The Sakura Science Exchange Program was started by the Japan Science and Technology (JST) in 2014. This program invites talented young foreign human resource for short-term visits to Japan, giving them the opportunity to experience both Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology and culture.
This program aims to nurture talented foreign human resources capable of driving innovation in science and technology. It fosters ongoing collaboration between Japanese and overseas educational and research institutions and enhances positive relationships, promoting science and technology diplomacy.
Five students from De La Salle University, under the guidance of Dr. Lessandro Estelito O. Garciano, were selected to participate in the SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange Program, administered by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. Tokyo City University served as the host organization, and the program took place in Tokyo, Japan, from January 14 to 20, 2024.
These five students are all civil engineers and graduate students specializing in structural engineering. The group comprises one Ph.D. student, two Master of Science students, and two Master of Engineering students.
Five participants from De La Salle University:
• Engr. Mary Joanne Aniñon - Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
• Engr. Meynard Oliver Gonzales - MS in Civil Engineering
• Engr. Vince Gem Sacdalan - MS in Civil Engineering
• Engr. Isaiah Sam Bartolome – M. Eng. in Civil Engineering
• Engr. Angelo Renzo Olais M. Eng. in Civil Engineering
Their research topics are as follows:
• Advances in Connection Techniques for Raw Bamboo Building Structures – A Systematic Review - Engr. Mary Joanne C. Aniñon
• Experimental study on the mechanical properties of bamboo connections between foundation and pedestal. - Engr. Vince Gem Sacdalan
• Calibration of Partial Safety Factor of Structural Bamboo: Bending, Compression and Shear - Engr. Meynard Oliver Gonzales
• Utilizing the N2 Method for Reinforced Concrete School Buildings in the City of Valenzuela, Philippines - Engr. Angelo Renzo Olais
• Reliability Analysis of an Inverted T-wall of the Proposed Pasig-Marikina River Improvement Project - Engr. Isaiah Sam Bartolome
On the first day, a welcome ceremony took place at Tokyo City University, followed by a campus tour including visits to civil engineering laboratories led by Dr. Koji Homma.
In the afternoon, an orientation session was held at Dr. Osamu Maruyama's research laboratory. The first three students presented their research works before Dr. Osamu Maruyama and Dr. Lessandro Estelito Garciano, receiving constructive feedback for improvement. This session also facilitated a lively discussion and exchange of ideas.
On the second day, the remaining two students also presented their research works before Prof. Osamu Maruyama, Dr. Lessandro Estelito Garciano, Prof. Takeshi Koike (retired: Kyoto University).
In the afternoon, the students were given a free time to explore Japan. They went to Shin- Yokohama to try authentic ramen in the Ramen Museum. They have also explored the Tokyo’s train system, crossed the famous Shibuya crossing, and took a photo at the Hachiko statue.
On the third day, Dr. Maruyama conducted a lecture in his research laboratory. A discussion was also made to improve the students’ research.
In the afternoon, Dr. Garciano and the students visited Dr. Tomoya Shibayama at Waseda University. An expert in coastal engineering, Dr. Shibayama delivered a brief lecture and provided the students with the opportunity to explore his laboratory.
On the fourth day, the students presented their revised research paper.
In the afternoon, Dr. Maruyama led the students to Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
On the final day, an awarding ceremony took place, including the distribution of certificates and pins. Subsequently, a farewell party was hosted at Tokyo City University, providing students with the opportunity to meet some of the distinguished professors from TCU.
by: Engr. Mary Joanne C. Aniñon
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