engineering Sciences (1983-1988) where he was awarded as Outstanding Instructor in 1987 by UPAE. He joined De La Salle University Department of Civil Engineering in 1994 after he completed his Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering at Nagoya University, Japan. 

DLSU Faculty and Students Participate in IEICES 2025 Conference at Kyushu University

 Last October 30–31, 2025, faculty members and students from DLSU participated in the 11th International Exchange and Innovation Conference on Engineering & Sciences (IEICES 2025) held at Kyushu University, Japan.

Among the 136 paper presentations, Dr. Joenel Galupino was awarded Best Presenter for their research titled “Effect of Bermuda Grass Roots on the Shear Strength of Soil.”

Paper Presentations

 Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete with Pyrolyzed Spent Coffee Grounds

Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas, Kenneth Jae T. Elevado, Nicanor R. Roxas Jr., Sebastian O. Chenglay, Patrick Ryan M. Estacio, Jason Jeffrie H. Ngo, Sydney N. Chan.

Utilization of Chicken Feather Ash as Partial Replacement for Cement with Coconut Shells as Coarse Aggregates

Patrick Miel G. Cordova, Angello Francis C. Magno, Therese Ysabela S. Resulta, Daniel Nichol R. Valerio, Ma. Klarissa M. Daly.

Effect of Bermuda Grass Roots on the Shear Strength of Soil

Joenel Galupino, Ram Voltaire Gonzaga, Geofferson Montemayor, Erica Elice Uy.

An Analysis on Camera Pose Estimations Based on Varying Physical Variables of ArUco Markers

Nicanor R. Roxas Jr., Aron Jake P. Vidad, Rudwin Paul B. Abastillas, Renann G. Baldovino, Nilo T. Bugtai, Elmer P. Dadios, Ryan Rhay P. Vicerra, Argel A. Bandala, Aaron Raymond See.

Poster Presentations 

Laboratory Soil Classification and Analysis of Index Soil Properties of a Site in San Juan City, Philippines

Kevin C. Tan, Patrick Matthew T. Chua, Rongxuan Hou, Joenel G. Galupino, Erica Elice S. Uy, Jomari Tan, Rainier Lawrence Valdez, Daniel Valerio.

Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Materials in Construction Using PRISMA Method

Joaquin Alexis Acosta, Emmanuel Macalalad, Aizen Po, Danielle Nathan Yang, Joenel Galupino, Irene Ubay-Anongphouth, Daniel Valerio, Rainier Lawrence Valdez, Cielo Frianeza.

Research Trends in the Use of Eggshell Powder for Soil Stabilization: A Review-Based Analysis

Zachary Job Yuipco, Justine Buenaseda, Jheram Gabriel de Borja, Melrose Oriel, Joenel Galupino, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth.

A Hypothetical Community-Based Green Space Model for Barangay 20 and Barangay 275 in the Pasig River Port Area

Carlos Mariano, Mickael Cucio, Mikaela Guerra, Megan Bagtasa, Cielo Frianeza, Joenel Galupino, Irene Ubay-Anongphouth, Lawrence Valdez, Daniel Valerio.

Emerging Microstructural Insights in Soil Stabilization: SEM and EDX Applications in Geotechnical Engineering

Justine Buenaseda, Jheram Gabriel de Borja, Job Yuipco, Melrose Oriel, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth, Joenel Galupino.

Trends in the Ongoing Research Regarding the Role of Xanthan Gum in Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering

Rongxuan Hou, Patrick Matthew T. Chua, Kevin Cosing Tan, Joenel Galupino, Erica Elice Uy, Jomari Tan, Rainier Lawrence Valdez, Daniel Valerio.

A Comprehensive Mapping and Assessment of the Evolution of River Rehabilitation Research

Mickael Cucio, Megan Bagtasa, Mikaela Guerra, Carlos Mariano, Cielo Frianeza, Joenel Galupino, Rainier Ubay-Anongphouth, Lawrence Valdez, Daniel Valerio.

A Thematic Review of Seismic-Induced Slope Instability and Road Robustness Research in the Philippines

Joseph Benjamin Canayon, Ricalyn Nebrida, Joben Manuel Octavo, Neil Patrick Portales, Joenel Galupino, Cris Angelo Fernandez.

Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process in Selecting Natural Fibers for Limited-Life Geosynthetics

Arianne Suzane T. Ang, Sophia Monique O. Chan, Coleen Annika T. Paterno, Erica Elice S. Uy, Joenel G. Galupino, Daniel Nichol Valerio, Rainier Lawrence Valdez.

A Water Quality Analysis of the Pasig River in Manila City, Philippines

Megan Bagtasa, Mickael Cucio, Mikaela Guerra, Carlos Mariano, Cielo Frianeza, Joenel Galupino, Irene Ubay-Anongphouth, Rainier Valdez, Daniel Valerio.

