ESCA Engineers — Structural Engineering, BIM & Building Information Modeling in the Philippines

Services

Multiple Disciplines,
One Coordinated Team.

We provide Structural Engineering, Civil Works, Project Management, BIM and Outsourcing. From structural analysis to full BIM integration — we engineer the systems behind the Philippines' most demanding projects.

Structural Engineering

The Department of Foreign Affairs (formerly the Asian Development Bank) remains one of ESCA's most iconic engineering legacies, originally designed by founder Dr. Ernesto de Castro as the country's first long-span post-tensioned building. Decades later, ESCA returned to perform comprehensive structural health assessments and engineer advanced seismic retrofitting solutions that strengthened the building while preserving its architectural integrity. By combining its original design expertise with modern structural reinforcement, ESCA helped ensure the continued resilience and longevity of one of the nation's most important government landmarks.

Civil Works

As the engineering partner for the SM Mall of Asia development, ESCA led the complex civil works, site engineering, and infrastructure planning that transformed reclaimed land into a world-class destination. The team designed robust grading, drainage, utilities, and transportation networks while simultaneously delivering the structural engineering for the Main Building and its Left and Right Wings. This integrated approach created a stable, resilient foundation capable of supporting one of Asia's largest retail and lifestyle developments.

Project Management

ESCA led the landmark restoration of Manila's historic Ayala Bridge, providing structural design review, construction management, and traffic engineering throughout the project. The team successfully managed the complex lifting of the four-lane steel bridge by 700 millimeters using advanced strand-jack technology, complemented by seismic retrofitting and substructure strengthening. This comprehensive engineering effort modernized the bridge while ensuring safer navigation, improved resilience, and reliable service for decades to come.

Building Information Modeling

As the BIM engineering partner for IKEA at the Mall of Asia complex, ESCA coordinated the seamless integration of pedestrian bridges connecting the store with adjacent developments. Through advanced BIM clash detection and utility coordination, the team resolved complex structural and underground infrastructure conflicts before construction began. This digital-first approach minimized costly rework, prevented utility disruptions, and enabled efficient, precise project delivery.

Outsourcing

Global engineering support and outsourced design services for international clients across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

About ESCA

Who is ESCA

At our core, ESCA is a structural engineering institution built on decades of proven technical rigor. However, we don't look at structures through a traditional lens; we heavily integrate advanced technology to bridge physical assets with digital intelligence. We actively advocate for the use of Digital Twins, transforming standard structural blueprints into living, data-driven representations. This dual expertise allows us to provide clients with absolute structural certainty while completely optimizing the lifetime performance of their buildings.

History

This pioneering spirit begins directly with our founder's exceptional foundation. Dr. Ernesto De Castro graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of the Philippines, before moving to the United States to earn both his Master's degree and his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US.

With that world-class academic pedigree, he returned to become a true pillar of the Philippine engineering community, eventually serving as President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. He built this company on the principle that local engineering must aggressively adopt advanced technology to match global standards, establishing the very foundation of structural excellence we operate on today.

Mission

To create a more sustainable environment through innovative engineering solutions

Vision

To be the number one Integrated Project Delivery Manager worldwide, delivering the full project life-cycle

Core Values

I.E.S.C.A.

Initiative

We are passionate and self-motivated. We do the right things without needing to be told.

Excellence

We are committed to the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We persevere to deliver only the best, above & beyond the Code and what is "fit-for-purpose".

Serve to Lead

We do not act out of self-interest. We are team players. We collaborate and respect each other's contribution.

Customer Focus

We focus on seeking the best solution for our client needs.

Accountable

We take ownership of our words, actions, and results.

Fearless
to be
First.

Portfolio that
define Skylines.