Comprehensive utility infrastructure report turned over, sets sights on campus rehabilitation

The VSU administration officially received the completed report on the inventory and assessment of the university’s utility infrastructure to rehabilitate and upgrade systems that have long suffered from aging and disrepair. 

The turnover of deliverables was led by Project Leader Engr. Andy Phil D. Cortes and Co-Project Leader Engr. Marlon G. Burlas, and accepted by the University President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes. 

President Yepes emphasized that findings will be used to guide infrastructure priorities and future planning across the campus. 

The inventory is the first campus-wide, GIS-supported evaluation of VSU’s lifeline systems, including water distribution networks, electrical supply, drainage, and road networks. 

Many of these systems were built decades ago, and while patchwork maintenance has allowed  them to remain operational, the lack of comprehensive technical records has made long-term planning difficult. 

This new baseline now offers a complete picture of what exists, where it is located, and what condition it is in. 

Component 1: Road

Dr. Hanzel N. Mejia and his team led the assessment of the campus road network, focusing on the routes that are essential for daily operations, emergency access, and the movement of the employees, students, and visitors. 

The survey covered more than 53,000 square meters of road surface, most of which are made of concrete, with the rest consisting of gravel, asphalt, soil, or bricks. Several road segments, especially those around dormitories, farm areas, and administrative buildings, were found to be at risk due to erosion, poor drainage, and uneven surfaces. These conditions tend to worsen during heavy rains which make some areas difficult to pass and increase the risk of accidents. 

Drainage issues were frequently observed. Some roads lack proper side drains or have damaged concrete channels, which leads to water pooling in low areas. Runoff from nearby slopes also contributes to surface wear and edge damage. Without a working drainage system, these roads will continue to break down faster than they can be repaired. 

Additionally, many older roads lack up-to-date plans or as-built records which make it difficult to effectively address long-term maintenance needs. The team mentioned that there is a need to cross-reference the new infrastructure inventory with existing records to prioritize resurfacing or repairs for the most urgent areas. 

Dr. Mejia’s team used GIS tools and field checks to identify which areas are in the worst condition. Their recommendations include resurfacing damaged segments, clearing or adding  roadside drainage, repainting faded markings, improving water signage, and putting speed controls in place where needed. 

These measures will help improve road conditions across the campus and support safer and more efficient movement for everyone who lives, works, or studies in VSU. 

Component 2: Water Supply

Led by Engr. John Christian L. Gaviola of the Department of Civil Engineering, the water supply team assessed five reservoirs: Magboto, Magdagooc, Tayoto, New Lago-lago, and Old Lago-lago, which together supply the entire campus. 

While these sources currently meet demand, all were found to contain biological growth and debris. These conditions restrict water flow and accelerate wear on infrastructure. 

The team also evaluated the campus pipeline system, which is made up of varying materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), galvanized iron (GI), polyethylene (PE), and black iron (BI).

Most underground lines remain functional, but many exposed segments were observed to be leaking, corroded, or poorly supported, especially those running near rivers. 

Among the issues flagged were inconsistent pipe diameters without proper reducers, sections with no bypass routes, and a general absence of engineering documentation. In short, repairs have historically been reactive, with little coordination or long-term planning. 

The team recommended immediate leak repair, corrosion treatment, reinforced pipe supports, and the gradual introduction of looped systems to reduce the risk of complete shutdowns during maintenance. 

Component 3: Drainage

Engr. Lorie Mae R. Bello, together with her team, led the evaluation of the campus drainage systems, which play an important role in preventing flooding storms and protecting the campus from water-related issues. 

The team found out that many drainage lines were blocked with debris that restrict water flow and increase the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Some drainage channels were also poorly maintained and lacked the capacity to handle heavy rainfall. 

The drainage system across the campus is a mix of open canals, culverts, and buried pipes. However, the assessment showed that some of these channels are either broken, misaligned, or not properly connected to one another.

Inconsistencies in design and construction have resulted in bottlenecks and areas where water spills onto roads, paths, and nearby properties. Uncovered canals along walkways, informal outlets, and eroded canal edges were also flagged as safety and maintenance concerns. 

Engr. Bello’s team recommended a regular clearing of canals and outlets, structural repairs where damage is visible, and reinforcement in erosion-prone zones. They also proposed building new drainage lines in areas that frequently experience flooding, especially where current infrastructure is lacking or outdated.

These steps are meant to increase the system’s capacity to manage runoff more effectively and to guide water away from roads, buildings, and other sensitive areas of the campus.  For future construction projects, proper drainage planning will be necessary to avoid further strain on existing systems.

Component 4: Electrical Supply

The electrical component was led by Engr. Vic Angelo L. Impas. His team documented utility posts and lamp posts across five circuits and both campus zones. Posts were assessed on tilt, structural integrity, and the status of their electrical components. 

Many of the older wooden posts were covered in vines or mold, leaned dangerously, or bore decommissioned parts that remained attached. At least 63 lamp posts across the campus were found to be non-functional and recommended for removal. 

Additionally, solar-powered lights were not optimally positioned to capture sunlight which limited their effectiveness. 

The team advised replacing unstable posts, cleaning up unused electrical lines, and reorienting solar fixtures. Standardizing electrical components and reducing makeshift wiring practices were also cited as priorities to reduce safety risks. 

Component 5: GIS

The geospatial aspect of the project was led by Engr. Martin Jan E. Mercurio, with support from GIS specialists Engr. Jean G. Pepito and Engr. Precillano Ray P. Ablen.

Using field mapping tools such as the Real-Time Kinematic positioning using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS RTK), KoboCollect, and SW Maps, the team generated high-precision maps showing the location and status of infrastructure across the campus. 

The data was processed using the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software and stored in both a dedicated cloud account and external hard drives. This centralized data is now available for use by the Planning and Development Office, Physical Plant Office, and other units tasked with repair and and construction projects. 

In the short term, designated office personnel will manage the infrastructure database and consult it for maintenance planning. Long-term strategies include hiring a dedicated geospatial engineer who will host the data on the internal VSU server and provide upskilling opportunities for the staff to maintain and update the system .

With this report now in hand, VSU transitions from operating outdated diagrams and manual records to working with an integrated and updated view of its entire infrastructure projects. 

Engr. Cortes emphasized that the assessment captured not only the physical layout of the systems but also their weak points which enable better judgment calls in prioritizing repairs and designing long-term solutions. 

The administration’s next steps will now include determining budget allocations, sourcing funds for major repairs, and phasing in the recommendation provided in the report. 

What was once invisible is now mapped, analyzed, and ready to be acted upon which paves the way for more responsible, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure development in VSU. 

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and; SDG 13: Climate Change.

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