Iriga City is the host of the 25th Bicol Regional Conference of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), which officially opened yesterday, August 16, at the Iriga Sports Center in Sta. Cruz Sur.
Mayor Rex C. Oliva together with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.-Iriga City Rinconada Chapter headed by its Chapter President Engr. Arnold P. De Vera, formally welcomed delegates in the event yesterday.
Mayor Rex, who served as Guest Speaker during the opening program addressed the participants and expressed his pride as host city for this event and his gratitude to IIEE for their continued trust.
“This is the second time that I have the honor of having an engagement with IIEE Bicol during my tenure as Local Chief Executive of Iriga,” the Mayor said, recalling their June 2023 visit for the induction and oath-taking ceremony of Registered Electrical Engineers and Registered Master Electricians.
“With open arms, a grateful heart, and the warmest Irigueño welcome, we say to you — welcome back. May you always feel that in Iriga, you are not just our guests, but part of our family,” he added.
In his message, Mayor Rex C. Oliva, did not mince in his words in expressing his admiration and appreciation for the invaluable and commendable works and contributions of the electrical engineers in providing power for the uninterrupted daily operations in all sectors, especially in the delivery of services to the public. Taking the Almighty God’s first words in the creation of the world-“Let there be Light”, and indeed there was light,as reference in his message emphasizing that light which until today continues to generate warmth and power to all the innovations, work operations, household daily activities, and all other necessary tasks of the people-light and power sustained by the brilliance, ingenuity and tenacity of the electrical practitioners and licensed engineers.
As a sincere expression of the Arriba Iriga’s full support in all the commendable undertakings, upcoming programs, projects and activities of IIEE, Mayor Rex has committed to donate 100 thousand pesos from the city government of Iriga.
Igniting the commitment to Integrity, Innovation, Empowerment, and Excellence in celebration also of IIEE’s 50th founding anniversary, the program was attended by over 500 participants comprising of dignitaries and guests, former regional governors, board of directors, past chapter presidents, and electrical engineers from the five provinces of Bicol region. Regional Governor Engr. April Alejandra P. Titular, in her message, acknowledged the organization’s gratitude to the City Government of Iriga, and the indefatigable efforts of the IIEE- Iriga City Rinconada Chapter for the warm accommodation and hospitality in hosting this year’s conference and appreciated the willingness and availability of the attendees despite their work schedule.
Esteemed IIEE National president Engr. Alberto R. Herrera, Jr., served as the Guest of Honor, shared updates on IIEE’s organizational happenings, operations, membership benefits, as well as financial updates for transparency on the ongoings and benefits in being a registered member of the organization. He also urged the attendees to assist in the challenge of encouraging their professional colleagues to activate their membership, and invite recent board passers to be a member of the organization. Engr. Herrera also shared valuable insights to inspire his fellow engineers to continue upholding the integrity and ethical practices of the group. He also praised the concerted efforts of the City Government of Iriga and IIEE- Iriga City Rinconada Chapter for the successful conduct of today’s event and the warm welcome and graciousness of Iriga City as this year’s host of the conference, simultaneous with the celebration of 50th founding anniversary of the organization.
After the Opening Program. Mayor Rex, together with the Guest of Honor, Engr. Herrera, along with the dignitaries and guests of the events proceeded to the Badminton Court of the Sports Center for the ceremonial ribbon cutting signaling the official opening of the Exhibit Booths. 26 exhibitors from Bicol and other parts of the country, joined the exhibit which featured electrical novelty items and materials, and IIEE conference mementos.
The successful conduct of the opening program was also graced by the series of flawless performances from the LGU Folkloric Dance Troupe, Iriga Saring Tinig Youth Choir, and the Multi-awarded Majorettes and Musical Band from the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges.
Next year’s IIEE Regional Conference will be hosted by the island province of Catanduanes.