JEDDAH, 9 November 2003 — Two Filipinos in Jeddah were among the six winners of this year’s “The Outstanding Mechanical Engineers” award given by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers in Manila, Arab News learned yesterday.
Engineers Wilfredo Ruiz and Julio Caringal, both professional mechanical engineers, are active members of the PSME chapter in western Saudi Arabia (PSME-WRSA). They received the award during the 51st PSME national convention in Manila on Oct. 14-15. Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, both licensed mechanical engineers, were the guests during the awarding ceremony.
“We are proud to know that the national governing body in Manila recognized our efforts. We are here to serve our fellow mechanical engineers,” chapter president Orlando Digma told Arab News.
The PSME chapter in Alkhobar (PSME-SA) also shined, capturing the “Best Chapter” award. Its president, Murray Demdam, was named “Outstanding Chapter President.”
The TOME award is the most prestigious award given by the national organization in Manila.
With the exception of Ruiz and Caringal, the other winners were based in the Philippines.
Ruiz has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past 16 years. He is currently the sales and account manager for Honeywell-Turki Arabia Limited.
A graduate of the Far Eastern University, he served as president of PSME WRSA in 2000, the same year he won the “Outstanding Chapter President” award.
He was among those instrumental in getting the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission to conduct the first ever mechanical engineering licensure examinations in Jeddah. He also served as chairman of the PSME board examinations committee. Just recently, Ruiz elected as president of the chapter for 2004.
Caringal, a product of Batangas State University, has been the design consultant of Zuhair Fayez for the past 17 years.
Caringal has been constantly sharing his expertise to his fellow mechanical engineers as the regular lecturer and speaker of PSME-WRSA. He also helped examinees prepare for the board examinations.
The chapter now boasts of four TOME winners. Felimon Agulo won the award in 2000, while Nap Cipriaso bagged the award in 2001.
The chapter was chartered in 1995. At present, it has more than 200 members. Out of the chapter, the PSME-CRSA (Riyadh) was formed.
The chapter is now coordinating with IIEE, AFSCE and PICPA for the conduct of PRC licensure examinations tentatively set in February 2004. Review classes are going on. Interested parties may call Orlando Digma (PSME) at 054-653-218; Engr. Mel Gamet (IIEE), 052-351-055; Romulo Bani (AFSCE) 059-636-324; and Raffy Abesamis (PICPA) 052-241-336.