Congratulations to the New Lasallian Civil Engineers!

DLSU BSCE Program assessed based on AUN-QA 15 Criteria

Opening Program Group Photo -  11 Nov 2013

The 22nd AUN Actual Quality Assessment at the Program Level was held last Nov. 11-13, 2013 at De La Salle University, Manila to assess four programs: (a) Civil Engineering, (b) International Studies, (c) Mathematics and (d) Statistics. The assessors for the CE program were Prof. Ir. Dr. Shahrir Abdullah and Assoc Prof. Dr. Suprijadi Haryono. 

The AUN-QA Model for programme level focuses on teaching and learning with regard to the following dimensions: (a) quality of input, (b) quality of process, and (c) quality of output. The AUN-QA criteria has 15 items in the checklist: (1) Expected learning outcomes, (2) Programme specification, (3) Programme structure and content, (4) Teaching and learning strategy, (5) Student assessment, (6) Academic staff quality, (7) Support staff quality, (8) Student quality, (9) Student advice and support, (10) Facilities and Infrastructure, (11) QA of teaching and learning process, (12) Staff development activities, (13) Stakeholders feedback, (14) Output, and (15) Stakeholders satisfaction.

CE Dept.  AUN-QA SAR

Preparations for the AUN-QA actual assessment for the CE Dept. started a year ago. During the third term of Academic Year (AY) 2012-2013, the tasks for the AUN-QA were assigned to CE faculty. Dr. Andres Winston Oreta was designated as the SAR (Self-Assessment Report) head writer with Engr. Cheryl Lyne Roxas as co-writer. The department also organized the CE teams responsible for addressing the four criteria of AUN-QA, headed by the following team leaders: (a) Program  - Dr. Andres Winston Oreta  , (b) Input -  Dr. Mary Ann Adajar, (c) Quality Assurance - Dr. Bernardo Lejano, and (d) Output – Engr. Jason Maximino Ongpeng and Engr. Alden Paul Balili. The preparation of the SAR and exhibits was done during the 2013 summer break. The final SAR and exhibits were submitted to the IQA Office for review on July 15, 2013. The SAR was also reviewed by an internal evaluator and the necessary revisions were done during the last week of August.

The CE Department Exhibits with Dr. Fillone, Engr. Gallardo and Dr. Culaba

 For the AUN-QA Actual Assessment, CE Dept. Chair, Jason Ongpeng served as the over-all manager, Faculty in-charge for the actual assessment were identified: Yen Anongphouth for alumni, Dr. Grace Padayhag for students and Engr. Ongpeng for employers. Invitations to employers, alumni and students for the actual interview during the actual assessment were sent early Ocotber 2013.  Exhibits were prepared by the faculty and academic service faculty and staff. Tarpualin posters were designed by ASF Engr. Joenel Galupino.

Exhibits on undergraduate thesis and achievers

The exhibits highlighted the four specializations of the DLSU BSCE program

The AUN-QA Actual Assessment Report on SAR

On the third day of the actual assessment, lead assessor Prof. Ir. Dr. Shahrir Abdullah presented their findings on Civil Engineering program of DLSU. "The DLSU CE SAR is written in accordance to the manual – the quality is very good," he reported. The strengths and weaknesses of the program were cited. Among the strengths of the DLSU CE Program are: (a) "The program has managed to inculcate skills in life long learning and independence learning, which received commendation from the employers," (b) "Program specification is clearly defined and summarized into brochure, that is usable for marketing of the program," (c) "The program has a clear strategy to deliver teaching and learning process for all courses," (d) "The staff are motivated their duties, maintain a close teacher-learner relation with student, " (e) "The students, particularly those in final year, has already demonstrated some attainment to the program learning outcome

and Lasallian values prior to OJT," (f) "Student’s evaluation on teaching processes has been institutionalized
through the ITEO system to provide feedback for curriculum development and review," (g) "The university has provided funding to support academic staff for attending the conferences, locally and abroad," (h) "The graduates and alumni has high reputation and image from employers’ perspective," (i) "Alumni from the CE program has managed to get job within 2 month."

For the weaknesses, he highlighted the ff: (a) "Some technical courses may require more hands-on and practical activities," (b) "In order to stimulate learning among to students, the teaching and learning strategy should be equipped with adequate facilities and laboratory equipment, " (c) "The current ratio of staff-student ratio for the CE program is high, " (d) "As the University envisages to be research oriented university, the
number of hours allocated for academic staff for research should be increased, (e) "Students in earlier years is struggling to understand the meaning of program learning outcomes," (f) "Curriculum development and review should be performed more systematically at defined interval by considering inputs from students and labor market (including alumni and employer) utilizing various techniques apart from surveys," (g) "Clear plan for staff training and development is required in order to address sustainability of the programme in future and quality issues of some services, " (h) "More systematic approaches in gathering stakeholder input is recommended for a more effective curriculum review," (i) "Attrition rate is relatively high."


By addressing the weaknesses highlighted in the AUN-QA actual assessment, the CE department will continue to improve its program and produce quality and socially responsible professionals.

