[The Mind Museum, Taguig City] Alex Campbell, MSc, MASc., Director of Engineering Solutions, Anyway Solutions
From stabilization experts to pavement consultants specializing in climate resiliency
The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is a venue where science and technology come to life. It is a state-of-the-art science museum where great minds of all ages are inspired to aim high and achieve excellence. It is a perfect place for sharing of knowledge and expertise, and to discuss smart strategies in addressing the effects of climate change in transport infrastructure.
On April 17, 2024, at The Mind Museum Auditorium, AnyWay Solutions organized and hosted an exclusive symposium addressing the importance of climate resiliency in mitigating the effects of climate change on transport infrastructure in the Philippines. The title of the symposium is “Climate Resiliency for Transport Infrastructure Symposium”.
AnyWay Solutions is a company that offers engineering services and world-class solutions for transport infrastructure. They have global expertise in providing climate-resilient solutions in different countries.
With headquarters in Ontario, Canada, the company has over 20 years track record in specializing in transport infrastructure projects on all continents of the world.
AnyWay Solutions is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, founded in 1946.
Why is there an urgent need to address the issue of climate change effects? During the COP28, the Philippines was highlighted as one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Thus, the symposium by AnyWay Solutions is one of the proactive ways to initiate some sense of urgency on the matter.
The full-day symposium brought together government officials, policymakers, engineers, and contractors. Various speakers shared their expertise and experiences as they solved challenges. Their presentations highlighted the innovative ideas, lessons learned, and practical solutions related to the planning, design, financing, construction and maintenance of resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Atty. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, Assistant Secretary / Deputy Executive of Climate Change Commission presented the report "Climate Change and Resilient Transport Infrastructure in the Philippines" by Sec. Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Climate Change Commission. He reported that the transport sector is the third-largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector, accounting 22.76% of our 2020 National GHG Inventory. A total of 24.174 Mt of CO2 equivalent is emitted by the sector. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) sets our GHG emission reduction and avoidance target at 75% by 2030.
“The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, also known as Republic Act No. 10771, promotes low-carbon, resilient, sustainable growth, and the creation of decent jobs through incentivizing the business enterprises that generate green jobs, including the transportation industry,” he said.
“The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that the transport sector could create around 370,000 jobs by 2030 with a potential cumulative net savings of around $6 billion.”
Asst. Sec. Constante Llanes, Dept. of Public Works and Highways presented Sec. Manuel M. Bonoan's report -- "Department of Public Works and Highways: Climate Change Implications for Infrastructure Development, Mitigation and Adaption Plan".
He discussed the Marcos administration's 8-point socioeconomic agenda in the near and medium term for robust economy, inclusive and resilient society. To name a few, this includes:
1. Protecting the purchasing power of families. - Ensure food security. Reduce transport and logistic cost. Reduce energy cost.
2. Reduce vulnerability and mitigate scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic. - Tackle health. Strengthen social protection. Address learning losses.
3. Ensure sound macroeconomic fundamentals. - Improve bureaucratic efficiency. Ensure sound fiscal management.
4. Create more jobs, quality jobs, and green jobs. - Promote investments. Improve infrastructure. Expand digital infrastructure. Ensure energy security. Pursue a green and blue economy. Increase employability. Establish livable and sustainable communities.
Alex Campbell, MSc, MASc., Director of Engineering Solutions, Anyway Solutions, presented in two sessions his case studies on the road building repairs and solutions in Papua New Guinea, "Climate Resiliency for transport infrastructure - different thing for different countries".
He mentioned that AnyWay Solutions is a, “consulting engineering firm providing not only designs but also specific technologies, techniques and quality control to ensure that infrastructure is built to withstand the impact of changing climates.”
He also gave a lecture titled "Advanced technologies in use as part of climate resilient design process".
Some key takeaways from his lecture include:
1. Climate is changing, so should your transport infrastructure design and construction techniques.
2. The resiliency of your transport infrastructure is critical to the economy and people's quality of life.
3. Utilizing advanced technologies and techniques through the complete process is a must.
4. Make your roads stronger through utilizing advanced technologies and techniques of pavement design.
5. Locate the solutions. Enhance local capacity of your transportation professionals.
6. Together we can make a difference.
Another speaker for the symposium is Michael Anyala, Senior Transport Specialist, Transport Sector Office of Asian Development Bank. His presentation is titled "Enabling Climate-Resilient Transport Systems in Asia and the Pacific".
