PR-10-2024
The Society of Filipino Engineers launched their organization at the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne on 27 May in the presence of MP Pauline Richards, MP Paul Hamer, Kriston Symons and Jerry Andrews of Engineers Australia, and Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo. The Philippine Technical Council also witnessed the event online.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – On 27 May 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne proudly hosted the official launch and oath-taking ceremony for the officers and members of the Society of Filipino Engineers in Australia (SFEA). This event marked a significant milestone for Filipino engineers in Australia, celebrating their concerted efforts to establish a formal platform for professional recognition and development.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Pauline Richards MP, Member of the Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee, Paul Hamer MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Growth, and Kriston Symons, Deputy President and Jerry Andrews General Manager both of Engineers Australia Victoria Division. The event also saw virtual participation from Engr. Federico A. Monsada, President of the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), alongside other PTC officials and newly minted SFEA interstate officers and members.
During the event, Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo highlighted the Consulate’s instrumental role in fostering the formation of the SFEA. She recounted initiating the pivotal Roundtable Discussion with Filipino engineers in November and a follow-up meeting on 12 December 2023, which spurred the creation of the SFEA. Consul General Salcedo also urged Australian representatives to support the Philippines’ bid for full membership to the Washington Accord at the forthcoming IEA Meeting in New Delhi, India, in June 2024.
SFEA National President Alfie Tilan outlined the association’s mission, aiming to build a strong community of Filipino engineers in Australia dedicated to empowering the engineering profession, demonstrating competency, and seeking mutual recognition of skills through the Washington Accord and an MRA with Engineers Australia.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne welcomes the formal establishment of the SFEA and remains committed to advancing the professional interests of Filipino engineers in Australia. Last year, it lent support to the establishment of the Filipino Australian Lawyers Association (FALAW) with the visit of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Alexander Gesmundo. The Consulate will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the Filipino professional community and enhance bilateral relations with Australia. END
