The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) Catanduanes Chapter celebrated its 31st chartering anniversary last Sunday, July 21, 2024, breaking ground for its community extension projects at Calatagan Elementary School in Virac and recognizing its past presidents for their role in the chapter’s history.
Mayor Samuel Laynes, DPWH Catanduanes District Engineer Simon Arias, Catanduanes Contractors Association President Alexander Ang Hung and Jun Biso of Davies Paints graced the testimonial lunch at Carrie’s Pizza, Paste & More restaurant.
At least 40 registered civil engineers attended a Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the motorcade around Virac población that ended at the Calatagan public school.
Together with School Principal II Anchelita Sicio and teachers, the PICE chapter led the groundbreaking for the construction of a handwashing facility and then planted trees in the school compound.
At the fellowship, the chapter awarded plaques of recognition to former PICE chapter presidents – Engr. Rodulfo Maliñana, the late Engr. Jesus Balmadrid (represented by Engr. Rommel Rojas), Engr. Hector Sorrera, the late Engr. Noel Balmadrid (represented by Engr. Ma. Cristy Balmadrid), Engr. Pedro Arcilla Jr., Engr. Ariel Tabirara and Engr. Gil Augustus Balmadrid.
In January last year, the PICE national office, through the PICE Quezon City Chapter and its local partner, the PICE Catanduanes Chapter, formally turned over to DepEd officials a typhoon-resilient multi-purpose building costing more than P1.6 million it constructed at Poniton Elementary School.
In winning a PICE design contest, the Quezon City Chapter looked for a site in Bicol where the building would be constructed and Catanduanes Chapter Pres. Tabirara offered Virac as an alternative site.
With the revised design pushed the cost past the available funding, the sponsoring chapter and its local chapter secured donations and support from Virac Tri-Dom Construction Corporation, which delivered free sand and gravel; DPWH RD Virgilio Eduarte, who provided additional funds; Al-Jon Construction and Development Corporation headed by Alexander Ang Hung, which donated cement; NQA Construction and Supply care of Engr. Christopher Ang for donated cement and discounted materials; Davies Paints, for painting materials and labor; and the barangay council and residents.
Registered as Charter No. 80 with the PICE National Headquarters, the Catanduanes chapter has a total of 369 members, with a number of them practicing or working outside the island or abroad.
Aside from President Tabirara, the 2023-2024 chapter officers are: Roger Reyes, president-elect; Bernard Candelaria, vice president Hillary Mae Teston, secretary; Elsie Gianan, treasurer; John Laynes and Lowie Jay Tonio, business managers; Karen Bañas, public relations officer; Teresa dela Rosa, auditor; Felix Romero, Evangelica Balmadrid, Rene Constantine Avila, Kaye Ziel Masagca and Peter Emiliano Villamor, board of directors; and, Larry Loteriña. Paulo David, Zaldy Zafe Jr, and Ronel Gabronino, secretariat.