Top Filipino engineers and architects in the Middle East 2025 revealed
The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 celebrated the accomplishments of 126 exceptional Filipino professionals in a prestigious awards ceremony and summit held in Dubai, UAE. Organized by New Perspective Media Group (NPM), the event honors the outstanding contributions of Filipino engineers and architects in the region, highlighting their vital roles in shaping the region's infrastructure and development. Recipients of the TFT Watchlist Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East Awards 2025
The awardees include architects, civil engineers, chemical engineers, electronics engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The event shines a light on the extraordinary influence Filipino professionals have in the region, particularly in driving sustainable urban development.
H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, said: 'Platforms that recognize the achievements and significant contributions of Filipinos, such as The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East, support and further encourage our kabayan to excel in whichever field they may be. Beyond honoring their work, these are also celebrations of their individual contributions in reinforcing the immense goodwill of our community in this region, their enduring legacies borne from sheer dedication and hard work of which we Filipinos are well-known for.'
H.E. Raul S. Hernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, said: 'I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's outstanding Filipino engineers and architects recognized at the Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East Summit 2025. Their achievements reflect not only technical expertise but also the Filipino commitment to integrity, professionalism, resilience, and innovation. From groundbreaking designs to engineering feats that shape skylines and transform cities, their work is a source of pride for our nation, proving that Filipinos' talent and expertise shine on the global stage.'
Here is the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 in order of their last name by discipline: TFT Watchlist honors the Architect awardees Architecture Bahala, Rhona
Dicipulo, Antonio
Gaela, Carmelita
Gavino, Jeffrey Carlo
Lago, Cherylliz Anne
Pabalan, Fernando
Pareja, Woderick
Pigao, Bernadette
Quiogue, Kriz Samed
Reyes, Franz Felea
Rigor, Paul Peter Son Rico
Santos, Kenneth Mark TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees TFT Watchlist honors the Civil Engineer awardees Civil Engineering Abad, Charles Concordio
Aldaya, Marichelle
Animas, Jay
Apduhan, Blesil
Bañadera, Joey
Bayot, Erwin
Betita, Alfonso Belito
Borreros, Kristoffer Arnie
Buenconsejo, Glenn John
Cabardo, Jonathan
Castañeda, Jaime Jr.
Castillon, Ronald
Cayaga, Alden
Cayog, John Carlo
Chavez, Anngela
Cocjin, Randy Piniera
Dalupang, Leonides
Dela Peña, Sheryl
De Sesto, Michelle
De Vera, Fredel
Dela Cruz, Pablismer
Delos Santos, Cedrich Joshua Yllana
Diestro, Leonester Villar
Dolozon, John Nielsen
Famorcan, Joeper
Francia, Michael Jeanios
Galeon, Julie Galve
Idos, Paquito
Isla, Romaline
Juntilla, Ace
Labarda, Ahmer
Leaño, Roland
Legaste, Jay-ar
Lopez, Asuncion
Magnaye, Percival
Malaluan, Vanessa Angela
Malayao, Leonel Joseph
Malubay, Raleigh
Manglicmot, Gerry
Mangubat, Williamson
Manqueria, Vener
Marcial, Nathalie
Molbog, Joevince
Navarro, Lorena
Nicdao, Melvin Kieth
Nuque, Sharon
Oligo, Mario
Ortiguerra, Meliza
Pigao, Engersol
Ramos, Raymund Ralph
Rentutar, Rafael Jr.
Ricohermoso, Juanito
Sanchez, Marites
Tampipi, Alberto Jr.
Tan, Dana Lynn
Tejedo, Jundee Mar
Utram, Jojo
Victorio, Vic Allen TFT Watchlist honors the Chemical Engineer awardees Chemical Engineering Deauna, Jowy Palma
Dela Cruz, Jolivette Rapadas
Lopez, Florencio Jr.
Soriano, Patrick Luis
Yamson, Rodolfo Jr. TFT Watchlist honors the Electronics Engineer awardees Electronics Engineering Agnes, Genesis
Batoon, Heherson
Capuno, Maricarl
Gasangue, Mark Nhel
Garcia, Garry
Lao, Leo Vincent
Lontoc, Rafael
Maglaque-Arcega, Ma. Elisa
Perez, Jeejay Al
Valeros, Leif Marvin TFT Watchlist honors the Electrical Engineer awardees Electrical Engineering Cabalse, Manny Boy
Casao, Elmer
Castulo, Rodrigo Jr.
