The competition was hosted by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders, bringing together 150 teams from across the globe. Among the participants were renowned universities and institutions, including Batangas State University, the previous year's winner. 

Team SPONGE, comprised of Kristaleen Lagasca, Bernadette Sta. Clara, Michelle De Vergara, John Carlo Peñas, and Jhon Rei Del Mundo presented a winning solution that holds tremendous relevance to a range of Sustainable Development Goals. 

The team’s groundbreaking approach addresses crucial aspects of health, environment, innovation, and climate action, showcasing their commitment to creating a sustainable future.

Michelle De Vergara highlighted the pivotal factors that contributed to their victory, stating, "...our team's success can be attributed to our unwavering trust in one another, our steadfast belief in the potential of the technology we presented, and our dedicated hard work to the extent that we have no reservations, regardless of the outcome."

The solution was developed to combat the Urban Heat Island (UHI), a phenomenon that causes an increase in heat levels due to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The researchers proposed a pervious pavement system that allows water to seep through the pavement like a sponge — reducing air temperature, addressing weather-induced vehicular accidents, and absorbing noise pollution, particularly in urban areas, through its acoustic properties that remove residual sound in any space.

“The main struggle was compressing the complex ideas to a simple and apparent solution in five minutes. Using engineering software to present these ideas and visualize the concept was a bit taxing,” Del Mundo said.

However, despite facing challenges in doing Structural Grade Pervious Concrete for Road Applications (SPONGE), they were able to secure the title, both for the Philippines and the environment that has been facing serious matters that are put into question.

This sustainable infrastructure solution that Team SPONGE has created is also cost-effective and environmentally friendly as it incorporates industrial waste materials, such as rice husk ash and coal fly ash, which are abundant in developing countries like the Philippines. 

The engineering students underwent rigorous tests to demonstrate the durability and viability of their solution that could potentially revolutionize urban infrastructure, addressing multiple sustainability issues.

"This solution is created to serve both the people and the environment. I believe that there are lots of ideas out there too with the same goal as ours — to make this world a better place for us to live and thrive," Lagasca added.

The team's feat marks the first time that AdNU has been represented in a competition hosted by WFEO. The team competed against universities worldwide, including Singapore, China, the United States, and Canada.

“Our achievement is a testament to the fact that opportunities always exist, even in the face of overwhelming uncertainties,” De Vergara added.