Demonstrating institutional excellence on the international stage, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) civil engineering alumnus and School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT) faculty member Engr. Christopher John De Vera, together with SMU civil engineering alumni Engr. Michael James Benedict Paluyo, Engr. Francis Ira Valdez, Engr. Corwin Owen Motilla, and Engr. Brandon Dasalla, presented their groundbreaking research at the IABSE Incheon Congress 2026, held from September 16–18, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea.

The paper, titled “MFOB: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility with Mobile FlyOver Bridge solutions,” introduces an adaptable, retractable flyover mechanism engineered to alleviate severe traffic congestion during temporary road maintenance and rehabilitation works. Representing SMU and the Philippines among global experts, the faculty-alumni team highlighted how local engineering innovations can address complex urban mobility challenges.

Hosted by the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) under the overarching theme “Structural Engineering Towards Evolution and Hyper-expansion,” the prestigious global congress gathered structural engineers, researchers, and academic leaders from around the world.

Prior to their international engagement, the authors earned institutional distinction during SMU’s LIKHA Week, receiving the prestigious LIKHA Award upon graduation. Their work also gained national prominence when presented at the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Student Summit 2025 in Taguig City.

This international achievement highlights Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to fostering strong faculty-student research collaboration, advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions, and promoting scholarly excellence on the global stage.