The Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP), in collaboration with the City Government of Iloilo and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), hosted the 30th Annual Conference of the TSSP on September 13, 2024 at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City. The theme of the conference was "Sustainable Transport and Mobility Choices for Healthier Cities.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ma. Sheilah G. Napalang, president of TSSP, posed a thought-provoking question to the participants: How can we create a transportation system that is accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their background or abilities? Additionally, how can we ensure that this transportation system supports sustainable communities and promotes healthier cities?
The conference brings together the fields of public health, urban planning, engineering, environmental sustainability, and economic development, sparking insightful conversations that will bring us closer to innovative solutions and meaningful change, according to Dr. Clement C. Camposano, Chancellor of UP Visayas.
Hon. Jerry P. Treñas, Mayor of Iloilo City, delivered his message of support through EnP Ronald M. Cartagena, the City Planning and Development Coordinator of Iloilo City, as he was unable to attend the conference.
The keynote lecturer of the conference was Renzo R. Guinto, MD, DrPH, an associate professor of Global and Planetary Health at SingHealth Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore. He was introduced by Dr. Mare Danielle V. Guillen, a board member of TSSP. Dr. Guinto discussed his topic “Building Healthy Societies, Safeguarding Planetary Health: The Role of Transport and Urban Mobility.”
In his presentation, Dr. Guinto emphasized that health is not just the absence of disease; it also encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. He noted that health includes the ability to adapt and self-manage despite various circumstances. He also mentioned that the bulk of our health is shaped by social and environmental determinants. In light of bringing the health gospel to other sectors, Dr. Guinto stated that the participants of the conference can influence the planning, design, and policy programs in the sectors in which we are involved
The lecture was followed by a panel presentation and discussion on the theme, “Enhancing Sustainable Transport and Mobility Choices through Public Transport Planning and the Promotion of Micromobility.” The panelists included EnP Ronald M. Cartagena, City Planning and Development Coordinator of Iloilo City; Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, Assistant City Administrator of Davao City and Project Manager of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program; Ms. Josefa B. Calimag of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation; Arch. EnP Wilfredo Sy, Jr. of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) Center in Iloilo City; and Prof. Early Sol A. Gadong, Assistant Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at UPV. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Crispin Emmanuel D. Diaz, board member of TSSP and professor at UP-SURP.
Six plenary sessions were held in the afternoon. The topics included public transportation, active transportation and mobility, traffic engineering, urban transport, two- and three-wheeled mobility, and transport and technology.
The following are the winners of the best presentation and best paper awards:
Best Presentation of the TSSP 30th Annual Conference
Presenter: Louise Anne Quilay
Affiliation: Institute of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman
Paper Title: Development of Road Geometric Scanner using Slamtec RPLiDAR A3
Authors: Louise Anne Quilay and Lea Bronuela-Ambrocio
Best Paper of the TSSP 30th Annual Conference
Presenter: Lester Jay Ollero
Affiliation: Institute of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman
Paper Title: A Microsimulation Model of an Exclusive Bus Lane: The Case of EDSA Busway
Authors: Lester Jay Ollero, Karl B. N. Vergel, Noriel Christopher Tiglao
The awardees received certificates and cash prizes.
Participants of the conference included students and professors from Adamson University, Cagayan State University - Carig Campus, De La Salle University, Mapúa University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of the Philippines Visayas, and University of San Jose Recoletos.
