From May 21-22, 2024, the BS Geology Program of the College of Science at Partido State University collaborated with GEoInnovative Specialist Inc. (GSI) to organize a two-day seminar and practical equipment training in Geotechnical Engineering. The event took place at the RDE Training Hall and PSU Covered Court, catering to students from the BS Geology and BS Civil Engineering programs.
The Geology and Civil Engineering students were engaged in a two-day event that featured cutting-edge lectures on Geotechnical Engineering, emphasizing its importance in shaping the built environment and infrastructure development. The first day consisted of simultaneous lectures and job interviews. Engr. Aldwin F. Montealto delivered a lecture titled "Hidden Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Geotechnical Engineer's Journey," providing insights into the world of geotechnical engineering, including soil mechanics, foundation design, and slope instability, which are crucial for construction projects. He also shared his personal journey as a geotechnical engineer, and students had the opportunity to share their key takeaways from the lecture.
On the second day, Engr. Allen D.G. Dela Cruz introduced GSI and its various laboratories and testing services in his talk. This was followed by another job interview session and hands-on training with the equipment.
GeoInnovative Specialist Inc. (GSI) is a Filipino-owned company built in 2017 from an innovative group of specialists whose expertise is in the field of Geology and Engineering and its practical applications such as Geotechnics, Geophysics, and Design. The team aims to provide sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to different stages of development for various industries such as construction, hydrology, energy, and more. Initially, the said company served as a general contractor providing Geotechnical Investigation Works involving drilling, in situ testing, materials testing, and consultancy then later, the company diversified as its capabilities grew to cater to additional industrial private and public projects. The company is currently actively engaged in feasibility studies and civil engineering works.
The main highlight of the event was the hands-on equipment demonstration, during which student participants were divided into three groups. These groups rotated through different stations, namely Station 1: Dynamic Cone Penetration Test, Station 2: Ground Penetrating Radar, and Station 3: Rebound Hammer and Pocket Penetrometer. These hands-on demonstrations provided students with valuable opportunities to observe and interact with the actual tools and instruments used in geotechnical engineering. By doing so, they were able to gain a deeper understanding of the equipment's principles, functionality, and limitations. These practical experiences are crucial in preparing students for the challenges they may encounter in their future geotechnical engineering careers.
Comprising the GSI Team were Engr. Allen Dela Cruz-Civil Engineer, Engr. Aldwin Montealto-Civil Engineer; Mr. Martjeremiah Romerde-Geologist; Mr. Christian Delima-HR staff; and Mr. Arnold del Fierro-Staff
Also in attendance at the event included Dr. Michael A. Clores, the Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Leah Erica B. Ignao, the Dean of the College of Science; Engr. Emelina R. Padayao, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computational Science; and Mr. Joemar C. Sedeño, the Department Chair of the BS Geology Program.
