10 February 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio Princesa awarded diplomas to the 23 graduates of the inaugural Master of Science in Construction Management (MsCM) program of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Open University in the UAE on February 06 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
PUP officials, led by President Dr. Emanuel De Guzman, and other members of the PUP Board of Regents, namely, DOST Regional Director for the National Capital Region Dr. Teresita Fortuna, Faculty representative Dr. Edna Lavadia, and Alumni representative Rene Tanasas, graced the event. Other PUP officials in attendance were Executive Vice President Dr. Manuel Muhi, Vice President for Branches/Campuses Dr. Joseph Mercado, Open University Director Dr. Carmencita Castolo, Master in Industrial Engineering and Management (MIEM) Program Chair Dr. Vicky Cruz, ICT Office Assistant Director Dr. Remedios Ado and College of Engineering Dean Guillermo Bernabe. Professor Mariano Roque Senga Jr., who served as Course Specialist and MsCM Coordinator, was also present.
In her keynote speech, Ambassador Princesa commended the graduates for finishing their degree despite their workload in their respective companies. She then gave a presentation called Bayanihan ng Bayan at mga Bayani which highlighted the cultural and historical richness of the Philippines. She also expounded on both the strengths and weaknesses of migrant Filipinos. She challenged the graduates to be leaders in the Filipino community in the UAE and to set good examples for fellow Filipinos across the Emirates.
In his speech as Class President, Engr. Rodolfo Alcoriza expressed optimism that with more engineers and architects seeking to upgrade their skills through a Master’s degree or other means, more of these professionals will transition from mere technical staff to management levels. He also thanked the key individuals who made the milestone possible, including the PUP management, their families and friends.
The graduates are composed of engineers and architects currently working and residing in the UAE who aspire to be project managers or construction managers following their attainment of the master’s degree. END