TRE Professor Dr. Alexis Fillone participates in DISUMA: Urban Mobility Case Study Database and Participatory Foresight for Sustainable Mobility in ASEAN

 

The DISUMA Graduate Academy: Innovations for future sustainable urban transport, was successfully held at the University of Tokyo last July 22-24, 2025. A total of 20 graduate students/young researchers from the Asia-Pacific region participated including eight senior mentors. During the Graduate Academy,  Dr. Fillone presented his current research and future research direction to provide the participants ideas about sustainable transport being practiced in example cities in the Philippines.

As a senior mentor, he also provided comments and recommendations about student participants’ work related to new developments and innovative solutions to sustainable transport in the Asia-Pacific Region.

With the three Participants from the Philippines, including Ms. Angelyn Ilagan (2^nd from left), MS Civil Eng’g graduate from DLSU-Manila

With Prof. Hironori Kato, Professor, The University of Tokyo

During the group workshop with their output

The DISUMA participants, senior mentors and organizing staff members

The DLSU CIV-HWR and RainS-TECH Team receive the 2nd Place Award in the 2025 NRCP Poster Exhibit and Competition

 Metro Manila, Philippines - The DLSU CIV Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering (HWR) and Rainfall and Stormwater Runoff Management Technology for Tropical Climate (RainS-TECH) team won the 2^nd Place Award of the Scientific Poster Competition (Cluster II) for their entry entitled “Developing a Local Water Quality Index using In-situ Sampling and Multivariate Statistical Analysis” authored by Engr. Sergi Garbanzos and Prof. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas during the recently concluded Department of Science and Technology - National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) 2025 Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) and 92nd General Membership Assembly held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, Philippines, last March 13, 2025.

 The 2025 Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) and 92nd General Membership Assembly is an annual gathering of the country’s scientists, researchers, experts, and artists, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and collaboration across various disciplines. This year’s theme, “Empowering a Sustainable Future: Science, Technology, Social Innovation, and Human Capital in Global Challenges,” underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary research, innovation, and human capital development in addressing national and global challenges.

 The winning entry was made possible with the valiant efforts of the RainS-TECH project team, particularly Engr. Gessel Mae Abordo, Engr. Arvel Art Alde, Engr. Janecee Gavan, Mr. Jaren Kirby Larraga for the data collection, Ms. Janine Baylon for the support in the water quality analysis, Mr. Justine Rey Macalalad for the editing of the poster and its contents, and the rest of the team, including Ms. Jayrah Padilla-Rufon, Mr. Joseph Bianes, Ms. Karen Able-Banas, Mr. Jayson Cayetano, Mr. Rodelio Antonio, Ms. Rizelle Koch, and Mr. Rommel Glenn Mendova, for their support in the research. Special thanks are also given to Ms. Janeth Morata-Fuentes, Mr. Wilfren Clutario, Mr. Rennie Alura, Ms. Filipinas Petilla, and the local government of Palo, Leyte, including DOST8, Mayor’s Office, and the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus for assisting the local team in Palo.

Engr. Sergi Garbanzos, representative of the team, receives the award from the NRCP organizing committee

The DLSU CIV-HWR and RainS-TECH Team Win the Best Poster Award in the NAST 2025 Scientific Poster Session

 Metro Manila, Philippines - The DLSU CIV Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering (HWR) and Rainfall and Stormwater Runoff Management Technology for Tropical Climate (RainS-TECH) team attended the 47th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) held in The Manila Hotel last July 9-10, 2025. This is an annual event organized by NAST PHL to commemorate 47 years of NAST and to provide an opportunity for fellow members to meet and attend informative sessions on new research and innovations. This year, the theme is “Bioscience Innovations: Transforming Enterprise Ecosystems for Wealth Creation”, and the sessions showcased presentations related to bioscience applications in agriculture, energy, health, community development, and other related topics.

