Ebdane to keynote PICE convention on June 25-27

MANILA, Philippines - Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. will be the keynote speaker of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) at its 2009 national midyear convention on June 25-27 at Bacolod Pavillon Resort Hotel in Bacolod City.

This was announced by PICE national president Venancio Besavilla Jr. who said the convention theme is “Civil Engineers Sustaining Infrastructure Development Amidst Global Economic Crisis.” Jose F. Mabanta, recipient of the Professional Regulation Commission’s “2009 Most Outstanding Civil Engineer” Award, will deliver an inspirational talk at the opening session.

Besavilla will submit his midyear report and confer certificates of specialization in the five specialty divisions. Dr. Benito Pacheco, member of the PICE structural engineering specialty division, and director, University of the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, will give a special lecture on “The Making of UP ICE: A National Academic Institution for Teaching, Research and Extension Service in Civil Engineering and its Specialized Fields.” Miriam Lusica-Tamayo, PICE national treasurer and member, structural engineering speciality division, will lecture on topics for specialty examination.

Lecturers will discuss specific issues on construction management and engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, water resources and hydraulic engineering, and the role of civil engineers in community development.

Joining the convention are PICE members from nationwide chapters, including those in government offices and civil engineering students who belong to 154 chapters. The students will attend the 1oth National Civil Engineering Students’ Summit and join the 9th Bridge Building Competition.   

The other 2009 PICE officers are Jaime A. Pacanan, 2nd vice-president; Ruben A. Sy, secretary; Miriam L. Tamayo, treasurer; David G. Sanchez, business manager; Ronaldo S. Ison,. PRO, and Julius S. Maguiling, auditor. The directors are Jesus P. Cammayo, Senaolan T. Macaraabon, Aser S. Mallari, Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., Nerio L. Ronquillo Jr., Danlo D. Superiano and Angelito M. Twaño, and Willy T. Go, ex-officio director as immediate past president. The Council of Advisers is composed of past presidents Juanito P. Abergas, Primitivo C. Cal, Ph.D.; Mocamad M. Raki-In Sr.; Peter N. Aventajado, Manuel M. Bonoan, Felipe F. Cruz, Nelson O. Irasga, David M. Consunji, Angel L. Lazaro III, Ph.D.; Jesus S. Hipolito, Ramon G. Hechanova, and Angel Lazaro Jr. Other officials are Antonio A. Abola, chancellor, College of Fellows; Leo Cleto A. Gamolo, legal counsel, and Nannette C. Villanueva, national administrative officer.