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.

DLSU Civil Engg participates at CECAR10 - Jeju, South Korea. One Best Paper Awardee.

 De La Salle University students and faculty proudly represented the Philippines at the 10th Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region (CECAR10), held from October 21–24, 2025 at the International Convention Center (ICC) Jeju, South Korea. The event gathered leading experts, researchers, and professionals from across the Asian Region to share their research works under the theme “Sustainable Management and Resilient Technology (SMaRT) in Civil Engineering.”

This year, the conference had its 10th iteration, where De La Salle University showcased its commitment to research excellence and sustainable development through the participation of both students and faculty members, presenting papers aligned with the conference’s focus on resilience and innovation. Around 508 participants attended six plenary sessions and presented in various parallel sessions. Of which, 34 entries came from the Philippines and 7 of those come from De La Salle University.

DLSU participants and oral presentation titles:

1. Assessment of the Sediment Removal and Stormwater Runoff Reduction  Performance of Agro-Industrial Materials in Biofilters – Justine Rey Macalalad, Camille Ann Rose Galutira, Ryuo Skye Agra, and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas
2. Self-Healing Concrete with Two-Component Macro-Encapsulated Epoxy: Comprehensive Experimental Investigations - Jade Ching and Bernardo Lejano
3. Mapping the Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards of Island Municipalities: The Case of Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines – Robert Tampus and Andres Oreta
4. The Development of Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation Policies in the Philippines – A Comprehensive Review and Analysis, Rizelle Angela D. Koch, Justine Rey Macalalad, Sergi Garbanzos, and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas
5. Developing a Conceptual Framework and Checklist to Assess Structural Engineers' Contributions to Quality of Life – Andres Oreta and Rannie Ison
6. Access to Public Transport in Relation to Social and Economic Facilities: The Case of Guimaras Province, Philippines – Alexis Fillone
7. Preliminary Results of the RainS-TECH Project: Rainfall, Sediment Accumulation, and Stream Quality - Marla Maniquiz-Redillas and Sergi Garbanzos

Across 69 parallel sessions, 17 students were selected as the recipients of the Best Paper Award. The Philippines has two awardees. Engr. Justine Rey V. Macalalad from DLSU is one of the two awardees, given in the closing ceremony of the CECAR10 Conference.

CECAR is recognized as one of Asia’s most respected civil engineering conferences. With its inception in 1998 through the first-ever CECAR conference held in Manila, Philippines under the organization of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the triennial event has served as a vital platform for advancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing in infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience across the region and the world. Its legacy continues to strengthen through the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC), which unites civil engineering organizations from various countries
 

Engr. Justine Rey Macalalad presenting his oral presentation on the Environmental and Water Resources (Environmental Aspects in Water Resources) Session

Ms. Jade Ching on her oral presentation on the Construction Materials (Concrete I) Session

Engr. Robert Michael Tampus with his oral presentation on the Coastal and Port Engineering Session

 

Engr. Sergi Garbanzos with his oral presentation on the Environmental and Water Resources (Water Management II) Session

Dr. Marla C. Maniquiz-Redillas with her oral presentation on the Sustainable Development (Management II) Session

Dr. Alexis Fillone on his oral presentation on the Transportation II Session

Dr. Andres Winston Oreta with his oral presentation on the Sustainable Development (Management I) Session

Engr. Justine Rey Macalalad as he receives the Best Paper Award together with other awardees at the Closing Ceremony

Engr. Justine Rey Macalalad with Engr. Sergi Garbanzos (left) and Dr. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas (right) with the Best Paper Award

The participation of De La Salle University in CECAR10 underscores the institution's dedication towards the advancement of civil engineering research and addresses regional challenges in sustainability, climate resilience, and infrastructure development. By engaging with professionals around the world, the Lasallian community continues to foster innovation and contribute sustainable solutions to the pressing environmental and engineering issues of today. 