The AUN-QA CE Assessors (Prof. Ir. Dr. Shahrir Abdullah and Assoc Prof. Dr. Suprijadi Haryono) with DLSU President Br. Ricky, FSC, GCOE Dean Seva and the CE Dept. Faculty (R.onaldo Gallardo, Andy Oreta and Jason Ongpeng)

LGU-Academe Research Forum at Iloilo City

Dr. Fillone (Top-Left) and some of the DLSU BSMS student presentors

The local organizers led by the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) together with the academe (De La Salle University-Taft, Manila; University of the Philippines Visayas-Iloilo City and Central Philippine University-CPU) held an LGU-Academe Research Forum on November 22, 2013, 9-12 AM at the Iloilo City Hall. The research forum intends to promote knowledge exchange between the academe and local government, with the intent of improving the contribution of both sectors to development work in Iloilo City. Specifically, the forum involves the presentation of past and current researches on transportation planning, disaster risk reduction and
preservation of heritage buildings.

Dr. Alexis Fillone presented the background on the collaborative research activities of DLSU TRE Division and prospects of future projects on transportation planning and disaster risk reduction with the LGU and the schools in Iloilo city. Dr. Andres Oreta presented a paper on "Research Projects and Applications on Rapid Visual Seismic Screening of Buildings."

Dr. Oreta lectures about rapid visual seismic screening

DLSU BSMS CE students presented their researches that are relevant to Iloilo City. The student presentations were:

•  Improved Transport Terminal Utilization: The Case of Jordan Wharf, Guimaras, Philippines by Raymund Abad (BSMS CIV-TRE)
• Mode Choice Analysis of Inter-Island Passenger Travel from Iloilo to Negros Occidental, Philippines by Krister Roquel (BSMS CIV-TRE)
• Choice Analysis of Tourist Spots: The Case of Guimaras Province by Maria Katrina Ganzon (BSMS CIV-TRE)
• Development of a Multi Hazard and Risk Assessment for Heritage Buildings: Case of Iloilo City by Kirk Yu (BSMS CIV-STE)
• Computer-Aided Seismic Risk Assessment of School Buildings by Kenneth Brizuela (BSMS CIV-STE)

Researches of undergraduate and BSMS students of DLSU CE Dept. that can be also be conducted in collaboration with students and faculty of UP Visayas and CPU were determined during the informal meetings at UPV and CPU. The LGU, specifically CENRO seeks a collaborative partnenship between CENRO and the academe to create a Center that will address problems on clean air and climate change.

6th ASEAN Civil Engineering Conference

DLSU faculty members and alumni at the 6^th ACEC and 6^th AEEC, Bangkok, Thailand (From left: Jaymiel Louiee Jayme, Mervyn Malvar, Marcus Baron, Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth, Cheryl Lyne Roxas, Nicanor Roxas, Jr., Janine Faustino, Daniel Valerio)

DLSU CE Department Faculty members, Engr. Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth and Engr. Cheryl Lyne Roxas (Vice-chair of the Dept.) successfully presented their studies at the 6^th ASEAN Civil Engineering Conference and the 6^th ASEAN Environmental Engineering Conference held on 21-22 November 2013 at Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. This year’s theme is Civil and Environmental Engineering for ASEAN Community”.  The papers presented by the faculty and alumni were:

• AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK APPROACH TO COST ESTIMATION OF BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES - C.L.Capiz-Roxas, J.D. Ng, C.V. Tan
• A NUMERICAL STUDY OF LOAD DISTRIBUTION OF PILE GROUP FOUNDATION BY 2D MODEL - J.C. Faustino, B. Ukritchon
• INCOME EFFECT IN MODE CHOICE FOR THE WESTERN VISAYAS REGION - N.Jr.R. Roxas, A.M. Fillone
• STRENGTH AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF COAL ASH CONCRETE MIXED WITH SEAWATER - I.O. Ubay–Anongphouth, A.D. Alquinto, A.B. Ang, G.A. Anore, J.A. Mangiliman

Engr. Capiz-Roxas, Engr. Roxas (former DLSU CE faculty member, now full time ERDT PhD scholar) and Engr. Ubay-Anongphouth are also alumni of the AUNSEED-Net/JICA Program. They obtained their Master of Engineering degree at Chulalongkorn University, the Host Institution for the Civil Engineering program. Engr. Faustino is a first year master’s student under the AUNSEED-Net program at Chulalongkorn Unversity taking up Geotechnical Engineering.

Dr. Pag-asa D. Gaspillo from the Chemical Engineering Department of DLSU also presented her study on “OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE ELECTROCOAGULATION TREATMENT OF TANNERY WASTEWATER BY USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY”.

The conference was a success as it was participated by several faculty, staff and researchers from different universities and industries in the ASEAN region. The conference highlighted innovations in research and education in Civil and Environmental Engineering. It also served as a venue for sharing recent research works and experiences among academia, industry, community, and policy makers related to a regional common issue. Updates on the AUNSEED-Net programs and activities were also discussed. 