The research team has prepared and submitted two (2) posters for submission to the event. The submissions are shown below:

● Investigation on Tropical Watershed Characteristics and its Impact on Diffuse Pollution to Receiving River Systems by Sergi Garbanzos, Gessel Mae Abordo, Arvel Art Alde, Jaren Kirby Larraga, Jayrah Padilla-Rufon, Joseph Raniel A. Bianes, Justine Rey Macalalad, Jayson Cayetano, Rizelle Angela Koch, Natasha delos Santos, Karen Able-Banas, Rodelio Antonio Jr., Micaela Maurel Guyamin, Joshua Emmanual Chua, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas

● Development of a Gravity-Fed Drip Irrigation System Integrated with Soil Moisture Monitoring for Improved Water Efficiency by Ruben Justine Lim, Ruben James Lim, Glen Ventura, Jamie Villafuerte, Justine Rey Macalalad, Sergi Garbanzos, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas 

In the poster awarding session, the poster “Development of a Gravity-Fed Drip Irrigation System Integrated with Soil Moisture Monitoring for Improved Water Efficiency“ won the best poster award in the Engineering, Science and Technology (EST) Division, only one of the two winners in that specific division. The attending DLSU-CIV HWR and RainS-TECH members received the award on-stage and were congratulated by the awarding committee. 

(from left to right) Dr. Jaime Montoya, Engr. Sergi Garbanzos, Dr. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas, Engr. Justine Rey Macalalad, Dr. Renato Solidum, and Dr. Alvin Culaba during the awarding of poster winners

Engineering a Sustainable Future: DLSU Civil Engineering Faculty and Students at IALCCE 2025

 Last July 15 to 19, 2025, the 9th International Symposium on Life Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE 2025) was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia. In partnership with RMIT University, participants from over 32 countries presented their papers on recent advances and applications related to life-cycle design, assessment, inspection, monitoring, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation, and management of structures. 

Four participants came from the Construction Technology and Management (CTM) Division of the DLSU Civil Engineering Department. As the accompanying professor, Engr. Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas presented two papers: Circular Design Strategies for Post-Disaster Shelters in the Philippines and Life Cycle Assessment: Seawater vs. Commercial Mg(OH)₂ in Concrete. At the same time, Engr. Juancho Carlo D.C. Bernandino (BSCE-CTM’24, April 2025 CELE Passer) presented his paper, Utilizing Shredded Plastic Waste and Foam for Sustainable Cellular Concrete.

Similarly, Mr. John Nathanael C. Cadiente (ID 120 BSMSCE-CTM) presented his paper, Assessing the Sustainability and Economic Viability of SCMs and Seawater in Concrete Production: Case Studies of Resort Construction in the Philippines. On the other hand, Mr. Antonio Rafael T. Bolaños (ID 120 BSMSCE-CTM) presented his paper, Assessing the Impact of a Modular Health Facility in the Philippines. In addition to this, Mr. Bolaños also chaired a special session on Innovative Approaches in Sustainable Infrastructure.

(From L to R) Engr. Juancho Carlo D.C. Bernandino (BSCE-CTM ’24, April 2025 CELE Passer), Mr. John Nathanael C. Cadiente (ID 120 BSMSCE-CTM), Mr. Antonio Rafael T. Bolaños (ID 120 BSMSCE-CTM), and Engr. Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas

Article written by: Mr. Antonio Rafael T. Bolaños

CRACK Seminar 2025 Unveils Cutting-Edge Solutions for Concrete Durability

Concrete cracking remains a major challenge in construction, affecting structural integrity and longevity. To address this, a Crack Seminar organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University, in partnership with the Japan Concrete Institute (JCI), was held on March 5, 2025, at the 20th Fl., Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building, De La Salle University. This seminar brought together experts to discuss the latest advancements in crack investigation, repair, and strengthening. 

A key focus was the JCI’s Practical Guidelines for Investigation and Repair of Cracked Concrete Structures, a globally recognized resource since 1980. The latest 2009 edition continues to guide engineers in diagnosing and addressing cracks effectively. Invited resource speakers from the JCI discussed the chapters of this guideline, including Dr. Kei-Chi Imamoto, Dr. Keiyu Kawaai, Dr. Shinichi Miyazato, and Dr. Takahiro Nishida. Dr. Rodolfo Mendoza Jr. discussed some case studies on structural engineering in the Philippines. 

