31/05/2026
๐ทโโ๏ธPICE Qatar Hosts 13th International Conference 2026 at City Center Rotana
Doha, Qatar โ May 30, 2026 โ The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Qatar Chapter, successfully staged its 13th International Conference 2026 at the City Center Rotana on May 28โ29. The two-day gathering drew engineers, academics, and industry leaders for a packed program of technical exchange, professional recognition, and international collaboration.
The conference spotlighted cutting-edge research, industry insights, and opportunities to strengthen ties between Qatar and the Philippines.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Technical Sessions
The event opened with a Call to Order by Engr. Felipe Catinoy, followed by an invocation from Engr. Joana Marie Gregorio and Engr. Nida Austria Tagtag. Delegates stood for the national anthems of Qatar and the Philippines before Engr. Jundee Mar Tejedo delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Engr. Roy Baquiran provided the Conference Overview, while a message from Guest of Honor H.E. Mardomel Celo Melicor was relayed through Engr. Dani. Keynote speaker Engr. Nerie Bueno offered insights into civil engineeringโs evolving role, followed by a message from PPO-Qโs Engr. Jaeger Gaograno.
Plaques of appreciation were awarded to the PICE Qatar 2026 Executive Committee, St. Gobain, and QDVP. A Special Announcement was also delivered by Dr. Florencio Padernal, Chairman of PMCE Specialty.
๐Technical Sessions
Dr. John Philip Rivera โ Steel vs. Reinforced Concrete Frames for School Building Design in the Philippines
Engr. Cromwell Andreau Lamug โ Diverging Diamond Interchanges for Sustainable Road Networks
Engr. Manuel Papasin โ Enhancing Ground Characterisation Through Pressure meter Testing: Innovative Techniques and Case Insights for Resilient Geotechnical Design
Dr. Elvin Fajutagana โ Competitive Advantage in Qatarโs Construction Market
The day concluded with a Panel Discussion and an Awarding Ceremony.
๐Day 2: Dual Tracks and Diverse Insights
Day two began with parallel tracks. Track A was opened by Engr. Felipe Catinoy, while Track B was led by Engr. Edgar Domingcil. Inspirational messages were delivered by Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta (Track A) and Engr. Cary Beatisula (Track B).
Sponsors including MAPEDS, Sta. Clara, ASCO, and Metlife presented their contributions, underscoring industry support for the engineering community.
Track A Sessions
Engr. Jerick Lising โ Resilient Fast-Track Infrastructure Construction
Engr. Jojo Ruiz Utram โ Micro Tunneling in Water Transmission Systems
Engr. Fredel De Vera โ Soft Skills Development in Civil Engineering Practice
Engr. Cirlo Mar Pat Gazzingan II โ Optimization of Diagrid Structural Systems for High-Rise Buildings
Engr. Augosto Frace โ Employment Outcomes and Skills Alignment of Civil Engineering Graduates
Engr. Nikkei Pfeiffer Tadili โ Flexible Transport Planning and Demand Responsive Infrastructure Development
Track B Sessions
Engr. Gerry Arcala Manglicmot โ AI and Human Behavior in Sustainable Construction: Driving Societal Change Towards a Net-Zero Oman Future
Engr. Jackie Princess Guiquing โ Seismic Risk Evaluation and Vulnerability Index of Central Schools in Tuguegarao City
Engr. Ronaldo Palo โ Geospatial Technology in Transportation Engineering
Engr. Joe Nino Orapa โ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Project Management for Construction Professionals
Engr. Christopher Vitug โ Designing the Future: Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking in Modern Civil Engineering
Engr. Mark Lepiten โ Engineering Your Career: The Soft Skills That Take You Further
The conference closed with a Panel Discussion, the Awarding of Plaques and Certificates, and a Raffle Draw, wrapping up at 5:30 PM.
๐Alvin Salazar