Cupido, Leo
Diaz, Aruel
Genove, Elmer
Guillermo, Alfie
Hipolito, Marlon
Laguerta, Venerando
Lingcaso, Norberto Jr.
Oyao, Jalan Nicolas
Paloma, Victor
Perez, Ken Anthony
Pineda, Lesley Ariel
Rances, Melanie
Recto, Roanne Joy
Saragpon- Guillermo, Rocil May
Sayaman, Ian Waldy
Tangcogo, Jose
Vergosa, Enrie Andy
Villa, Eryl TFT Watchlist honors the Mechanical Engineer awardees Mechanical Engineering Aguado, Leonardo
Basario, Kristian
Beltran, Arlan
Calingasan, Clyde Bienson
Calma, Sonny
Defensor, Pasciano
Delgado, Domingo Jr.
Ingal, Juanito Jr.
Malagapo, Eduardo
Mamayog, Shayed
Orticio, Felizardo Jr.
Parubrub, Cipriano
Perpetua, Jed Gregorio
Pineda, Lloyd Christian
Ramos, Reynald
Regalado, Henry
Reyes, Jaime III
Rosete, Francis Louie
Serben, Michael
Valero, Jeffrey
Zamora, Jayson Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of NPM Group, the publisher of The Filipino Times and organizer of TFT Watchlist, during her welcome remarks at the awards ceremony
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group and Publisher of The Filipino Times, said: 'The Filipino Times is committed to empowering Filipinos worldwide, and this event is a testament to their invaluable contributions. The engineering and architecture sectors in the Middle East have greatly benefited from the talent, resilience, and expertise of Filipino professionals. We are proud to provide a platform that fosters peer-to-peer recognition and celebrates work excellence, leadership, professional success, resilience, and community service.'
Hon. Consul General Marford M. Angeles, Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, said: ' Initiatives like The Filipino Times Watchlist are crucial in recognizing and amplifying the impact of overseas Filipinos who excel in their respective fields. By celebrating the achievements of our engineers and architects, we not only acknowledge their hard work but also encourage others to push the boundaries of their capabilities.'
Atty. John Rio A. Bautista, Labor Attaché of the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said: 'Through your efforts, you have raised the bar for what Filipinos can achieve globally, and we are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished. Your success not only uplifts the standing of Filipino professionals in the Middle East but also inspires others to follow in your footsteps. We also commend The Filipino Times for consistently championing Filipino professionals and providing a platform to celebrate their accomplishments.'
Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and GM of The Filipino Times, said: 'These professionals are true trailblazers, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the Middle East. Their exceptional work continues to transform the region, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements, which inspire others to follow in their footsteps.' TFT Watchlist judges receive well-deserved recognition
Judges who helped determine the awardees included: Sheryl G. De La Peña; immediate Past Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-UAE and Sr. Quantity Surveyor and Contracts Administrator at Distance Studio Consultants
Marlon B. Hipolito, 2025 Chapter President of the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines-UAE and Project Manager at Watermaster LLC
Rafael Lontoc, Chairman of the Philippine Professional Organization-UAE, Adviser to the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-UAE Chapter, and Regional Support Manager at Cyviz AS
Florencio C. Lopez Jr., 2024 Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers-UAE and Senior Process Engineering Specialist/Chief Engineer at ADNOC Borouge
Woderick M. Pareja, past Chapter President and Adviser to United Architects of the Philippines-Abu Dhabi and Project Management Consultant/Technical Advisor at Obermeyer Middle East GmBH
Leif Marvin Valeros, Chapter President of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-UAE and Technical Support Engineer at Keri Systems Middle East FZCO
The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025 Awards and Summit is supported by RLC Residences, Kings Medical Center, and Elite Retreats Tourism as Support Sponsors, and is powered by The Filipino Times, the largest international Filipino news media and marketing agency globally.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
11 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Pag-IBIG Fund net income jumps 15% to ₱28B in H1 2025, highest in 45 years
