Designing and production of machines are the main concerns of mechanical engineers. But members of Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Central Region Saudi Arabia Chapter (PSME-CRSA) had other things in mind as they showed compassion for the less fortunate overseas Filipino workers. In their induction of officers at a hotel in Jeddah recently, a donation box was set up for the benefit of distressed Filipinos at Bahay Kalinga, a shelter house for runaways. “We were able to collect about 2,000 riyals from our members,” Engr. Resty Sibug, the group's new president said in a phone interview. “We bought food and toiletries and some personal needs of women and children.” Sibug, who replaced Engr. Fortunato Simbulan as chapter president, said the group visited the place Friday and distributed the items to the wards. Close to a hundred women and 11 children were the recipients of their charity. Welfare Officer Nestor Burayag met and thanked the group and saw to it that each ward ‘share and share alike'. Even before he was formally inducted, Sibug already hit the ground running and focused on two ambitious projects: to aim for the National Chapter Award and to hold the first Mechanical Engineering Board Exams in Riyadh. “Our goal this year is to vie for the Chapter Award,” he said. “We are also working on the possibility of holding the board exams here in Riyadh. It's about time that we from Riyadh will no longer have to go to Eastern Province to take the exams. ” He also announced that they will start the board review on April 9 to be held at Elite Int'l School. Nawaf A. Al-Masoud, president of Alessa Advanced Project Co. sponsored the induction by taking care of the food and venue. He also promised to sponsor future events. Later in the program, Engr. Mark Nordstrom gave some presentation of the new technology on air-conditioners. Engr. Robert Ramos, a Bagong Bayani awardee was the guest speaker who talked about the benefits and advantages of joining an organization like PSME. Third Secretary Ni?o Anthony Balagtas of the Philippine Embassy inducted the newly elected officers and Board of Directors. The program's theme was “Standing united to promote eco-efficient innovations for sustainable technological advancements and developments.”
