A renewed call to the young, and would-be civil engineers

By Engr. Ray Adrian C. Macalalag

In a rapidly changing world facing unprecedented challenges, civil engineers’ role is more critical than ever. We must not only build but also understand the purpose, audience, and future we aim to shape.

This message resonated deeply during the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Midyear National Convention and Technical Conference in Iloilo City, June 25-27, 2025. It was a gathering of technical minds, a call to action, and a reflection on the true essence of engineering in today’s world. Our guest speakers transcended technicality, addressing the ethical, emotional, and civic responsibilities of engineering in the Philippines.

Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Ma. Catalina Cabral, Ph.D., speaking on behalf of Secretary Manuel Bonoan, reminded us that “the best engineers not only know how to build. They know why they build and for whom.” This insight is at the heart of meaningful engineering. Technical expertise alone is not enough. Without vision and empathy, our designs are hollow. Our structures must stand not only on concrete and steel, but on the strength of purpose and the values we uphold.

She continued by saying that the world does not only need brilliant minds but also grounded hearts. This powerful truth cannot be emphasized enough. The challenges we face today require more than intellect. They demand engineers who are compassionate, socially aware, and willing to engage with communities. We are not just solving equations, we are solving human problems. And in doing so, we are shaping lives.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan, in his message, echoed this sentiment. He spoke not only as a legislator but as the son of an engineer, saying, “Engineers are solutions-oriented… Like my father, he designed, he built, he solved.” This is a legacy we must embrace and pass on. He urged us to look beyond roads and bridges and help build something greater: an honest, transparent, and responsive society. His call was clear and resonant: “Let us build a country that works. Let us build a country that cares. Let us build a country that lasts.”

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas brought the message home with a reminder that great cities are not born, they are built with a heart. Engineering is not solely about physical development. It is, at its core, about people. Every building, every road, every system we design must reflect our commitment to serve the public good. Platforms like the PICE convention are essential not just for sharing knowledge, but for reinforcing our collective mission to make our cities more livable, inclusive, and resilient.

Amidst these stirring words, the call to young engineers resonated loudest. They are the present force for change in civil engineering, bringing fresh perspectives, digital transformation, and an urgent need to innovate. They bring energy and ideals, and must not wait to be asked to lead. The country needs them now to contribute to the next wave of infrastructure and redefine what infrastructure means in a nation seeking integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability. This challenges present leaders to acknowledge their presence and potential for lasting change in the Philippines.

This is a time for engineering with intention. It is a time to align our skills with our values, to match every calculation with compassion, and every blueprint with a vision for the common good. Let us use our knowledge not just to build, but to uplift. Let us be leaders in transforming not only our skylines, but also our systems.

And most of all, let us be reminded that the change we long to see in our government and our country will not come from the top down. It must come from all of us. Every engineer has the power and the responsibility to help build that change. Let us work with purpose. Let us build with heart. Let us be the engineers of a better, fairer, and lasting nation.