CEBU, Philippines – Demand for mechanical engineers is expected to double in the next few years, following the commitment of different government agencies to strictly implement the R.A 8495, otherwise known as the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998.
PSME past president Vicente Vosotros hopes that this year will be a “history year” for PSME, and the licensed mechanical engineers especially in Cebu, as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) finally agreed to help the group in professionalizing the industry.
According to Vosotros the commitment of these government agencies to help the PSME in implementing the RA 8485, will not only provide good prospects for promising employment in the Philippines among licensed mechanical engineers, but also provides safety of industries across different sectors.
Vosotros, who is also recently appointed as Mechanical Engineer Board Examiner, said that this joint action between PSME and government agencies in Cebu will serve as a model in all the Philippine chapter of the organization, to partner with their respective local government agencies on this “brave” action.
RA 8495, or Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998, clearly stated that “It is unlawful for any person to order or otherwise cause the fabrication, construction, erection, installation or alteration of any mechanical equipment, machinery or process for any mechanical works, projects, or plants, unless the designs, plans, layouts or specifications have been prepared by or under the responsible charge of, and duly signed and sealed by a professional mechanical engineer.”
PSME will work closely with PNP, DOLE and PRC in identifying establishment which are maintaining unlicensed mechanical engineers in their respective organizations, so that the law will be strongly implemented.
In the next few weeks, PSME and these agencies will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to officially seal the agreement, Vosotros said in a press conference.— Ehda M. Dagooc