My Insights in the 5th ISSEP Technical Conference: A Participant's Perspective
Rosemarie Mosquera
Structural Engineer at Jacobs | Structural Analysis and Design, Project Management | I help companies in the development of future-proof engineering solutions for complex projects
I attended the recently conducted 5th Technical Conference of the Institution of Specialist Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ISSEP) on In-Depth Solutions to Structural Engineering Problems on March 7-8, 2024 at Novotel, Cubao, Quezon City and here are my thoughts.
To give you an overview, the Institution of Specialist Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ISSEP) is the specialist arm of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP).
ASEP is the mother organization of civil engineers specializing in structural engineering in the country. ISSEP was formed to gather all the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE)-recognized specialist structural engineers in one organization.
In the 2-day technical conference, there were 10 Engineering Topics discussed but one topic that caught my attention was "The Address Residence Sky View - Vertical Cities Bridging the Gap Hybrid Solution for Linked Tall Towers" presented by Engr. Danilo B. Aquino, a Dubai-based Filipino Engineer whose track record is mostly designs of high-rise buildings abroad.
I resonated with his presentation as I am currently working on a similar project located in Hong Kong. The difference is that the project he presented is taller and has a sky bridge that connects the Twin Towers, while the project I am currently assigned to has none.
He mentioned the separation of the foundation of the Twin Towers and podium and soil-structure interaction (SSI) which are the same as our engineering approach. He also presented his other iconic projects which made me aspire to be involved with these types of projects in the future.
"There is Beauty in Simplicity: Structural Engineering and Architecture" is a topic presented by Engr. Wilson A. Sy. He is a Filipino Engineer based in the Philippines who has a track record of notable high-rise building projects in the country and is the founder of a local engineering consulting firm.
Same with the first speaker, Engr. Sy's projects presented at the conference are mostly in the Built Environment sector, which made me pay more attention
In celebration of International Women's Month, I am glad that women are also represented in the Technical Conference in the person of Dr. Mary Ann Q. Andajar.
My favorite topic in the conference is "The Strength and Durability Performance of Concrete with Coconut Shell Ash as Cement Replacement" presented by Dr. Adajar, who is currently a professor at De La Salle University.
I am passionate about #Sustainability and learning about alternative options of construction materials that will have a positive impact on the environment interests me.
Based on Dr. Adajar's research, the coconut shell ash (CSA) burned at a certain temperature shows pozzolanic characteristics that can be used as a substitute for cement at a maximum of 40% CSA to Cement ratio.
The research did not include the cost analysis. However, given the fact that the coconut shell ash is a waste and the materials used in cement production are from natural resources, it still helps in alleviating the environmental impact of construction in a way.
Aside from presenting a topic I am passionate about; Dr. Adajar is also someone I look up to and aspire to be. She barely knows me but her achievements in the engineering field are something that I also want for myself.
She took her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and graduated Magna Cum Laude at Central Philippine University, took her master’s degree in Structural Engineering at De La Salle University, and Ph.D. in Geotechnical engineering at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.
They say to find a role model and I think I found mine.
After the presentations and awarding of certificates/plaques to speakers and sponsors, the most-awaited portion of the Conference is the “Kapihan at Talakayang Pang-ST” where the ISSEP Officers, PICE-Specialists, ASEP Members, and participants have an open forum about the laws on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – RA 10912, Career Progression and Specialization Program (CPSP) – RA 10968, and the 2023 PRBCE Resolution on CPSP EO No. 23 Series of 2012, Institutionalization of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PSF).
During the session, ISSEP mentioned seven (7) areas of specialization in civil engineering namely:
Now, you may ask, “What does it take to become a Structural Engineering Specialist?”
I listed the organizations and their corresponding requirements you need to know:
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For PICE:
For ASEP:
For ISSEP:
ISSEP Specialist
Please note that the requirements may change as the organizations adapt to the industry trends and developments for improvement, so it is better to check their website for the latest updates.
I listed the three (3) organizations and their corresponding links to their website if you want to learn more about how to become a Structural Engineering specialist in the Philippines.
1. PICE - https://pice.org.ph/membership
2. ASEP - https://aseponline.org/membership
3. ISSEP - https://www.isseponline.org/organization
On their websites, they listed all the requirements and qualifications needed to become a recognized Specialist.
Aside from the engineering topics presented, there is also a time dedicated for the sponsors to promote their products and services such as engineering software (Midas, CYPE, Idea Statica, and more), cutting-edge technologies (base-isolators, dampers, geotechnical results without drilling bored holes, etc.) and construction materials and solutions providers.
Attending this conference also gave me a chance to meet other Structural Engineers. I met a retired LGU Engineer who is an ASEP Member and PICE Specialist. I also met 2 Structural Engineers from Zamboanga and connected to a Cavite-based Structural Engineer when I was at one of the Exhibitor's booths. I also met my former colleagues in my previous companies.
One thing I observed at the conference was the ratio of women to men in both ASEP and ISSEP organizations. There were only 2 women out of 10 speakers, 1 woman in 11 ISSEP Officers and Board of Directors, and 1 woman in 15 ASEP Officers and Board of Directors, including the College of Fellows.
I hope that in the coming years, there will be more women speakers and officers of the organizations. There are a lot of women who have great contributions to the structural engineering field and I hope to see more of them in future seminars or conferences.
Overall, my experience in attending this conference gave me invaluable lessons and insights into the structural engineering field. I learned about the latest technology, developments, and industry trends. I also got a chance to meet and reconnect with fellow Structural Engineering professionals.
I am encouraging my fellow Structural Engineering professionals to be more active in attending these seminars/conferences as these events support your personal growth and professional development. And who knows? We’ll meet at one of the ISSEP, ASEP, or PICE events in the future. ??