DLSU Civil Engineering Students Present Research at 19th ATRANS Annual Conference: Young Researchers’ Forum 2026 in Bangkok

 

DLSU Civil Engineering student researchers, Mr. Delos Santos, Ms. Obillo, and Mr. De Guzman, pose alongside Dr. Atsushi Fukuda, the ATRANS Honorable Advisor

Students from De La Salle University–Manila represented the University at the 19th ATRANS Annual Conference: Young Researchers’ Forum (AYRF) 2026, held on August 28, 2026 (Friday) at the Chatrium Grand Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

Held under the theme “Resilient Mobility and Transportation Beyond Disruption,” the international conference brought together young researchers, academics, and transportation professionals to exchange ideas and present research addressing the evolving challenges of mobility and transportation. The theme emphasized the importance of developing transportation systems that can remain accessible, adaptable, and responsive amid disruptions and changing urban needs.

Representing DLSU’s Civil Engineering program, the three students presented studies that addressed key transportation issues in the Philippine context, ranging from airport access and public transportation to urban development and equitable access to essential services.

The DLSU delegation consisted of Mr. John Owen Niccolou B. De Guzman, Ms. Francine Louise Balones Obillo, and Mr. Christian Ericson P. Delos Santos, all specializing in Transportation Engineering.

Advancing Transportation Research Through Young Researchers

Mr. John Owen Niccolou B. De Guzman, a BS Civil Engineering student specializing in Transportation Engineering, presented his group’s research titled “Airport Ground Access Mode Choice and Potential Shift to UBE Airport Bus at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.” His group consists of Mr. Nigel Andre Canonoy, Ms. Jannah Allyssa Li, and Ms. Rheina Velasquez, guided by Dr. Maria Cecilia Paringit and Dr. Alexis Fillone.

Their study examined how travelers access Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), focusing on their transportation preferences and the potential for shifting travelers toward the UBE Airport Bus service. The research contributes to discussions on improving airport accessibility while encouraging more efficient and sustainable ground transportation options.

Meanwhile, Ms. Francine Louise B. Obillo, also a BS Civil Engineering student specializing in Transportation Engineering, presented “Assessing Commuter Preferences and Transit Oriented Development Potential of the Pasig River Ferry Stations.” The study was completed with her groupmates, Ms. Maria Michaela Barillos, Ms. Erin Julia Martin, and Ms. Jowena Refugio, as advisees of Dr. Maria Cecilia Paringit.

Their research explored commuter preferences surrounding the Pasig River Ferry system and examined the potential of its stations to support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The study highlights how public transportation infrastructure can contribute to more connected, accessible, and sustainable urban communities.

Representing the BS/MS Civil Engineering program with a specialization in Transportation Engineering, Mr. Christian Ericson P. Delos Santos presented “A Comparative Analysis of Floating Catchment Area Methods to Assess Healthcare Accessibility in Metropolitan Iloilo-Guimaras.” The study was completed through the guidance of Dr. Alexis Fillone.

The study compared different Floating Catchment Area (FCA) methods in measuring spatial accessibility to healthcare services across Metropolitan Iloilo-Guimaras. By examining how different approaches capture variations in accessibility, the research aims to support more informed transportation and health-service planning, particularly in identifying communities that may experience challenges in reaching healthcare facilities.

Recognized with Best Paper Award

Adding to the delegation’s accomplishments, Mr. Delos Santos was also among the recipients of the conference’s Special Individual Award for Best Paper for his study on healthcare accessibility.

The recognition highlights the relevance and quality of his research and underscores the role of transportation engineering in addressing broader societal concerns, including equitable access to essential services.

The participation of the three DLSU students at AYRF 2026 demonstrates the University’s commitment to nurturing young engineers and researchers who contribute to transportation and mobility discussions both in the Philippines and on the international stage.

Their respective studies also reflect the spirit of the conference theme, “Resilient Mobility and Transportation Beyond Disruption,” by examining ways in which transportation systems can become more accessible, sustainable, responsive, and inclusive.

