In a landmark gathering aimed at bridging professional divides, the Unified Philippine Engineers and Electrical Engineeers of the Philippines (UPEEP) hosted its first-ever Unified Professionals Forum 2025 during its 8th National Convention. The event brought together top leaders from key engineering and architectural organizations to foster multidisciplinary cooperation, discuss pressing industry challenges, and chart a collaborative path forward for the built environment.
The distinguished panel featured:
- Engr. Woody G. Erama, 2025 UPEEP National President (Electrical Engineering)
- Engr. Nestor E. De Jesus Jr., PME ACPE, PSIM National President (Mechanical Engineering)
- Arch. Carlo Fundador V. Marudo, Representative of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
Originally intended to include a representative from the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the forum proceeded with three panelists due to an unavoidable absence.
Key Insights from the Forum
1. Best Practices for Quality, Safety, and Excellence
Panelists emphasized that excellence in the built environment is rooted in continuous improvement, ethical integrity, and interdisciplinary respect.
- Arch. Carlo Marudo highlighted the critical importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)—not merely for compliance, but for genuine skill enhancement. He stressed that professionals must remain open to learning, especially with the rise of AI and BIM technologies. “We don’t have all the answers,” Marudo noted, underscoring the need to rely on specialized expertise in electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering.
- Engr. Woody Erama championed integrity and value engineering as core best practices. He pointed to energy conservation and renewable integration as vital areas where professions must collaborate. “It’s not just about electricity; mechanical systems, architectural design, and civil works all play a role in energy efficiency,” Erama explained.
- Engr. Nestor De Jesus Jr. echoed the sentiment, advocating for standardized practices and shared safety protocols across disciplines to ensure project quality and resilience.
2. Strengthening Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships
All panelists agreed that formal collaboration frameworks are essential to overcoming siloed practices.
- Engr. Nestor De Jesus Jr. committed to “dedicated support and warm collaboration” between PSIM and other organizations, particularly in developing and updating industry standards.
- Engr. Roel Cabuenas, Past President of UPEEP and forum moderator, illustrated the practical need for synergy: “To save energy, we need architects designing better roofs, mechanical engineers optimizing cooling, and electrical engineers managing power—all working together.”
- Arch. Carlo Marudo affirmed UAP’s openness to partnerships, stating, “The industry is small, and we are all in this together. Mutual respect and shared goals must guide our cooperation.”
3. Adapting to AI and Technological Modernization
The discussion on AI revealed a balanced view: embrace technology as a tool, but uphold human oversight.
- Engr. Woody Erama warned that AI could disrupt traditional design roles but urged professionals to leverage AI for research and development, particularly in energy efficiency and innovative system design.
- Engr. Nestor De Jesus Jr. shared that PSIM is proactively promoting AI literacy while cautioning against over-reliance. “AI can design a sprinkler system, but it still requires human validation,” he noted.
- Arch. Carlo Marudo compared AI adoption to past technological shifts, like the transition from pagers to smartphones. “AI is only as good as the prompt. It won’t replace professionals who continuously adapt and upskill.”
4. Upholding Professionalism, Ethics, and Mutual Respect
Ethical practice emerged as a non-negotiable foundation for inter-professional trust.
- Engr. Woody Erama called for integrity and credibility to be central to professional identity, especially as a model for new engineers.
- Arch. Carlo Marudo emphasized leading by example and instilling ethical values through constant mentorship and reminders, much like the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) taught in schools.
- All panelists condemned unethical practices such as plan-signing without involvement and bribery, sharing personal anecdotes where their teams reported and rejected corrupt offers.
A Unified Vision for the Future
In their closing remarks, the leaders expressed optimism for sustained collaboration:
- Arch. Carlo Marudo reiterated that “the most important entity is the project itself,” urging professionals to prioritize project success over territoriality.
- Engr. Nestor De Jesus Jr. pledged PSIM’s commitment to standing “by everyone’s side for integrity.”
- Engr. Woody Erama hailed the forum as “just the beginning” of a harmonious and productive partnership across professions.
The forum concluded with the presentation of plaques of appreciation to the panelists and a commitment to future joint initiatives, including technical seminars, standards development, and continued dialogue.
The UPEEP Unified Professionals Forum 2025 was moderated by Past President UPEEP Engr. Roel Cabuenas and organized as part of UPEEP’s 8th National Convention. The event aimed to break down barriers between engineering and architectural disciplines, promote unified standards, and address contemporary challenges such as technological disruption, sustainability, and ethical practice.
This historic dialogue marks a significant step toward a more integrated, respectful, and innovative built environment industry in the Philippines.#
