Dr. Andres Winston Oreta and Dr. Lessandro Garciano of DLSU Civil Engineering Recognized as Fellows at PPSC’s 31st Anniversary for Contributions to Disaster Risk Management Program

On the 31st Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Public Safety College, Fellows who contributed to PPSC's programs were recognized as members of its Council of Fellows. Dr. Andres Winston Oreta and Dr. Lessandro Garciano of DLSU GCOE Dept. of Civil Engg were welcomed as Fellows for their contribution as lecturers, capstone research advisers and panelists in the Master of Crisis & Disaster Risk Management (MCDRM) program of PPSC. Congrstulations and may you continue to support the program of developing disaster resilience in the country.

DLSU PhD Students wins 1st Place at APRU2024 Student Poster Presentation

In the recently concluded 19th APRU Multi-Hazards Symposium 2024, themed "Forging Sustainable and Resilient Futures: Science, Technology and Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction" held on October 1-3, 2024 at GIS NTU Convention Center, Taipei, Taiwan, a DLSU PhD in Civil Engineering student was selected as one of the two 1st place winners in the student poster competition with 43 participants. Mary Joanne Aninon (PhD CE Student)  was awarded 1st place for her poster on “Site Suitability Analysis of Evacuation Centers in Zamboanga City,. Details about the conference can be found at https://aprumh2024.wcdr.ntu.edu.tw/.

Another PhD CE Graduate student, Rammel Mistica (MSCE student) also presented his poster on “Road to Resilience: Analyzing Post-Disaster Response on Closed National Roads.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta, Professor of Civil Engineering and the adviser of the two PhD graduate students who participated in the poster completion presented on one of the oral presentation sessions. Dr. Oreta presented his paper on “A Graduate Seminar for Civil Engineering Students to Enhance Awareness and Promote Research on Disaster Risk Reduction and Infrastructure Development (DRRID)”  on October 2, 2024 in the morning session online since the symposium shifted to online platform in the second day due to a typhoon that was expected to arrive on that day. The posters presented by the PhD students were based on the output of the DRRID graduate seminar. 

The symposium focuses on related topics of multi-hazards induced by earthquakes, weather, and water-related disasters. APRU stands for Association of Pacific Rim Universities. The APRU 2025 symposium will be held in the Philippines and will be hosted by the University of the Philippines, an APRU member.

Dr. Oreta with PhD Grad student, Aninon.

Dr. Oreta with PhD Grad student, Mistica.

 

A Transformative Experience with Generative AI: Civil Engineering Students Thrive in the Inaugural 2024 NUS Young Fellowship Program

In an exciting development for students at the intersection of engineering and artificial intelligence, the National University of Singapore (NUS) recently hosted its inaugural 2024 NUS Young Fellowship Program. Among the participants were civil engineering students Ms. Bea Angela C. Gaw and Ms. Janelle Patricia S. Moa, who delved into the fascinating world of generative AI.

The program, which ran from June 24 – July 24, 2024, aimed to introduce students from diverse academic backgrounds to the emerging field of generative AI. Despite initial reservations about how well the program would align with their field of study, they embraced the opportunity and were met with an experience that exceeded their expectations.

Upon arrival, participants were greeted with exceptional care, being transported directly from the airport to the NUS dormitories. The university ensured a smooth transition, providing welcome kits and individually escorting participants to their rooms. The dormitory was a dedicated space for scholarship recipients and guest visitors with community-oriented facilities.

The program kicked off with a series of activities blending plenary sessions, site and laboratory visits, project work, and cultural excursions. It quickly became evident that NUS was not only focused on the classroom experience but also on fostering an environment of inquisitive curiosity. As part of the inaugural batch, students had no previous experiences to draw from, making the journey even more unique.

Official opening of the program and welcoming of participants

Initial meeting with groupmates

One of the highlights of the program was a series of hands-on workshops and laboratory visits that demystified the concept of generative AI. Participants engaged in discussions on tools like ChatGPT and explored their potential applications in fields ranging from semiconductor engineering to biotechnology.