The seminar featured interactive discussions, case studies, and expert demonstrations, covering early detection techniques, advanced strengthening solutions, and innovative repair technologies. These advancements are shaping more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

While concrete cracks are inevitable, their impact can be managed and prevented with the right knowledge and innovations. This seminar was accredited for three (3) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.

CSN2025: Advancing Innovation in Concrete and Structural Engineering

The 5th International Symposium on Concrete and Structures for the Next Generation (CSN 2025) has successfully concluded, marking another milestone in the continuous pursuit of innovation and excellence in concrete engineering. Hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University, in collaboration with the Japan Society of Civil Engineers and the Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) by the Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI) of the Japanese Government, the symposium took place on March 3-4, 2025. This event brought together researchers, industry professionals, and academics to exchange knowledge and explore advancements in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

CSN2025 builds on the legacy of the Ikeda-Otsuki Symposium (IOS2016), first held in Tokyo, Japan, in May 2016 to honor Dr. Shoji Ikeda and Dr. Nobuaki Otsuki, renowned figures in concrete engineering. Since its inception, the symposium has traveled across Asia—Manila in 2017, Bangkok in 2018, and Kanazawa in 2019—continuing its mission to foster international collaboration and drive advancements in concrete technology.

This year’s symposium featured cutting-edge research presentations and keynote speeches by distinguished experts, including Dr. Shinichi Miyazato of Kanazawa University, Japan, Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, and Dr. Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng of De La Salle University, Philippines. Discussions centered on emerging trends in sustainable concrete materials, advancements in durability, and strategies for structural resilience in an era of rapid environmental and technological change.

Beyond the technical sessions, CSN2025 served as a vital platform for networking and collaboration, enabling participants to connect with industry pioneers, exchange ideas, and shape the future of construction. Additionally, the symposium was accredited for seven (7) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.

The Organizing Committee of CSN2025 extends its deepest gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors whose contributions made this symposium a resounding success. As the industry continues to evolve, the knowledge shared at CSN 2025 will undoubtedly inspire further advancements in concrete and structural engineering.

Dr. Fillone Hosts Bentley Workshop for Transportation Engineers

On January 21 to 22, 2025, Dr. Alex Fillone along with Mr. Vipul Modi from Bentley System (Singapore) hosted a Bentley Workshop titled "EMME/DYNAMEQ/AGENT Workshop". They were assisted by Dr. Riches Bacero and Dr. Nicanor Roxas jr. from DLSU Civil Engineering Department – Transport Engineering Department. It showcased the various computer program applications for transportation simulation, planning, and modeling. It was attended by people from academic, private, and government institutions.

The first day introduced attendees to Open Paths by Bentley. It demonstrated the capabilities of the software for transportation engineers. This was followed by an EMME modeling run-through by Mr. Antoine and Dr. Fillone. The afternoon program had Mr. Modi teach and display DYNAMEQ software. This day ended with a broader understanding of transportation modeling and the tools available for transportation engineers, and a group photo for day 1 attendees. 

The second day consisted of a morning program where Mr. Modi showed their newest development, OpenPaths Agent, which allows automated calibration of a transportation model. This allowed for a scalable operation and faster calibration and adjusting of the model. Increasing productivity and providing an easier workflow is the priority of Bentley and OpenPaths. The workshop closed with Dr. Fillone giving Mr. Modi a speaker gift and a group photo for those who attended the second day.

DLSU CIV-HWR and the RainS-TECH Research Team win multiple awards at IWA DIPCON 2024 in Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand – The Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering (HWR) research team from the Department of Civil Engineering at De La Salle University, Manila and the Rainwater and Stormwater Runoff Management Technology for Tropical Catchment (RainS-TECH) team attended 21st International Water Association International Conference on Diffuse Pollution & Eutrophication (IWA DIPCON 2024) held at Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, from December 11 – 14, 2024. This event was organized by the International Water Association (IWA) committee, and was attended by an international audience, with delegates coming from Asia, Europe, and Nort America. 

