Meet Alfer Parreño – A Rising Star

Meet Alfer Parreño - A Rising Star

Alfer Parreno is a Design Engineer at AnyWay Solutions and the newest member of the team. He was drawn to AnyWay after learning about their climate resiliency solutions in developing nations, and about the innovative engineering projects designed to make transport infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change. 
 
Alfer earned his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in the Philippines and became a licensed Civil Engineer in 2021. After completing his studies, he worked at the Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways before joining AnyWay in July. 

At AnyWay, Alfer appreciates the learning opportunities provided to him and is always eager to enhance his skillset. He enjoys working on a diverse range of projects around the world, solving unique engineering challenges, and learning from a team of experts. Alfer embraces using new technologies such as Lidar, satellite data, and AI. He enjoys finding ways to integrate these digital tools into engineering solutions to solve clients’ problems while streamlining workflows. 
 
As a young engineer, Alfer finds great satisfaction in seeing his projects come to life. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the bridges, roads, and flood mitigation structures I’ve helped create improve people’s lives,” he says. 

Alfer believes that communication and listening are key to both personal and team success. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and photography. 

Looking ahead, Alfer is committed to helping AnyWay provide climate-resilient solutions to clients, particularly in remote areas of the world. He looks forward to continuing his work with developing countries to provide long-lasting solutions for transport infrastructure and flood mitigation. “The continuous improvement of satellite data, along with advancements in AI, gives us the opportunity to take a data-driven approach to remote locations that lack reliable data. I hope to see this technology continue to improve,” he says. Optimistic about the future, Alfer believes that technology will play a critical role in accelerating climate resilience efforts, enabling communities to adapt and recover from the impacts of climate change. 

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Meet the Team – Herb

Meet Herbert Betz – Bridging the gap

Herb Betz represents AnyWay Solutions in the Philippines. His connection with AnyWay began in 2008 while he was working in Bentiu, South Sudan. Over the years, Herb and AnyWay collaborated to develop the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base, specifically for Rotary Wing assets. Fast forward to today, Herb continues to work with AnyWay as part of a team in the Philippines, where he focuses on introducing climate-resilient transport infrastructure solutions to government agencies and local partners.

Herb values the family-like culture and tight-knit community at AnyWay. He appreciates the team’s dedication, the multicultural diversity, and the valuable insights he gains from the many leaders within the company.

In his current role, Herb is committed to bringing AnyWay’s solutions to the communities in the Philippines that would benefit from them the most. He describes his work as “bridging the gap”—understanding the challenges the Philippines faces in connecting to outside markets and leveraging AnyWay’s solutions to address these issues. With a strong focus on the effects of climate change, Herb is dedicated to finding solutions that can help Filipino communities become more resilient, especially in the face of recurring flooding. Herb feels that his role is a natural fit because he is passionate about environmental issues and poverty. As he puts it, “No child should go hungry, and every child needs a home. Climate change will create more climate refugees in the future, so we must find solutions now.”

One of Herb’s most memorable experiences was meeting AnyWay’s current CEO, Zeevik Halber, and the team in Tel Aviv during their early work days on the first South Sudan road. He deeply values the trust and friendships he’s built with the company over the years. “I feel blessed to work with this organization and lead the team in the Philippines,” he says.

Outside of work, Herb is motivated by his family and his faith. He enjoys golfing and spending time outdoors, especially in the Philippines, which he describes as one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with over 7,000 islands to explore. “If I have my family with me, it’s the best,” he says.

Herb believes that his success is found when the team succeeds. He looks forward to continuing to help the country and his company achieve greater success in the years to come.

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure 

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines is taking significant strides to enhance the climate resiliency of the nation’s transport infrastructure. In a landmark initiative, the DPWH has partnered with renowned global companies to research and implement advanced technologies aimed at fortifying road pavements against extreme weather conditions.  

Pioneering Technology Supporting Climate Resilient Transport Infrastructure

In a recently released interim report, the first small-scale pilot trial of AnyWay Solutions Soil Stabilizer was evaluated in base course materials.  The DPWH, in collaboration with the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS), presented the findings of this in-depth study on the use of the stabilization technology, developed by AnyWay Solutions. The program aims to strengthen road pavement layers, making them more resilient to climatic events.

