• The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East honored a total of 145 exceptional Filipino professionals for their impact and contribution to the region’s engineering and architectural scene
  • 85% first-time nominees showcased alongside 15% returning recipients, embracing fresh talent and ongoing excellence in their respective fields
  • MOHRE recognizes Filipino architects and engineers as drivers of growth in the region

Dubai, UAE: The winners of the second edition of ‘The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East’—organized by New Perspective Media (NPM) Group—have been revealed in an international summit and awards event held in Dubai, UAE.

A total of 145 exceptional Filipino professionals bagged accolades from the Awards that take immense pride in acknowledging the indelible impact that Filipino engineers and architects have made in the Middle East’s sustainable progress and uplifting the image of the Philippines in the Arab World.

The awardees include architects (13), chemical engineers (16), civil engineers (61), electrical engineers (22), electronics engineers (15), and mechanical engineers (18).

The top professionals recognized come from five Middle Eastern and North African countries: Kuwait (1), Qatar (8), Bahrain (3), Saudi Arabia (25), and the United Arab Emirates (108).

The Filipino achievers underwent a meticulous selection process, judging the finalists based on criteria that reflect their demonstrated skill, leadership, and commitment to innovation and development in their respective fields.

Of the awardees, 85% are first-time nominees, reflecting a diverse array of fresh talent, while 15% are returning recipients who continue to make significant contributions to their fields.

This year's event was honored by the presence of government officials from both the Philippines and the UAE.

HE Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, said: “It gives me great pleasure to note that the contributions of Filipinos in the UAE continue to be recognized in the place they have made their second home. Through perseverance, hard work, and innovation, Filipino engineers and architects have built an unassailable reputation in the UAE and in the wider MENA region thus making them the most sought-after professionals in their field.”

HE Engr. Shayma Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) highlighted the significant presence of Filipino residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a substantial population residing in the UAE, constituting one of the largest Filipino communities outside the Philippines.

In her address, Her Excellence Al Awadhi said: “The contributions of the Filipino community to our nation’s growth story throughout the past 52 years have been truly remarkable and indispensable, and it will continue to be so.”

Furthermore, HE Al Awadhi extended her gratitude to the attendees of the event, acknowledging their significant role in the advancement of the UAE: “Engineers and architects play crucial roles in shaping the world we live in, from designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure to developing technologies that improve our quality of life,” she remarked.

Labor Attaché Atty. John Rio Bautista, Head of the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and Northern Emirates, shared a message addressed to the awardees, saying: “Please know that our government appreciates everything that you do to help the Middle East and we pride that you'll be back to the country along with it. You've proven time after time that Filipino pride is alive and that we have the right skill set and knowledge to contribute to the industry. To be awardees, you are the best in your field, congratulations to all of you.

Hon. Jaime V. Mendoza, Member of the PRC Board of Engineering of the Philippine Professionals Regulation Commission lauded TFT and NPM Group’s initiative, stating: “The Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engineering (PRBEE) recognizes the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation-driven events like this, in empowering Filipino professionals, including those based overseas. These events provide invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, enabling professionals to expand their knowledge base, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of industry trends.”

Dr Karen Remo, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, and Chairman of TFT Watchlist Summit and Awards said: “The Filipino Times, since its inception in 2013, has remained steadfast in its mission to empower Filipinos worldwide with invaluable information and knowledge, to help them live better lives. Central to this endeavor is our commitment to shaping global perceptions of Filipinos, driving us to advocate for the elevation of our community's image through flagship events like the Filipino Times Watchlist - Top Architects and Engineers Awards & Summit.”

Vince Ang, Chief Operations Officer at New Perspective Media Group and General Manager of The Filipino Times, commented: “Filipino engineers and architects in the Middle East embody excellence, innovation, and resilience. Their outstanding contributions to sustainable landscape designs and urban development have not only reshaped the region but also inspired admiration and recognition worldwide. As they continue to push boundaries and pioneer new projects, their legacy will endure for generations to come. It is with great fulfillment that we witness them take the stage and receive well-deserved recognition. It is the least we can offer in acknowledgment of their profound impact.”

