The Research Team

DR. CARLO A. ARCILLA

Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla obtained his B. S Geology degree from University of the Philippines in 1980 and briefly served as instructor in the same department before joining the University of Illinois at Chicago as teaching and research assistant while completing his master’s and PhD degrees on petrology and geochemistry from 1987-1998. He immediately returned to UP as full time professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences up to present. He has since served in various capacities such associate deans for research and extension, student and public affairs and resources and facilities for College of Science. He also served as director of the National Institute of Geological Sciences from 2007 to 2016 before being seconded to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute as its current director. He also received numerous awards from different sectors in recognition of his professional service and excellence, the highest being the 3rd Eric Nubla Outstanding Professional of the Philippines in 2016 given by the Professional Regulatory Commission.

After graduation from college, he served as senior geologist of a major mining company in the Philippines in charge of gold occurrence research and delineation of ore body extensions for 3 years. This brief stint in the private sector has contributed to his ability to balance his academic work, theoretical scientific knowledge and the actual application through practice of the geology profession. Never falling short of his teaching duties at the Institute, he is also prolific in leading various basic and ground breaking research that have significant impact in the environment and economic development. He is also active in providing much needed scientific expertise to relevant local and international issues appearing as Amicus Curiae Philippine Supreme Court and expert witness in International Court of Arbitration.

Dr Arcilla’s decades of experience has made him an expert in numerous advance scientific fields of high-temperature geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, solid and nuclear waste management, exploration geochemistry and mineral resource assessment. Aside from overseeing specialized laboratories that produce advanced research on nuclear technologies at PNRI, he also established and heads several academic laboratories at the Institute considered as one of the most complete and advance geochemical facilities in the university-the Earth Materials Science Laboratories, the latest of which is the EMS-Concrete Petrography Laboratory established in 2017. The EMS-CP Lab, the first concrete petrolab in the Philippines, has been certified to provide services related to ASTM-C856 by an international lab. It has been simultaneously conducting research on Philippine concrete materials and providing specialized technical service to key government infrastructure projects. With Dr Arcilla’s leadership, the newly established laboratory aims to help public and private sectors in ensuring durability and resilience of physical structures by providing appropriate technical and scientific information to help the local construction industry.

Taking off from the important technical milestones generated from the recently concluded “Comprehensive Evaluation of Critical Infrastructures and Construction Raw Materials in the Philippines Using Concrete Petrography”, Dr. Arcilla resumes his role as project leader of its national roll-out project entitled “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation” which aims to implement concrete petrography methodologies in all regions of the country.

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RICHARD L. YBAÑEZ

Richard L. Ybañez, currently a senior project staff of the “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation” funded by DOST-PCIEERD, is a former Instructor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, UP Diliman from 2011 to 2021. He served as the Program Leader of a ground-breaking research program entitled “Comprehensive Evaluation of Critical Infrastructures and Construction Raw Materials in the Philippines Using Concrete Petrography” also funded by DOST-PCIEERD from March 2019 to May 2021.

A licensed geologist since 2011, Mr Ybañez holds a master’s degree in Geology with specialization in modelling extreme flooding events. He is also currently working towards obtaining his Ph.D. in Geology to further develop his expertise on Natural Hazards. Simultaneous to his pursuit of graduate degrees, he has been actively sharing his technical skills by teaching field and computer methods to geology undergraduate students for almost 10 years.

For academic and research applications, he uses a variety of methods and tools such as remote sensing, GIS, drones, and 3D modeling. He also actively collaborates with other NIGS research laboratories and the UP-Resilience Institute in quick response and hazards assessment of recent disasters caused by natural hazards such as the 2019 Central Luzon Earthquake, 2019 Cotabato Earthquakes, and the 2020 Taal Eruption.

Even with his active involvement in collaborative academic researches, he also works with private sectors and local government units by practicing his profession through providing technical assistance in areas such as natural hazards, disaster risk reduction, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.

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NANCY R. AGUDA

Nancy R. Aguda is currently a senior geologist of EMS Laboratory and project officer of the new DOST-funded research “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation”, the national roll-out phase of recently concluded “Comprehensive Evaluation of Critical Infrastructures and Construction Raw Materials in the Philippines Using Concrete Petrography”.