Pilot Study Confirms the Potential to Enhance Road Durability with ANSS

The research, which spanned over two years, marks the first phase of a comprehensive two-phase study. The initial small-scale pilot trial focused on assessing the performance of ANSS as a soil stabilizer for road base course materials. According to the DPWH and BRS report, the trial demonstrated satisfactory results, showcasing the technology’s potential to enhance the durability and strength of road pavements.

The pioneering research is a testament to the commitment of the Philippines to integrate innovative solutions to bolster infrastructure’s resilience against the impacts of climate change. The successful implementation of ANSS in road systems has the potential to set a new benchmark for climate resiliency in transport infrastructure projects.

“The application of the ANSS in base course materials is simple and easy without any new equipment investment using the production and construction process, which conforms to the existing DPWH regulation and system,” stated the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways interim report.  

The DPWH/BRS report highlighted that the application of ANSS is straightforward and does not require new equipment investments during production and construction. This compatibility with existing DPWH regulations and systems is a significant advantage, facilitating seamless integration into current practices. Furthermore, the simplicity and ease of application align with the department’s goal of adopting efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Second Phase Trials to Verify the Technology Meets Current and Future Needs

To ensure the technology’s robustness under varying local environmental and traffic conditions, the DPWH has planned a second small-scale pilot trial. This follow-up trial is essential to verify the initial findings and achieve a technically conclusive evaluation.

Continuing to the second phase of testing is crucial to understanding how ANSS performs under real-world conditions. By rigorously evaluating this technology, informed decisions can be made that will ultimately benefit the entire country, ensuring our infrastructure is resilient, sustainable, and capable of withstanding future climatic challenges.

Focusing on Climate Resiliency for the Future of the Philippines

The DPWH’s proactive approach to researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies like ANSS underscores its dedication to building a more resilient transport infrastructure. As climate change continues to pose significant threats, innovative measures are vital in safeguarding the nation’s roadways and ensuring the safety and connectivity of communities.

The collaboration with AnyWay Solutions is just one of many initiatives the DPWH is pursuing to enhance infrastructure resilience. By leveraging global expertise and advanced technologies, the Philippines is positioning itself as a leader in climate-resilient infrastructure development.

The DPWH and BRS will move forward with the second phase of their research and determine the future direction for adopting ANSS and similar technologies. The successful implementation of these innovations holds the potential to transform the country’s transport infrastructure, making it more robust and resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure

AnyWay and De La Salle University kick-off partnership with slope stability analysis and design workshop 

AnyWay and De La Salle University kick-off partnership with slope stability analysis and design workshop

The Philippines faces significant climate risks, including frequent typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns, making climate resiliency crucial for safeguarding communities and infrastructure. With its unique geographic location, the country is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which threatens livelihoods and economic stability. Strengthening climate resilience is not only about building stronger infrastructure but also about educating the next generation of engineers and leaders to develop sustainable solutions. By prioritizing climate education and capacity building, we can empower local communities to gain the knowledge and tools needed to effectively mitigate risks and adapt to an ever-changing environment.
Capacity building plays a pivotal role in driving change. This initiative isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering local talent to address pressing challenges head-on. By integrating climate resilience into our projects, we’re not only advancing towards a more sustainable future but also contributing to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Knowledge Sharing to Empower the Next Generation 

Earlier this year, AnyWay and De La Salle University (DLSU) – Gokonwei College of Engineering partnered to exchange knowledge and collaborate on climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure over the next five years. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was signed, aims to establish knowledge exchange and collaboration programs on climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that benefit both parties over the next five years. The MOA provides a framework for us to collectively understand, collaborate, and discuss specific programs to:  

  • Identify opportunities for the exchange of faculty and research staff  
  • Identify other areas of possible research interest and collaboration  
  • Make faculty and students aware of the educational resources offered 

Realizing the benefits of the partnership 

As part of implementing the program associated with the MOA, AnyWay led a workshop for the engineering students at DLSU  on slope stability, analysis, and design provided by AnyWay’s Director of engineering Solutions, Alex Campbell. The workshop was facilitated virtually from Canada to students at DLSU Gokongwei College of Engineering.  

