13 Ilonggo mechanical engineers recognized

By John Noel E. Herrera

Ilonggo mechanical engineers were recognized during the 70th Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) National Convention on Oct 21, 2022 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City for their innovative machines and other equipment that impact society.

Seven of the 13 Ilonggo mechanical engineers were awarded as part of the 70 Platinum Outstanding Mechanical Engineers (POME), while four were included in The Outstanding Mechanical Engineers (TOME), and two were awarded Accomplishment and Service Awards (ASA).

The awardees are:

70 Platinum Outstanding Mechanical Engineers (POME)

-Engr. Rex C. Casiple, PhD

-Engr. Adrian N. Moncada, PME

-Engr. Antonio E. Morales, PME

-Engr. Victor V. Pardilla, PME

-Engr. Narciso M. Pasuelo, PME

-Engr. Ransam S. Pirote, PME

-Engr. Panfilo Y. Sayo, PME

The Outstanding Mechanical Engineers (TOME)

-Engr. Alexander O. Aquino, MPE (Government Service)

-Engr. Godofredo P. Defensor, DIT (Education)

-Engr. Simon Peter Y. Gemora, CSP (Contracting)

-Engr. Maximo J. Pareja, CSP (Management)

Accomplishment and Service Awards (ASA)

-Engr. Bonnie D. Degala, MMBM (Most Outstanding Chapter President)

-Engr. Christian Ian S. Marcos (Most Outstanding Member)

Engr. Morales said in a press conference on Monday, Oct 31, that they need to “go through a difficult screening and selection process as part of the criteria were their impact on their profession, impact on the society and environment, and character and integrity are considered.”

Engr. Degala, President of PSME Panay Chapter, also said that the success of the chapter is a collaborative effort of all the members, especially the seniors, who helped him as he was new to the role.

“One of the principles I learned was that we have energy as young people, but they have the wisdom. Our energy should be guided by their wisdom as without that wise guidance from them, we cannot have this success,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PSME Panay Chapter also acknowledged that they are “not getting any younger anymore” and the profession needs more young blood as demands for innovations and technological improvements continue to grow.

PSME Panay Chapter also said that mechanical engineers have a vital role in innovating society, particularly in the fields of construction and transportation, because “as long as there is a need for innovation, mechanical engineers will always play important roles to achieve it.”

“Ang mechanical engineering profession, hindi ni mag-untat and vital and needed gid as long as there are moving equipment, moving machinery, may mechanical engineers gid sa mga planta kag sa mga factory, hotels and other establishments,” Engr. Morales added.

Engr. Gemora also said that mechanical engineering is a “very broad” profession as it is involved “almost in everything, like in health, agriculture, and electricity and with the construction boom that we have right now.”

PSME is an organization of mechanical engineers in the country founded in 1952 for the purpose of uniting and enjoining mechanical engineers “in the pursuit of continuing professional growth” and “to advance the profession, and provide sustainability to a changing world.”