PSME to police companies hiring unlicensed engineers

CEBU, Philippines – Commemorating "Mechanical Engineering Week," in the Philippines every third week of October, stakeholders expressed its strong stand in protecting the industry and to sustain the dynamism of their profession.

All chapter members of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) from across the country simultaneously marked its commitment to lead the implementation of the Republic Act (R.A.) 8495, otherwise known as "An Act Regulating the Practice of Mechanical Engineering in the Philippines."

PSME president Renato A. Florencio announced that industry players are now ready to strongly stand for their profession, otherwise it will be ultimately ruined by companies who are hiring unlicensed mechanical engineers.

During its 58th Annual Convention held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Metro Manila, registered mechanical engineers emphasized the need of the local government units (LGUs) to join their cause to police companies and industries which are hiring unlicensed mechanical engineers.

During the annual convention, the mechanical engineering industry players highlighted its vision to achieve "Excellence" in their profession, however, if companies continue to employ unlicensed mechanical engineers, it would do no good to the industry, as well as keep the Philippines from being competitive globally.

Each local chapter across the country are now activated to coordinate with their respective LGU executives in informing the top seven-thousand employers to strictly follow the R.A. 8495, Florendo said.

Initially, PSME has identified the top seven thousand companies around the country, to be re-informed of the law, and the establishment of PSME's Paralegal Group.

The late former president Corazon Aquino declared the third week of October as the "Mechanical Engineering Week" for the Philippines, through a Presidential Proclamation Number 319 signed on September 5, 1988.

This is in recognition of the profession's contribution to the development of the country.

With this, Florendo said legitimate players have to continuously fight to address the pressing concern faced by the mechanical professionals today. The continuous hiring of unlicensed mechanical engineers by companies is seen to degrade the profession.

Early this year, PSME has announced the creation of a paralegal group to intensify its move to strictly implement the RA. 8495.

Aside from working closely with the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), the group will also touch base with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Insurance Commission (IC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Local Government Units (LGUs) and other key government agencies.

Based on a study, only 10 percent of the total establishment nationwide religiously implementing the law. While 90 percent are violating the RA 5495.

Significantly, the newly formed PSME paralegal group in each chapter will also call the attention of all ISO auditors to strictly require companies in implementing R.A. 8495, while part of the mandate of ISO certification, such as ISO 14000 and 9001 that all laws of the land should be implemented within the company and "competency requirement is a must."

"Handling mechanical equipment can be dangerous and hazardous. It can kill. If you don't hire competent mechanical engineers to run it, people will die," Florendo said.

This brave move is also aimed at sustaining the demand of mechanical engineers in the country, while new breed of high school students have less interest in mechanical engineering course, rather strong interest are now in nursing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses.

The law requires that all establishments employ only competent engineers to handle the mechanical equipment of manufacturing companies and other firms. (FREEMAN)