The search for outstanding Filipino engineers for social good continues!
Manila Water Foundation (MWF), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), kicked off the call for submission of entries for the 2019 MWF Prize for Engineering Excellence on February 12, 2019 at SEAMEO Innotech in Diliman, Quezon City.
“By putting up the Prize for Engineering Excellence, we honor those who have contributed to communities, with projects in the field of water, sanitation, environment, and sustainability,” MWF President Geodino Carpio said.
Dr. Lydia Tansinsin, PTC Foundress, expressed her optimism on the upcoming submission of entries this year. “We hope, with my colleagues from PTC, we will be able to have more submissions this year.” PTC has been very supportive in the implementation of MWF’s various initiatives under the Prize.
Dr. Leah Buendia, DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation, lauded the Prize as an avenue to recognize engineers whose innovations contributed to the development of the Filipino people. “With us joining MWF and PTC in the launch of the Prize for Engineering Excellence, we are only staying true to the call of our passion—to inspire and empower not only engineers but [also] all science-loving Filipinos to serve their country and be an agent of positive change,” she quipped.
IN PHOTO: (L-R) MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal, UPERDFI Executive Director Alfonso Aliga, 2015 MWF Prize for Engineering Excellence Awardee Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, PTC Vice President for Internal Affairs Engr. Elpidio Carlota, MWF President Geodino Carpio, PTC Foundress Dr. Lydia Tansinsin, DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Dr. Leah Buendia, 2017 MWF Prize for Engineering Excellence Awardee Dr. Ricardo Orge, PTC Vice President for External Affairs Engr. Cezar dela Cruz, PTC Country Registrar Engr. Romulo Agatep, PTC Secretary Dr. Robert Licup, and PTC Head of Energy Committee Dr. Florigo Varona
Now on its third run, the Prize is the first and only recognizing body in the Philippines that honors Filipino engineers whose innovations helped solve development problems in the areas of water, sanitation, environment and sustainability.
It is a biennial nationwide search for engineers who manifest excellent engineering and scientific competence, inspiring passion to make a difference, and unwavering commitment to the development of marginalized communities and sectors.
MWF's involvement with engineering innovations does not end once the Prize has been awarded. “We want to cultivate a relationship with the awardees and look for opportunities to collaborate—to further the development of their inventions of projects,” said MWF President Carpio.
To date, MWF has bestowed six engineers with The Prize from its first two runs. Five engineers were awarded with the Prize in 2015: Dr. Rex Demafelis for his sweet sorghum biofuel; Dr. Evelyn Taboada for her mango waste high-value products; Dr. Enrico Paringit for LIDAR Disaster Mapping; Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. for Diwata-1, Roger and Cloud Top; and Dr. Merlinda Palencia for Vigormin. Meanwhile, in 2017, one engineer emerged as a winner of the Prize: Dr. Ricardo Orge for the Continuous-Type Rice Hull Carbonizer.
Submission of entries for the Prize will end on June 28, 2019. For more information, log on to www.manilawaterfoundation.org and click on the MWF Prize for Engineering Excellence Page.