-News article by Cheryl Roxas

CE Faculty and BSMS Student Present Papers on Cultural Heritage and Disaster Risk Reduction

Last November 18-20, 2013, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, together with the Japan Foundation held the first ever International Conference on Cultural Heritage and Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangkok, Thailand. The main theme of the conference revolved around the integration of heritage preservation into disaster risk reduction, and vice versa. The benefits of this symbiotic relationship were also highlighted.

Vice Minister for Education of Thailand, Dr. Kitti Limskul delivering the opening remarks 

Director-General of Japan Foundation, Mr. Kazuhiro Fukuda delivering the opening address.

The event was graced by the Vice Minister of Education of Thailand, with members of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Several professionals coming from different fields of expertise from 17 countries were also present.

 

Dr. Lessandro Garciano, Assoc. Prof. (DLSU CE Dept)

Among the presentors were two members of the Civil Engineering Department of  De La Salle University. Dr. Lessandro Garciano, Associate Professor, presented the “Seismic Risk Assessment of Heritage Structure Using Fragility and Net Present Value Approach.” This paper was co-authored with MSCE student Michael Baylon. The presentation highlighted the post-scenario at the Bohol earthquake (2013) and the utilization of fragility curves to assess the risk for buildings. Dr. Garciano discussed the overview of the methodology and also integrated into the study a economic approach to check the feasibility of the proposed method. 

Kirk Yu, BSMS CE Student

On the other hand, Mr. Kirk Kennedy Yu, BSMS CE student, presented the paper co-authored with Dr. Andres Oreta (DLSU), Noel Hechanova (CENRO) and Dr. Rhodella Ibabao (UPV) entitled “Supporting Local Initiatives in Preserving Heritage Buildings in Iloilo City (Philippines) through Risk Assessment.” The presentation elaborated on the legislative and actual efforts of the city government in preserving heritage buildings. It also discussed the vulnerable condition of the heritage buildings and the proposed implementation of a Rapid Visual Screening method to assess various risks and hazards.

  

In total, the conference ended with the main statement that cultural heritage and disaster risk reduction must be integrated into each other. The conference also became a platform for the call for inputs into the post-2015 Framework for DRR, also known as the Hyogo Framework 2.    

- written by Kirk Yu

Vince Imperial is PICE MOCES 2013

CES President, Vince Imperial is PICE's MOCES 2013

Vince Kendrick B. Imperial was awarded the “2013 Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student of the Philippines (MOCES)” by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers last November 9, 2013 during the 39th National Convention of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers at the SMX Davao Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. Vince Imperial is a senior BSCE student with specialization in Construction Technology and Management. He is also the president of the Civil Engineering Society (CES).

The selection process for MOCES was divided into two parts; screening and interview. Students from different universities all over the Philippines applied and were paper-screened by the panel of judges. The criteria for screening were Academic Performance (40%), Leadership/Involvement in PICE Student Chapter (30%), Community Service (15%), and an essay with a topic of “How Resilient is Philippine Infrastructure to Disasters?” (15%).

From all the applicants all over the Philippines, the Top 3 finalists were selected and were invited to SMX Davao for the final interview. The top 3 finalists coming from De La Salle University (DLSU), National University (NU) and Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) presented their essay in the Students Convention. At the closing program of the convention, The winners were announced with DLSU’s Imperial awarded the Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Award. TIP got second runner-up and NU got the first runner-up.

Congratulations from the CE Department!

CE Dept. Indsutry Adviser, Engr. Saavedra visits DLSU

During the Monthly Civil Engineering Departmental Meeting last October 18, 2013 at the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, Engineer Edgar Saavedra was introduced as one of the Board of Advisers for the DLSU Civil Engineering Department.

Engr. Edgar Saavedra shares his ideas to the DLSU CE faculty

First, he discussed things he noticed about the DLSU Civil Engineering Alumni he had worked with. He mentioned that DLSU CE graduates are very good in communication, they are easy to get along with, and because of these traits, he proudly said they can easily adapt and advance professionally quickly compared with others. He also emphasized that most DLSU CE graduates are great influences to their workplace.

Second, he suggested that the use of technology should be nurtured to current CE students. He mentioned that technology is fast changing. The alumni and the student should be able to adapt with these changes. Technology has significantly helped his company attain their goals.

Lastly, he mentioned that community awareness is important in the field of Civil Engineering. Being active in community service and being environmentally aware has many positive results. He shared his experience with his company that if you have good relationship with the community where your project is being constructed, problems are easily resolved. 

Engr. Saavedra graduated BSCE (Batch '92) at DLSU. He is currently the President of Megawide Construction Corporation. Engr. Saavedra is listed in Forbes as one of the top 50 richest in the Philippines at #44.. His partner, Michael Cosiquien at Megawide (also a DLSU BSCE graduate) is also listed as #43 richest in the Philippines.

Reported by Joenel Galupino

Jon Arnel Telan is DLSU's 3rd BSCE Summa Cum Laude

  Jon Arnel Telan (CIV-STE) is the third summa cum laude to earn a BSCE degree at DLSU-Manila. The 168th Commencement Exercises was held last October 12, 2013 at the PICC Pleanry Hall.