A licensed geologist, Ms. Aguda specializes in various technical fields which involve the application of geosciences. She graduated with a degree of B. S. Geology at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, UP Diliman. After earning her Master’s Degree on Geology with specialization on geochemistry, chemical procedures and environmental monitoring schemes for heavy metal pollution of surface and groundwater resources from the same unit, she has been actively involved in various professional and voluntary works on disaster management related to development and implementation of environmental and community rehabilitation programs, disaster risk reduction, bioengineering measures, geohazards assessments and mitigations in various coastal and upland communities in the country. She has also been active in several international initiatives where application of basic and advance geosciences is relevant such as UNCLOS and UNESCO projects.

Ms. Aguda is presently involved in various academic research in the fields of geochemistry, mining, engineering geology and other applied scientific fields. She is also an officer and Trustee of Centre for Neighbourhood Studies, a non-profit Research and Technical Organization pioneering the field of neighbourhood science, planning, and development, where she provides technical expertise appropriate to local community’s needs.

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JEREMY JAMES C. JIMENEZ

Jeremy James C. Jimenez is a senior geologist and researcher of Earth Materials Science Laboratories managing the quality assessment and control of petrographic test services. As one of the first batch of geologists trained in the discipline of concrete petrography, Mr. Jimenez oversaw the establishment of the EMS-Concrete Petrography Lab while simultaneously performing the necessary research on the optimization of new equipment, sample preparation, processing and analysis protocols in 2017. He was also responsible for the training of other geologists and laboratory technicians in basic and advance skills relevant to petrography. While primarily specializing in the evaluation of construction materials, he is also proficient in the other geologic, geochemical and geodetic services offered by the EMS Laboratories. He is presently a senior project staff of DOST-PCIEERD funded program “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation” that aims to assess and evaluate hardened concrete and concrete components nationwide.

After graduating from the National Institute of Geological Sciences in UP with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology and obtaining his professional license on the same year, Mr. Jimenez started his master’s degree in Geology from the same Institute. Specializing in the field of concrete petrography and aggregate testing, his graduate research topic focuses on alkali-silica reaction as a consequence of deleterious components inherent to the natural construction raw materials present in the Philippines. He would like to educate the industry on basic geologic concepts that may affect the construction sector. After finishing his graduate studies, he plans on pursuing further studies to obtain hi PhD, still focusing on the characterization of concrete raw materials and possible measures to improve their quality. 

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MARIA ELIZABETH S. LAUS

Maria Elizabeth S. Laus, a geology graduate student at UP NIGS, is a senior geologist at Earth Materials Science Laboratory, in-charge of project development and implementation of various technical activities related to exploration and resource evaluation. Given her robust experience in the industry, she used to oversee the implementation and coordination of geological evaluation of construction raw materials with various stakeholders of the project “Comprehensive Evaluation of Critical Infrastructures and Construction Raw Materials in the Philippines Using Concrete Petrography”. Her research works includes the characterization of construction raw materials and evaluation of their impacts on strength and durability of concrete structures.

Ms. Laus started her career as a geologist in the cement industry and has close to 6 years of industry experience, particularly in the exploration of raw material resources/reserves and mining operations, mine rehabilitation, legal and regulatory compliance, economic feasibility, and social acceptability. She managed exploration projects and mine permitting to expand and sustain raw materials supply for clinker and cement production. She served as the official point of contact of global corporate headquarters of a publicly listed company with regards to the validation of raw materials resources and reserves for two local cement manufacturing facilities.

Ms. Laus currently aims to contribute to the advancement of cement and concrete research and development in the Philippines. Her on-going master thesis focuses on the evaluation of local geological deposits as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and their capacity to increase concrete durability by mitigating deleterious chemical reactions between cement and reactive aggregates in the Philippines.