The course emphasized the importance of understanding and analyzing slope stability to prevent landslides and ensure infrastructure safety, particularly regarding changing climate events in the region. AnyWay shared experience and lessons learned in implementing pavement engineering and climate resiliency for other projects. The workshop participants discussed the impact of changing climate on infrastructure and the need for engineers to adapt and come up with solutions. The workshop also covered slope stability and infrastructure design options and slope stabilization techniques including risk assessment, management options, and protection measures. The program will continue throughout the school year to enhance the students’ knowledge on various aspects of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume roads engineering and rehabilitation and upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques and technologies of soil stabilization to develop graduate research projects. A mentorship program will also be established to continue research into these topics.  

Knowledge sharing to enable resiliency for the next generation 

By building local capabilities and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the next wave of engineers, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable transportation network for the Philippines that will serve future generations well. Such partnerships are instrumental in transferring knowledge and expertise to those who will continue to develop and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, while also fostering research and the adoption of innovative technologies to climate resilience.  

More information on AnyWay and De La Salle University’s partnership can be found here.

DLSU Workshop Article

Promoting Collaboration with Universities in the Philippines

Promoting Collaboration with Universities in the Philippines

AnyWay’s Climate Resilient Symposium brought together different stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for the transport infrastructure and included several academic institutions whose participation will help shape the next generation of leaders in the fight against climate change.

AnyWay’s Climate Resilient Symposium brought together different stakeholders. Amongst those in attendance were senior staff and students representing universities around the Philippines, including De La Salle University (DLSU), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), and University of the Philippines (UP). The participation of these academic institutions underscores the collective commitment to addressing climate challenges through collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

To further expand the collaboration with these academic institutions in the Philippines, we are discussing more programs aimed at enriching the knowledge and knowhow of students and professors on climate resiliency-related aspects. By collaborating closely, we’re not just imparting knowledge, but also fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability for the next generation. Beyond theoretical engineering studies, AnyWay plans to enhance the understanding of the contribution of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure to achieving sustainable development goals. 

Capacity building plays a pivotal role in localizing solutions, ensuring that they’re tailored to the specific needs of communities. This initiative isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering local talent to address pressing challenges head-on. 

AnyWay has been providing climate resilient solutions in many countries around the world.With the Philippines being ranked as the world’s number one vulnerable country, building resilience into its infrastructure is of the highest importance.

Learn more about AnyWay’s Climate Resiliency Symposium in the Philippines here.  

BRINGING TOGETHER INDUSTRY LEADERS IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES TO DISCUSS CLIMATE-RESILIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

ANYWAY SOLUTIONS BRINGS TOGETHER INDUSTRY LEADERS IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES TO DISCUSS CLIMATE-RESILIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

In response to the urgent need for climate action in the Philippines, AnyWay Solutions Ltd. (AnyWay) held a full-day symposium to discuss climate-resilient transport infrastructure challenges and solutions.

The Symposium was held on Tuesday, April 17th, at the prestigious Mind Museum, where 180 delegates from government, policymakers, engineers, and contractors gathered to listen to and participate in a discussion on addressing the Philippines’ transport needs. Knowledge was exchanged on current practices and practical solutions to help strengthen infrastructure and the overall economy (i.e. technology solutions, including satellite technology and the role of AI) and opportunities to integrate climate-resilient solutions into transport infrastructure projects.

Esteemed guest speakers such as Secretary Borje from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Prof. Mikail Chester from Arizona State University (ASU), Prof. Michelle Rubido Palumbarit- UN CIFAL (UNITAR), and Department of Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Bonoan by Assistant Secretary Constante Llanes, to name a few, graced the stage. Everyone was aligned with common goals to share knowledge and encourage action for a better climate-resilient future that supports progression towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The event was moderated by Philippines News Anchor Mai Rodriguez, and the speakers were rounded out by multiple AnyWay Solutions subject matter experts. Alex Campbell, Director of Engineering Solutions, and Zeevik Halber, AnyWays CEO, introduced a holistic approach to climate-resilient transport solutions, including transport design, pavement engineering, asset management, satellite technologies and the future of AI in transport infrastructure engineering.

With transportation networks serving as vital lifelines for communities, the symposium achieved its goal of raising awareness and mobilizing resources to bolster the resilience of these essential systems and protect the economies by reducing disruption to industries and people’s livelihoods. Delegates left with a renewed sense of responsibility and increased knowledge to address the critical issue of climate change and its impact on transportation systems across vulnerable regions of the Philippines.