Graduating magna cum laude were Syrus Gomari and Victor Carlo Torres, both CIV-STE.. Kevin Gerard Yao (CIV-STE) graduated cum laude while the honorable mention graduates were:

• CIV-CTM: Arjan David Alquinto, Ganna Athena Gantuangco, Timothy Jones Quidilla, Julinel Templonuevo
• CIV-STE: Isiah Paul Alvarez, Louie Mart Montrias, Janelle Kathryn Ong, Jospeh Christopher Oropel, Joemar Revelo and Timothy Scott Uytengsu.

Special awards were given by the CE Department to the folowing:

• Most Outstanding CE Student: Syrus Gomari
• Most Outstanding Contribution to the CE Department: Jon Arnel Telan
• Most Outstanding Thesis: Noel Lester Gozum, Alvn Sacaguing, Jon Arenl Telan, Victor Carlo Torres and Timothy Scott Uytengsu

The University also presented special awards to the following graduates:

• Jose Rizal Honors Society : Jon Arnel Telan
• Athletics Award: Paolo Ian Lucero

BSCE GRADUATION AWARDS TRIVIA:

1. The Jose Rizal Honors Society Award is given to a student who has been in the Dean's Honors list in ALL trimesters of their curriculum years. Since the revival of BSCE at DLSU, only four graduates received this award:

• Bryan Christopher Que (CIV, 2000-2001) - mcl
• Alvin Christopher Varquez (CIV-HWR, 2008-2009) - scl
• Katrina Tengki (CIV-STE, 2011-2012) - scl
• Jon Arnel Telan (CIV-STE, 2013-2014) - scl

2. The Br. Gabriel Connon Award is given to students with a strong Christian character and outstanding accomplishment in the fields of academics, leadership, and community service. Only one BSCE graduate, Bryan Christopher Que (CIV, 2000-2001) received this award so far.

3. The Student Leadership Award is given to students who have ably balanced their academic studies with student activities. The BSCE awardees so far were:

• Collen Mae Cordial (CIV-STE, 2007-2008)
• Alvin Christopher Varquez (CIV-HWR, 2008-2009)

4. The Athletics Award honors students who have rendered outstanding performance in competitions as true Lasallian sportspersons. The BSCE awardees so far were:

• Phoebee Que (CIV-STE, 2009-2010) - Volleyball
• Paolo Ian Lucero (CIV-TRE, 2013-2014) - Cheering squad

Paolo Iam Lucero leads the Animo Squad in the Cheer Dance Competition

5. There has been no BSCE graduate yet who received the Community Development Award and the Cultural Development Award.

Reference: 

Program: 168th Commencement Exercises Term 1, AY2013-2014

DLSU Univesity Registrar

DLSU Faculty Research Recognition 2013 recognizes CE completed researches

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI) and the University Research Coordinaation Office (URCO) will hold the annual Faculty Research Recognition Ceremonies on October 4, 2013 at the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall to recognize the faculty for completing internally and externally funded projects and URCO research projects, ISI-listed publications and most-cited works published in 2013.

 CE faculty members will be recognized during the ceremonies.

• Dr. Lessandro Garciano, Dr. Renan Tanhueco and Engr. Alden Balili completed an AUN/SEED-Net and JICA research with Prof. Koike Takeshi (Kyoto University) on "Flood hazard assessment and disaster prevention planning of electric power systems in a selected city/town in the Philippines."

• Dr. Andres Winston  Oreta and Engr. Cheryl Lynne Capiz Roxas completed their URCO project on "Outcomes-based assessment of Engineering Mechanics (STATICS) using direct and indirect methods."

• Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo and Dr. Jonathan Dungca and their collaborators from ChE, ME and IE Departments completed an inter-disciplinary research on "Sustainability issue due to coal ash from coal-fired power plants in the Philippines Phase 2 - Sustainability solutions for an industry partner."

Interdisciplinary Research Team on Sustainability Solutions
(Martin Kalaw, Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Dr. Susan Gallardo and Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo)

•  Dr. Andres Winston Oreta mentored an MSCE ERDT scholar, Rhea Regulacion on her thesis on "Application of response-surface methodology: Optimum mix design of concrete using slag as coarse aggregate."

Yen Ubay-Anongphouth: St. Benilde Romancon Pillar of Excellence Awardee in Teaching 2013

Civil Engineering Asst. Professor Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth aka "YEN" was recognized and presented  the "St. Benilde Romancon Pillar of Excellence Award in Teaching" last October 1, 2013 during the celebration of World Teacher's Day at De La Salle University, Manila. The St. Benilde Romancon Pillar of Lasallian Excellence Award Excellence in Teaching is based on evidenced by any or all of the following: ITEO/peer/chair evaluation, comments and feedback from students, colleagues and alumni, support of student-sponsored activities, effective mentoring, new programs or modules developed, teaching innovations including use of technology in the classroom.

Teacher Yen handles courses on construction materials, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics and structural anlaysis. She graduated BSCE (STE) at DLSU and M.Eng. at Chulalongkorn University.