Judges who helped determine the awardees included Arch Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Partner at Godwin Austen Johnson; Engr Emelyn Martinez, Managing Director at Qualis; Dr Jeffrey Uy, Vice President, Project Management at Aldar Properties; Dr Mary Jane Alvero, Chief Executive Officer at PRIME Group; and Engr Victorino Abejero, Managing Director at GulfTIC Certification. They also received honorary awards during the ceremony.

The summit and awards are supported by Hotel101, Arthaland, Megaworld, Blueberry Travels, Karat World, and Darcey Flowers.

Here is the full list of awardees in order of their last name by discipline:

Architecture

  • Alzate, June
  • Angel, Ramon
  • Bantoy-Marte, Catherine
  • Celerio, Joy Cristina
  • De Ala, Joseph
  • De Jesus, Yvette Mary
  • Diosana, Maria Kristine
  • Espinosa-Erlanda, Christine
  • Gandionco, Josephus Jr.
  • Gregorio, Jonathan
  • Ronquillo, Arlan
  • Siguan, Shadrach Joseph
  • Tejada, Marvin

Civil Engineering 

  • Abendan, Mark Anthony
  • Aguilar, Bernardo
  • Albelda, Rhea
  • Alcantara, Rachel
  • Antonio, Noel
  • Apduhan, Blesil
  • Baladad, Harold
  • Bantugan, Ariel
  • Barrizo, Riyadh
  • Canoso, Clarise
  • Carlos, Luisito
  • Castañeda, Jaime Jr.
  • Catequista, Ronald
  • Contreras, Geovanni Vergil
  • Corrales, Victor Cocoy
  • Dalupang, Leonides
  • De Sesto, Michelle
  • De Vera, Fredel
  • Dela Cruz, Josenia
  • Dela Cruz, Julie Christie
  • Diestro, Leonester
  • Distrito, Donnie Ray
  • Era, Marvin
  • Esteves, Joseph Steve
  • Fajutagana, Elvin
  • Famorcan, Joeper
  • Gamba, Joaquin Jr.
  • Gonzales, Hyacynth
  • Infante, Hero
  • Isip, Jaddeth
  • Jatulla, Salibel
  • Laru-an, Franklin
  • Lee, Jason
  • Legaste, Jay-ar
  • Licardo, Ma. Teresa
  • Licardo, Richard
  • Ligutan, Gerry
  • Maer, Ryan Mark
  • Mandia, Erwin
  • Mangosing, Diomel
  • Martinez, Emelyn
  • Nicdao, Melvin Kieth
  • Oligo, Mario
  • Orapa, Joe Nino
  • Pante, Rizalde
  • Porol, John Harold
  • Punzalan, Eisen
  • Rendon, Carlito
  • Reyes, Wilfred
  • Rodenas, Roderick
  • Sanchez, Dave
  • Solmerin, Rolando II
  • Soriano, Alberto
  • Tagapan, Ritz
  • Tampipi, Alberto Jr.
  • Utram, Jojo
  • Vergara, Nonilo Jr.
  • Villanueva, Kristine Ghea
  • Galeon, Julie
  • Cuizon, Jestoni
  • Duay, Arlan

Chemical Engineering

  • Alvero, Mary Jane
  • Aprecio, Eugenio
  • Castillo, Noel
  • De Castro, Julie
  • Deauna, Jowy
  • Layug, Enrico
  • Lopez, Florencio Jr.
  • Quesea, Marco
  • Relota, Warren
  • Rivero, John Philip
  • Rivero, Melody Jay
  • Salut, Eleazar
  • Tabasan, Mary Lyn
  • Tumambing, Sanni Rose
  • Yamson, Rodolfo Jr.
  • Ladores, Hero Jun

Electronics Engineering

  • Arcega, Evangel
  • Argoso, Leo Jr.
  • Binondo, Analiza
  • Gasangue, Mark Nhel
  • Gotis, Reenan
  • Lontoc, Rafael
  • Mendoza, Leonardo
  • Ondona, Lloyd Allen
  • Pallan, Matthew
  • Ramboyong, Jethroefel
  • Rojas, Julito Jr.
  • Roxas, Frederick
  • Saga, Maynard Theodor
  • Sevillano, Reuben James
  • Yumul, Emmanuel