Through their participation, De Guzman, Obillo, and Delos Santos showcased the work of DLSU’s young transportation researchers and demonstrated how engineering research can help address real-world challenges in mobility, urban development, and access to essential services.

DLSU CE Faculty, Students & Alumni at CONCET2026 – KL, Malaysia

 

CONCET is a biennial international conference, and CONCET 2026 is organized by the Centre for Innovative Construction Technology (CICT), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. CONCET 2026  with the theme  'Advancing Concrete Construction: Sustainability, Integrity, and Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Built Environments' will be held on August 17-21, 2026. The conference is aimed at providing fresh perspectives on the latest developments in concrete engineering and technology towards sustainability.

From L-R: DLSU Delegates - Guzman, Baldo, Gapuz, Buraga, Cisnero, Oreta, Talagtag & Tinga-Tinga (UPICE)

Faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students and alumni will present CONCET 2026 in several themed parallel sessions on August 19-20, 2026. The list of presentations are listed below:

·         Experimental investigation on the performance of various epoxy injections on the repair of shear cracks of concrete beams – Brian Jhay Guzman (Presentor, MSCE student) and Andres Winston Oreta

·         A RAG-Based Artificial Intelligence Framework for Concrete Code Compliance – Rogel Exequiel Talagtag (Presentor, MSCE student) and and Andres Winston Oreta

·         Mechanical Strength Performance and Carbon Absorption of Biochar Modified Geopolymer Hollow Blocks – Emerzon Gapuz (Presentor, PhD Student & MSCE Alumnus)

·         The CTM–DRR Compliance Assessment Tool: Guiding Contractors and Construction Engineers Toward Seismic Resilient Reinforced Concrete Practice – Carlos Centeno (Presentor) and Andres Winston Oreta

·         Prediction of IDA Drift Ratio in Low-Rise Reinforced Concrete Structures in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines using Surrogate Modeling and MatLab-Based Artificial Neural Networks – Nicholas Baldo (Presentor, PhD Student & MSCE Alumnus)

·         Investigating the Material Properties of Mortar Incorporating Recycled Plastic (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Aggregates - Ange’le Mae Cisnero (Presentor), Alaine Paul Geronimo,  Julia Christine Buraga (BSCE students) and Andres Winston Oreta (Adviser)

Dr. Andres Winston Oreta chaired the session on STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND ENGINEERING on 19 August 2026 (3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m).

All peer-reviewed and accepted articles in CONCET2026 will be published in the Scopus-indexed IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science.

Best Papers are selected for each parallel session. The paper presented by Engr. Nicholas Baldo (DLSU Phd Student and Faculty of the University of the Cordilleras) was selected as the best paper in the session on Structural Analysis, Design and Engineering. 

DLSU Civil Engineering Student Shines at the 6th International AOFUA Summer Camp 2026

The Department of Civil Engineering proudly congratulates Angela Jamie P. Tan, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (STE) student, for representing De La Salle University as one of the delegates to the 6th International Asia-Oceania Five Universities Alliance (AOFUA) Summer Camp 2026, held from July 5–10, 2026 at Tokyo City University, Shonan Village, Japan.

The international program brought together students from the Asia-Oceania Five Universities Alliance (AOFUA) member universities across Asia to collaborate through lectures, field visits, and Project Cycle Management activities aimed at developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. As a member of Team Violet Vanguards, Angela demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration while working with students from diverse academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

Her team's project, Project Mangrove Movement, was honored with the Best Case Presentation Special Award, the only competitive recognition presented during the summer camp.

Angela's achievement is a testament to the excellence, leadership, and global outlook fostered by the DLSU community. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing her continue to make a positive impact in the engineering profession.

Congratulations once again, Angela! Your DLSU Department of Civil Engineering family celebrates your success and wishes you continued excellence in all your future endeavors.

