by Rodel M. Lolong PICE Qatar Chapter led by the Committee on Continuing Professional Advancement (COCPA), held another successful 5 hours training webinar on “Planning & Scheduling for beginners using Oracle Primavera P6 Professional” last 19 August 2022, from 10am to 3pm. Credit point units of this webinar have been applied at Professional Regulation Commission. It was attended not only by PICE Qatar members, but also by civil engineering students from various Philippine universities, including Cagayan State University (CSU), Cebu Technological University (CTU), Isabela State University (ISU), and Cebu Central Colleges (CCC). A total of 167 people attended the webinar, with 11 from CSU, one from CCCU, one from CTU, and one from ISU. Engr. Rolan E. Nevado, President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Qatar Chapter, welcomed everyone. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the training. He also thanked everyone who took the time to attend the webinar, especially the event's speaker, Engr. Elvin D. Fajutagana. Project planning is critical to the successful completion of a project. It is one of the most important project management stages. Proper planning ensures that an organization's resources are allocated and used in the most cost-effective and appropriate manner. Engr. Fajutagana is the current 1st Vice President of PICE Qatar, a Life Member and Project Management and Construction Engineering Specialist, a full member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Association for Project Management (APM), Project Management Professional by PMI, an ASEAN Engineer, an APEC Engineer, and a Life Member and Past President of the Filipino Planning Engineers Association (FPEA). Engr. Angelo D. Eda, the COCPA committee's director, introduced him. Engr. Fajutagana has been with Al Huda Engineering Works for over 11 years as a Project Manager and Commercial & Contracts Manager. During the training, the speaker had a thorough discussion from introduction, downloading Primavera P6 software from Oracle and step-by-step installation, creating Enterprise Project Structure (EPS), Organization Breakdown Structure (OBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and new Project, adding activities, relationships, copying and formatting, resources, activity codes, updating, and even the other functionalities of Primavera P6. A healthy discussion after the seminar occurred between the speaker and the participants of the said event. It was followed by awarding a certificate to the Resource Speaker and the CPD Monitor Engr. Babylyn Segovia, and then it was formally closed by 2VP Engr. Loraine C. Radan as she expressed her gratitude to the resource speaker for rendering his time and knowledge to his fellow engineers and students from various universities.

by: Rodel M. Lolong The process of drilling foundations through the ground to provide more structural strength to the weak soil underneath is called Piling. It prepares the ground to carry heavy loads, such as a new home, office complex, road, or another piece of infrastructure. That is what PICE Qatar through the Committee on Continuing Professional Advancement (COCPA) highlights in their 10th online seminar entitled “THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN SUPERVISING VARIOUS PILING WORKS” last August 12, 2022. It was attended by forty (40) participants including BODs and committee members. Engr. Alfonso Reyes Sincioco Jr., a Civil Engineer, having a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and International Construction Management, who is currently working as a Resident Engineer in one of the top companies in Singapore was introduced by COCPA Director Engr. Angelo D. Eda. The seminar proper was divided into two different parts, Engr. Sincioco during the first half has discussed the Type of Piles, Design requirements, Authority Requirements, and Construction work. The second half then focused on the Supervision Works, QA/QC Checks, Challenges, QS records, and Safety & Risk Management. It was concluded by an interactive Q&A from the speaker and participants then Awarding of Certificate to the resource Speaker and was officially ended by 2nd VP Loraine Radan with a closing remark as she expressed her gratitude to the resource speaker for sharing his expertise and to everyone who supports to make the event a success, especially to Board of Directors and Committee Officers.