Electrical Engineering

  • Abejero, Victorino
  • Alcantara, Rogelio Jr.
  • Aquino, Frederick
  • Asiong, Jrold
  • Bangate, Eduardo Jr.
  • Barnachea, Joel
  • Baylosis, Abdon Jr.
  • Casanas, Rolando
  • De Guzman, Arnie
  • De Roma, Melchor
  • Fernandez, Loreto Jr.
  • Gallego, Benjamin
  • Hipolito, Marlon
  • Maglunob, Jerson
  • Mariano, Rustico II
  • Moral, Renante
  • Murillo, Jay-ar
  • Pacana, Liffey Jun
  • Peñaflor, Joel
  • Samarita, Dan Ehrald
  • Santiago, Michael
  • Villanueva, Alex

Mechanical Engineering

  • Acojido, Deugene
  • Alfonso, Kim Curlie
  • Basario, Kristian
  • Calingasan, Clyde Bienson
  • Castillo, Vince Neil
  • Crame, Ramir
  • Damian, Jerry Fer
  • Del Mar, Guillermo Jr.
  • Galas, Richard
  • Gayola, Amalio Jr.
  • Haropohop, Vilmar
  • Sabilala, Ryan Ben
  • Pineda, Lloyd Christian
  • Rosete, Francis Louie
  • Uy, Francis Anthony
  • Uy, Jeffrey
  • Zamora, Jayson
  • Orticio, Felizardo Jr.

-Ends-

About The Filipino Times Watchlist

The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East honours the remarkable achievements and contributions of exceptional overseas Filipinos in the fields of engineering and architecture across industries in the UAE and the Arab World. These outstanding individuals have helped shape the landscape of the region and continue to contribute to its growth and development.

The Awards is a testament to the fervent desire of The Filipino Times, the biggest Filipino newspaper in the UAE and the largest digital platform for Filipinos in the Middle East, to give a nod to creative and innovative minds from the Philippines whose lifelong bodies of work demonstrate a combination of talent, vision, and commitment to change the face of cities, communities, and landscape across the region.

The event celebrates the passion and commitment of these individuals in planning and designing smart, sustainable, and more livable places and spaces.

The nominees for the Awards are carefully selected for their demonstrated skill and leadership in their respective fields, as well as their commitment to pushing innovation and development. The Filipino Times is proud to recognise the excellence of our fellow Filipinos and the impact they have made in uplifting the image of the Philippines.

To know more about The Filipino Times Watchlist, visit www.thefilipinotimesawards.com/TFTwatchlist/, or contact:

Vince Ang
New Perspective Media Group
rain@newperspectivemedia.com

About the organiser

New Perspective Media Group (NPM Group)

INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Since its establishment, NPM has served more than 1,000 brands and companies, including 20 major government agencies in the UAE (federal and Local), over 30 banking and financial institutions in the Middle East, 10 of the top real estate developers in Asia, on top of a long list of companies in the aviation, healthcare, technology, tourism & hospitality, F&B and FMCG sectors across 36 countries.

MEDIA & PUBLISHING

NPM Group publishes 999 Magazine, the official English publication of the UAE Ministry of Interior on behalf of the Ministry. The company is also the publisher of The Filipino Times, the biggest newspaper in the UAE with 250,000 weekly readership and the largest digital & social media platform for the Filipinos in the Middle East. TFT is read in 236 countries as per Google Analytics and receives an average of 20 million impressions per month.

EXHIBITIONS & CONFERENCES

NPM Group organises international conferences that gather industry and corporate leaders, businessmen, policy makers, and government bodies both from local and national government entities under one roof. Among these expositions is the annual Philippine Property & Investment Exhibition (now on its 9th edition), which is the biggest, longest, and most trusted international Filipino property investment expo. NPM is also behind Philippine Economic and Investment Summit (PIES) in Dubai, which links international and overseas Filipino investors with property developers and government units from the Philippines, in an effort to attract foreign direct investment into the country. The event also facilitates exchange of best practices between Philippine LGUs and UAE government entities and private institutions.