Pag-IBIG Fund reported double-digit year-on-year growth in its income for the first half of 2025, marking the highest earnings for the period in the agency's 45-year history, top officials announced on Friday (August 01). From January to June, the agency's gross income reached ₱44.39 billion, rising by 11.65 percent or ₱4.63 billion compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund's net income grew by 15.25 percent or ₱3.71 billion to reach ₱28.04 billion. This is the highest net income recorded since the agency was founded in 1980. Officials attributed the growth to strong collections and higher earnings from Pag-IBIG Fund's housing and short-term loan portfolios. 'This performance shows how excellently we are managing the funds that our members have entrusted to us. With our strong fiscal standing, we remain capable of continuing to deliver our members' benefits and are in a solid position to finance more homes under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or Expanded 4PH Program, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to empower more Filipinos achieve better, more dignified lives,' said Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, who also chairs the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Higher investment returns also contributed to the income growth. The agency's income from investments surged by 51.79 percent year-on-year to ₱4.27 billion. This was driven by strategic placements in bonds and other debt securities, money market instruments, equities, and investment properties. Investment income accounted for 5.56 percent of the agency's total gross income in the first half of the year. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, emphasized the strength of the agency's financial position. As of June 2025, Pag-IBIG Fund's total assets stood at ₱1.14 trillion, reflecting a 7.02 percent or ₱74.90 billion increase from the year-end 2024 figure of ₱1.07 trillion. Acosta further stated that the agency's strong performance directly benefits its members. Under its charter, the agency returns at least 70 percent of its annual net income to members in the form of dividends, which are credited to their savings every year. 'Pag-IBIG Fund is owned by its members — the Filipino workers. It is our duty to grow and protect their savings,' Acosta said. 'Guided by President Marcos Jr.'s call for government institutions to deliver responsive social benefits, we continue to ensure that our members enjoy competitive earnings on their savings and gain access to affordable home financing. We are committed to sustaining our strong performance to help uplift the lives of more Filipino workers,' she added.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Senate to probe online gambling as senators push for total ban
The Senate is poised to launch an inquiry into the controversial surge of online gambling in the country, as several lawmakers push for a total ban citing its growing social and economic toll. In a privilege speech, Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri raised alarm over the rising number of Filipinos falling into gambling addiction—an issue he said was notably absent from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address. Zubiri described online gambling as an 'epidemic' that has led to financial ruin and even loss of lives, particularly among vulnerable individuals already burdened by economic hardship. 'Mr. President, please give us guidance on how we can stop this epidemic from engulfing our nation and our people,' Zubiri urged. Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate committee on games and amusement, announced that a hearing will be held next week to look into the matter. He backed Zubiri's call for a complete ban and said the committee would gather input from various sectors, including relevant government agencies and lawmakers. 'We will request a cost-benefit analysis from agencies such as the Department of Finance and PAGCOR to evaluate the lost revenues, employment implications, and social costs,' Tulfo said. Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, vice chair of the committee, said the Senate's position should be firmly rooted in data to strengthen its policy direction. Several other senators have also expressed support for stricter regulations, if not an outright ban, to address the growing threat posed by online gambling.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Apply for OWWA membership, e-Card, and other services at Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai
Need to apply for OWWA membership or request an e-Card? Filipino workers in the UAE can access these services and more during the OFW Serbisyo Caravan on August 3, at Exhibition Hall 8 of the Dubai World Trade Center. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be on site to process membership applications and renewals, issue OFW e-Cards, and accept requests for various assistance programs. OWWA membership costs $25 or its local currency equivalent (around AED 91) and is valid for two years. It grants access to OWWA's full range of benefits, including medical and financial assistance, legal support, repatriation aid, and training or livelihood opportunities for family members. Active members may also receive an official government-issued ID, the OWWA OFW e-Card, which serves as proof of membership and allows easier transactions with OWWA and other government agencies. Workers not covered by other medical programs may apply for the Welfare Assistance Program, which offers financial aid for hospitalization, procedures, or medicine expenses. Legal support, psychosocial counseling, jail or hospital visitations, and repatriation assistance are also among the welfare services offered. These services are part of the Department of Migrant Workers' Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan, an outreach initiative designed to make government support more accessible to Filipinos living and working abroad in one venue.
