Latest news with #RaymondBalatbat
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 revealed
The winners were selected from 800 nominations The event marked the first time The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards was held outside the UAE, expanding its reach to honor more Filipino professionals Dubai, UAE: Filipino excellence in engineering, architecture, and healthcare took center stage at The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards 2025, recognizing 71 outstanding Filipino professionals for their contributions to the fields of engineering, architecture, and healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The milestone event, held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 20 and 21, 2025, was the first edition of the awards dedicated solely to honoring Filipino professionals in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Organized by New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, the largest international Filipino news media and marketing agency globally, this landmark awards event recognized winners carefully selected by a panel of experts from a competitive pool of over 800 nominations. These honorees embody the very best of Filipino talent in the Middle East, showcasing excellence in innovation, leadership, and community impact. His Excellency Raymond R. Balatbat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen, shared: 'It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain participating in The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Engineers and Architects Awards 2025 and the Top Healthcare Professionals Awards 2025 for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain — an event that honors the remarkable achievements of Filipino professionals in their respective fields. This celebration not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of Filipino talent but also serves as a testament to the deep cultural and creative ties that bind our nations. 'In our ever-evolving global landscape, your groundbreaking work stands at the forefront of innovation and progress. These awards recognize not only your technical expertise and creative vision but also the spirit of resilience and collaboration that defines our cultural kinship. This celebration is a testament to a future where ingenuity knows no borders. 'Congratulations to each honoree, whose success continues to inspire and uplift us all. Together, let us continue to drive progress and build bridges of understanding between our nations. Mabuhay!" Here is the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Engineers, Architects, and Healthcare Professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025: Engineers and Architects (Saudi Arabia) Engr. Victorino Abejero Engr. Elmer Amador Engr. Jay Animas Engr. Don Aparicio Engr. Leo Argoso, Jr. Engr. Nasser Asain Arch. Jeoffrey Asis Engr. Joy Carale Azur Engr. Emerson Romero Cabrera Engr. Renato Siquig Camacho Engr. Zoilo Caringal Engr. Luisito Carlos Engr. Carlos Casenas, Jr. Engr. Edgar Castilla Colmo Engr. Ernel Tadea Cudal Engr. Fernando Datu Engr. Richard De Belen Engr. Fredel De Vera Engr. Michael Diwa Engr. Aliw Carter Elamparo Engr. Darwin Fernandez Engr. Aldon Ray Balayo Fortaleza Engr. Marlon Gacutan Engr. Mories Galuso Engr. Jan Michael Ganaban Engr. Feleo Gines Engr. Amir-Hussein Sinsuat Kamir Engr. Brian Lacaba Engr. Sherwin Ladiana Engr. Franklin Panaguiton Laru-An Arch. Renato Lat Engr. Jay-ar Legaste Engr. Rogel Limjoco Engr. Russel Lived Arch. Jan Marlou Luis Engr. Lormel Taduran Magistrado Arch. John Michael Malvar Engr. Erwin Mandia Engr. Jeffrey Catapang Manguera Engr. Johnny Manlangit Arch. Mario Fabian Manuel Engr. Rigel Quijada Pelayo Engr. Rhoel Vincent Rabillas Engr. Raymund Ralph Zalun Ramos Engr. Rafael Rentutar, Jr. Engr. Ricky Salavia Engr. Rodolfo Saludez Jr. Engr. Lorenzo Santos Engr. Franklin Morados Semilla Arch. Geraldin Suede Engr. Gregorio Guamos Tiamson Engineers and Architects (Bahrain) Engr. William Angelo Conejos, Jr. Engr. Willard Ganea Engr. Samer Musa Mohamad Healthcare Professionals (Saudi Arabia) Divina Asug Sandra Bonayon Dr. Bernard Laxamana Carpio Dr. Maurice Joy Cudal Marie Dahlia Bobbie Fopalan Paul Reinald Base Garcia Haidee Haropohop Maricris Ignacio Rodemel Mar Maceda Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay Maykiel Terowa Mauro Jose Rex Navarrosa Ana Boy Olimba Errol Andy Recinto Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador Dr. Ma. Abigail Trinidad Glenn Ford Valdez Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group, and CEO of The Filipino Times, stated: 'Over the years, more and more Filipino professionals have shown the world what it truly means to build, to innovate, and to leave a legacy of excellence wherever they are. Earlier this year, The Filipino Times announced an exciting expansion of the highly acclaimed The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards. 'Responding to overwhelming public demand and aligning with international best practices, The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards was launched on a per-country level before progressing to the regional competition. This significant move ensures a more localized and inclusive approach in recognizing the top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in the Middle East. The winners from each country will then advance to compete in the regional round—The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards in the Middle East. 'To our awardees: may this honor remind you of your responsibility to pay it forward. Mentor the next in line. Pass the baton of knowledge. Keep raising the bar—not just for yourself, but for the Filipino name that you carry with pride.' Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and General Manager of The Filipino Times, added: "We stand at a pivotal moment in the engineering, architecture, and healthcare sectors, where Filipino talent continues to make a profound impact. With the expansion of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, this event is more than a celebration—it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our professionals who are shaping skylines, building infrastructure, and transforming healthcare systems across the globe." The awardees were selected through the rigorous review and expert insights of an esteemed panel of judges, including: Arch. Jan Marlou A. Luis, Technical Architect & Technical Team Leader, Cube Metal Industries; Chair, Philippine Professional Organization – Western Region Saudi Arabia; Chapter President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) KSA Western Region Chapter (2019-2022) Engr. Victorino Abejero, Managing Director, GulfTIC Certification LLC; Founding President of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) UAE Chapter and served as Governor of the IIEE Foreign Region Engr. Jay-ar Padernal Legaste, Lead Civil and Structural Engineer, Branch of Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corp.; Founder, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Eastern Province Saudi Arabia (PICE-EPSA) scholarship program Engr. Erwin Mandia, Design & Estimation Supervisor, Al Shahin Metal Industries; President, PICE Riyadh and Vice-Chairman, Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) Riyadh Engr. Renato S. Camacho, Consultant Senior Mechanical Engineer, DAR ALRIYADH; Chapter President, Pambansang Samahan ng Inhenyerong Mekanikal (PSIM) – KSA Chapter Engr. Leo R. Argoso, Jr., Medical Device Engineer, Abdulrehman Algosaibi G.T.C (L.L.C); Member of Board of Trustees, Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines KSA CRC Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador, Assistant Vice-Dean, Development and Community Partnership; Chairperson, Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit; Assistant Professor; Nursing Education in the College of Nursing; University Mentor, Teaching and Learning for Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Resource Speaker, Nursing Profession for Ministry of Health (MoH) Rodemel Mar Maceda, Director of Nursing Excellence, Ministry of Defense Health Services – Nursing Administration; President, Filipino Nurses Society in Saudi Arabia (FILNASA) Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay, Administrative Staff/Translator, Philippine Embassy Manama; President, Philippine Nurses Association of Bahrain (PNAB) Jose Rex N. Navarrosa, Head, Quality and Academic Accreditation Unit, Department of Respiratory Care, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University; Founding President, Philippine Society for the Advancement of Respiratory Therapy; Immediate Past President, PPO-SA Council 2024 Maricris B. Ignacio, Hospital Nursing Supervisor, Almana General Hospital – Al Ahsa; President, Filipino Nurses in Arabia (FiNA) This year's awards were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including its Silver Sponsor: Ayala Land and DMCI Homes, and its Support Sponsors: Arthaland, Sun Life, and Philippine Airlines. The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards continues to spotlight the best and brightest of the Filipino workforce abroad, providing a platform to celebrate professional excellence, leadership, and community service in the global arena. About The Filipino Times Watchlist The Filipino Times Awards is an internationally recognized platform celebrating distinguished Filipino professionals and brands that Filipinos love. Since its inception in 2014, it has evolved into The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards, highlighting the achievements of top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in the region. In addition to the awards, The Filipino Times Watchlist Summit stands as the largest multidisciplinary gathering of overseas Filipino professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Organized by New Perspective Media Group and powered by The Filipino Times, this initiative continues to elevate Filipino excellence on the global stage. For more details, visit: About New Perspective Media Group New Perspective Media Group (NPMG) is a leading international integrated marketing and communications agency headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with offices across the Middle East and Asia Pacific. NPMG has built a strong reputation among global corporations and governments, including over 60 Philippine companies, brands, and government agencies. Through its expertise in content creation, multimedia distribution, AI, social media, digital marketing, and events marketing, NPMG has facilitated billion-dollar investments and sales for its partners. More than just numbers, NPMG is driven by purpose—influencing movements, empowering businesses, and enabling governments to build nations. The company harnesses the power of storytelling to build reputations and create impact. We are New Perspective Media Group. We build reputations. To know more about NPM Group contact: Vince Ang New Perspective Media Group vince@
Filipino Times
18-03-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
New officers of Filipino Nurses in Arabia take oath; pledge commitment to service
The newly elected officers of the Filipino Nurses in Arabia (FiNArabia) officially took their oath of office, marking a renewed commitment to service, professionalism, and volunteerism. Bringing together nurses from diverse backgrounds, this marked a significant milestone for the newly inducted officers of the Eastern Chapter and Riyadh Chapter (2024-2025), as they pledged to uphold the values of compassion, excellence, and integrity in their profession. The ceremony, led by His Excellency Raymond Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, emphasized the vital role of Filipino healthcare professionals in the region. FiNArabia has long been a pillar of support for Filipino nurses, providing professional development, advocacy, and a network of solidarity. With the new officers at the helm, the organization is set to further its mission of enhancing the well-being of Filipino healthcare workers while continuing to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector, both locally and globally.
