Baras Mayor Jose Paolo Teves III last week challenged civil engineers to actively engage with local government units as he inducted the new officers of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Catanduanes Chapter.
In his keynote address, the LMP Catanduanes president strongly advocated for the prioritization of disaster-resilient infrastructure, calling on civil engineers to integrate climate adaptation strategies into infrastructure projects to ensure that it can endure extreme weather conditions.
The new PICE chapter officers who will serve until 2026 are: Roger Reyes, president; Dexter Toyado, president-elect; Lowie Jay Tonio, vice president; Hillary Mae Teston, secretary; Teresa dela Rosa, treasurer; Francisco Sambajon Jr., auditor; Christopher Ang and Kaye Ziel Masagca, business managers; Karen Joi Beo, public relations officer; Edgar Bombase Jr., CARE chairman; Ariel Tabirara, Renato Valeza Jr., Leo Austero, Victor Bagadiong, Evangelica Balmadrid, Karen Bañas, Romeo Coronejo III, Reina Sebastian and Rene Constantine Avila, board of directors; and, Larry Loteriña, Paulo David, Zaldy Zafe Jr., and Jean Rose Munda, secretariat.
Also present during the affair at Rakdell Inn in Virac last March 15, 2025 were DPWH Assistant Regional Director Brigildo Pavia, District Engineer Gil Balmadrid, CatSU College of Engineering and Architecture Prof. Pedro Arcilla Jr., former Provincial Engineer Rodolgo Maliñana, and Catanduanes Contractors Association president Alexander Ang Hung.
Prior to the induction, ARD Pavia joined the PICE officers in turning over to DepEd Catanduanes a rain water collector, handwashing and drinking facility with filtration and charging station powered by solar energy at Calatagan Elementary School in Virac.
Among the key projects completed during the term of Immediate Past President Ariel Tabirara were; the completion of PGEP Typhoon-Resilient Building at Poniton ES in Virac; the first-ever PICE Charter Anniversary celebration; fund-raising activity for ST Pepito Building dubbed as PICE CARES; distribution of GI sheets, roofing hardware and hygiene kits to 204 households in San Roque, Pandan, Bulalacao, Caramoran, and Palumbanes island; various activities in collaboration with the CatSU College of Engineering, and participation in various community-oriented activities.
In accepting the reins of the professional organization, Pres. Reyes urged officers and members to join in working together in realizing the chapter’s proposed programs and projects in the next 12 months.