Rey Ortuoste

Rey Kevin Balondo Ortuoste, a Philippines-based structural engineer, completed the Master of Engineering (Civil: Structural) at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT). His story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the field of structural engineering through cutting-edge research and practical applications.

A Pandemic Pivot: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Rey Kevin Balondo Ortuoste saw an opportunity to grow.

“Studying was a diversion from my stresses due to the lockdowns,” he shared.

Amid multiple lockdowns and economic struggles, Rey’s family construction business faced limited projects, prompting him to take on part-time employment at the University of Mindanao, where classes were conducted remotely.

This setup allowed him to balance work with his studies at EIT, where he pursued his Master of Engineering (Civil: Structural).

“EIT’s program stood out because it offered a practical and flexible approach to learning,” Rey explained.

Despite the challenges of juggling work and studies, Rey remained committed to his education. “The key was staying disciplined and focused,” he said. “I had to prioritize my time effectively to meet both work and study deadlines.”

Expanding Knowledge: The Breadth of EIT’s Program

Rey found EIT’s curriculum to be both comprehensive and inspiring. “I loved how earthquake engineering was discussed alongside advanced engineering materials,” he said.

The lectures provided a solid foundation, but it was the encouragement to explore further that truly enriched his learning experience.]

“The lectures gave me an outline of the subject’s contents, but they also motivated me to dive deeper using the resources and references provided,” Rey explained.

This self-directed approach allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of complex topics and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Among the lecturers he encountered, Dr. Ana Evangelista, a Civil Engineer and Lecturer at EIT, and Ahmad Firouzian stood out. “The communications I had with them were extremely constructive,” Rey said. “My questions and mistakes could be openly discussed without judgment, which motivated me to improve.”

He even adopted their communication techniques in his professional work, fostering a culture of honesty and growth within his team.

Thesis Triumph: Non-Linear Analysis and Real-World Applications

One of the highlights of Rey’s time at EIT was his thesis on non-linear static analysis and pushover analysis. This research allowed him to explore the performance of structures under ground motion, identifying weak points and developing strategies for retrofitting.

“Non-linear analysis helped me assess the capacity of structures and identify their weak points,” Rey explained. “This methodology has been invaluable in my work, allowing me to retrofit structures for improved performance or controlled failure mechanisms.”

Rey’s thesis adviser, Dr. Alok Dua, played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to research and problem-solving. Dr. Dua, who has prepared and delivered courses such as Design of Steel Structures (Graduate) and Structural Dynamics (Graduate and Undergraduate), brought a wealth of expertise to Rey’s thesis journey.

“Dr. Dua’s teaching methodology is exceptional,” Rey said. “He simplified complex concepts and supported claims with legitimate data, which improved my structural intuition and allowed me to develop frame plans more efficiently.”

Dr. Dua’s guidance was instrumental in helping Rey understand non-linear static analysis as a key procedure for his research.

“Conducting pushover analysis and generating graphs in software is straightforward, but interpreting the output correctly is paramount,” Rey noted. “Dr. Dua emphasized this, equipping me with the confidence to apply my thesis methodology to structural investigations and evaluations.”

Professional Growth: Recognition and New Horizons

Rey’s dedication to his studies earned him the Academic Excellence Award for his thesis work, a recognition that significantly boosted his career.

“It increased my credibility,” he shared. “My seniors and colleagues trust me with critical tasks, and I’ve even been invited to serve as a panelist for undergraduate research and activities.”

Since completing his studies, Rey has expanded his client base and ventured into the exciting field of machine learning in structural engineering.

“The mindset I cultivated at EIT—taking small yet steady steps—has enabled me to delve deeper into the field and effectively interact with clients of diverse personalities,” he said.

One of Rey’s proudest achievements was winning 1st runner-up in the MIDAS structural engineering software competition.

“Being able to openly discuss ideas with experienced practitioners gave me greater confidence in my work,” he shared. “It also humbled me, as they provided insights that helped improve my approach.”

A Passion for Learning and Innovation

Rey’s experience at EIT not only shaped his professional growth but also reignited his passion for structural engineering.

“Having an environment where work and learning are balanced is the best part of EIT,” he said. “The practical activities and assessments by experienced professors made learning engaging and meaningful.”

Today, Rey continues to push the boundaries of structural engineering, combining his expertise in non-linear analysis with emerging technologies like machine learning. He has joined several professional associations, including ASCE, ACI, EA, and ASEP, further deepening his love and understanding of the field.

Rey’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s goals.

For aspiring engineers, Rey offers this advice: “Take small, humble steps before tackling bigger tasks. That’s the approach I learned at EIT, and it has served me well in both my studies and my career.”