Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Friday, March 01, 2013

MAFEA swears in new officers

The Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Accountants has a new set of officers.

The new leadership is composed of president Randy Jacob, vice president Larry Manacop, secretary Carlito Marquez, treasurer Joseph Jun Liberato, auditor Fernando Fortades, public relations officer Gregorio Saracho, and business manager Ruel Magtalas.

Meanwhile, the board of directors consists of chair Enrique Tabanda, vice chair Andrew Mesina, and members Domie Aquino, Ronald Catap, Ricardo Ansay, Manny Villaga, Jessie Arizala, Isagani Salazar, Rommel Crisostomo, Romeo Malasarte, and Rollie Atienza.

Lt. Gov. Jude V. Hofschneider and Senate President Ralph Torres inducted the MAFEA officers and board for 2013 to 2014 on Feb. 23 at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

In his remarks, Hofschneider touted the important role that architects and engineers play in the modern world, particularly in creating masterpieces that serve as a cultural symbol. For the CNMI, it is the latte stone that has become “a sign of culture, pride, and respect.”

Hofschneider associated MAFEA with the base of the latte stone called haligi or post. “MAFEA symbolizes the strength and importance that you all have in our islands,” he said. “It is your architects and engineers, present and past, that are shaping how the world sees us. .Together, let us build a strong haligi for our islands and our future.”

Some 50 MAFEA members and guests attended the event hosted by Hector Sevilla. Saturday's event opened with an invocation by Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez and also featured an entertainment number by Saipan Music and Dance Studio talents.

In his acceptance speech, Jacob thanked the membership for their vote of confidence, urging them to be resilient as MAFEA continues to face the uncertainties that lie ahead.

“I know that the road ahead of us is not as smooth as we thought, but I will try my very best to lead the way and guide our organization to overcome whatever comes our way. There is no guarantee that I can deliver and solve all the problems but together with your help, yes we can,” he said.

For his part, Manacop touted the group's efforts to promote their profession and enhance their skills and growth through professional development programs.

“'We Build' is our motto and MAFEA expects each member to live up to this ideal,” he said.

Guest speaker Casiano Bostre said this motto denotes establishment of meaningful partnerships within the community.

“We have to realize that for every significant size of structure, building, infrastructures or any development, various disciplines of engineering are involved. Architects, engineers, and surveyors have their respective roles to its completion.Be proud of being a contributor and be part of the accomplishment of things that were built,” he said.

Outgoing president Ruel Villacrusis noted that beyond the MAFEA members' success lies the need to pursue high ethical standards in their respective fields.

“Let us not forget that being successful in our profession is not only meeting the challenges of change but we must be morally upright in all aspects of our profession,” he said.

MAFEA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 by an initial membership of 17 Filipino engineers and architects.