He mentioned ADB’s commitment to scale up climate change adaptation. Firstly, ADB Strategy 2030 -- “Building Climate and Disaster Resilience” which is one of the 7 operational priorities of ADB's Strategy 2030. Secondly, “ADB Climate Finance Ambition” aims to provide $100 billion climate finance between 2019-2030, out of which $34 billion is for adaptation. Thirdly, he mentioned ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department’s (IED) Recommendations which is to focus on outcomes of adaptation projects and not just on finance. ADB believes that evaluation is central to good corporate governance. ADB continually reviews its operations to assess their effectiveness, learn from past experience, and improve the development of future policies, strategies, programs, and projects.
Other presenters and their topics for the symposium include:
~ Prof. Mikail Chester from Arizona State University, "Rigidly designed transportation systems for climate uncertainty"
~ Prof. Michelle Rubido Palumbarit - UN CIFAL (UNITAR), “UN Sustainable development goals and the role of CIFAL PH in awareness and working with stakeholders to contribute to climate action”
~ Ricardo Lagdameo, CEO/President, Damosaland, “The importance of climate resiliency as part of Damosaland priority ESG's and SDG's and how either was identified for DLI success”
~ David Wereh, Department of Work and Highways PNG, “Experience in implementing engineering designs, solutions, trainings and additional elements which have increased the climate resiliency of projects in PNG”
~ William Johnson, Endec Inc., “Implementing climate resilient engineering in transport infrastructure projects - short and long terms benefits for contractors”
~ Magid Elabyad, International Road Federation, “Capacity Building and knowledge sharing as key to achieving climate resiliency - IRF Global's role and actions”
For the final part of the symposium, Zeevik Halber, CEO of Anyway Solutions, joined the symposium online from Israel. He discussed "Asset Maintenance -- Not what you think". His talk is an insightful and informative lecture on the true assets in infrastructure and transportation that are often overlooked by some countries which, in turn, brings about road disasters, financial loses, and more expenses. He mentioned that after the creation of a roads, bridges, or other transport structures, these are now considered assets. And through the course of time, these assets should be maintained, monitored, and managed properly in order to prevent future problems.
Assets include roads and highways, mass transportation, airports and seaports, rural roads, urban roads, etc. “Not the same solutions for all types of assets, but certainly the same principles.”
Sustainable asset management can be accomplished by prioritizing five strategic elements, namely: it should be resilient, inclusive, flexible, technological, and productive.
Here are some important key points from his lecture:
Time to Change the Paradigm? Yes!
1. Asset management must have a larger portion of the complete project's financing.
2. Governments need to budget much more for asset management.
3. It is time to transfer the responsibility to local communities.
4. We need to introduce more technological tools fitted to the level of the asset being managed.
5. It has to be much more productive -- the closer we are to the Asset, the better we manage it.
6. All four dimensions should be considered: environmental, social, institutional, and economic.
7. And most importantly, he emphasized, “Only together can we make a difference.”
Atty. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, Assistant Secretary / Deputy Executive of Climate Change Commission
Asst. Sec. Constante Llanes, Dept. of Public Works and Highways
Michael Anyala, Senior Transport Specialist, Transport Sector Office of Asian Development Bank
Mr Zeevik Halber, CEO of Anyway Solutions, joined the symposium online from Israel.
AnyWay Solutions and De La Salle University
From their company website, AnyWay Solutions believes that transport infrastructure is the backbone of a country’s economy. It is a vital lifeline for its people, connecting them to essential health, education, and social services. For over two decades, AnyWay Solutions has been at the forefront of providing climate-resilient solutions globally.
Last Feb. 23, AnyWay Solutions collaborated with De La Salle University by signing a memorandum of understanding to exchange knowledge on climate-adaptive infrastructure over the next five years.
This means that AnyWay and DLSU will work together in providing joint teaching opportunities to the students on the topic of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure. Topics may include pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume road engineering and rehabilitation, and upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques, and technologies for soil stabilization. The partnership will also create a mentorship program to continue research on this scope of topics.
“As we look to the future of our industry workforce, programs like the ones we are embarking on with DLSU will prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead of them, specifically to benefit the Philippines and build local capacity,” from a statement by AnyWay Solutions CEO, Zeevik Halber. [2]
For more information about AnyWay Solutions, please visit their website at https://anywaysolutions.com/.
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Photos:
by Marcelle P. Villegas, journalist - Philippine Resources Journal
Reference:
[1] https://anywaysolutions.com/
[2] GMA Integrated News (Feb. 23, 2024). "DLSU, AnyWay Solutions to exchange knowledge on climate-resilient infra".
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/898368/dlsu-anyway-solutions-to-exchange-knowledge-on-climate-resilient-infra/story/
