Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Gil Augustus A. Balmadrid, who is now the president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Catanduanes Chapter, recently called on civil engineers in Catanduanes to help build stronger and more resilient infrastructure that would withstand natural calamities that strike the island from time to time.
Speaking on the theme “Taking the Lead in Making Resilient Infrastructures Through the Building Back Better Program,” DE Balmadrid urged his colleagues in the profession to adhere to engineering standards and specifications in undertaking private and public infra projects so that it would survive the test of time and the occasional super typhoons and strong earthquakes.
The guest of honor, Virac Vice Mayor Arlynn H. Arcilla, cited civil engineers in providing technical assistance to the Sangguniang Bayan as she administered the oath to new PICE officers the other week.
In her remarks, Dr. Arcilla said she has always advocated public-private collaboration in local governance, particularly in the shared advocacy on efforts to address violence against women and children.
She also told the select audience at Kemji Resort and Restaurant last Jan. 30, 2021 of her experience as a COVID-19 survivor, warning the public to continue practicing health protocols as getting coronavirus would not grant permanent immunity.
The vice mayor was with Councilor Robert A. Maullon, president of the Our Lady’s Foundation, who as keynote speaker readily agreed to donate a piece of land at San Isidro Village for the construction of the PICE Catanduanes chapter headquarters building.
Aside from President Balmadrid, the other officers of PICE Catanduanes Chapter are: Ariel E. Tabirara, Vice President (External); Peter Emiliano Villamor, Vice President (Internal); Lony Basilo, Secretary; Teresa dela Rosa, Assistant Secretary; Elsie Gianan, Treasurer; Rey Victor Bagadiong, Auditor; Dexter Toyado, PIO; and, Christopher Ang, Business Manager.
The Board of Directors is composed of Lowie Jay Tonio, Roger Reyes, Evangelica Balmadrid, Eloisa Tabirara, Karen Bañas, and Mark Tabirara, while the Secretariat consists of Sonia Richell Magdaraog, Kaye Ziel Masagca, Hillary Mae Teston and Larry Loteriña.
Also present during the ceremony was former Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes while PICE National President Erdsan Rene Suero spoke to the chapter officers and members via recorded video message.