On Saturday night, members of the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects re-affirmed their support for the CNMI government as they inducted their new officers.
Department of Public Works Secretary Martin C. Sablan acknowledged the efforts of MAFEA.
He noted, however, that the CNMI’s economy is “very slow” and only few commercial and residential buildings are being built.
“Let’s be patient,” he said, adding that the economic crisis is a global phenomenon.
He said the Fitial administration has introduced changes in the building industry, referring to the new building code and the zoning law.
Philippine Consul General Medardo G. Macaraig, an architect before he became a diplomat, said he learned a lot of good things about MAFEA from his predecessor Wilfredo Maximo.
Macaraig is confident the MAFEA will continue to be a good partner of the commonwealth as he encouraged its members to continue supporting the skills training programs of the consulate general, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
Hector T. Sevilla, the new MAFEA president, said he will continue their group’s commitment to the community.
“Let us bind ourselves together and recognize old and new members and be a part of the island builders for a better commonwealth through the years to come,” he said.
His predecessor, Norberto De Guzman, said the economic hardship cannot stop MAFEA from pursuing its services to the community.
Enrique Tabanda, the group’s internal vice president, encouraged his colleagues to perform more services to the people.
“We must remember that we are an economic and social force. We are creating a new industry, providing new jobs, adding to the standards of living and we redistribute wealth,” he said.
The other MAFEA officers inducted by Macaraig in the Azucena Hall of the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan were Joseph Liberato, vice president-external; Carlito Marguez, secretary; Carmila Fabi, treasurer; Reymond Casuncad, auditor; Veth Jimenez, public relations officer; and Ian Ramos, business manager.
The chairman of the board is Ruel Magtalas and Domie Aquino is vice chair. The members are Andrew Mesina, Gani Salazar, Fernando Fortadez, Ric Ansay, Rommel Crisostomo and Ismael Cuenco.
The group’s advisers are Norberto de Guzman, Emmanuel Po, Renato Abarquez, Nelson Degala, Edgardo Reyes, Tim Paez, Tito Villapando, Toots Lumactod, Cecilio dela Cruz Jr., Geoffrey Melchor, Eddie Caranzo, Ruel Villacrusis, Henry Bautista, Roger Talapian, and Narciso B. Paradela.
MAFEA thanked its sponsors for making the induction ceremony a success.
They are: RNV Construction, RNV Forex, Villa Royal Pawnshop Ecosure Ins., Ericco, LLC, Maeda Pacific Corp. JV, Hofschneider Engineering, Tropex Garden, L&M Enterprises, Inc., Traders Insurance Co,. N15 Architects, Winzler & Kelly, WIRES, National Office Supply, Pacific Home Appliances Corp., Mantrade Co. Inc., Cool Care, Jigz Barber Shop, Ideal Signs, Saipan Computer Services, Quality Water Laboratory, Jeff Matthew & Sarah Angela Melchor and Family, Primtek Construction, Kautz Glass Company, EHC Construction Inc., Geotesting Inc., Triple J Motors, Northpac Corporation, CPS Electric Inc., Sherwin Williams Paint Store, GCG General Constractor, Wushin Corporation, Tan Holdings and Alcast Company.
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