DLSU Department of Civil Engineering Team after the conference closing ceremony

 

DLSU Secures Prestigious Structural Innovation Award at IDEERS 2025 in Taiwan

 Oct 2, 2025 – De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU) brought home a prestigious honor from the 2025 International Introducing and Demonstrating Earthquake Engineering Research (IDEERS) competition, held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) in Taiwan.

The DLSU team, competing for the first time at the undergraduate level, was awarded the coveted “Structural Design and Innovation Award” for their model, “The Archer”.

The achievement is a significant milestone, as the DLSU team was the lone university from the Philippines to receive a special award at the event. The Structural Design and Innovation Award is a highly selective honor, granted to only six of the 49 participating universities from across Asia, recognizing the team’s exceptional and creative structural concept. This also marks a historic win for the university, being the first award secured by a DLSU undergraduate team on its maiden participation.

The DLSU team was represented by fourth-year BS Civil Engineering students specializing in Structural Engineering (CIV-STE): Daryll Hans Go, Aaron Glenn Escovilla, Lance Joshua Irisari, and Jeremy Wynn Kieffer Yaokasin, under the guidance of their mentor, Engr. Salvador Olaivar.

The DLSU team, Kieffer Yaokasin, Daryll Go, Lance Irisari, and Aaron Escovilla, with faculty advisor Engr. Salvador Olaivar

DLSU’s Daryll Go (third from the right) receiving the Structural Design and Innovation Award

The team’s entry boasted a design philosophy based on “controlled symmetry.” The tower featured a robust, symmetrically braced central spine engineered to provide the immense torsional rigidity required to support a cantilevered mass. Its innovative “pinwheel” column orientation, integrated truss network, and novel “arrow weld” jointing technique, devised to maximize connection surface area, together demonstrated an advanced understanding of load paths and seismic resistance.

While the tower’s forward-thinking design was its greatest strength, the team faced rigorous dynamic tests during the competition, consisting of four shaking rounds at increasing intensities of 400 gal, 600 gal, 700 gal, and 800 gal. The model did not advance past the first round, failing to resist the initial 400-gal earthquake. However, the experience provided invaluable learning and highlighted the challenging standards of the global competition. Winning the structural innovation award, based solely on the design’s outstanding merit, underscores the quality and ingenuity of the team’s engineering concept.

DLSU Team’s model tower, “The Archer,” and its exhibit poster, presenting the winning structural design.

Daryll Go, team leader, described the journey as both a challenge and a triumph. “Participating in IDEERS pushed us to bridge the gap between classroom theory and a high-stakes practical challenge. While we were disappointed not to pass the 400 gal test, winning the Structural Innovation award was a tremendous honor, making our five-month preparation worthwhile. It validates our entire design process and proves that our ideas are competitive on an international stage.”

Engr. Salvador Olaivar, the team’s mentor from the Department of Civil Engineering, praised the students’ efforts, noting the support they received from the university. The team’s preparation was aided by the DLSU Structural Engineering division and laboratory, which provided crucial access to its own shake table for prototype testing. “The achievement is a testament to the students’ creativity, hard work, and resilience. The experience has been a powerful avenue for knowledge exchange and will inspire future Lasallian engineers to aim even higher.”

The team’s success at IDEERS 2025 reaffirms De La Salle University’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and producing world-class engineers capable of solving complex modern challenges.

DLSU CE Faculty Engr. Elevado Showcases Research at ISIE 2025 Conference in Singapore

 

The International Society for Industrial Ecology (ISIE) holds biennial conferences. On June 30–July 4, 2025, the 12^th International Conference on Industrial Ecology (ISIE 2025) was held at the National University of Singapore, with a theme of interconnectivity — how industry, society, governance, and the environment depend on one another. Discussions spanned every scale of human settlement and emphasized the circular material and political relationships that define industrial ecology.

Engr. Kenneth Elevado, a faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering at De La Salle University (DLSU) and a PhD student at Nagoya University, presented a paper titled “Estimation of Material Stocks of National Roads in the Philippines,” on behalf of his co-authors: Dr. Marianne Faith Martinico-Perez (Nagoya University), Prof. Anthony SF Chiu (DLSU), and Prof. Hiroki Tanikawa (Nagoya University). Their participation to the Conference was supported by the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) of Nagoya University.

