For the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners – Qatar Chapter, 2021 will be an extraordinary year. It does not only have one or two but multitudes of reasons to celebrate. Members of the chapter, previously known as environmental planners in Qatar before being granted Full Chapter status in 2019 worked smart as a young group in the environmental planning Profession to equip themselves and serve as an inspiration to other planners.
PIEP Qatar celebrated its second anniversary last October 22 – the very first hybrid celebration during the pandemic. It boasts of its 34 members to date with a number of them residing in the Philippines. Even miles apart, it didn’t hinder the members from participating actively in the chapter's activities. Unlike regular celebrations, the chapter introduced new ways to make the year memorable. A panel discussion was moderated with panelists representing various sectors and organizations on the planning community namely: EnP Maria Ana Pulido, with her consultancy company: represented the private sector; EnP Felicisimo Tejuco, Jr, from the University of Sto. Thomas College of Architecture represented the academe; EnP Benita Regala, represented the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Housing (EAROPH); and EnP Eleanor Mohammad, President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) represented the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).
Another highlight is the PIEPQx presentation wherein some of the chapter’s members shared a TED style presentation about their planning careers and future plans. EnP Mohaliden Mohammad who is currently working as a planner in the Philippines; EnP Dennis Mota from Doha and Engr. Mandy Vicente their insights, current undertakings and future plans in the planning profession. To cap the celebration, a raffle draw ensued which gave away ten free registration passes to the PIEP National Convention 2021 held on Nov 5-7 and one EAROPH conference on Nov 26. Truly, PIEP Qatar stood tall and continues to be at the forefront as “Planners as Inspirational and Empowered Professionals through Quintessential Exchange of Information and Collaboration”.
