3 February 2014 – The Philippine Council of Engineers and Architects (PCEA), led by Chairman Engr. Mario Balboa and the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), represented by Chairman Arch. Hamad Al Shegawi, signed on January 30 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework of cooperation to enhance the engineering profession and exchange expertise and information.

The signing ceremony was held at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. It was graced by Consul General and Minister Marshall Louis M. Alferez and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairman Teresita Manzala.

PRC Chair Manzala expressed hope that the MOU will be a living document that will evolve into more areas of cooperation for the PCEA and the SCE.

SCE Chair Al-Shegawi noted that Filipinos have been close to and a part of Saudi Arabia for so long.  He said that there are 12,500 Filipino engineers accredited with the Saudi Council of Engineers and of all foreign nationals, they are the best in terms of skill and competence.

Minister Alferez congratulated both parties and encouraged other Filipino professional organizations to explore the same institutionalized partnerships with Saudi professional associations to improve their fields and develop their talents.  He said that agreements such as this MOU will be mutually beneficial to the economies of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.  END