Empowering Filipino Engineers: Consulate General Hosts PRC-SFEA Discussion on Qualification Recognition in Australia and Continuing Education

19 November 2024, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne hosted a productive meeting between the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), led by Chairperson Hon. Charito A. Zamora, and the Society of Filipino Engineers in Australia (SFEA), represented by its National President, Engr. Alfie Tilan. This meeting held as part of the Multi-Agency Service Mission (MSAM) to Melbourne, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance professional collaboration and address the needs of Filipino professionals in Australia.

The discussions focused on fostering greater recognition of Philippine professional qualifications in Australia and facilitating mutual cooperation. Chairperson Zamora and Engr. Tilan shared updates on the Philippines’ accession to the Washington Accord and ongoing efforts to expand international recognition of Philippine qualifications. The PRC also emphasized upcoming initiatives to streamline registration processes and enhance professional mobility through regional and international agreements. SFEA presented its advocacy to build a robust community of Filipino engineers in Australia, dedicated to advancing the engineering profession, demonstrating global competency, and securing mutual recognition of skills between the Philippines and Australia.

Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo highlighted the Consulate’s role in facilitating these important dialogues and supporting initiatives that strengthen the professional ties between the Philippines and Australia. She reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to promoting global recognition of Philippine qualifications while enhancing professional opportunities for the Filipino community abroad, rather than encouraging the migration of Filipino talent.

Through facilitating engagements such as this, the Consulate continues to support the collaborative efforts between Philippine regulatory bodies and Filipino professional organizations abroad to enhance the recognition and competitiveness of Filipino professionals internationally. END