The G.A.M.E.R.S. Team 

Our core team comprises young game-changers and women who aspire to make meaningful societal contributions.

Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla leads a DLSU team that is developing geopolymer cement, an eco-friendly and inexpensive substitute to conventional cement. His vision can shape the future of the local construction industry and the way we protect the Earth.

A member of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Promentilla is the lead researcher of the project. Ten years ago, he had his first encounter with the geopolymer technology which he envisioned to revolutionize the building and construction industry because of its potential in developing new and sustainable materials.

Engineer Ithan Doliente serves as the Start Up and Entrepreneurial Lead. Engr. Ithan Dollente, together with Product Development Engr. Cliff Patrick Visaya are focused on product design and formulation, while Project Office Engr. Joniel Rebalde provides technical assistance and administrative support to ensure the smooth operations of the project. We also have licensed Chemical Engineer Melanie Notarte as one of the product engineers.

Rona Joy Bulaong, our business development lead, leads the team’s business development initiatives through strategic alliances with key institutional partners. She is also in charge of the market validation, branding, positioning, and marketing communications of GMATRICS products locally and internationally.

The Geopolymer Technology

Geopolymer and Alkali Activated Material Technology for Eco Innovative Composite Products

“Geopolymer technology (GCs) refer to a class of alumino-silicate cementitious materials resulting from an inorganic polycondensation reaction (named “geopolymerization”) between solid alumino-silicate precursors and highly concentrated aqueous alkali hydroxide or silicate solution such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), or potassium silicate (K2SiO3).” (Scholarly Community Encyclopedia, 2021)

The Geopolymer Technology allows the GMATrICS Team to use locally sourced waste materials that are by products from other industries (such as the mine waste coal fly ash and the nickel laterite mine waste) to produce low carbon, footprint material that can replace the traditional cement and concrete materials.

The GMATrICS Team uses low temperature in the production process, resulting in lower carbon emissions.

The Geopolyment material developed by the GMATrics Team offers the following attributes:

          ● Low carbon footprint
          ● Durable
          ● Fire-resistant
          ● Sound proof
          ● Air-purifying
          ● Termite-resistant
          ● Mold and mildew-resistant
          ● Impact-resistant

The 1st Phase Products

The current building industry in the Philippines still primarily relies on Portland cement, which is energy-intensive and emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants during production. Our project seeks to address this problem by creating innovative product lines that do not use cement, taking a regenerative approach through a circular economy framework.

Our initial product line is composed of locally sourced industrial waste pavers, which we have already piloted in two locations: DLSU Laguna Campus and La Valiente Beach, Corregidor Island. These pavers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete pavers, reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint while providing a durable and cost-effective solution.

Our solution is unique because it does not rely on Portland cement, unlike other green building alternatives available in the market. Our approach provides a more sustainable solution, contributing to climate action efforts in the building industry.

We have just completed the prototype and commerciality assessment phase, and our initial results have been promising. We are excited to continue developing more composite products to provide a sustainable solution to the construction industry’s carbon footprint problem.

The Future (Products)

With a circular economy in mind, we look forward to producing more products with functional design.

In the short term, we plan to produce com tactile pavers – textured pavers – which can help visually impaired people to navigate and provide safety information.

As a medium term project, we will be producing composite materials which can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. For a long term project, there are plans to use geopolymers as a filament in 3D printers to serve as building materials with ease and precision.

The goal is to have the geopolymers undergo certifications and rigorous testing.