PICE – Tarlac Chapter
Regular Meeting
On July 6, 2024, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) – Tarlac Chapter held its General Meeting at F.G. Residence. The meeting commenced at 7:35 AM with an opening prayer led by Engr. Camilo. Engr. Dion Rombaoa presented the upcoming events for the chapter, including the installation of signage at the PICE Tarlac Chapter Building and the development of rooms for rental purposes. He also announced the 39th National Civil Engineering Quiz Bee scheduled for July 27, 2024, at Holy Angel University, and the Regional Technical Conference (RTC) on August 23-24, 2024, in Baler, Aurora. The RTC will involve carpooling for directors, a minimum delegation of 12 members, and accommodation for 16 participants covered by Davi’s. Ticket costs for the RTC were discussed, though specific amounts were not provided. Additionally, the Brigada Eskwela event is set for July 19, with a request for paint supplies to be made to the mayor or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Regional Sports Festival on September 16 was also discussed, noting that players for various sports were still being identified. Engr. Tatu drafted a letter for the sports fest, which was then passed to Sir Gerome. Engr. FG proposed organizing a bowling event at Clark featuring past presidents versus the board members. Plans for a regional golf tournament were also mentioned.
Membership issues were addressed, particularly the need to update the master list and resolve the double number of members. The concept of “Good-standing” membership was debated, with approval granted for the chapter to issue such statuses based on specific criteria.
Engr. Dion announced a project involving the installation of solar lights costing Php 10,000, with pedestals provided by the chapter, to be placed at Sitio Baag School. An outing to Siargao from August 9-11, 2024, is being organized, with booking managed by Engr. Dion, and attendance expected to exceed 20 members.
Regarding the rental of PICE building rooms, it was agreed that the upper room would be available at Php 2,000 for the first three hours, with an additional Php 500 per hour thereafter. The rental includes a sound system and water dispenser. The lower room will be rent-free for July, thereafter costing Php 6,000 per room, with specific appliances included either for free or at additional costs.
The meeting also covered the new signage for PICE, with Ma’am Nette overseeing its installation at a cost of Php 6,000. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed by Dr. Murphy Mohammed, Dr. Arnold Velasco, Sir Dion, and Sir FG, with a ceremonial event to be scheduled by Sir Leo. The MOU involves collaboration with Tarlac State University for technical expertise and consultation, with specific clauses to be adjusted and notarized by the end of the month.
During the meeting, Sir Steve raised concerns about the chapter’s debt burden. Certificates of Good Standing (GS) were discussed, with a decision to inquire whether the chapter could issue them directly before forwarding requests to the national level. A standardized request template was suggested.
Outreach activities, including a medical mission and Brigada Eskwela, are planned, with details to be proposed by Sir Camilo on July 19. The PICE website, linked to the national organization, will be used for event announcements, with a target date of July 19 to complete the site’s photo gallery.
The meeting concluded with plans for Brigada Eskwela at Don Basilio in Gerona on July 19 at 7:00 AM. The meeting resumed briefly to finalize discussions and adjourned thereafter.