Emmanuel German V. Boceta / Leo Manrique The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. Qatar Chapter (PICE Qatar) successfully conducted the collaborative 1st “Billiards for a Cause” activity last August 5, 2022, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Qatar Bowling Centre located in Al Bidda near Mannai Roundabout, Doha, State of Qatar. There were 18 players/participants in the tournament consisting of 15 entries in the Men’s Division & 3 entries in the Women’s Division. The activity was led through the initiative of PICE Qatar’s 2022 COPA Chairman Emmanuel German V. Boceta, CSB/OCEP Chairman Leo Manrique, Business Manager-Relief & Assistance Chairman, Rosendo B. Berja Jr., and his Co-Chair Treasurer - Aushford Acera with the guidance of PICE Qatar President Rolan E. Nevado and EXECOMM 2022. Accordingly, the fund-raising activity was done through a collaborative undertaking to support the School Building Project and Community Extension Outreach Project/s for implementation by the organization. In the end, after the competition’s rigorous Elimination Round, Semifinals Round, and Finals Round for both divisions, the following emerged as winners of the 1st PICE Qatar Billiards for a Cause: Men’s Division: Champion - Arthur E. Tuquib (IIEE) 1st Runner-Up - Robert Macapagal (PICE) 2nd Runner-Up - Reynante Apolinar (PICE) Women’s Division: Champion - Elenie Nicomedes (PICE) 1st Runner-Up - Danica Rose Alcantara (PICE) 2nd Runner-Up - Cherylliz Anne Lago (UAP) In organizing the activity beforehand, it is also noteworthy to acknowledge the collaborative efforts done by the different Organizing Team Members, as well as other PICE Qatar Members consisting of seven individuals who contributed to raising additional funds for the cause by sharing their donations without playing/competing in the tourney. Likewise, the PICE-Qatar EXECOMM 2022 thru COPA extends its gratitude to all PICE Qatar General Membership and PPOQ Members who in one way or another supported the activity and are continuously supporting other PICE Qatar activities. The activity ended at 6:00 PM after awarding ceremonies and photo ops with all participants present during the activity. As of this writing, a positive outcome for proceeds was raised which shall be used as an additional fund for the School Building Project and Community Extension Outreach Project/s of PICE Qatar. Other upcoming “For A Cause” planned activities shall be progressively carried out in the coming days, and everyone’s support and cooperation are hereby enjoined to realize PICE Qatar’s 2022 Programs and Projects. Stay Tuned, Stay Focused and Stay Safe…Together Everyone Achieves More. Photo Credits: PICE Qatar COPA, Billiards for a Cause WhatsApp group chat

by Engr. Danica Rose M. Alcantara “Think of giving not as a duty, but as a privilege.” ~John D. Rockefeller Jr. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Qatar Chapter (PICE Qatar) under its Committee on School Building/Other External Community Projects (CSB/OECP), on July 17, 2022, had the privilege of giving back to the Motherland through REACHING OUT: RELIEF PROJECT, in partnership with Manila Humanitarian Mission for the program "KALINGA AT MALASAKIT NG MGA BAYANING PILIPINO”: Modern-day Heroes Support and Lead the Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic. This is in line with the advocacy to provide options for extending assistance to citizens in the Philippines who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 menace. Under the initiatives of PICE Qatar’s President Rolan Nevado, 2nd Vice President Loraine Radan, CSB/OECP Chairman Leo Manrique, and members of PICE Qatar Executive Committee, the collaborative endeavor involved the distribution of food packs which benefitted over fifty (50) families in Brgy. San Martin de Porres, Quezon City. This is in keeping with PICE Qatar’s continuous effort to fulfill its social responsibility by implementing programs and collaborating with various organizations to assist distressed individuals and communities not only in Qatar, but also in the Philippines. For this act of kindness, the Manila Humanitarian Mission presented PICE Qatar with an Award of Recognition and a Plaque of Appreciation. But such wonderful tokens pale in comparison with the honor of earning the gratitude of the beneficiaries.

The Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble of the Philippines (MVEP) and Qabayan Radio signed a collaboration agreement in reaching out to the communities in the country through their programs and services. The signing took place at Qabayan Radio studio on Sunday, July 17, 2022. MVEP or commonly called as 'Maharlikans' is a popular Filipino choir group in Qatar that has already performed in many Filipino and international events. Ms. May Caseres - Chiuco, and Ms. Gemeree Leean Feliciano - both officers of the choir's core group represented Maharlikans while Ms. Nhelie Rosopa - Qabayan's General Manager represented the radio station. It can be recalled that Ms. May Caseres-Chiuco served as one of the judges during the station's 'Himig Qabayan 2021'.