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KATE B. CUYNO

Kate Cuyno, a graduate student at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, UP Diliman and member of Earth Materials Science Laboratories, is currently a University Research Associate of DOST-PCIEERD funded research program “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation”.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Geology at the same Institute, Ms. Cuyno acquired her professional license in 2018. Her interests include geologic mapping, mineralogical and geochemical analysis of natural materials. She aspires to pursue a career in the field of engineering geology and is currently honing her skills through active involvement in various collaborative researches of EMS Laboratories. In preparation of her chosen professional path, she is currently working on her master’s thesis which will characterize different limestone units in Bohol island and explore their suitability as aggregate sources for concrete structures.

Once she earns her master’s degree, she plans on practicing her profession in the private sector, and eventually exploring career opportunities overseas. With that experience, she hopes to use her technical expertise in the government sector, specifically in her hometown province of Bohol and contribute to its progress towards social and economic development.

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CHELLY MEI N. TANPOCO

Chelly Mei N. Tanpoco is a member of Earth Materials Science Laboratories and Project Technical Assistant for the DOST-PCIEERD funded program entitled “ISCoPe: Interdisciplinary Studies on Concrete Petrography”.

Ms. Tanpoco graduated with a degree of B.S. Geology at the National Institute of Geological Sciences in UP Diliman. During her undergraduate years, she was a member of a research laboratory focused on the application of geology to various engineering concepts and developed an interest in studying landslides and geohazards assessments and mitigation. To further her academic credentials, she entered the master’s degree program for Geology at the same Institute and specialize in the characterization of construction raw materials. Using her knowledge of the geology of the Philippines, she hopes to investigate and understand the behavior of natural materials used in construction of critical infrastructures to ensure its quality to withstand natural disasters, especially earthquakes and typhoons.

Ms. Tanpoco, together with the rest of the project team, continues to conduct academic and applied researches in the field of Concrete Petrography and characterization of raw materials used in concrete to understand various deleterious reactions which may affect infrastructure quality in the country. She specifically hopes to gain further understanding on the geological and geochemical characteristics and effect of Mt. Pinatubo lahar used as fine aggregates in the construction industry as part of her master’s thesis in the geology graduate program at UP NIGS.

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DR. RAMON D. QUEBRAL

Dr. Ramon D. Quebral, Structural Geologist/Engineering Geologist, earned his BS Geology from UP Diliman in 1980. He has since obtained numerous degrees namely, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Photogeology and Remote Sensing from ITC in Enschede, The Netherlands; MSc and PhD in Structural Geology from the University of Paris, France and was the recipient of two post-doctoral research grants in Structural Geology (Marine Geology and Seismology) in mid1990s. The subject of his dissertation was the southern segment of the Philippine Fault in eastern Mindanao hence he is known as the leading expert in this field.

Dr. Quebral has participated in numerous conferences, seminar-workshops and trainings in the following fields: remote sensing, aerial photo-interpretation, geographic information system; environmental impact assessment, mining environment, climate change, disaster risk reduction; structural geology, tectonics; geohazards, seismic hazards, landslides; engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics, soil mechanics, slope stability, liquefaction; dams, tunnels, hydro-electric power projects in various capacities such as participant, speaker, lecturer and subject matter expert.

Straight from college, he joined Mines and Geosciences Bureau and stayed for more than 30 years until he retired in 2013 holding positions such as Section Chief of the Urban Geology Section and the Regional Geology Section. Dr. Quebral also lent his expertise to numerous important undertakings as a consultant to different entities since 1994 doing work in structural geology, engineering geology, geohazard, seismic hazard assessment and post-disaster hazard assessment for various sectors, among others: energy (Malampaya pipeline, large dams, run-of river HEPPs, geothermal plants, coal-fired power plants, solar, wind, biomass, transmission lines, sub-stations), water resources (irrigation dams, small reservoir impoundment projects, bulk water supply, aqueducts), infrastructure (roads, bridges, tunnels, ports), mining (tailings dams, open pits, quarries, tunnels, shafts, civil works) and land development (reclamation, subdivisions, high rise buildings, resorts).

Dr. Quebral, presently the Principal Geologist of AMH (Philippines), Inc., a UP-based engineering consultancy firm, is also an active Environmental Impact Assessment reviewer of DENR-EMB (EMB Central Office, EMB Regions I, III, IVA, IVB, NCR) since 2000. Even after his retirement from government service, his interest in the academic field continues as a professorial lecturer at his Alma matter, UP NIGS, teaching and mentoring graduate students. He has also reviewed for DOST-PCIEERD and UP Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development. He continues to be active in the field of research and technology lending his expertise as one of the technical advisers to EMS Laboratories DOST-funded Concrete Petrography research program.

