RIYADH, 27 November 2006 — Filipino electrical engineers in Riyadh will be asked to support a new charity program of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers’ chapter in the Central Region (IIEE-CRCSA) when they meet for their 8th annual convention on Friday.
Organizers said the convention, with the theme “IIEE Leading The Role In Global Power Technology,” will be held at the Marriott Hotel.
Chapter President Francisco Sigaya Jr. said technical lectures and product presentations will highlight the activity with the aim of updating the delegates on the latest trends on “hi-tech” electrical equipment.
“The chapter will also determine the next set of officers for 2007 during the general membership meeting and election of officers,” Sigaya added.
The major sponsor of the convention is ABB Electrical Industries Co., Ltd. with Saudi Lighting Company as “support sponsor.”
In addition to promoting continuing education to its members, the IIEE-CRCSA’s current leadership also aims to promote one of the chapter’s objectives, which is to involve members in charity work.
This time, their main project is to contribute one house to ANCOP-Gawad Kalinga (GK) — a foundation dedicated to community development for the poor, providing houses for the “poorest of the poor.”
Various overseas Filipino groups and foreign donors, along with individuals and groups in the Philippines, have been contributing to Gawad Kalinga since its inception several years ago.
Donations from numerous groups and individuals in Saudi Arabia are now being used for the construction of a village in the town of Padre Burgos in Quezon province, east of Manila, on a lot donated by the local government.
Manny Lector, GK director in Saudi Arabia, and Padre Burgos town Mayor Ding Villena launched the groundbreaking early this year. Each house costs around 60,000 pesos or about $1,100.
IIEE-CRCSA officials have said getting involved in charity work is in keeping with the biblical exhortation of sharing one’s blessings, especially to the needy.
Sigaya said the convention is open to all members, electrical practitioners and guests. Reservation is required.
Interested parties may contact the following: Mel Solas at 05026-86481, Lorene Horvidalla at 05078-16439, Vic Imperial at 05024-59875, Leandro Suguitan at 05029-27262, Ed Bautista at 05078-69343, or Sigaya at 05672-31558.