Qatar’s Leading Performance Group set to Participate at the Global Street Dance Championship. July 2022 | DOHA the CrewQ; a competitive and ambitious, street dance team from Qatar has qualified to compete at the prestigious United Dance Organization - UDO World Championships which is set to be held at Winter Gardens in the UK in the month of August 2022. The UDO World is highly acclaimed street dance sports event running throughout the year in the UK and Europe. At the event, thousands of dancers from across the globe come together to compete for World Champion titles in front of the world's best Street Dance and Hip Hop dance celebrity judges. The UDO World Championships is the height of the annual Street Dance and hip-hop dance competition calendar. The CrewQ with 2 levels Jr. and Sr. is composed of 7-17 years old student scholar with multicultural nationalities and diverse dance background was formed by My First Eight Count - MFEC Street Dance, a movement training center founded by MFEC Events, a creative dance agency specializes in performance arts. MFEC Street Dance thrives on delivering classes/workshops to engage people of all ages looking for artistic self-expression, Exercise and/or social opportunities through dance. Since its establishment in 2015, MFEC’s Street Dance Trainers continue to explore and cultivate the craft and is committed to hone and develop the skills of a younger generation of talented freestylers dance artists, right here in Qatar. UDO Championship draws dancers from around the world. Teams participate in qualifying rounds to secure a slot to compete at the championship. Under the tutelage of MFEC Street Dance a massively talented group of CrewQ artiste took the initiative to apply for a competition slot at the UDO World Championships. The CrewQ team has clearly impressed the preliminary judges and have secured place in the UDO Worlds battleground. Commenting on the incredible opportunity before them, Aristotle Hernandez, Head of MFEC said, “This vibrant 4-day event is THE most prestigious dance competition of them all. So we are thrilled that our team has qualified to participate to - Entry level for Team and Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced for Solo, Duo and TrioQuad categories at the UDO World Championships. We are fortunate that Qatar supports all sports in the community and for the community. That is the amazing, supportive environment that has really helped groups like us to emerge”. Aristotle went on to say, “The fact that ‘The CrewQ’ got into such a highly competitive, global competition the level of skills they possess. Competing teams across the world perform at very high levels, so it is really significant that our team has the self-belief and the talent to step up and we have been rewarded with the chance to compete against the best at this global dance event. We are certain that we can create a hugely positive impression of Qatar at the UDO World UK and we are looking forward to bringing back home a victory”. Given Qatar’s vision as a sport nation, The CrewQ mission is that Qatar will gradually consider the contribution that group performance like street dance makes as a sporting activity. Well aware that, street dance style – “Breakdance” now has successfully made the leap from ’80s pop culture to the Olympic stage where Breakdance is billed to make its Olympic debut in Paris 2024. The power of Street Dance Sports to bring the community together and encourage physical fitness and sporting skill is a further reason for Qatar to be supportive of such initiatives. Stay tuned for The CrewQ’s Send-Off Show happening on 29th July 2022 at Education City. Amazing line-up of guest dance artist will join the group on this day for more inquiries about the dance concert. Please get in touch with MFEC Street Dance social media pages IG, FB @mfecqatar and website mfecevents.co #TheCrewQtoWorlds #unitedwedance #roadtoWorlds #mfecstreetdance ABOUT THE SHOW: Send off… Show off… Street Dance… A summer dance mash-up for the whole family, The CrewQ Send-off Show on the stage before the team’s competition in the UK. Directed by Aristotle Hernandez and choreographed by Gerald Hernandez this street dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined piece of popular styles from hip-hop to house, locking to popping, breaking to vogue and waacking with smashing krump, lite-feet and afro together into a heart stomping and inspirational send-off event. Watch with your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The CrewQ Send-off Show take you on a journey that celebrates love, community, and the optimism for this hopeful 10 young dancers beat their courage.

