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IPG-MEs attend confab and int'l expo

Close to 500 mechanical engineers - both from government and private institutions and individuals in private practice all over the country gathered to join the 53rd Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Annual National Convention and 3rd International Exposition on Mechanical Engineering at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on October 25-28, 2005.

The Iloilo Provincial Government was represented by Provincial Equipment Pool Chief, Engr. Francisco Q. Nobleza, together with Engr. Kenny C. Enojas and Engr. John M. Selorio, Engineer III and Automotive Equipment Inspector II, respectively.

With the theme 'A Call for Social Responsibility: Striking a Balance Between the Need for Sustainable Energy and Environment Protection,' the said organization recognizes the need for it to step up to the place and offer its expertise in formulating solutions to two of the most pervading problems of the country today, the search for power and energy and the need to protect and preserve our natural resources.

Aside from its line-up of seminars and workshops, the convention was concurrently held with the International Exposition on Mechanical Engineering, which featured the latest technologies available in the field of engineering. The significance of the of the affair was further enhanced through the incorporation of two new events within the IEME - the Environment Expo 2005 and the Power and Energy Asia 2005. The former showcased exhibits from various industries while the latter conducted series of seminars aimed to hedge off any threat of power shortage that can seriously affect economic growth of the country.

Meanwhile, PSME National President, Engr. Vicente V. de Guzman said that the members of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers gathered not only to strengthen the organization but more importantly, to heed the call for social responsibility. 'The mechanical engineering profession, being at the forefront of power, energy, environmental protection and technologies that affect the country, must also focus its attention on social responsibility,' he stressed.

The four-day conference enabled the participants to reflect on the role of mechanical engineers in nation-building and as partners of the government in protecting and preserving the natural resources of the country. It was highlighted by a plant tour at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation, a maker and distributor of Panasonic brands of electric and electronics appliances in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The event aimed to provide the most effective venue to set policies and guidelines that will enable to uplift the mechanical engineering profession working at the local level, the society and the professional.

PSME is an integrated association of mechanical engineers in the country with 82 chapters nationwide and several chapters based in the Middle East and a total membership base over 40,000 fellow, life and associate members.

(Ruel Von Superio)