12.5k Pinoy architects in KSA to benefit from info exchange pact

Some 12,500 Filipino architects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stand to benefit from a memorandum of understanding for a framework of cooperation and information exchange between them and their Saudi counterparts.

The Philippine Council of Engineers and Architects (PCEA) led by Chairman Mario Balboa and the Saudi Council of Engineers represented by Chairman Hamad Al-Shegawi signed the agreement at the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia.

A news release posted on the website of the Philippine Embassy in Saudi quoted Al-Shegawi as saying there are 12,500 Filipino engineers accredited with the Saudi Council of Engineers and among other nationals, and that they "are the best in terms of skill and competence."

Under the framework of cooperation, the two parties will also aim to enhance the engineering profession and exchange expertise and information.

Witnessing the signing were Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez and Professional Regulation Commission Chairman Teresita Manzala.

Manzala voiced hopes the MOU will evolve into more areas of cooperation for the PCEA and the SCE.

Al-Shegawi added he looked forward to working more closely with them in the near future.

Meanwhile, Alferez encouraged other Filipino professional organizations to explore the same institutionalized partnerships with Saudi professional associations.

He said such agreements should be mutually beneficial to the economies of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. — LBG, GMA News