by Engr. Emmanuel German V. Boceta A total of 15 blood donors out of 36 screened potential donors had successfully donated blood during the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. Qatar Chapter’s (PICE Qatar) 2nd Blood Donation/Blood Letting Campaign 2022 in cooperation with PPO-Qatar at Hamad Medical Center, Bayt Al Diyafah Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, Doha, State of Qatar on July 15, 2022, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. The activity was spearheaded by the Committee on PICE Qatar Affairs (COPA) supported by volunteers and donors from PICE Qatar EXECOMM 2022, General Membership, Philippine Professional Organization Qatar (PPO-Q) Member Organizations, family and friends. The activity was also supported and attended by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Labor Attaché Hon. Adam A. Musa who was amused with the well-organized activity and acknowledged the organization’s efforts for organizing such honorable and noble gesture of donating blood. PICE Qatar’s yearly bloodletting/blood donation activity is part of the programs and advocacies of the organization covering the guiding principles in line with PICE National P.I.L.E.S. Core Values acronym, with S for “Social Responsibility”, supporting Qatar-our second home and host country’s blood donation drive at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Qatar Blood Services “Qatar…It’s in Our Blood” nationwide campaign to encourage citizens and residents to become regular blood donors. PICE-Qatar was again awarded by HMC a Certificate of Appreciation in organizing another successful blood donation drive.

The Education and Training Committee of Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) in collaboration with Bayanihan Qatar organized a one-day Strategic Planning Seminar and Workshop on 15th July 2022 at Inspire Management Training Institute in Doha. The seminar and workshop was attended by at least 47 officers of various Filipino community organizations in Qatar under the Bayanihan Qatar’s umbrella. A pre-membership orientation, which is required for membership in BMKQ, was presented by Ms. Malou Valientes before the main topics presentation. Mr. Leo S. Dote, spoke about developing the organization’s vision, mission, goal and objectives (VMGO), while Engr. Ressie Fos lectured and facilitated the workshop on developing successful strategies, SWOT analysis, developing action plans, obtaining feedback from members of organizations, identifying action steps, and the common documentations in an organization such as developing the annual program, procurement plan, writing memos, circulars, resolutions, minutes of meetings, terms of reference, and others. In his welcome and opening message, Bayanihan Qatar President – Mr. Jerry Ronquillo stressed on the importance of the strategic planning seminar and workshop among the organizations noting that they should have strategic plans and actions in achieving the organizational vision, missions and specific objectives. Meanwhile, BMKQ President – Engr. Meliza M. Ortiguerra also stressed on BMKQ’s commitment to support allied organizations in various programs such as providing and facilitating trainings, through the support of other stakeholders such as BWI and other sponsors. While the participants in the said seminar and workshop rated the event as highly satisfactory, they wished for a longer duration or at least a follow-up seminar be organized in the near future to allocate more time for writeshop.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Qatar Chapter added another major achievement to its long list of impressive credentials with the successful holding of the 1st International Engineers Congress (IEC) with the theme “Boosting Construction and Engineering Professionals with Breakthrough Innovations to Overcome Challenges” at Dusit Hotel West Bay in Doha on 11th of July 2022. The event commenced with an opening address by PICE Qatar 1st Vice President Elvin D. Fajutagana, followed by a welcome remark from PICE Qatar President Rolan E. Nevado. A total of 56 participants from various professional organizations attended the face-to-face event which was also streamed live via zoom to 70 online attendees. Among the Keynote Speakers who shared their valuable thoughts on the underlying theme of the Congress were Engr. Mark Anthony P. Abendan, Chairman of the Philippine Professional Organization-Qatar and PICE Qatar-IPP; Er. Abdul Sathar, VP-Professional Affairs of the Indian Business & Professional Councils, and IPP of the Institute Engineers India-Qatar; Eng. Tamer Naguib, President of