A Video created for Teacher Yen by DLSU alumni based at Chulalongkorn University

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE DLSU CIVIL ENGINEERING FAMILY - 

FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, ALUMNI AND PARENTS

TRE students, faculty and alumnus at 10th EASTS Conference - Taipei, Taiwan

 

DLSU Participants (Taipei 101 as background)

 TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan – DLSU CE Transportation Eng'g (TRE) major students, faculty, and alumnus presented their respective researches at the 10th  International Conference of the Eastern Asian Society of Transportationt Studies (EASTS) in Taipei City, Taiwan from September 9 to 12, 2013. Themed “Towards a Harmonized Society”, the conference is considered as the biggest transportation-related International Conference of the Eastern Asian Society of Transportation conference in the Asian region and one of the three major transportation conferences in the world. The conference commenced with opening speeches by Dr. Kuang S. Yeh, Minister of Transportation and Communications of Taiwan, Dr. Lung-Bin Hau, Mayor of Taipei City, Dr. Cheng-Min Feng, President of EASTS, and Dr. Hsin-Li Chang, President of the Chinese Institute of Transportation.

Dr. Fillone as session chair

Participants from different countries and universities converged on the three-day event to present their researches by paper or poster presentation. Lasallian participants presented in both events with Dr. Alexis Fillone presenting his paper in the International Research Group (IRG) session and Dr. Grace Gueta presenting her paper in the Travel Demand Management (TDM) Policy session. Engr. Jamiel Jayme (MS – CE, Chulalongkorn University), a DLSU alumnus, also presented his paper with co-author Dr. Saksith Chalermpong in the conference. Below are the list of accepted papers that were presented in the conference:

• Choice Analysis of Tourist Spots: The Case of Guimaras Province (GANZON, Katrina, and FILLONE, Alexis)
• Mode Choice Analysis of Inter-Island Passenger Travel from Iloilo to Negros Occidental, Philippines (ROQUEL, Krister, and FILLONE, Alexis)
• Improved Transport Terminal Utilization: The Case of Jordan Wharf, Guimaras, Philippines (ABAD, Raymund, and FILLONE, Alexis)
• Evaluation of Philippines’ Electronic Toll Collection System for North Luzon Expressway (IZAWA, Takahiro, GUGOL, Louie Mari, Dr. GUETA, Grace)
• Impact of a BRT System along Expressways in Metro Manila (QUE, Chino, MARCIAL,Caila, RABAT, Lorenzo, and Dr. FILLONE, Alexis) 
• Comparison of On-street Parking Management in Ermita-Malate and Makati CBD, Philippines (VALDEZ, Judylyn, DIZON, Federico, BULACTIAL, Arian, GARCIA,Mark Wesley, and Dr. GUETA, Grace)
• Impact of the Emergence of Low Cost Carriers and Budget Flights (JUNG, Young Gyun, FABIAN, Frederick, MONTEALTO, Kevin, YU, Harvin, and Dr. GUETA, Grace)
• Issues Regarding BRT Introduction to Small and Medium-sized cities of Developing Countries in East Asia Region (Dr. FILLONE, Alexis, BULURAN, Jocelyn, FUKUDA, Atsushi, and JAENSIRISAK, Sittha)
• How Travel Pattern Changes after Number Coding Scheme as a Travel Demand Management Measure was Implemented? (Dr. GUETA, Grace, and GUETA, Lounell) 
• Travel Behavior of Condominium Residents near Urban Rail Transit Stations: Case of Metro Manila (Engr. JAYME, Jamiel and Dr. CHALERMPONG, Saksith)

Poster Presentation

Other Filipino participants from Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), UP Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), UP School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP SURP), and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) also presented their papers in the conference. 

- Article written by AMFillone

STE Faculty & Students at EASEC-13 (Sapporo, Japan)

DLSU participants at the EASEC-13

 DLSU CE Structural Engineering faculty and students attended the 13^th East Asia Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction (EASEC-13) held on September 11-13, 2013 at Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. Dr. Andres Oreta (Prof. of DLSU CE Dept.)  presented a paper co-authored with Kenneth Brizuela (BSMS Student) entitled “A Computer-Aided Semi-Quantitative Seismic Risk Assessment Tool for Safe School Buildings.’ The paper by L. Garciano, I. Alvarez, J. Colobong, G. Decal and A. Tan on “Mapping the Vulnerability of Low-Cost House Roofs in Malate, Metro Manila due to Extreme Wind Speeds” was presented by Paul Alvarez (Undergraduate Senior Student). Dr. Lessandro Garciano (Assoc. Prof. of DLSU CE Dept.) served as chair of the parallel session on Disaster Prevention.

Dr. Lessandro Garciano (Session Chair)

Isiah Paul Alvarez (Paper Presentor)

Dr. Andy Oreta (Paper Presentor)

The three day conference has a total of seven keynote lectures and 52 parallel sessions which covers topics on Structural Health Monitoring, Construction Management, Disaster Prevention, Composite Structures, Concrete Structures, Bridge Engineering, Seismic Design, Data Base Management, Structural Analysis, Earthquake Engineering, Steel Structures and Tall Buildings.

