Kalinga State University successfully conducted a three-day training workshop on slope stability analysis and engineering interventions for rice terraces, road infrastructures, and terrain areas under its Program BOONDOCK. It was held on February 11-13, 2025, at KSU main campus. The workshop aimed to equip engineers, researchers, and practitioners with advanced techniques for assessing and mitigating slope stability risks.

The event featured project proponents, including Dr. Lope T. Buen, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Rhonjhon Garming, Director for Planning; Engr. Solomon Lao-aten; Ms. Ida Marie R. Buen;Engr. Ma.Faith Awid and Engr. Sean Ayang-ang who provided in-depth discussions on modern slope stability analysis methodologies.

The workshop covered empirical and numerical approaches, including the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Hoek-Brown Criterion, and Slope Mass Rating (SMR). Participants gained hands-on experience with tools such as Agisoft Metashape, Civil 3D, Rocscience Slide2, and RS2 for slope modeling and Factor of Safety (FOS) analysis. Additionally, they conducted field surveys, geologic mapping, and Swedish Weight Sounding Tests to enhance their practical understanding of slope stability assessments.

The training culminated in the presentation of proposed slope protection designs, featuring detailed drawings, cost estimates, and FOS comparisons. This initiative is particularly relevant for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), where mountainous terrains and rice terraces are prone to slope instability.

The event was attended by representatives from Mountain Province State University (MPSU), Apayao State College (ASC), Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST), Kalinga Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (Kalinga-OPAG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office (LKDEO), Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office (UKDEO), DPWH-CAR, City Engineering Office-Tabuk, Department of Science and Technology-CAR (DOST-CAR), and the City Building and Architecture Office-Tabuk (CBAO-Tabuk).

The workshop underscores KSU’s commitment to promoting sustainable geotechnical engineering practices and disaster risk reduction efforts in vulnerable communities.