 

More information on ISIE can be found here: https://www.is4ie.org/

In photo: Engr. Elevado (left) with one of his advisors, Prof. Masatoshi Hasegawa (right).

DLSU CE Faculty Engr. Kenneth Elevado: First Filipino Student Admitted to Nagoya University’s GSES Program

 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).

DLSU MSCE student received the Best Paper Award at the 6th International Conference on Aquatic Science & Technology (i-CoAST 2025) in Bangkok, Thailand

 The 6^th International Conference on Aquatic Science & Technology (i-CoAST 2025) was held from August 26 to 29, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand – marking the first time that it was held outside of Korea. The organizing committee included several chairpersons from prominent institutions such as the Hydro-Informatics Institute, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and Sungkyunkwan University. The event brought together around 150 participants from more than 11 countries, aiming to strengthen collaboration among academia, industry, and government organizations. Key thematic sessions included topics such as Impact Assessment of Coastal Flooding, Salinity Intrusion, Marine Radioactive Contamination and Coastal Infrastructure Safety, Marine Renewable Energy, Establishment and Utilization of Marine Spatial Data with Special Sessions on Beach Erosion Management, Ocean and Coastal Digital Twin Technology, Sustainable Ocean Economy and Data-Driven Policy, Beach and Coastal Safety, Leisure and Tourism.

Engr. Christian James Aquino (MSCE student) presented his study and received the “Best Paper Award” for his paper titled “Effects of Sea Level Rise on the Wave Overtopping Performance of an Existing Breakwater”. The paper is co-authored by his adviser Dr. Mario De Leon from the Department of Civil Engineering.

Engr. Christian James Aquino (left), MSCE student, receives the Best Paper Award for his study “Effects of Sea Level Rise on the Wave Overtopping Performance of an Existing Breakwater.”

DLSU Faculty Wins Best Paper Presentation at the International Conference on Engineering Education 2025

The International Conference on Engineering Education (ICEE-Phil 2025) is an annual gathering of engineering educators in the Philippines and neighboring regions aimed at sharing knowledge and best practices, building networks, discussing policies, and advancing engineering education in the country. Organized by the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools (PAES) since 2015, this year’s conference was hosted by the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila, on September 12–13, 2025.

Prof. Andres Winston Oreta, Prof. Joenel Galupino, and Dr. Erica Elice Uy presented their paper, Exploring the Role of Curriculum in Developing Student Awareness of Civil Engineering’s Impact on Quality of Life: Insights from De La Salle University. The study examined civil engineering students’ awareness and understanding of the discipline’s role in enhancing quality of life through the Civil Engineering–Quality of Life (CE-QOL) Framework, which emphasizes sustainability, public health and safety, infrastructure development, and disaster resilience. Using surveys to assess knowledge and curriculum integration, the findings identified strengths and gaps that can guide curriculum improvements to better prepare future engineers for addressing societal challenges and promoting community well-being.

Dr. Erica Elice Uy delivered the presentation on behalf of the team and was honored with the Best Paper Presentation Award at the conference.

Dr. Erica Elice Uy (center) receives the Best Paper Presentation Award at the International Conference on Engineering Education (ICEE-Phil 2025).

DLSU Faculty Showcase Research Excellence on Sustainable Proactive Advocacies in Civil Engineering (SPACE 2025)

 

Faculty members from the De La Salle University (DLSU) Department of Civil Engineering played a prominent role in the recently concluded 11^th International Conference on Sustainable Proactive Advocacies in Civil Engineering (SPACE 2025), organized by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Makati Chapter, held on August 28–29, 2025 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

This year’s SPACE conference carried the theme “Engineering the Future: Vision, Global Perspectives, and Beyond,” and gathered 170 delegates and attendees from academia, industry, and professional organizations. The two-day event served as a venue for exchanging insights on emerging research, sustainable engineering practices, and innovative solutions to civil engineering challenges.