The participants from the Philippines are those coming from DLSU which includes A. Oreta, L. Garciano, I. Alvarez, J. Colobong and G. Decal. There are also Filipino participants which come from other countries such as Dr. Allan Manalo (Univ. of Queensland) and Evdon Sicat (PhD Student at Hokkaido University).

EASEC-13 Intenational Steering Committee

It was announced during the 3rd day that the EASEC-14 will be held in Vietnam in 2015.
Link to more photos on EASEC-13: https://www.facebook.com/andy.oreta/media_set?set=a.10202080002750529.1073741830.1501022934&type=1

Dr. Oreta revisits Nagoya University with a keynote speech

Dr. Andres Oreta, Professor in Civil Engineering was a keynote speaker at the International Forum on Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology Transfer with the theme "Enhancing Japan's Contribution in Rapidly Developing Asian and African Countries" held at Nagoya University, Japan on August 31, 2013. He delivered his keynote paper on "Addressing Safety and Sustainability of Infrastructures in Hazard-Prone Countries."

Oreta also acted as one of the External Evaluation Committee member for the Infrastructure Technology Development and Transfer Chair (NEXCO-Central) or INTEDTEC on August 30, 2013. INTEDTEC was created for two objectives: (a) Technology Development - Study on extending the life of road structures though health assessments, (b) Technology Transfer - Study on technological and methodological total systems for various civil engineering infrastructures as well as methods for technology transfer. The host of Dr. Oreta was Prof. Victor Muhandiki of INTEDTEC. Prof. Muhandiki was a speaker in the ICCEE2012 organized by the DLSU CE Dept last November 2012.

Dr. Oreta is an alumnus of Nagoya University (M.Eng 1991 and D. Eng 1994). During the visit, he met his former professors - Prof. Hayashi and Prof. Morikawa. He also met CE Dept chair, Prof. Nakamura who was his "sempai" or senior co-student. Oreta also was welcomed by Filipino Master's students under the Nagoya University Global Environment Leaders Program (NUGELP) who will be graduating this September 2013. They come from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and SBMA.

CE Dept Faculty/Students Recognized at the Gawad Lasalyano 2013

Last August 28, 2013, Gawad Lasalyano 2013 was held at the Teresa G. Yuchengco Auditorium. The event saw five members of the Civil Engineering department honoured for their service to the school.  Faculty members, Dr. Mary Ann Adajar and Dr. Grace Padayhag were given the ‘Masigasig na Paglilingkod ng mga Katuwang sa Lasalyanong Misyon,’ for their invaluable service to the University. Dr. Adajar served as part of the Lasallian Pastoral Office and Dr. Padayhag as member of the Office of Student LIFE, specifically as an adviser of the Civil Engineering Society. Br. Michael Broughton, Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission presented the awards.

Students, Ivy Sanchez (II-CIV), Eric Flordeliza (V-CIV) and Kirk Yu (IV-CIV) were given the recognition, ‘Masigasig na Paglilingkod ng mga Magaaral,’ for their active involvement in the offices under the Student Personnel Services Pool of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Miss Sanchez and Mr. Yu are members of the Office of Counseling and Career Services as Student Representatives. Mr. Flordeliza is a member of the Office of Student LIFE as a Lasallian Ambassador. Respective office directors or representatives, Dr. Susana Estanislao of the OCCS and Mr. Xavier Lara of the Office of Student LIFE presented the awards.

Gawad Lasalyano is an annual night of recognizing members of the Lasallian community who has shown tireless dedication in service to the school through the advancement of the Lasallian Mission or bringing glory to the University’s name. The event aims to serve as an avenue to inspire fellow Lasallians to continue in the excellence of the University in the fields of leadership, service, sports, campus media, culture and arts, military service, discipline formation, community service and faith formation.

Reported by Kirk Yu
Photos by A. Pamorada

CE Student Researches Presented at CECAR 6 - Indonesia

The 6^th Civil Engineering Conference in Asia Region (CECAR 6) was held on August 20-22, 2013 at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, Indonesia. The theme of the conference was “Embracing the Future through Sustainability”. CECAR 6 was hosted by the Indonesian Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (HAKI). 

Three research papers were submitted by the Civil Engineering Department, De La Salle University, Manila and were published in the conference proceedings.

• A Database Management System for Rapid Visual Screening and Two-Dimensional Seismic Vulnerability Classification of Public School Buildings  by R. Y. Caparos, X. B. Fajardo, H. M. M. Ilagan, J. N. Revelo, and A. W. C. Oreta
•  Life Cycle Analysis of Structural Systems of Residential Housing Units in the Philippines by J. K. P. Ong, N. R. D. Arcilla, and A. W. C. Oreta
• A Computer-Aided Seismic Hazard Risk Management Tool to Promote Safe Schools Communities by A. W. C. Oreta and K. S. Brizuela

The group of R. Caparos and J. Revelo presented in the conference under the Construction Engineering and Management/Applications of Information Technology category, while K. Brizuela presented under the Disaster Mitigation, Adaptation, and Preparedness Strategies category.