A standout moment was the visit to NUS's net-zero energy building—the first of its kind in Asia. The building showcased adaptive tropical architecture, utilizing Singapore’s natural conditions to generate energy or reduce consumption. Features such as motion sensor-based lighting, acoustic baffles, and adjustable perforated metal sheets demonstrated the practical application of concepts they learned in their courses.

Some features of Asia’s first net-zero energy building

The program was not just about learning; it was also about networking and cultural exchange. Students from various countries and disciplines came together, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. Groups consisted of representatives from civil engineering, law, biomedicine, mechatronics engineering, and sociology, hailing from countries like Italy, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, and Australia.

A photo with fellow Filipino participants from the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University

Photos of side trips with friends to different attractions

Outside the academic setting, participants explored Singapore, visiting iconic attractions such as Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay. These excursions provided ample opportunity for cultural exchange and bonding.

In summary, the NUS Young Fellowship Program is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and the expanding role of generative AI across diverse fields. The program offered participants a unique blend of academic exploration, hands-on experiences, and cultural exchange, highlighting the growing relevance of AI technologies in areas beyond their traditional applications. This initiative broadened the horizons of students like Ms. Gaw and Ms. Moa and emphasized the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone to embrace new opportunities. The experience serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of knowledge in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world.

TRE Division in the 30th Annual Conference of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP)

 

Last September 13, 2024, the 30th Annual Conference of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP), in cooperation with the City Government of Iloilo and University of the Philippines Visayas, took place at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, with the theme of Sustainable Transport and Mobility Choices for Healthier Cities. Scholars, transport professionals, practitioners, and students from across the country were present to share their research and gain knowledge with regards to promoting sustainable transportation in the country. 

Three (3) papers by students of the Transportation Engineering (TRE) Division of the Civil Engineering Department, led by Dr. Alexis M. Fillone, were presented in the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP) conference in different sessions. Dr. Fillone also chaired one of the sessions and delivered the closing remarks.

The presented studies and researchers are as follows: 

1. Characterizing Traffic Behaviour on Flood Roads of Metro Manila by Lance Kenneth D. Mamuyac, Jon Robin D. Delos Reyes, Louise Shaola L. Lumanglas, Eian Lanz C. Rebotiaco (Undergraduate Students) and Dr. Alexis M. Fillone (Adviser).

2. Analysis of the First-Mile and Last-Mile Options of LRT/MRT Users in Metro Manila by Sophia Renée M. Dimla, Marie Patricia Denise U. Hong, Nicole T. Pelias (Undergraduate students) and Dr. Alexis M. Fillone (Adviser).

3. Commuter Mode Choice Analysis in Roxas Boulevard: Examining the Significant Attributes Influencing Commuter Preferences by Ashley Nicole Alcano, Angeline Grace Ayuban, Dylan Andre Capuno, Matthew Perry Wamelda (Undergraduate Students) and Maria Cecilia Paringit (Adviser).

In addition to the conference, the 3rd Workshop for Young Researchers (3rd WYRe) was held last September 12 by the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines at UP Visayas, Iloilo City. It aims to provide a venue for both undergraduate and graduate students to interact with different professionals to discuss opportunities and dilemmas in the transportation sector, as well as build connections among students and institutions. 

The students were also inducted into the conference as new student members of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP). 

Prepared by:

Sophia Renée M. Dimla

BS Civil Engineering

DLSU Civil Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Students Participated in the 17th Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS) Annual Conference

  

In collaboration with the International Association for Traffic and Safety Science (IATSS), the 17th Annual Conference of the Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS) took place at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok, Thailand, on August 30, 2024. ATRANS organized the conference under the theme: “Transportation for a Better Life: Managing Transport Decarbonization.” The event gathered scholars, transport professionals, and practitioners to share and acquire knowledge on innovative strategies and solutions for reducing carbon emissions in transportation. 

