DPWH Senior Executive Assumes Role of PICE National President
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain is poised to steer the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Inc., the only professional organization of civil engineers in the Philippines, towards unprecedented growth and innovation with his his formal induction as 2024 PICE National President.
Senator Mark A. Villar and DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan administered the oath of office of Senior Undersecretary Sadain together with the 2024 National Board of Directors, the chairs and members of 28 National Committees, and 17 Regional Coordinators held January 12, 2024 at the Manila Hotel.
The event, which marked not only a changing of the guard but also a commitment to lead with vision, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to advancing the field of civil engineering profession was also attended by Assistant Secretary Al-Azree J. Mohammadsali representing Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and past presidents of PICE including DPWH Undersecretaries Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., Maria Catalina E. Cabral and Ador G. Canlas.
Other than Senior Undersecretary Sadain, the following are the 2024 PICE National Officers and Board of Directors from government and public sectors elected during the 49th National Convention last November 24-25, 2023 in Davao City and inducted by Senator Villar: Engr. Frederick Francis M. Sison as President-Elect, DPWH Assistant Secretary Rey Peter B. Gille as Vice President, DPWH Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno as Secretary, Engr. Albert A. Perfecto as Treasurer, DPWH Regional Director Basir M. Ibrahim as Business Manager, Engr. Adam C. Abinales as Public Relations Officer, Engr. Michael J. David as Auditor, and Immediate Past President Engr. April Frances Agatha G. Flores. The Board of Directors includes Engr. Arlene J. Adlawan, Engr. Juanito S. Cunanan, Engr. Mark Vincent Y. Nodado, Engr. Aure Flo A. Oraya, Engr. Florencio F. Padernal, Engr. Mark Dale Diamond P. Perral, and Engr. Robinson A. Salenga, II.
Sworn to their respective roles as PICE Regional Coordinators by Secretary Bonoan, who also served in 2001 to 2003 as PICE National President, are as follows: Engr. Flora M. Ruiz for NCR, DPWH Regional Director Khadaffy D. Tanggol for CAR, DPWH District Engr. Gil B. Lorenzo for Region I, DPWH Regional Director Reynaldo C. Alconcel for Region II, Engr. Levitico P. Esguerra, Jr. for Region III, Engr. Armando O. Valdeavilla for Region IV-A, Engr. Aries S. Grande for Region IV-B, DPWH Regional Director Virgilio C. Eduarte for Region V, DPWH Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel for Region VI, DPWH Regional Director Ernesto S. Gregorio, Jr. for Region VII, Engr. Ceferino Garcia, Jr. for Region VIII, DPWH Regional Director Cayamombao D. Dia for Region IX, Engr. Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. for BARMM, DPWH Regional Director Zenaida T. Tan for Region X, DPWH Regional Director Juby B. Cordon for Region XI, District Engr. Rey R. Francisco for Region XII, DPWH Regional Director Pol M. delos Santos for Region XIII and Engr. Joseph Y. Uy, Jr. for the International Chapters. Also inducted as members of various PICE committees are Project Directors Ramon A. Arriola III, Benjamin A. Bautista, and Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations.
Secretary Bonoan, in his message, encouraged the civil engineers to participate in nation building being at the front and center of “Build, Better, More” program to stimulate the economy through infrastructure investment.
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Senior Undersecretary and PICE National President Sadain shared his monumental plans in guiding PICE to new heights and shaping the future of civil engineering in line with the crafted 2024 PICE Theme, “Building Global Partnerships, Bridging Boundaries and Fostering New Technologies Towards A Resilient and Sustainable Development”.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain’s leadership will prioritize global exposure of civil engineers thru participation in international civil engineering affairs to establish collaborative relationships with global organizations, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and achieve the objectives of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s “Build Better More”infrastructure development agenda, with the DPWH working on some 48 infrastructure flagship projects.
In the upcoming 2024 PICE Mid-Year convention, we will invite organizations such as the Korean Society of Civil Engineers (KSCE), Japan Society of Civil Engineers, and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to participate in an engaging program with keynote speakers, technical sessions, panel discussions, and workshops that highlight global best practices, case studies, and innovative approaches in civil engineering, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
He also discussed his plan to strengthen the PICE student chapters by establishing a joint academic programs or partnerships between universities and colleges to collaborate on curriculum development to ensure relevance to global challenges and possibly arrange and facilitate international internships and exchanges for civil engineering students to gain practical experience in different environments.
Also on top of the priorities is the establishment of the PICE National Office Building, a purpose-built and own office building equipped with necessary facilities that are conducive for holding of meetings and accommodating PICE members during formal functions.
The PICE will also pursue the appeal on the Supreme Court ruling that limit the authority of civil engineers in the revised implementing rules of the National Building Code.
According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, both civil engineers and architects play significant roles in complying with and implementing building codes and collaboration between civil engineers and architects is essential for achieving a successful building design in the Philippines that not only meets aesthetic and functional requirements but also complies with building codes and regulations. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that the built environment is safe, durable, and compliant with the standards set forth in building codes.
Through these initiatives, Senior Undersecretary Sadain is optimistic that the true strength of unity and solidarity of the PICE members will translate to its anticipated milestones and achievements.