Mapúa MCL Delegation Represents Institution at ICLCA 2026 in Shanghai, China
Written and submitted by the Mapúa MCL Research Delegation to ICLCA 2026
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) faculty researchers brought their studies on sustainable technologies and environmental solutions to the international stage as they represented the institution at the 12th International Conference on Low Carbon Asia (ICLCA 2026) held from October 19 to 22, 2026, at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China.
Led by Engr. Tristan Roy Panaligan, Engr. Kristine Joyce Ortiz, Engr. Neslyn Principio, Engr. Maria Carmela Capul, and Engr. Jomar Oblea, the delegation participated in the four-day conference alongside fellow Mapúa MCL researchers, Engr. Maribel G. Songsong, Dean Jesuniño R. Aquino, Engr. Alexander Hamilton H. Atienza, Dr. Catherine Salvador, Ms. Jonalyn Ebron, Engr. Monette Loy-A, and Dr. Mae M. Garcillanosa, who presented their studies through online technical sessions.
Carrying the theme, “Moving the Needle to 1.5: Science, Technology, Finance, and Policy Integration to Materialise Asia’s Net-Zero Transition,” ICLCA 2026 gathered scientists, policy experts, and industry leaders to discuss approaches to decarbonization and the transition toward a low-carbon future in Asia.
The conference provided a platform for Mapúa MCL researchers to present studies addressing environmental sustainability through bio-based materials, waste-to-energy conversion, process simulation, green building solutions, and urban environmental resilience.
Their research contributes to advancing sustainable material development and circular economy practices, supporting United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Beyond their research presentations, the delegation participated in plenary sessions and the Green City High-Level Forum, engaging with international researchers and exploring developments in sustainable technologies and environmental management.
Engr. Panaligan and Engr. Ortiz also chaired parallel oral presentation sessions and served on the conference’s Board of Advisors. Through their participation in key discussions on the conference series’ academic direction, technical scope, and strategic partnerships, they further contributed to international research collaboration in line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The delegation’s participation culminated in four awards recognizing research excellence and contributions to sustainable development.
Engr. Kristine Joyce Ortiz received the Best Presenter Award for the study “An Intelligent Eco-Brick Reverse Vending Machine for Automated Eco-Brick Verification Supporting Circular Plastic Waste Recovery,” which explores an approach to plastic waste recovery and supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Meanwhile, Engr. Jesuniño Aquino earned the Best Paper Award for “A Streamlined Life-Cycle Carbon Screening Model for Philippine Grid Decarbonisation under Renewable Expansion and Coal Phase-Down.” The study addresses carbon assessment in the Philippine power sector and aligns with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Engr. Maria Carmela Capul also received the Best Presenter Award for “Waste to Energy: Development of a Small-Scale Odor-Controlled Methane Digester with Thermoelectric Generator-Based System,” highlighting the potential of waste-to-energy technologies in supporting SDG 7 and SDG 12.
Completing the delegation’s recognitions, Engr. Neslyn Principio received the Best Paper Award for “Life Cycle Assessment-Based Environmental Comparison of Portland Cement and Geopolymer Concrete.” The research contributes to evaluating sustainable construction materials in line with SDG 9 and SDG 11.
These achievements underscore the institution’s continuing efforts to advance engineering research that addresses environmental concerns and explores practical solutions for sustainable development.
Through its participation in ICLCA 2026, Mapúa MCL strengthened its engagement with the international research community while highlighting the importance of locally relevant solutions to global environmental challenges.
From exploring ways to transform waste into useful materials to applying scientific modeling in evaluating sustainable systems, the delegation’s work demonstrates how research can be a contribution.