the Institution of Engineers Australia-Qatar; Er. Kamil Ariff, Chairman of the Institute Engineers Sri Lanka-Qatar; and Engr. Roy L. Baquiran, PICE Qatar Founding President, and PTC Deputy Presidential Adviser for Qatar. One of the highlights of the event was the speech of Hon. Labour Attaché Adam A. Musa, the Guest of Honor and Speaker, who conveyed the role of the engineering professionals as an essential foundation for nation-building. He cited the vital role of engineering organizations like PICE Qatar in the transformation of Qatar from a desert nation to what it is today, a highly developed modern state. Technical lectures were later presented by the following Resource Speakers: 1) Engr. Jeffrey P. Cimagala (PICE Qatar) - Optimization of Reduced Beam Sections for Ductile Detailing of Seismic Joint Connections Using Finite Element Analysis; 2) Er. Sudhyasatya B.P. Banerjee (IEI Qatar) - Lean Implementation in Construction Management; 3) Engr. Gesilo P. Cimagala, Jr. (IECEP Qatar) - Unified Communications Enhancing Collaboration in Construction Industry; 4) Er. Gazi Mohammad Badruddoza (IEB Qatar) - Innovation to Overcome Construction Challenges; 5) Engr. Mario M. Solang (IIEE Qatar) - Advance Metering Infrastructure, and 6) Er. K.M. Salihudeen (IEI Qatar) - Modern Trends & Innovations in the Construction Industry. PICE Qatar 2nd Vice President Loraine C. Radan in her closing speech congratulated everyone including the Steering Committee for the successful conduct of the event and looked forward to more collaborative arrangements with other International Engineering Professional organizations here in Qatar by next year.

The spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or civic unity and cooperation among Filipinos is still alive demonstrated in helping fellow overseas working in need. Doha. Bayanihan Qatar – a federation of more than 20 Filipino community organizations in Qatar has proven once again that the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ is alive in many Filipino residents in the country, as fourteen (14) member-organisations supported and participated in the federation’s outreach program this year benefiting distressed overseas Filipino workers sheltered at Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)’s facility. The program was held on Friday, July 8, 2022 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm. The outreach program aimed to distribute groceries, food packs, and personal hygiene items to beneficiaries, all were women. “We are doing this outreach program at least once in every quarter in bigger or smaller scales, not only at POLO’s shelter facility but also in labor camps and Filipino communities to benefit workers whose salaries are delayed, or those who have lost their jobs.” Said Mr. Jerry Ronquillo - President of Bayanihan Qatar. There were fourteen (14) organizations and entities who contributed and participated in the outreach program, including TGBI TO, GSSI, FESTA Qatar, TSDQ, FFQ, Buklod, TKSQ, GP OFW, Advocates (OFWAI), GRII, Filipino Institute (FI), BDWQ, AGWI, and NIKTIK. Engr. Jerry Ronquillo thanked all the participating organizations under the Bayanihan Qatar umbrella for their unending support and cooperation in various programs of the federation. Ronquillo also applauded the officers and committees of the federation for their untiring support and commitment. Meanwhile, according to Engr. Caesar Ternida – Founding Chairman and Adviser of Filipino Expatriate Sepak Takraw (FESTA) Qatar – a member-organisation of Bayanihan Qatar, in addition to enjoying Sepak Takraw – the Philippine’s national sport, FESTA Qatar also realized that helping those in real need is satisfying both personal and organizational causes. “As we hear of fellow Filipinos in need and facing issues related to their job, we believe that extending our helping hands for them, and seeing them smile again is truly gratifying and fulfilling a sense of responsibility. Our organization has done similar outreach programs in the past benefiting distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and we will continue this endeavor and partnership with other organisations in fulfilling this commitment”, added Engr. Ternida. Engr. Ternida also expressed his gratitude on behalf of FESTA Qatar officers and members to Bayanihan Qatar federation for consistently allowing them to become partner in reaching out distressed OFWs in the country. ‘Bayanihan’ or civic unity and cooperation is among the virtues of Filipinos practiced since the ancient times, commonly demonstrated by folks helping a neighbor in relocating a hut or light shelter.

