Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) faculty members made significant strides at the 3rd International Conference on Geosynthetics and Environmental Engineering (ICGEE 2025), held at Nine Tree Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, from March 22 to 24, 2025. Dr. Ma. Catherine Q. Arca and Engr. Neil Francis P. Daquiado, both esteemed faculty members from the Department of Civil Engineering, represented CMU among a global delegation of leading sustainable construction and environmental engineering experts.
The prestigious event gathered researchers and practitioners from Thailand, Malaysia, China, South Korea, the United States, and other countries, facilitating an exchange of cutting-edge innovations. The conference opened with a plenary session featuring Dr. George R. Koerner, Director of the Geosynthetic Institute (USA), who discussed high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes in extreme conditions. Prof. Han-Yong Jeon of Inha University, South Korea, presented a Review on Concrete Composite Mat (CCM), while Assoc. Prof. Haoliang Wu of Sun Yat-sen University, China, examined the vibration resistance of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) in Hong Kong tunnel linings.
Dr. Arca and Engr. Daquiado showcased their ongoing Eco-Cement research, a DOST-funded initiative monitored by DOST-PCIEERD under the SuRER CT Research Program, which involves collaborative projects with Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and La Salle University.
Dr. Arca, the project leader, presented her paper titled “Sustainable Construction: A Preliminary Examination of OPC-Blended Geopolymeric Cement Paste Using Bagasse Ash and Alluvial Sediment,” focusing on the potential of repurposing bagasse ash and alluvial sediment as geopolymeric source materials for sustainable construction. The study explored transforming these local waste materials into a geopolymeric powder designed for integration with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), demonstrating exceptional compressive strength development in the resulting composite material. Dr. Arca also contributed to the conference as a session chair for the afternoon oral sessions on March 23rd, facilitating discussions among delegates.
Engr. Neil Francis P. Daquiado presented his work on the “Development and Characterization of Alkali Powder Activator from Bagasse Ash: A Sustainable Approach,” detailing the investigation into bagasse ash, a byproduct of sugar milling in Bukidnon, Philippines, as an alkali powder activator in geopolymerization. The study characterized bagasse ash and developed an alkali powder activator, demonstrating its potential for producing eco-friendly geopolymer cement.
The conference also showcased various innovations, including geosynthetics for earthquake-resistant infrastructure, plant fiber geocells for soil stabilization in road construction, system dynamics modeling for net-zero emissions, and 3D printing applications for sustainable buildings. These global advancements provided valuable benchmarking opportunities for the CMU research team. [Information from Dr. Arca and Engr. Daquiado from the College of Engineering]