Transportation Engineering Division of the Department of Civil Engineering at the World Conference on Transport Research (WCTR) 2026

 The Transportation Engineering Division of the Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila proudly participated in the 17th World Conference on Transport Research (WCTR 2026), held in Toulouse, France, from July 6 to 10, 2026. As one of the world's most prestigious gatherings of transportation researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry experts, the conference provided an international platform for discussing innovative solutions to transportation challenges and advancing sustainable mobility worldwide. Organized by the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS), the event brought together approximately 1,500 participants from various countries to share research findings, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration in the transportation sector.

The participation of DLSU's Department of Civil Engineering reflects the university's commitment to research excellence and its growing contribution to the global transportation research community. Six representatives from the department showcased research studies addressing important transportation issues in the Philippines, ranging from urban mobility and pedestrianization to vehicle electrification, freight logistics, airport planning, traffic management, and climate-resilient transport systems.

Leading the delegation was Dr. Alexis Fillone, Professor of the Transportation Engineering Division, who presented a poster entitled “Redefining the Urban Transport Network Through Pedestrianization of a Road Corridor: The Case of Naga City, Philippines.” Presented under the Special Interest Group on Transport, Land Use, and Sustainability, the study examined how reallocating road space to pedestrians can contribute to more livable, accessible, and people-centered urban environments. The research highlighted the potential of pedestrianization initiatives in enhancing mobility while supporting sustainable urban development.

Also representing the Transportation Engineering Division was Dr. Nicanor Roxas Jr., Associate Professor, who delivered a lectern presentation on “Assessing the Current Perception on Vehicle Electrification Use in the Philippines.” Under the same Special Interest Group on Transport, Land Use, and Sustainability, the study explored public perceptions and attitudes toward electric vehicles in the country. As governments and industries worldwide seek cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions, the research provided valuable insights into the factors that may influence the adoption of vehicle electrification in the Philippine context.

Dr. Riches Bacero, Assistant Professor of the Transportation Engineering Division, presented a lectern paper entitled “Assessment of the Freight Transport Benefits and Policy Implications of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) in Mega Manila.” His research was featured under the Freight Transport and Logistics Special Interest Group and focused on the anticipated impacts of the proposed bridge project on freight movement, logistics efficiency, and regional connectivity. The study also discussed policy considerations that may help maximize the benefits of large-scale transport infrastructure investments.

The conference also highlighted research on transportation planning and infrastructure development in emerging economies. Engr. Neil Andrew Meneses, a PhD Civil Engineering student from the Transportation Engineering Division, presented a poster entitled “A Hybrid Dominance-Based Rough Sets Approach in Predicting Regional Airport Feasibility in the Philippines.” Presented under the

General Transport Modes Special Interest Group, the study explored the use of analytical approaches in evaluating the feasibility of regional airport development projects. The research contributes to efforts aimed at improving transportation connectivity and supporting regional growth through evidence-based infrastructure planning.

Representing the department's student researchers, Mr. Christian Ericson Delos Santos, a BSMS Civil Engineering student from the Transportation Engineering Division, delivered a lectern presentation entitled “Unclogging the Arteries at the Heart of Cebu: Enhancing Urban Mobility Through a Proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System Against Flooding Issues in Mandaue City.” Presented under the Special Interest Group on Transport in Developing and Emerging Countries, the study examined how a proposed Bus Rapid Transit system could improve mobility while addressing the challenges posed by frequent flooding in one of Metro Cebu's major urban centers. The research highlighted the importance of integrating transportation planning with climate resilience and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Meanwhile, Engr. Lance Kenneth Mamuyac, a BS Civil Engineering graduate, presented a poster titled “Multiclass and Single Class Traffic Assignment Model Applications for an Emerging City Transport Plan.” Under the Traffic Management, Operations, and Safety Special Interest Group, the study demonstrated the application of traffic assignment models in supporting transport planning efforts for growing urban areas. The research contributes to the development of evidence-based approaches for managing transport demand and improving traffic operations in emerging cities.

