The University of San Carlos (USC) and the USC Water Resources Center Foundation Inc. (USC WRCFI) hosted a research conference on October 12, 2026 at Rigney Hall, Bunzel Bldg., in Talamban Campus to address knowledge gaps in groundwater research.
This conference was organized in collaboration with two Belgian universities, the University of Mons and the Catholic University of Louvain, as part of the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES) – From groundwater to water consumption: Multidisciplinary Characterization to support sustainable Aquifer exploitation in CoastaL metropolitan areas (CarAqCol) Project.
Members of the academe, local government units, and cross-sector stakeholders convened to discuss multidisciplinary strategies in managing coastal aquifers for local communities.
The conference highlighted strong cross-sector collaboration, with the Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova, as well as researchers from partner universities in Belgium, and Cebu’s city and provincial government units joining the conversation.
During the conference, doctoral candidates Engr. Kathrina Marie Borgonia (UMONS) and Engr. Clofer Suson (UCLouvain) presented preliminary research data on coastal aquifer characterization and circular water solutions.
Engr. Mark Sabines also presented a Mindanao groundwater case study and an electrical resistivity lecture, emphasizing scientific fieldwork over passive assumptions. Inspiring student researchers to verify conditions firsthand, Engr. Sabines advised: “Do not fall in love with the map. Go to the field, and analyze.”
It was also an honor for the University of San Carlos to welcome Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Vladislava Iordanova, UMONS North Coordinator Prof. Pascal Goderniaux, UCLouvain Senior Researcher and University of Namur (UNamur) Professor Prof. Ignace Adant, Cebu City Mayor Hon. Nestor Archival, Sr., and Engr. Elizar Sabinay, Jr., who spoke on behalf of the Cebu Provincial Governor Hon. Pamela Baricuatro.
With Danao City as the ARES-CarAqCol initiative’s primary field application area, Danao City Vice Mayor Hon. Carmen Remedios H. Durano graced the conference with her presence and delivered her inspirational message.
In his inspirational message, USC WRCFI Board of Trustees President Ar. Joseph Michael Espina welcomed partner stakeholders, describing CarAqCol as more than an academic initiative—it is a community-driven effort bringing research directly to local decision-makers.
First showcased during the “Together for Water” event on March 17, 2026, celebrating World Water Day and Philippine-Belgium relations, Project CarAqCol is a five-year research partnership between USC, USC WRCFI, UMONS, and UCLouvain.
Taking inspiration from its Cebuano namesake, the local karakul snail species, Project CarAqCol moves with steady, patient resolve. Step by step, it bridges scientific inquiry and grassroots action for a water-secure Cebu.