Rich Caparos and Joemar Revelo (BSCE Students)

Kenneth Brizuela (BSMS CE Student and ERDT Scholar)

CECAR 6 is a major activity by the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) held on a triennial basis and joined by various civil engineering organizations around the world:  American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),  Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE), Korean Society of Civil Engineers (KSCE), Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering (CICHE),  Engineers Australia (EA),  The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE),  Mongolian Association of Civil Engineers (MACE), Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Associations (VFCEA), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and  Indonesian Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (HAKI). 

The 7^th CECAR will be held at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii on August 30 – September 2, 2016 with a theme of “Ho-'Omalamalama*: Building A Sustainable Infrastructure In The Asia Pacific Region”. It is to be hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

- Reported by Kenneth Brizuela

Seminar-Workshop on Utilization of Waste Materials 2013

DLSU CE faculty researches will be presented at the Seminar-Workshop on Utilization of Waste Materials on September 5-6, 2013 at the Henry Sy Hall, De La Salle University, Manila. The event is organized by the Association of Tokyo Tech Alumni and Research Scholars (ATTARS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Department of International Development Engineering Alumni Association (IDEAL) of Tokyo Tech and De La Salle University.The seminar-workshop hopes to bring together technologists, engineers, scientists, field project managers, representatives from NGOs, governments, academia and industry to promote discussions on the development of sustainable engineering solutions on the management and utilization of waste. The seminar-workshop provides a venue for all the  concerned stakeholders to share their work, exchange ideas and meet others who are involved in waste management and an opportunity to formulate projects with new partners. 

Listed below are the papers that will be presented in the two day event. The seven papers from the DLSU Civil Engineering Department are underlined and marked with asterisks.

P1: CHARACTERIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES FOR GREEN UTILIZATION      

 Dr. Susan M. GALLARDO

P2: Utilization of Organic Waste and Biomass Resource for Environment

Dr. Kiyohiko Nakasaki

A1: PROPERTIES OF FRESH AND HARDENED CONCRETE REINFORCED WITH HAIR FIBERS FROM SUS SCRUFA DOMESTICA - Bernardo A. LEJANO¹ ,Julinel TEMPLONUEVO², Channel James YOUNG², and Rafael Louis ZOTOMAYOR²

A2: OCEAN FERTILIZATION TO UTILIZE THE HARDENED COAL ASH BLOCK - Atsushi SAITO¹, Mamoru SAKAMOTO¹, and Yasutaka NOMA¹

*A3: SHEAR STRENGTH AND CONSOLIDATION PROPERTIES OF WASTE LIMESTONE BLENDED EMBANKMENT MATERIALS - Marabelle R. DEL PRADO¹, Xenoula Krizzia R. MANZANO², Louise Francesca B. TUAZON³, Margaux Brigitta B. WONG⁴, and Jonathan R. DUNGCA⁵

A4: EFFECTIVE USE OF LAKE SLUDGE TO PRODUCE ZEOLITE FOR HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION - Yan SHAO¹, Chris SALIM¹, and Hirofumi HINODE¹

A5: INFLUENCE OF CURING TIME ON THE ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY OF CONCRETE CONTAINING CRYSTALLINE RICE HUSK ASH - Jean Marie M. MACATANONG, Marish S. MADLANGBAYAN, Joseph M. CABURNAY,  Richelle G. ZAFRA and Eliseo V. ANA Jr.

A6: CORROSION PROPERTIES OF STEEL BAR EMBEDDED IN CEMENT MORTAR MIXED WITH SEA WATER DURING STRENGTH DEVELOPING PERIOD - Hidenori HAMADA¹, Masanori ANNOURA², Daisuke Yamamoto¹, Yasutaka SAGAWA¹ and Amry DASAR¹

*A7: SHEAR STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF GOLD MINE TAILINGS AND WASTES FROM AGGREGATE QUARRY IN THE PHILIPPINES  - Mary Ann Q. ADAJAR¹ and Mark Albert H. ZARCO²

A8: ACCELERATION OF COMPOSTING BY INOCULATION OF YEAST THAT DEGRADES ORGANIC ACIDS PRESENT IN THE RAW COMPOST MATERIAL - Shogo ARAYA*, Hiroshi MIMOTO, and Kiyohiko NAKASAKI

*A9: NON-LINEAR ULTRASONIC TESTING OF CONCRETE USING SHORT STEEL FIBERS AS REINFORCEMENT - Jason Maximino C. ONGPENG¹ and Sohichi HIROSE²

A10: FUNDAMENTAL STUDY ON UTILIZATION OF WASTE COMBUSTION ASH AS CONCRETE MATERIAL MIXED WITH OPC, BFS AND ANHYDRITE ON UTILIZATION OF WASTE COMBUSTION ASH AS CONCRETE MATERIAL MIXED WITH OPC, BFS AND ANHYDRITE - Takuya KURAMOCHI¹, Nobuaki OTSUKI¹, Takahiro NISHIDA¹ and Takayuki FUKUNAGA²