The participation of DLSU's faculty members, graduate students, and young researchers in WCTR 2026 underscored the breadth and relevance of transportation research being conducted within the Civil Engineering Department. Their studies addressed pressing concerns such as sustainable urban mobility, transportation electrification, freight efficiency, airport development, climate adaptation, and data-driven transport planning, all of which remain highly relevant to the opportunities and challenges faced by Philippine cities and communities.

Beyond presenting research, the conference enabled the DLSU delegation to engage with leading experts and institutions from around the world. These interactions provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, future research collaboration, and the exploration of innovative approaches that may be adapted to local transportation issues. Exposure to international best practices and emerging trends will further strengthen the department's efforts in research, instruction, and public service.

The Department's presence at WCTR 2026 reflects De La Salle University's continuing commitment to advancing transportation research that creates meaningful impact for society. By sharing Philippine experiences and perspectives on a global stage, the department contributes to the development of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive transportation systems while reinforcing DLSU's role as a leader in engineering education and research. Through the accomplishments of its faculty members, students, and graduates, the department continues to demonstrate that Philippine research can contribute meaningfully to global discussions on the future of transportation.

Article written by: Mr. Christian Ericson Delos Santos

 

Oreta & Uy at the 2026 PICE Midyear National Convention

 DLSU Dept of Civil Engineering Professors, Dr. Andres Winston C. Oreta and Dr. Erica Elise Uy delivered technical presentations at the 2026 Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Midyear National and Technical Conference held on May 22-23, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center.

Dr. Oreta was invited to present a paper in the Civil Engineering Education Session. Dr. Uy, on the other hand, was invited to present their DOST-funded research project at the Water Resources Engineering Specialty Session. Here are the abstracts of the presentations of Oreta and Uy, respectively.

Strengthening the Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction & Infrastructure Development (DRRID) through the CE-DRRID Teaching Modules Aligned with the Sendai Framework & AI/ICT Tools

By Andres Winston C. Oreta

The increasing frequency and complexity of natural hazards require civil engineering (CE) education to strengthen its emphasis on disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure development (DRRID). This paper presents the development and initial implementation of the CE-DRRID Teaching Modules, a structured set of graduate-level learning materials designed to integrate DRRID principles across major civil engineering specializations within a graduate seminar course. The modules highlight the roles of the CE specializations including civil engineering education in reducing disaster risks and promoting resilient infrastructure systems. A key feature of the modules is the systematic alignment of specialization-specific tasks with the four priorities of the Sendai Framework for DRR. Another important component of the modules is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as emerging support tools. The incorporation of AI and ICT tools within the course expands the research perspective of graduate students while emphasizing that these technologies complement, rather than replace, engineering judgment and expertise. 

Dam Risk Management Decision Support Tool

By Erica Elice S. Uy

Co-Authors: J. Tan, V. Eugenio, C.A. Fernandez, , J.B. Pauco, R. Rivera, M. Cutora, J. Galupino, I.O. Ubay-Anongphouth, R.M. Tanhueco, M.A. Adajar, J. Dungca and C. Abanag

Effective dam safety management in multi-hazard and data-constrained environments requires decision-support systems that systematically integrate structured expert judgment with standardized inspection protocols. While international dam safety guidelines provide comprehensive inspection checklists, defect classification systems, and performance rating criteria, they typically lack explicit weighting schemes for prioritizing structural components, failure mechanisms, and hazard indicators. As a result, post-inspection safety evaluations often remain subjective, limiting consistency, transparency, auditability, and risk-informed decision-making. This study presents an integrated decision-support framework that couples the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with internationally adopted dam safety inspection standards—specifically structured around Korean condition assessment guidelines—to transform qualitative inspection results into quantitative, risk-based safety indices suitable for operational deployment.