Engineers Joined Together for the First Philippine Engineering Summit

Practitioners from all the disciplines of engineering gathered for the first time in the First Philippine Engineering Summit held last January 29 – 31, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center,Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City.

Bannering the theme, “Challenges in Engineering Education Practice, Governance and Environment”, the event was organized by the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) and hosted by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE).

First Philippine Engineering Summit over-all chairman Engr. Francisco Bravo, Department of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, together with the Presidents of the member organizations of the PTC graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Around eighty exhibitors showcased the latest and state-of-the-art modern engineering products and services.

The second day of the summit marked the beginning of the convention proper. PTC President Engr. Alfredo Antonio gave the welcome address during the opening ceremony. Undersecretary Ramon Aquino of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), representing Secretary Hermohenes Ebdane, served as the guest speaker of the ceremony. In his message, Undersecretary Aquino acknowledged the importance of engineers as the builders of the future and the people who lay the foundation for the growth and development in the country. He also added that, without the expertise and experience of the Filipino engineers, the growth of the infrastructure network would not be as robust. In his keynote address, Secretary Reyes encouraged the delegates to take pride in their profession. He also advised them to explore more on renewable energy. Afterwards, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Engineer Register Engr. Romulo R. Agatep headed the conferment of ASEAN Engineers.

Sessions on the third day discussed issues in engineering practice. Amiong the topics discussed were Washington Accord/ Mutual Recognition Agreement, Professional Continuing Education, and Climate Change. This was followed by an open forum where the delegates raised their concerns in the area of engineering education.

Engineering Practice capped the morning session of the third day. Among of the topic discussed were “Addressing the Gap between Engineering Graduates and the Industry”, “Interventions that the Private Institutions and Industry Can Contribute to Produce Globally Competitive Engineers”, “Outsourcing of Engineering Services”, ”Relationship of Engineers with Foreign Consultants in the Country.” The afternoon sessions were focused on the area of Engineering Governance. Among the topics tackled are Regulation, Procurement Act (Republic Act 9184), and Arbitration.

The First Engineering Summit is sponsored by Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) Inc., PPI Pazifik Power, Inc., Polyphase Marketing, Industrial Power and Control System, Inc., RPV Electro Technology Phils. Corporation, Science Centrum Fabrication, Inc., and Corinthians International Placement Services, Inc.

For more information on the event, visit the Philippine Technological Council website at http://www.ptc.org.ph/