PICE Iloilo welcomes new Board of Directors

THE Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Iloilo Chapter has transitioned to a new set of board of directors and is now led by the academic sector.

Engr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio, the former Vice President for Academe, is now the CY 2022 President; she is the current Department Head of the Civil Engineering Department of Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.

The new board of directors led by Engr. Grio was sworn into office during the Induction Ceremony held on March 25, 2022, at District 21 Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City which also included the induction of PICE Iloilo Student Affiliates officers and new PICE Iloilo Chapter members.

Engr. Grio succeeded Engr. Oscar "Richard" Garin, Jr. who served two terms in what was described as the "toughest of times" as PICE Iloilo

Chapter also faced several challenges during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have lined up several activities when I assumed the position, but the pandemic came our way... our term was extended for two years and we were able to accomplish a lot... I believe that Engr. Grio would do well as she takes this new role," Engr. Garin shared

It can be recalled that Engr. Garin launched the PICE CARES initiative organizing community assistance, response and employment services for sectors even beyond the construction industry heavily affected by the pandemic.

Engr. Grio assured that the PICE CARES will be sustained under her term and would now be called PICE CARES A LOT which would also include, among many others, research and training, for both members of the PICE Iloilo Chapter as well as the five student chapters under its umbrella network.

Also a first in PICE Iloilo Chapter was the induction of officers of the Iloilo Student Affiliates led by its president, Kenneth Sean Barredo from the University of San Agustin.

The Guest of Honor, Engr. Lea N. Delfinado, Director IV of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Regional Coordinator of PICE emphasized the value of hard work in attaining success in the civil engineering field.

"It takes a lot of perseverance and hard work to become successful," she shared in her speech inspiring young civil engineers as well as the student leaders present in the event.

Among the new entrants in the Board of Directors include three young professionals in the government sector and one each from the academe and private sector: Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag from the National Economic and Development Authority, Engr. Carlo John Leysa from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Engr. Vince Michael Bangoy from the Provincial Government of Iloilo, Engr. Al Joevid Mirasol from Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Engr. Felvin Gurrea from F. Gurrea Construction.

Nine new members of the PICE Iloilo Chapter were inducted namely: Engr. Lindric Ricardo Diño, Engr. Allyn Joy Malimban, Engr. Coleen Ricablanca, Engr. Jerson Tejada, Engr. Maecy Angel Villanueva, and Engr. Nikka Krisha Villarosa from Central Philippine University; and Engr. Marian Kate Navarro, Engr. Trishalin Palmani and Engr. Carmel Anne Poral from the University of San Agustin. (RCM/PICE Iloilo)