*A11: A STUDY ON THE USE OF BAMBOO AS REINFORCEMENT FOR CONCRETE MIXED WITH SEAWATER - Cheryl Lyne C. ROXAS¹, Ronaldo S. GALLARDO¹, Nobuaki OTSUKI², Takahiro NISHIDA², Gabriel Ariston S. LATORRE¹, Manuel DM M. ORTIGAS¹, Dexie Rae R. PEREZ¹, Jalaloden B. TAGO¹

A12: COMPREHENSIVE UTILIZATION OF BAGASSE FLY ASH (BFA) FOR ADVANCED MATERIALS PREPARATION -  Chandra W. PURNOMO¹, Chris SALIM² and Hirofumi HINODE³

A13: INFLUENCE OF VARYING MIX DESIGN AND FIBER LENGTH ON THE PROPERTIES OF WATER HYACINTH PARTICLE BOARD - Melito A. BACCAY

A14: ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS POTENTIAL OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN UP DILIMAN - Paolo G. FONOLLERA, Dominique Charmaine D. ARANAS, Ma. Brida Lea D. DIOLA and Maria Antonia N. TANCHULING

B1: PERMEABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF ROAD BASE MATERIALS BLENDED WITH FLY ASH AND BOTTOM ASH - DUNGCA J., Alday J., BARRETTO M. A., BAUZON M. K., TOLENTINO A.

*B2: A STUDY ON THE USE OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR FINE AGGREGATES IN CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS - Nico Lauren Andrew D. AGUILAR, Jose Enrique S. OCTAVIANO, Timotei Martin C. SANTIAGO,  Ronaldo S. GALLARDO, and George William C. HONG

B3: INVESTIGATION ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND BULK DENSITY OF CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS (CHB) WITH POLYPROPYLENE (PP) PELLETS AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR SAND  - Jonathan David D. LASCO and Marish S. MADLANGBAYAN

B4: COLORIMETRIC DETECTION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI BY USING A RECOMBINANT BACTERIOPHAGE - Hoang A. HOANG, Michiharu ABE and Kiyohiko NAKASAKI*

*B5: INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS REPLACEMENT RATIOS OF FLY ASH TO CONCRETE MIXED WITH SEAWATER - ¹Irene Olivia UBAY – ANONGPHOUTH, ²Arjan David ALQUINTO, ²Anthony Bryan ANG, ²Gino Angelo ANORE, and ²Joe Arsen MANGILIMAN

B6: LIFETIME PREDICTION OF CONCRETE MIXED WITH SEAWATER AGAINST CHLORIDE ATTACK AND CARBONATION - Tomohiro NAGATA¹, Nobuaki OTSUKI¹, Takahiro NISHIDA¹, Hiroki OHARA², MOUSSA GARBA-SAY Zoulkanel¹

B7: EFFECT OF UTILIZING CRUMB RUBBER TIRE AND COAL COMBUSTION BY-PRODUCTS ON THE PROPERTIES OF DENSE GRADED ASPHALT MIX - Manuel M. MUHI¹, Melito A. BACCAY²

B8: APPLICATION OF STEEL SLAG HYDRATED MATRIX WITH ANTI-WASHOUT PERFORMANCE - Takumi SAWADA1, Hiroki KANNO², Yoshihiro TAKANO², Yosuke YAMAGOSHI², Seiji KOMATSU¹, Tetsuya OGASAWARA¹and Hideharu NAITO¹

B9: INFLUENCE OF SLAG AND FLYASH ON THE HARDENED PROPERTIES OF CEMENT-LAHAR SAND CONCRETE PAVING BLOCK - Jedel G. AGRON

B10: DEVELOPMENT OF CONCRETE USING SEA WATER AND CONCRETE DEBRIS FROM EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - Keisaburo KATANO¹, Nobufumi TAKEDA¹, Makoto HISADA², and Nobuaki OTSUKI³

B11: INFLUENCE OF BINDER ON THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COCO PEAT PARTICLE BOARD - Teodinis C. Petalcorin-GARCIA

B12: UTILIZATION OF UNTREATED AND TREATED RICE HUSK AS ADSORBENTS FOR LEAD REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER - Sovattei CHEA, Florinda T. BACANI, Michael Angelo B. PROMENTILLA, Hirofumi HINODE, and Seingheng HUL

*B13: INFLUENCE OF CURING PERIOD AND CURING MEDIUM ON CONCRETE MIXED WITH SEAWATER - Cheryl Lyne C. ROXAS¹, Jason Maximino C. ONGPENG¹, Nobuaki OTSUKI²,  Takahiro NISHIDA², Nicko Jeanina M. DEMAFELIX¹, Jose Luis A. GALAN¹, Ganna Athena L. GANTUANGCO¹, Dondon M. VERGARA¹

B14: TREATMENT OF SOLID WASTE CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS - Keisuke MATSUKAWA¹

- Article based on the ATTARS Blog posted by William Hong