The attending team comprised of eight delegates led by the HWR Division Head, Prof. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas, presented their research in oral sessions, particularly the Diffuse pollution control and Water resource management sessions, and some presented their research through poster presentations. 

Participants and oral presentation titles:

1. Joshua Kyle Bautista, Kenneth Matthew Chong, Julius Richel Manlutac, Timothy Martin Vasquez, Joseph Raniel Bianes, and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of Road-deposited Sediment Accumulation in Pre-Development and Post-Development Land Uses during Dry and Wet Seasons”

2. Justine Rey Macalalad and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of the Impact of Extreme Rainfall Variations on Runoff Reduction Performance of Bioretention Cells Using SWMM”

3. Jayson Cayetano and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas - “Influence of AADT on RDS Accumulation and Its Elemental Composition in a Tropical Catchment”

4. Sergi Garbanzos and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of the water quality from upstream to downstream regions of a tropical catchment using multivariate statistical analysis, GIS, and WQI”

Participants and poster presentation titles:

1. Rommel Glenn Mendova, Patrick James Guzon, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Simulation of the Clogging and Sediment Reduction of a Smart Rainwater Harvesting Filtration System using CFD-DEM”

2. Rodelio Antonio Jr. and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Enhancing Event-Based Rainfall Prediction Accuracy in Tropical Areas Through Fuzzy Logic Modelling”

3. Roman Buan III, Kevin Nicolai Angeles, Louis Gabriel Garcia, and Lennard Joerty Toribio, and Marla C. Maniquiz-Redillas – “Analysis of Dry and Wet Weather Flows of an STP Impacted Urban Stream” 

4. Rizelle Angela Koch and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Comparative Analysis of Rainfall and Runoff Patterns using SCS-CN Method and Geospatial Data in a Tropical Catchment Area”

5. Kent San Pedro, Joseph Rainel Bianes, Jayson Cayetano, Rodelio Antonio Jr., and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Runoff-Induced Soil Loss Modelling of a Tropical Catchment using the MUSLE Model in SWAT”

Dr. Marla, a board member of the IWA Specialist Group on Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication (DP&E), served as the session chair in the “Microbial and water quality“ session. The team also attended and participated in the Young Water Professionals (YWP) Workshop, which was held during the third day of the event (December 13, 2024).

The DLSU CIV-HWR and RainS-TECH team bagged several awards from the event, including the Best YWP Group in the Workshop, the Photo Contest, and the Best Oral Presentation. 

2nd Place Best YWP Workshop Group

Rommel Glenn Mendova, De La Salle University – Manila

Naruemon Phinyothanmakorn, Khon Kaen University 

Souravi Bardhan, Jadavpur University 

Marvin John Uy, Kongju National University

1st Place Best YWP Workshop Group

Miguel Enrico Robles, Kongju National University

Jayson Cayetano, De La Salle University – Manila

2nd Place - Photo Contest

Joseph Rainel Bianes, De La Salle University – Manila

1st Place - Best YWP Oral Presentation Award

Sergi Garbanzos, De La Salle University – Manila

Engr. Kenneth Elevado Joins Nagoya University's Transnational Doctoral Programs for Asian Professionals

 On November 26, 2024, Engr. Kenneth Elevado attended the Entrance Ceremony for the incoming doctoral Filipino students admitted to the Transnational Doctoral Programs for Leading Professionals in Asian Countries under the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) of Nagoya University, Japan.

The programs offered by ASCI are specialized research-focused doctoral programs in various disciplines that target professionals in academic and government institutions from select Asian countries. This year, the ASCI in the Philippines has started offering doctoral courses under the Graduate School of Environmental Studies (GSES) and Graduate School of Engineering (GSE). Engr. Elevado, who is a part-time faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering, is the first student from the Philippines admitted to the GSES.

More information on ASCI can be found here: https://asci.nagoya-u.ac.jp/about_asci/

In photo: Engr. Elevado (right) with one of his advisors, Dr. Marianne Faith Martinico-Perez (left).