Environmental Hydrology Laboratory

Members of the Environmental Hydrology Laboratory participated in the 13th Annual International Conference on Environmental Science, held from 3–5 June 2026 at the SAFAD Theatre, University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus, where they shared research findings and contributed to discussions on current environmental challenges and water resources management.

Dr. Mayzonee Ligaray, principal investigator of the Environmental Hydrology Laboratory, was invited as a panel speaker in the session, "Socio-Ecological Evidence Analysis of Urban Flooding in Metro Cebu." Joining the panel were Dr. Roland Otadoy of the University of San Carlos, Atty. John Menguito, Executive Director of the Philippine Earth Justice Center, Inc., and Dr. Antonio Contreras of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. During the discussion, Dr. Ligaray presented findings from the laboratory's recent study on flooding in Cebu City.

The conference also provided an opportunity for graduate students to present their ongoing research. Jayson del Rosario delivered an oral presentation entitled "Rainfall-derived Data Integration into Hydraulic Models of Selected Tributaries of Manila Bay, Philippines," which explored methods of incorporating rainfall-derived datasets into hydraulic modeling to improve flood assessment in selected river systems.

Meanwhile, Wendy Baya presented a poster titled "Evaluation of Satellite-Derived Evapotranspiration as Proxy Calibration Data for Hydrologic Modeling in Selected Philippine Watersheds." The study presented the baseline hydrologic characterization of two selected Philippine watersheds, which will serve as the foundation for evaluating the use of satellite-derived evapotranspiration (ET) as a proxy calibration dataset for hydrologic modeling. By exploring alternative sources of calibration data, the research aims to improve hydrologic modeling in watersheds where ground-based observations are limited, supporting more reliable water resources assessment and management.

Caelan Diaz also presented a poster entitled "Basin-Wide Suitability Assessment and Hydrological Modeling of Blue-Green Infrastructure of Selected Basins in Central and Southern Luzon." The study aims to develop a framework for evaluating the suitability of blue-green infrastructure (BGI), identify areas where these nature-based interventions can be effectively implemented, and assess their potential hydrological impacts. By combining spatial analysis with hydrologic modeling, the research seeks to support evidence-based watershed planning and promote sustainable approaches to flood mitigation and water resources management.

Scientific conferences play an important role in advancing research by providing opportunities to exchange ideas, communicate findings, and foster collaborations among researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers which subsequently help translate scientific findings into practical solutions for environmental and societal challenges. By sharing studies on flooding, hydrologic modeling, remote sensing, and nature-based solutions, the Environmental Hydrology Laboratory continues to contribute to the growing body of knowledge that supports evidence-based water resources management and environmental decision-making in the Philippines.