Qatar Tourism (QT), in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Ooredoo, has launched its ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign with exciting indoor entertainment and diverse experience offerings to last all summer. Family-friendly shows are set to take place at the Lusail Multi-purpose Hall starting July 14 and feature back-to-back live performances of three well-loved stories. Family friendly Entertainment Taking place over three days (July 14-16), the 'Alice in Wonderland – Cirque Show’ combines musical theatre with modern ballet, circus and acrobatic performances, immersing the audience in the incredible adventures of Alice. Multiple shows at varied timings will be offered, as follows: · Thursday, July 14: one show at 17:00 · Friday, July 15: two shows at 15:00 and 19:00 · Saturday, July 16: two shows at 13:00 and 17:00 To follow is the award-winning show, ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp – Cirque Show’ (July 21-23), that will captivate the whole family. Show timings are as follows: · Thursday, July 21: one show at 17:00 · Friday, July 22: two shows at 15:00 and 19:00 · Saturday, July 23: two shows at 13:00 and 17:00 Also taking place at the Lusail Multi-purpose Hall will be ‘The Smurfs – Live on Stage’ (July 28-30), which will see eight favourite Smurf characters come to life in a tale of magical adventure. Show timings are as follows: · Thursday, July 28: one show at 17:00 · Friday, July 29: two shows at 15:00 and 19:00 · Saturday, July 30: two shows at 13:00 and 17:00 Tickets for all shows start at QAR 145 and can be purchased at Tixbox.com, Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.com. Experience packages and staycations For those extending their summer stays in Qatar, there will be plenty to do with the myriad of promo tours and daytrips that have launched on the VisitQatar website. Those who love the water can take up scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking in the lush mangroves or even fishing, with an easy ability to view the availability of activities on a calendar and find out everything that is included in the excursion. The website features many more experiences to cater to a range of interests, from nature retreats to retail escapes and private dinner experiences. VisitQatar also highlights this season’s promotional packages by hotels, where residents can explore attractive offerings, coupling stays with dining, spa and other options. All seasonal offerings can be found on the following link: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/plan-your-trip/travel-deals-offers. Visitors wishing to find out more about the events running in Qatar throughout July can visit Qatarcalendar.com or follow @qatarcalendar on Facebook and Instagram.

The Welfare and Outreach Committee of the Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) in collaboration with Bantay at Kasangga (BaK) ng OFW International, Inc. – Qatar Chapter organized the 3rd Blood Donation Campaign held on July 1, 2022 at the new HMC Blood Donor Center. “We are doing this campaign at least once in every quarter and we receive overwhelming support from many Filipino community organizations and volunteer-blood donors. This is our 3rd time of the campaign titled “Dugo Ko, Buhay Mo” (My Blood, Your Life)”, said Mr. Eliseo S. Bermido, President of BaK and Chair of BMKQ Education and Training Committee. In addition to BMKQ and BaK, this 3rd blood donation campaign was supported by fourteen (14) community organisations namely Grupo Pilipino-OFW, Guardians Socialite Society International, Inc., Buhay Tsuper Doha Qatar, Guardians Alakdan Brotherhood International, Inc., Tropang Qabayan sa Qatar, Goal Keep Charity Qatar, Guardians Philippines International Inc. Anti-Crime Organisation, Qatar OFW Tambayan – Qatambayers 2022, OFW Advocates International, Confederation of Ilokano Association, Inc. known as Samahang Ilocano – CIAISI 61892 – State of Qatar, Buklod ng Bayaning Filipino sa Qatar, Bayanihan ng Domestic Workers sa Qatar (BDWQ) and Tropang Positive of Doha Qatar. “On behalf of BMKQ Welfare and Outreach Committee and BDWQ, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and congratulations to 58 blood donors and all who intended to donate. You are all heroes as your blood may save lives sooner or later.”, said Ms. Rosario Daño – Chairperson of BMKQ Welfare and Outreach Committee. There were 113 volunteers who participated but only 58 donors were finally qualified after examination at the HMC Blood Donor Center.