USM climbs to 238th in Southeast Asia in 2027 QS Asia University Rankings
November 5, 2026
Engr. Jay M. Navaluna and Prof. Ma. Elena N. Tanabe of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) presented their research on lead contamination in rainwater runoff and microorganism-related concrete deterioration at the 12th International Exchange and Innovation Conference on Engineering & Sciences (IECES 2026), held on October 28–30, 2026, at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan.
Engr. Navaluna shared the findings of his study on, “First Flush Characteristics of Lead (Pb) in Parking Lot Stormwater Runoff Following Short Antecedent Dry Days,” in an oral presentation. He co-authored the paper with USM alumnus Zerick Lee M. Adang. Their study looked into how lead from parking lot surfaces enters stormwater runoff, particularly during rainfall after short dry periods.
Prof. Tanabe, meanwhile, presented the study “Assessment of Microbiologically Induced Concrete Corrosion (MICC) of Concrete Water Tanks in Malinan, Kidapawan City” through a poster presentation. The research, co-authored by USM alumnus Jomar Clarence C. Cambal and Engr. Navaluna, examined the role of microorganisms in the deterioration of concrete water tanks. It was conducted jointly by the USM Department of Biology and the Department of Civil Engineering.
The two studies were among the 300 papers selected for presentation from 1,000 submissions representing 16 countries.
