TWO Philippine companies have been named finalists in Bentley Systems’ 2026 Year in Infrastructure Awards, an international program recognizing infrastructure projects that use digital engineering technologies to address real-world challenges.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. was selected in the Geospatial and Reality Modeling category for GeoShield, a project that uses geospatial intelligence to predict landslide risks. QB Engineering & Construction was named a finalist in the Structural Engineering category for its digital reconstruction of the Our Lady of Light Parish Church in Loon, Bohol, a historic landmark.
The two Philippine projects were among 36 finalists selected from more than 300 submissions representing 53 countries. The awards recognize infrastructure professionals using Bentley Systems software to improve the design, construction and operation of infrastructure.
The finalists were selected by independent panels of global industry experts based on the innovation demonstrated by their projects, the challenges addressed and the results achieved.
Aboitiz Renewables’ Civil Support Department and Operations and Maintenance Team needed asset-specific intelligence because reactive landslide management exposed access roads, pipelines, slopes, surge tanks, and power generation reliability to safety risk, downtime, and repair cost.
Using iTwin with third-party geotechnical applications, Aboitiz used GeoShield connected lidar, photogrammetry, electrical resistivity tomography, GIS analysis, field observations, AI-powered predictions, and digital twin simulation in a shared decision environment. The pilot predicted two probable landslide-prone areas before major failure, achieved 85% AI prediction accuracy and 91% digital twin detection accuracy, helped avoid approximately USD 6.8 million in potential losses, and saved 50% in work hours while supporting safer renewable energy operations.
QB Engineering & Construction’s project focuses on the Our Lady of Light Parish Church in Loon, which was damaged by the 2013 Bohol earthquake. The company’s entry, “Digitally reconstructing a historic landmark,” was recognized for its use of digital engineering in the reconstruction of the historic structure. The team needed to preserve the church’s historic character while solving two major challenges: proving the restored structure could safely withstand seismic forces and rebuilding confidence in rebuilding at the original site.
Using STAAD for three-dimensional structural modeling and seismic analysis, the team evaluated the interaction of reinforced concrete framing and reinstated coral stone masonry, refined the strengthening strategy, and completed the remaining structural evaluation and restoration design work in only four months. Overall, the design work saved the project 1,500 work hours. The restored church once again serves as a spiritual, cultural, and community landmark for Loon while preserving its history through reuse of salvageable material.
The Philippine finalists join projects from major infrastructure and engineering organizations around the world. The 2026 finalists include projects involving major bridges, tunnels, railway systems, airports, power plants, roads, water networks and flood-control infrastructure.
Bentley said digital twins and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly prominent across the finalist projects. Of the 36 projects selected, 24 reported using AI in some form, while 22 demonstrated a connected digital foundation supporting their work.
“The YII Awards honor the professionals behind the infrastructure that communities rely on every day,” Cate Lochead, chief marketing officer of Bentley Systems, said.
She said this year’s finalists demonstrate a shift from disconnected files and manual workflows toward connected information, intelligent automation and continuous insight.
The finalists will present their projects during Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure event at the Fairmont Singapore on Oct. 6-7. Presentations will cover the engineering challenges involved, project execution, digital methods used and results achieved.
Bentley will also confer Founders’ Honors on selected projects. The awards are chosen by Bentley founders and executives and recognize projects that reflect the company’s objective of advancing infrastructure and improving quality of life.