Seven (7) papers by students of the Transportation Engineering (TRE) division, led by Dr. Alexis M. Fillone, were presented in the ATRANS Young Researcher’s Forum (AYRF) which was held in the afternoon session of the conference. Dr. Fillone also chaired one of the parallel sessions. The researchers and their studies presented are as follows:

1. “Developing Route Choice Model for Road Freight Transport: An Analysis of Toll Road Usage by Truck Vehicles” by Asst. Prof. Maryrose Mariano-Vallejos (PhD Student), Engr. Angelyn Ilagan (MS Student), and Prof. Dr. Alexis M. Fillone (Adviser)

 

Asst. Prof. Mariano-Vallejos (left) presenting their paper, Developing Route Choice Model for Road Freight Transport: An Analysis of Toll Road Usage by Truck Vehicles

2. “Analysis of Integration of Bus Systems in Katipunan Avenue, Metro Manila as an Access and Egress Option to and from LRT Katipunan” by Sophia Renée M. DIMLA, Nicole FELIAS, and Marie Patricia Denise HONG (Undergraduate Students), and Alexis FILLONE (Adivser)

 

Ms. Dimla (right) presenting their paper, Analysis of Integration of Bus Systems in Katipunan Avenue, Metro Manila as an Access and Egress Option to and from LRT Katipunan

3. “Analyzing Pedestrian Facility Preferences at a Transport Hub in Alabang, Muntinlupa City” by Paul John Mamert Orendain Sevilla, Felicia Regille Sawali, Noel Franco Umali (Undergraduate Students), and Engr. Paolo Ian Lucero (Adviser)

 

Mr. Sevilla (left) presenting their paper, Analyzing Pedestrian Facility Preferences at a Transport Hub in Alabang, Muntinlupa City

4. “Investigating How Different Demographic Groups Perceive Rail Transit Services” by David Angelo Valenzuela, Uzziah Galero, Dane Marion Uy (Undergraduate Students), and Dr. Nicanor Roxas, Jr. (Adviser)

 

Mr. Valenzuela (right) presenting their paper, Investigating How Different Demographic Groups Perceive Rail Transit Services

5. “Augmenting Urban Mobility: Implementation of a Modernized Jeepney Transit System along Roxas Boulevard Service Road” by Ashley Nicole Alcano, Angeline Grace Ayuban, Dylan Andre Capuno, Matthew Perry Wamelda (Undergraduate Students), and Dr. Maria Cecilia Paringit (Adviser)

 

Ms. Alcano (middle) presenting their paper, Augmenting Urban Mobility: Implementation of a Modernized Jeepney Transit System along Roxas Boulevard Service Road

6. “Assessing Flood Impact on Vehicle Speeds in Metro Manila's Road Network” by Louisse Shaola Lumanglas, Lance Kenneth Mamuyac, Jon Robin Delos Reyes,  Eian Lanz Rebotiaco (Undergraduate Students), and Dr. Alexis Fillone (Adviser)

 

Ms. Lumanglas (podium) presenting their paper, Assessing Flood Impact on Vehicle Speeds in Metro Manila's Road Network

7. “Alternative Methods for Estimating Pavement International Roughness Index Value” by Adrian Natividad, Louie Shane de Leon, Sophia Claire Mirafelix, Marc Wesley Tuaña (Undergraduate Students), and Dr Krister Ian Daniel Roquel (Adviser)

 

Mr. Natividad (podium) presenting their paper, Alternative Methods for Estimating Pavement International Roughness Index Value

One of the four best paper and presentation awards was given to the group of Mr. Paul John Mamert Orendain Sevilla. 

 Dr. Chula Sukmanop (middle) and the four best paper and presentation awardees in the 17th ATRANS Young Researchers’ Forum.

Prepared by:

Engr. Angelyn Ilagan

MS Student, Department of Civil Engineering