By Eduardo V Francisco
The PICE Qatar Chapter held its 16th General Assembly, Induction of New Members and Election of 2023 Officers and Board of Directors (BOD’s) on the 30th of September 2022 under the theme “Adopting Innovations and Embracing Change to Overcome Future Impediments” at Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay, State of Qatar.
SAA Victoriano P. Bago, Jr. presided over a "Call to Order," and he reminded everyone to follow health and safety protocol during the event. The opening ceremony was formally announced by 1st Vice President Elvin D. Fajutagana, who welcomed guests, partners, officers, members, fraternal organizations, and all attendees with greetings and well wishes.
Honorable Cassandra B. Sawadjaan (Officer-in-Charge) of the Philippine Embassy in Doha, Qatar, delivered her Special Message as Guest of Honor followed by Hon. Don Albert Philippe C. Pangcog, Assistant Labor Attache' cum Officer In-Charge (OIC) of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Doha, State of Qatar. Both special guests spoke about the warm relationship between the Philippines government and the State of Qatar, as well as the host-gratitude country and appreciation for the contributions of Filipino engineers and expats to Qatar nation building.
PICE Qatar fraternal organizations graced in the event such as Philippine Institute of Certified Quantity Surveyors (PICQS Qatar Chapter) represented by its President Yvonne O. Cabang, Filipino Association of Materials Engineers (FAME - Qatar) represented by President Ruel N. Reyes, and Filipino Planning Engineers Association – Qatar Chapter, represented by President Ryan Ace Tan.
PICE Qatar President Rolan E. Nevado, assisted by Founding President Roy B. Baquiran, bestowed a plague of appreciations on deserving members and officers for their outstanding and meritorious performances. Plagues of Appreciation were also bestowed upon all PICE Qatar members who also serve as president or chairman of various fraternal organizations in Qatar or around the world.
President Nevado also presented the President of the Republic of the Philippines award to the PICE Qatar Chapter in the category of "LINGAP SA KAPWA PILIPINO" or 'LINKAPIL' for short. In addition, Past President Ronaldo B. Nilo received another Philippine Presidential Award for the "PAMANA NG PILIPINO."
During the “President Report” he announced that the PICE Qatar is in the healthy environment as it almost achieves his sets of goals and objectives for the entire year 2022 as early as in 3rd Quarter of this year!
The election of the 2023 leaders was overseen by all former PICE Qatar Past Presidents (PP's) who are still in Qatar, with the Interim Past President, Engr Anthony Mark P. Abendan, serving as Chairman of the Nomination and Election Committee (NOMELEC. The election was also supported by a group of volunteers from the PICE Qatar Chapter and their families.
A peaceful and friendly election was successfully held, and all newly elected officers to gear up the PICE Qatar in 2023 are pleased with the efficient and friendly election.
The winning 15 candidates elected by the active members from among the 18 candidates who filed applications for candidacy are as follows:
Elvin D. Fajutagana - President-Elect
Maria Michelle A. Revillosa - 1st Vice President-Elect
Dave G. Sanchez - 2nd Vice President-Elect
Mario S. Oligo - Secretary-Elect
Danica Rose M. Alcantara - Treasurer-Elect
Belinda E. Dela Cruz - Auditor-Elect
Jowell C Cando - Business Manager-Elect
Angelo D. Eda - PRO-Elect
Victoriano P. Bago, Jr. - Sarge-At-Arms-Elect
Eduardo V. Francisco - Board of Director-Elect
Arman T. Tolentino - Board of Director-Elect
Felipe D. Catinoy - Board of Director-Elect
Melisa M. Ortiguerra - Board of Director-Elect
Ron Carlo Y. Pingol - Board of Director-Elect
Reynante P. Apolinar - Board of Director-Elect
The 16th GA was directed by PP Sheila L. Medel and the Event Chairperson, Engr Susana O. Nacario and her family, along with the technical engineering team of Engr Alfredo M. Pagulayan and Jeric Lising, Engr Mikaela Espiritu, Director Alnovar Abubakar, and Supervising Officer, Engr Elvin D. Fajutagana. Engr Jundee Mar. B. Tejedo and Ms. Aileen Ordonez served as masters of ceremonies.
Loraine C. Radan, 2nd Vice President, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to PICE Qatar members as personal sponsors, technical partners, PICE Qatar officers, members, families, and friends.
A parallel raffle draw event was held, with major prizes and consolation prizes distributed. The lucky winners received a laptop as the first prize, an iPad as the second prize, a 40-inch LED television as the third prize, and hundreds of consolation prizes. MABUHAY PICE Qatar, congratulations!