Arab News
19-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Philippine ministerial delegation tours Middle East for trade, agriculture deals
Manila: In an effort to strengthen the Philippines' trade presence in the Middle East, a government-led business mission is touring Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE to explore new market opportunities for the country's agricultural and non-food products. Running from Feb. 7-21, the mission, which includes 26 major Philippine exporters, is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. The mission began with a visit to Doha, followed by Amman and Riyadh, and is now concluding its final leg in Dubai. 'The DTI and DA partnership seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine agribusiness by streamlining value chains, promoting value-added processing and ensuring compliance with international standards. This approach is designed to help exporters navigate regulatory requirements and overcome market entry challenges in the Middle East especially, in Saudi Arabia,' Raymond Balatbat, the Philippine ambassador to Riyadh, told Arab News. 'The mission aims to expand market access and promote Philippine agricultural and fisheries exports, as well as non-food products, particularly personal care products. Given the identified sectors, which have high export potential in the Middle East, the DTI partnered with the Philippine Embassies in Doha, Amman, Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai as well as local chambers of commerce in setting up the business matching activities. The exporters have scheduled meetings with potential local buyers and distributors in each country.' In Saudi Arabia, the Philippine delegation engaged in multiple business matching missions, including meetings with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and retail giants such as Lulu, Manuel Supermarket and Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets. The mission also made progress in Amman, leading to agreements with Jordanian distributors, especially in the sectors of food and agribusiness, including halal-certified products, processed food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics. 'The matching process was conducted through pre-arranged business-to-business meetings, supermarket scanning and sales calls,' said Angeli Payumo, consul and head of the political and economic section of the Philippine Embassy in Amman. 'On Feb. 10, the 21 representatives of the 12 Philippine exporters visited five of the leading supermarkets in Jordan to gain an in-depth understanding of the Jordanian market. On Feb. 11, a B2B matching event was held at the Amman Chamber of Commerce.' During the Amman visit, the Philippine delegation held consultations with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and the Ministry of Agriculture on import regulations, halal certification and efforts to ease trade barriers. In the UAE, the mission is focused on meetings in Dubai to explore partnerships in trade and distribution. 'Market scanning activities in Dubai have provided insights into consumer preferences and buying behavior, highlighting a strong demand for high-quality halal-certified food products, healthy and organic alternatives, and convenience-driven packaged goods,' the DTI's Export Marketing Bureau said in a statement to Arab News. 'The preference for sustainable and ethically sourced products is also growing. These findings will guide Philippine exporters in refining their offerings and marketing strategies to better cater to Middle Eastern consumers.' The delegation is also taking part in the 2025 edition of Gulfood — one of the Gulf region's biggest food exhibitions, which takes place in Dubai from Feb. 17-21. This year's focus of Philippine exhibitors is on premium food products and brand recognition activities. 'From Gulfood 2025, we expect that we will be able to secure high-value trade deals, expand market access for Philippine exporters, and strengthen relationships with regional distributors and retailers,' the Export Marketing Bureau said. 'The event is expected to influence the future direction of Philippine exports by identifying emerging opportunities in the Middle Eastern market and encouraging more Philippine businesses to explore export ventures in the region.'
