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.