Student Conference on Transportation Research 2012: Call for Abstracts

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS/FULL PAPERS

Organized by

Civil Engineering Department

De La Salle University-Manila

Date: March 30, 2012 (Friday)

Venue: Room 407/408, Yuchengco Building, De La Salle University-Manila

Registration is Free

Objectives of the conference:

1.    To encourage the conduct of transportation research among institutions of higher learning both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

2.    To provide a venue for research presentations and discussions for students were they can interact with practitioners, professionals and researchers in the field of transportation.

Important Dates:

Deadline of Abstract Submission: January 16, 2012

Notice of Acceptance of Abstract: January 20, 2012

Deadline of Full Paper Submission: February 17, 2012

Comments from Reviewers/Referees: March 2, 2012

Deadline of Revised Full Paper Submission: March 19, 2012

About the Abstract:

1.    Abstracts should be limited to 200 words.

2.    Include the title, names of all authors, full postal and email addresses and contact numbers of all the authors.

3.    Provide three-five key words. Please see the sample abstract format.

About the Full Paper:

1.    Please see format.

Please E-mail your Abstract/Full paper to: amfillone@gmail.com, gmesh_ph@yahoo.com

2012 Transport and Traffic

Dear avid readers,

Happy New Year!!!

Last 2011 has been a year of challenges as well as improvements in the transport sector. A year to tear down (U-turns) and to build up (motorcycle lanes). A total of 20 posts were published here related to transport or traffic. Last year marked more knowledge as Engineer Einjel was given a great opportunity to observe the transportation system of Korea, experienced working, and many more. Being at the forefront of research and developments give glimpses of what to expect in 2012 and the coming years.


Cheers! Bring it on 2012! May you able to enjoy the good things as well.

Regards,
Engineer Einjel

Reflections

The past two weeks has been a roller coaster of being here and there.. of seeing the government sector's top and even lower levels of transport management, planning and design. How I wish I could replicate myself to meet the technical needs of our country. There's so much to be done. There are more provincial engineers who need assistance and coaching in terms of road design/engineering. I resolve then to work diligently, faithfully giving my best to the tasks given to me right now. I know I can't do it all. But by God's grace, I can do my part well.

NCTS’ First Offering of Traffic Impact Assessment for Technical Evaluators

The participants

The University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies had a “soft” first offering of their course on Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) last July 5-7, 2011 in Toyota Training Room, UP NCTS, Diliman, Quezon City.

“Soft” in the sense that there were few participants joined by one from Bayauan representing Visayas, three for General Santos City representing Mindanao and the rest from different parts of Luzon such as Bulacan, Laguna and cities within Metro Manila. The participants were members from the traffic management division of most Local Government Units (LGUs). They are the evaluators from the city or LGU side before a proponent could push through with any project. They are the evaluators who give building permits or certificate of occupancy to developers or would-be businesses ib their locale.

Some of them may be reluctant on attending this course but towards the end of the three-day event, a more enlightened faces can be seen in them. It is through more knowledge about TIA could they be truly empowered to be effective in their roles and responsibilities in their respective cities. As they say, “Knowledge is power.”

On the third day, a participant asked Dr. Cal this question: “What are or should be our next steps as we go back to our provinces and cities? Because at this moment I or may be most of us seem to be lost on what to do after this enlightening course. We have learned or we were equipped now about TIA but what are to be expected from us as we head home?”

Dr. Cal then challenged them to convince their superiors or mayors to come up with city ordinance on TIA, be more proactive by sharing what they learned to their neighboring cities, and to apply what they learned in their practice.

During the closing remarks, the participants’ representative gave feedback and his short speech was deeply encouraging and inspiring not only to his fellow participants but even to the NCTS admin and staff who organized the event. Indeed, they were sent by their mayors because their mayors believed in them. Then through them, lies the power to convince their bosses that there is a need for TIA. And changes in their cities will start from few but bold people like them.