On Day 1, Dr. Mary Ann Q. Adajar, Chair of the DLSU Civil Engineering Department, opened the Geotechnical Engineering session with her presentation on “Performance Evaluation of Treated Coir Geotextiles as Limited-Life Geosynthetics for Sustainable Slope Stabilization.” Later in the afternoon, Engr. Paolo Ian C. Lucero, Assistant Professor and PhD student at KAIST, delivered a talk under the Transportation Engineering session titled “A Review of Road Safety Research in Southeast Asia: Insights from Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis.” In the Structural Engineering session, Dr. Rodolfo P. Mendoza, Jr., Associate Professor, presented his research on “Enhancing the Seismic Performance of Offshore Marine Platforms Using Passive Devices.” He was followed by Engr. Francis G. Domingo, who presented “Future-Proofing Bridge Structures for Dummies: A Plan Guide to Designing Bridges Tough Enough for Tomorrow.”

(Photo from left to right: Dr. Mary Ann Q. Adajar and Dr. Rodolfo P. Mendoza)

                                                  (Engr. Francis G. Domingo)

On Day 2, DLSU’s contributions continued. Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta, Professor of Civil Engineering, co-presented with Engr. Gil Oliver Ayuyao on “Designing for Well-being: Integrated Structural Engineering and Building Assessment through a Quality of Life (QOL) Perspective.” This was followed by Engr. Jomari F. Tan, faculty member, who discussed “Comparative Analysis of the Characteristic Flexural Strength of Unmodified and Modified Dendrocalamus asper Culms,” a study on bamboo’s structural applications.

  

(Photo from left to right: Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta and Engr. Jomari F. Tan)

The active involvement of DLSU faculty across multiple technical sessions highlighted the university’s strong commitment to advancing knowledge in geotechnical, transportation, and structural engineering, while promoting sustainable and resilient solutions for the built environment. Their participation further strengthened DLSU’s role as a leading institution in shaping the future of civil engineering in the Philippines and beyond.

DCE Faculty Pursues a Survey Study on “Alumni Awareness and Perceptions on Civil Engineer’s Role in Quality of Life (QOL)”

 

The paper on “An Exploratory Study of Alumni Awareness and Perceptions on Civil Engineer’s Role in Quality of Life (QOL)”  by DLSU Dept. of Civil Engineering (DCE) faculty, Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta, Dr. Joenel Galupino and Dr. Erica Elise Uy will be presented at the convention and technical workshops hosted by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE). This study explores how civil engineering alumni perceive the discipline’s role in improving quality of life, focusing on its impact on the built and natural environments. Using a Civil Engineering–Quality of Life (CE-QOL) Framework, key areas like sustainability, public health, infrastructure, and disaster resilience were assessed. A survey of De La Salle University BSCE alumni examined their understanding of civil engineering’s societal contributions and the curriculum’s integration of these concepts. Results identify strengths, gaps, and suggest improvements to better prepare graduates to address societal needs and enhance community well-being.

The paper was first presented by Dr. Andres Winston Oreta at the 2025 PICE Midyear National Convention and Technical Conference held on June 25-27, 2025 at the Iloilo City Convention Center.  Dr. Oreta presented in the Track Session on Civil Engineering Education.

After the PICE Midyear National Convention, the various Chapters of PICE will host Regional Technical Conferences (RTC) at their  provinces or cities. The DLSU DCE Faculty were invited to present the paper in the following scheduled RTCs with the corresponding presentor:

·         RTC-III (Bulacan) on August 29, 2025 – Dr. Erica Elise Uy

·         CAR Technical Conference (Benguet) on Sept. 11-12, 2025 – Dr. Joenel Galupino

·         RTC-XI (Davao del Sur) on Sept 18 – 19, 2025 – Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta

·         RTC-VIII (Calbayog, Samar) on Sept. 26-27, 2025 – Dr. Joenel Galupino

·         RTC-VII (Cebu) on Oct 9-10, 2025 – Dr. Erica Elise Uy