Design and Slope Stability Assessment of a Proposed Sanitary Landfill in the Philippines

Joben Manuel Octavo, Joenel Galupino, Miller Cutora, Joseph Benjamin Canayon, Ricalyn Nebrida, Neil Patrick Portales, Monical Azalea Quimson

Characterization of Index Properties of Biochar Made from Rice Hull for Permeability Test

Joshua Talento, Jan Andrei Olayon, Alexandra Gaile Samson, Jaime Salvador Clamor, Joenel Galupino, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth.

Characterization of Index Properties of Coarse-Grained Alluvial Soils for Permeability Test

Jan Andrei Olayon, Joshua Talento, Alexandra Gaile Samson, Jaime Salvador Clamor, Joenel Galupino, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth. 

Characterization of Index Properties of Low Plasticity Clay for Permeability Test

Alexandra Gaile Samson, Jan Andrei Olayon, Joshua Talento, Jaime Salvador Clamor, Joenel Galupino, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth. 

Estimation of Strength Envelope of Rocks in the Athens Schist Formation

Neil Patrick Portales, Joseph Benjamin Canayon, Ricalyn Nebrida, Joben Manuel Octavo, Erica Elice Uy, Joenel Galupino. 

Effect of Clamp Confinement on the Bearing Capacity of Mortar Infill Bolted Q-Connection for Bambusa Blumeana

Maria Fe V. Adier, Luis Felipe Lopez, David Trujillo, Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng.

Strength Development Assessment of Banana Leaf Ash and Lime Mixture in Clayey Sand Soils

Henri Haggai Y. Cua, Julianne Carissa C. Ferrer, Kyle Vincent T. Go, Eddryck Benjamin C. Yao, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth. 

Experimental Investigation of Musa Textilis Nee (Abaca) Textile-Reinforced Mortar as a Strengthening Material of Concrete Elements

Earl Gerald Gregorio, Ephraim De Gracia, Julius Leaño Jr., Andres Winston Oreta, Jason Maximino Ongpeng.

Riparian Plants and Their Hypothetical Impacts on the Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Pasig River: A Thematic Study

Mikaela Guerra, Megan Bagtasa, Mickael Cucio, Carlos Mariano, Cielo Frianeza, Joenel Galupino, Irene Ubay-Anongphouth, Rainier Valdez, Daniel Valerio. 

Development and Performance Evaluation of Magnesium Hydroxide Coatings Derived from “Natural” Seawater

Andrea Joy D. Abergas, Jozette Nicole R. Ardiente, Ahmed Mujahib D. Ramos, Aaron Johann L. Tan, Kenneth Jae T. Elevado, Nicanor R. Roxas Jr., Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas. 

Mechanical Property of Philippines’ Bambusa Blumeana Treated with Flame: An Experimental Study

Charlene May N. Rivera, Kim Aldrin Mejia, Daniel Nichol R. Valerio, Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng.

Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Bambusa Blumeana Bamboo Culms Using Non-Destructive Indicating Properties

Robert Andrei Eliezer Pilapil, Jason Maximino Ongpeng, Daniel Nichol Valerio.

Predictive Maintenance Algorithm for Machine Failure Using Fuzzy Logic Techniques

Ken Sammuel I. Camacho, Michael Leander P. Roque, Ryan Rhay P. Vicerra, Nilo T. Bugtai.

Structural Investigation of Pipe Sleeve Errors in RC Beams Using FEM: A Case Study

Mary Joanne C. Aniñon, Bernardo A. Lejano.

Evaluation of the Shear Strength of Clayey Sand Treated with Lignin Biopolymer

Erica Elice S. Uy, Jomari F. Tan, Liam Joshua T. Chua, Karl Stephen B. Estacio, Santiago T. Gazmin, Julienne Bettina V. Ulit. 

Evaluating the Research Landscape of Earth Blocks in Sustainable Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis (2000–2024)

Enrico Encomienda, Kyla Evangelista, Francia Palatino, Cullen Villareal, Daniel Valerio, Joenel Galupino. 

Free Water Surface Constructed Wetlands Area Estimation Through River Flow Interpolation

Miguel Antonio Campos, John Kristoffer Chua, Sophia Claudette Gaudia, Nicanor Jr. Chan, Sergi Garbanzos, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas. 

Soil Loss Modeling of the Porac River Basin Using RUSLE Based on LULC Projection Using CA-ANN in MOLUSCE

Kent Joshua San Pedro, Sergi Garbanzos, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas.

 

The conference featured a strong representation from DLSU across both paper and poster sessions, showcasing cutting-edge research in civil, geotechnical, environmental, and materials engineering.