By Mikee Natinga Norico
Engr. Jebie Balagosa, Ph.D, talks about the importance of faith and integrity in engineering education, emphasizing his commitment to CPU’s Christ-centered values.
In a dynamic corner of ĢƵĢƵs College of Engineering, a story of homecoming, purpose, and passion is unfolding. Engr. Jebie Balagosa, Ph.D., a seasoned Geotechnical Engineer, DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist Awardee, and now an Associate Professor at CPU, has returned not just to teachĢƵbut to build, inspire, and give back. With a career that spans international research and infrastructure projects, Dr. BalagosaĢƵs journey has come full circle, leading him to CPUĢƵa place he now calls both his mission field and his home.
Dr. BalagosaĢƵs connection to the university is deeply personal. ĢƵI was drawn to the university because of its Christ-centered values and its strong reputation in engineering,ĢƵ he shared. It was through stories from his wifeĢƵs family and friends that CPU first came to life for himĢƵa place where faith, integrity, and academic excellence converge.
ĢƵCPU stood out as a place where I could grow in faith and contribute meaningfully to engineering education and research in my home country,ĢƵ he added.
As a returning Filipino scholar, Dr. Balagosa recalls one of the most heartfelt moments in his academic journey: the warm welcome he received from CPU. ĢƵFrom my onboarding to the launch of my Balik Scientist Program, I felt deeply honored and embraced,ĢƵ he said. He credits much of this support to University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Sir Erwin Rizardo, whose mentorship provided clarity as he transitioned into his new role. ĢƵBeing surrounded by such supportive colleagues and students has made my transition both meaningful and deeply affirming.ĢƵ
Dr. Balagosa brings to CPU a wealth of international and local experience. He has led major geotechnical engineering projects under the PhilippinesĢƵ Build, Build, Build program and has participated in high-level research in South Korea, where he also served as President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers South Korea Chapter. His work has been featured in international journals, spanning fields from soil dynamics to sustainable construction and nuclear engineering technology.
His numerous presentations in global conferences and awards for outstanding research are testaments to his dedication to excellence. But for Dr. Balagosa, one of his proudest milestones, is returning to the Philippines as a Balik ScientistĢƵa role that allows him to give back while mentoring future generations of Filipino engineers.
Currently, Dr. Balagosa is spearheading Project GROUNDinGĢƵ Geotechnics Research in Optimizing and Utilizing Nature-based Design in Geomaterials. The initiative explores using agricultural and energy by-products for soil stabilization, aiming to improve local soil performance while promoting sustainability in construction practices. His research also covers areas such as compacted bentonite for nuclear waste repositories and experimental soil mechanics.
ĢƵMy goal is to enhance the mechanical properties of soils using locally available resources,ĢƵ he explains, ĢƵand to make construction practices more sustainable and cost-effective for communities like ours.ĢƵ
Despite attractive offers abroad and in Manila, Dr. Balagosa made the intentional decision to return to Igbaras, Iloilo, where he now resides. ĢƵIt was a leap of faith,ĢƵ he admits. ĢƵBut IĢƵve always believed in starting small, staying grounded, and putting family and faith above all.ĢƵ He sees CPU not just as a workplace but as fertile ground for impactful collaboration and community-rooted innovation.
As part of his vision for CPU, Dr. Balagosa hopes to develop research-based modules, enhance laboratory capabilities, and mentor students and faculty. He is also setting his sights on building long-term collaborations with both local and international institutions.
ĢƵI truly believe that the strength of a research group doesnĢƵt come from the name of the institution, but from commitment, purpose, and camaraderie,ĢƵ he says.
To aspiring students, Dr. Balagosa offers a piece of heartfelt advice: ĢƵChoose a university that nurtures both your skills and your spirit. And donĢƵt be afraid to fail.ĢƵ He openly shares his own journeyĢƵfrom being debarred from accountancy to shifting to civil engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, then later pursuing graduate studies and international research. ĢƵEmbrace the detours,ĢƵ he encourages, ĢƵthey might lead you to your true calling.ĢƵ
At CPU, Dr. Balagosa is more than just a scientistĢƵhe is a mentor, a leader, and a believer in the power of local innovation. With a passion for uplifting communities and a commitment to God-centered engineering education, he stands as a living testament to what it means to return with purpose.
ĢƵI am here because I believe we can build something remarkable from here,ĢƵ he says, his voice steady with conviction. ĢƵWith passion, hard work, and GodĢƵs graceĢƵyes, we can.ĢƵ