Davao City (25 November) -- The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Davao City Chapter Inc. announced the annual celebration of the Civil Engineering Week from November 23 to November 29, 2009 with this year's theme as: "Unity+Strength=Achievement."

PICE Davao City Chapter President, Engr. Ademar C. Pama said last Monday's (Nov 23) opening started with a Mass at the DPWH Region XI chapel after which a Motorcade was held from Magsaysay park to Boulevard to San Pedro Ext., to CM Recto, to JP Laurel, to Magsaysay avenue up to DPWH as the end point.

After the Motorcade, the PICE Davao City chapter officers, board members and past presidents paid a courtesy call with Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and City Administrator Atty. Wendell Avisado at City Hall.

Engr. Pama, in an exclusive radio interview over DXOW anchored by Boy Bilaan Acojedo during its morning program "Tingog sa Masa" is inviting all civil engineers from the different government and private offices to join the PICE weeklong activities from Nov. 23-29, 2009.

The weeklong celebration carries its theme as: "Importance of Civil Engineering Profession in Nation Building" while the 35th PICE National Convention to be held on November 25 at Baguio Country club, Baguio City has its theme as: "PICE: Leading the Way to Green Building and infrastructure."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared (under Proclamation No. 1928) the period from November 23-29, 2009 as "Civil Engineering Week" to focus national attention on the importance of the civil engineering profession and highlight its role in nation building.

Engr. Pama said that previous activities undertaken by the PICE Davao City chapter include: C.P.E. programs: 1st PICE-SEAD Joint Technical conference; 5th STAAD, Pro V81 Training course; and 2nd PICE-SEAD Joint Technical conference.

He said that "we also had our community service on: Gawad Kalinga Community Infrastructure program of PM Bank GK Village, Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City; Adopt a School at Lower Tamugan area, Calinn, Davao City; and we had a tree planting at Malagos watershed."

Engr. Pama further said that "we also had involvement in PICE regional and national activities such as the: PICE Davao Student chapters seminars; 36th Anniversary and PRC week celebration; Courtesy call by PICE National BOD, Dr. Lazaro 111 and PICE Davao City BOD; PICE NCESQ 2009 Regional Elimination at DPWH Region XI conference room; and 1st PICE Sports tournament."

In answer to a query, Engr. Pama said that "we already had our oath taking of new civil engineers (last June 29) at Grand Men Seng hotel in coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission through PRC Regional Director Engr. Josephine C. Villegas-Llamzon."

At present, the 2009 PICE Davao City chapter Board of Directors are: President - Ademar C. Pama; 1st VP - Ariel A. Lagmay; 2nd VP - Angel T. Torrejon; Secretary - Sharon Angelica G. Bonguyan; Treasurer - Arnel L. Villalba; Auditor - Mildred A. Martinez; and PIO - Geffren R. Bernardo.

Directors include: Oscar C. dela Cruz; Hilario A. Fernandez; Norberto G. Festin; Theresalina K. Gonzaga; Eduardo C. Oroz; Perry Neil B. Palacio; Elvi L.Sorrera; and Evtri E. Tabanguil. Immediate Past President - Rey C. Chavez.