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ENGR. ANTONIO J. REYNO

Engr Antonio J. Reyno, a recipient of Philippines’ Balik Scientist Program since 2010, is currently a Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Civil Engineering in University of the Philippines sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of geotechnical engineering and civil construction material testing. He is also actively involved in various research, in collaboration with other UP academic institutions, government and private sectors, related to the improvement of concrete quality.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UP, he moved on to secure several diplomas and graduate degree on water resources, geothermal energy and engineering studies from UP, University of Auckland and University of Sydney. After his engineering stint at the Phil National Oil Corporation, he transferred to Sydney and established a robust professional practice in the construction industry. Simultaneously, he was also very active in several academic institutions such as University of Sydney, Sydney Institute of Technology and University of Technology Sydney generously sharing his expertise by teaching, mentoring, and conducting research and consulting in the fields of civil construction materials testing, geotechnical & foundation engineering, soil and fluid mechanics and concrete technology.

After more than 3 decades of professional and academic engagement in Australia, Engr Reyno has returned to his alma mater in the Philippines to share his valuable experience and knowledge for the improvement of civil engineering practices in the Philippines.

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DR. MARLON T. CONATO

Dr. Marlon Conato, professor at the Institute of Chemistry, UP Diliman, is the project leader of a component project of DOST-PCIEERD-funded multi-disciplinary research program “Comprehensive Evaluation of Critical Infrastructures and Construction Raw Materials in the Philippines Using Concrete Petrography” from March 2019 to May 2021. While UP-NIGS, main implementing unit, is in charge of the assessment of critical lifeline structures, Dr. Conato’s project is focused on the full characterization of construction raw materials used in these lifeline establishments.

Dr. Conato, a graduate of Bachelor and Master of Science in Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, UP Diliman, obtained his PhD in Chemistry from Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston, Texas, USA in 2012. He went on to conduct his post-doctoral research at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, also at the University of Houston.

His professional background includes two decades of dedicated work in the field of chemistry starting as a university research associate immediately after college graduation up to his post graduate studies. He eventually came back to his Institute at the University of the Philippines to serve as a full time professor in 2015 to present, teaching and mentoring chemistry enthusiasts like him and prepare them join their colleagues in the professional field. He was recently awarded by the National Academy of Science and Technology as one of the Outstanding Young Scientist of 2020.

Dr. Conato extensively researched on the synthesis and properties of microporous crystals such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), inorganic oxide catalysts, functional polymer materials, and biomaterials from marine organisms. His work encompasses a wide array of applications including fundamental catalysis, selective adsorption and separation, and extends to applications in the environment and energy.

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MARK JOHN D. REYES

Mark John D. Reyes, a Laboratory Technician of the EMS Laboratories, is also a project staff of the new project “Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation”. His key skills include sample preparation of rock and concrete samples, and drilling of concrete cores from built structures. He is also involved in providing hands-on training sessions at the laboratory for basic concrete petrography sample preparation methods.

A certified Electronics Technician, Mr. Reyes specializes in the application of electronics technology in various technical appliances. He graduated with a Diploma in Technology, Major in Electronics Technology at the University of Rizal System, Cainta Rizal. After earning his diploma, he went to Collins International Trading Corporations for his on-the-job training and gained experience in repairing apparatus and appliances.

He plans on acquiring a TESDA Certificate NCII related to his educational background to enhance his skills and explore more about his career path. He aspires to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Technology and eventually go into full practice of his chosen field.

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LISTER B. RABINO

Lister B. Rabino is currently a Laboratory Technician of the Philippine Comprehensive Nationwide Construction Resources Technical Evaluation Project of the EMS-Concrete Petrography Laboratory. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Access Computer College. His experience in the construction industry as laborer, and administrative officer gave his familiarity to different construction and engineering works.

Mr. Rabino is trained in preparing both concrete and rock samples for petrographic analysis.

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