“We are at a critical juncture in addressing the impacts of climate change on transport infrastructure,” said Zeevik Halber, CEO at AnyWay Solutions. By bringing together leaders from all these groups to a one-day symposium, AnyWay demonstrated its holistic approach to climate resiliency beyond mere engineering. Policy making, sharing advanced technologies and techniques, capacity building, and broader awareness are all necessary elements critical to creating climate resiliency. Together, we can make a difference!”

About AnyWay Solutions
AnyWay, has been at the forefront of providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry for over two decades. As specialists in climate resiliency for transportation infrastructure, we take a holistic approach to providing engineering designs and solutions for our clients, offering services, technologies and techniques beyond conventional engineering. Our commitment to quality in the highly specialized transportation infrastructure sector is what sets us apart. Our solutions help our clients build infrastructure resilient to climate events, allowing communities to adapt and respond to changes – infrastructure that withstands climate impacts and is known for quality and durability. AnyWay is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, founded in 1946.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Keren Moshkoviz
Director of Strategic Planning 
AnyWay Solutions
kmoshkoviz@anywaysolutions.com

T: +972.3.647.3506
C: +972.54.818.2398

Climate Resiliency for Transport Infrastructure Symposium – Philippines

AnyWay presents an exclusive symposium addressing the importance of climate resiliency in mitigating the effects of climate change on transport infrastructure in the Philippines. Bringing together government, policymakers, engineers and contractors, this full-day symposium will tackle challenges and highlight innovative ideas, lessons learned and practical solutions related to the planning, design, financing, construction and maintenance of resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure.

Join us for an opportunity to:

  • Network with your peers in an environment that fosters partnership-building and collaboration.
  • Exchange knowledge on current practices and practical solutions that help strengthen infrastructure and the overall economy (i.e. technology solutions including satellite technology and the role of AI).
  • Learn about opportunities to integrate climate-resilient solutions into transport infrastructure projects.

RSVP by April 14th, 2024 

Space is limited: RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

AnyWay and De La Salle University Enter Partnership to Enhance Climate-Resilient Transportation

AnyWay and De La Salle University Partner to Enhance Climate Resilient Transportation

Memorandum of agreement signed between De La Salle University and AnyWay Solutions

We have partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU) – Gokongwei College of Engineering to exchange knowledge, and collaborate on climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure over the next five years. 

By signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), we have officially partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU). The partnership aims to establish knowledge exchange and collaboration programs on climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that benefit both parties over the next five years. The MOA provides a framework for us to collectively understand, collaborate, and discuss specific programs to:  

– Identify opportunities for the exchange of faculty and research staff 

– Identify other areas of possible research interest and collaboration 

– Make faculty and students aware of the educational resources offered

 

For the first few years, we will work together with DLSU to educate the students on various aspects of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume roads engineering and rehabilitation and upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques and technologies of soil stabilization to develop graduate research projects. A mentorship program will also be established to continue research into these topics.  

At COP28, the Philippines was highlighted as one of the nations most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Recognizing the urgency to bolster the country’s infrastructure against these effects, DLSU sought a partnership with AnyWay Solutions, based on our 20-year track record of delivering climate-resilient transportation solutions to developing countries.

This collaboration will leverage our expertise to engage with academia and global experts in a concerted effort to fortify the nation’s resilience. By building local capabilities and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the next wave of engineers, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable transportation network for the Philippines that will serve future generations well. Such partnerships are instrumental in transferring knowledge and expertise to those who will continue to develop and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, while also fostering research and the adoption of innovative technologies to climate resilience. 

Following the signed MOA, Zeevik Halber, AnyWay CEO was invited to appear on Business Outlook on ABS-CBN News in the Philippines. In the interview, he shares more details on the partnership and the projects and solutions that will help the Philippines strengthen their transportation infrastructure and enable it to become more resilient in the wake of climate change.

See the full interview below beginning at 10:00.

As we look to the future of our industry workforce, programs like the ones we are embarking on with the DLSU will prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead of them, specifically to benefit the Philippines and build local capacity.”  –Zeevik HalberAnyWay CEO.