By: Engr. Dave G. Sanchez
The 1st Joint Webinar Conference (WEBICON) was successfully held on August 26, 2022, by the multi-awarded Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Qatar (PICE Qatar), in collaboration with the PICE Region 2 Philippine Chapters. This one-day event with the theme "International and Regional Chapters Collaboratively Bridging Technology Transfer Through Challenging Times and Beyond," was attended by over 600 people from all over the world.
The WEBICON was divided into two parts. Part 1 started at 8:00 AM with PICE Qatar President Engr. Rolan E. Nevado addressed all attendees and guests who graced the event. He also expressed his gratitude to all of the Chapters and individuals who made the event possible. PICE National President-Elect Engr. April Frances Agatha Flores then congratulated and praised everyone for the event, a first of its kind that could serve as a model for other local and international chapters. PICE National President Ador Canlas also lauded the organizers and stated that the theme event was very timely, particularly in the sharing and transfer of technology and skills with fellow professionals, especially amid difficulties currently being experienced. Later, Engr. Roy Baquiran, PICE Qatar Founding President, and PTC Deputy Presidential Adviser stated that through the WEBICON, PICE Qatar Chapter has reached another important milestone deserving the highest accolades. This was followed by the keynote speech by Dr. Arthur Ibañez, Region 2 - Regional Coordinator who emphasized the importance of Civil Engineers in nation building. Guest of Honor Adam Musa, the Philippine Labor Attaché in Qatar later delivered a message with an assurance that the POLO Office is always in constant communication and collaboration to provide the best services to all Filipino Overseas Workers in Qatar.
Following the motivational messages of the keynote speakers and after reading the event House Rules, the event's overall chairman, PICE Qatar's first vice president Elvin Fajutagana, officially opened the WEBICON with Dr. Emer T. Quezon as the first speaker who presented the topic: Application of System Dynamics Models in Simulating "Good and Poor" Case Scenarios of Road Construction Labor Productivity Rate and Work Done Over Time Using Analogic Software. Engr. Jerwin Gutierrez later presented the topic covering Innovative Underground Structures: Water, Wastewater, and Drainage system. Concluding session 1 of WEBICON was Engr. Meliza Ortiguerra discussed the Evolution of Tunnel and Bridge Construction. Following the morning session presentations, Engr. Ron Carlo Pingol, Engr. Gerardo Managuelod, and Engr. Mario Oligo served as a panelist and initiated lively Q & A discussions with all the participants.
To open the afternoon session of the WEBICON, Engr. Maria Catalina Cabral the President of the PICE Batanes Chapter delivered her inspirational message and expressed her gratitude for the invitation from PICE Qatar to attend the historic event. She also stated the need to link members from local and international chapters to promote national resilience amidst challenges and crises. In his keynote speech, PICE Cagayan Chapter President Engr. Ruben Borleo reiterated the benefits gained from attending collaborative events through the rich experiences, knowledge, wisdom, and lessons learned from outside the country. Engr. Trese T. Bustamante, PTC Presidential Adviser represented by Engr. Roy Baquiran later expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chapter for delivering this WEBICON. He also reminded everyone to apply for professional advancement and become an APEC Engineer or an ASEAN Engineer.
Engr. Elmo Rodriguez began the second part of the WEBICON Technical Presentation with the topic Guide to Flexible Pavement Construction and Solutions to Common Surface Defects. Engr. Alfonso Belito Betita then followed with the Topic: Tunneling the World Using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). To end the technical presentation series, Engr. Al Eco tackled the topic of coastal flooding.
Engr. Helario Amoguis, Dr. Anderson Gonzales, and Engr. Ralph Angelo Estiller, the assigned WEBICON panelists subsequently gave their insights and thoughts on the Session 2 technical presentations.
2nd Vice President Engr. Loraine Radan delivered her closing remarks to officially end the momentous event.
The WEBICON 1 day event was hosted by Engr. Jundee Mar Tejedo and Engr. Danica Rose Alcantara for Part 1, and Engr. Dave Sanchez and Engr. Michelle Macaraig for Part 2.
This WEBICON event truly exemplified PICE Qatar's commitment to providing excellence and knowledge to fellow Filipino Engineers. It is truly one of the proud moments in the annals of PICE Qatar’s remarkable history.
