IECEP KSA-ERC Marks 19 Years of Legacy, Leadership, and Professional Growth

July 10, 2026, | Sofitel, Al-Khobar, KSA

The Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eastern Region Chapter (IECEP KSA-ERC) celebrated its 19th Foundation Anniversary, commemorating nearly two decades of dedicated service as the first foreign chapter of IECEP, Inc.

The event brought together members, past and present leaders, industry professionals, and academic partners in a celebration of leadership, lifelong learning, and professional excellence.

Opening the program, Chapter Governor Engr. Teofilio Bitoon emphasized the value of belonging to a professional organization that nurtures leadership, camaraderie, volunteerism, and continuous professional development. He encouraged members to sustain the chapter's legacy by actively supporting its programs and initiatives.

IECEP National President Engr. James Rodney P. Santiago delivered an inspirational message, recognizing the KSA-ERC chapter's significant contributions to member development, particularly through its successful Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). He also encouraged members to register and migrate to the newly launched IECEP Portal 2.0 for improved member services.

Representing the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), Engr. Romulo Agatep, Chairman of the Engineering Registers Board, discussed international engineering registration programs, including the ASEAN Engineer, APEC Engineer, and the newly launched International Professional Engineer (IntPE) Register. He encouraged qualified engineers to pursue global professional recognition while safeguarding the integrity of the Electronics Engineering profession.

IECEP National Auditor Engr. Paulo Lalaguna introduced the features of IECEP Portal 2.0, highlighting its enhanced security, streamlined registration process, and improved services for members.

As part of the chapter's Continuing Learning Program, Engr. Richard R. Matias delivered a technical webinar on the future of 6G technology.

He discussed the evolution of next-generation wireless communications, emphasizing AI-native networks, terahertz communications, integrated sensing, and cloud-edge technologies. He also outlined the engineering competencies needed for the 6G era and highlighted its potential to transform industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, education, agriculture, and public safety.

One of the events’ highlights was the recognition of the chapter's ETEEAP achievements. A special video presentation honored the four members who recently earned their Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering degrees through the program: Graduate Engineers Joseph Cardona, Frederick S. Cayanong, Federico Canedo Jr., and Michael Lloyd Lumacad. Their achievement reflects the chapter's continuing commitment to empowering members through education.

Guest of Honor Dr. Rhona M. Sonsona congratulated the chapter on its 19 years of dedicated service and commended its successful implementation of the ETEEAP program. She encouraged members to continue believing in their potential as professionals and leaders while inspiring the chapter to preserve its legacy of excellence and service for future generations.

During the announcements, Engr. Melvin Landicho, ETEEAP Director, formally recognized the 2026 ETEEAP graduates and highlighted the program's growing impact on the professional advancement of IECEP KSA-ERC members.

Engr. Mohammad Ali Mauna also encouraged members to pursue advanced engineering credentials, including the ASEAN Engineer, APEC Engineer, and International Professional Engineer (IntPE) registries, sharing his own professional journey as an inspiration to fellow engineers.

Demonstrating his strong speaking fluency, Engr. Jeff Conciso encouraged members to further develop their leadership and communication skills through the chapter’s Toastmasters International program. To reinforce this message, he led an impromptu Table Topics exercise, prompting several leaders to deliver short, spontaneous speeches. Participating in the activity were Engr. Kelvin Cano, Engr. Teofilo Bitoon, Engr. Jose Espinosa Jr., Engr. Arlie Villanueva, and Engr. Johnel Corpuz.

Serving as the host of the chapter’s celebration, Engr. Jeff Conciso earned well deserved recognition as he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, underscoring his pivotal role in the success of the event.

Engr. Jonas Calayag delivered the closing remarks for the 19th Foundation Anniversary of IECEP KSA ERC, commending the strong engagement and active participation of all members throughout the program. He encouraged everyone to continue supporting the organization and to fully embrace the benefits and opportunities that come with being an IECEP member.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship dinner that strengthened the camaraderie among members, guests, and partners.

As IECEP KSA-ERC celebrates its 19th year, the chapter continues to uphold its legacy of leadership, professional development, lifelong learning, and service to the Filipino electronics engineering community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.