The University of Batangas (UB) stood unfazed alongside other top Philippine universities as its Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) students earned the Quake Resistant Award at the Introducing and Demonstrating Earthquake Engineering Research in Schools (IDEERS) 2025, held on October 1, 2025, at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) in Tainan, Taiwan.
UB’s student team – Jhonbert Bartolome, Faye Desiree Dimaculangan, Shannah Allyza Chica, and Myk Hernandez – competed with their structure named Fortis.
Before the competition, Ms. Dimaculangan explained, “All of us are aware of each member’s responsibilities, so if one of us is absent, we can adapt quickly.” Mr. Bartolome added, “We move as one, making sure everything is covered”.
During Fortis’ shaking table test, the team admitted they felt nervous as half of the other structures failed in the first round.
“Although we had already tested our model in a shaking table from our organization, we didn’t expect the intensity of the final stages,” Mr. Bartolome shared. He added, “It was enough for us that Fortis made it past other big universities, but by God’s plan, Fortis stood until the end.”
After the competition, the team reflected on their learnings.
“Proper bracing and structural components are needed for a structure to withstand an earthquake,” Mr. Hernandez said, recognizing the close connection between design and resilience.
Ms. Chica added, “I realized that it’s important to actualize theories and concepts to truly understand the impact of structural design.”
Teach Coach Engr. Neil Graham Bhel Garcia praised the group’s strengths, particularly their coordination and systemic process in model construction. Over two and half months, the team persevered through three prototypes before finalizing an enhanced model capable of withstanding an 800-gal shaking intensity.
“UBians are competitive not only at the national level but also internationally–indeed, UB is undeniably the best,” Engr. Garcia said.
He also stressed the role of civil engineers in earthquake preparedness, especially after the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, Philippines. “Future civil engineers must continue studying and innovating structures that can remain unshaken against large-scale earthquakes,” he emphasized.
Dean of College of Engineering (CoE) Dr. Henry I. Cabatay, Civil Engineering (CE) Department Head Engr. April John Montilla, Computer Engineering (CE) Department Head Engr. Pablo B. Asi, and CE Faculty Engr. Jake Maramot accompanied the triumphant BSCE students in IDEERS 2025.