The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Romblon Chapter gathered at Romblon State University (RSU) in Odiongan on Monday, May 5, 2026 for its 6th General Membership Assembly — a milestone event marked by the orientation on Republic Act 8495, oath-taking, and the formal induction of new chapter officers from both the PSME Romblon Chapter and the JPSME RSU Chapter.
The program drew engineers, university leaders, local officials, and national PSME representatives, all convening to reaffirm the profession's commitment to public service and technical excellence in one of the country's island provinces.
The Message: License as a Tool
In her inspirational message, RSU President Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, CESE, challenged the assembled engineers to see their professional licenses as active instruments for critical issues in Romblon.
"Do not let your license be merely a piece of paper framed on a wall. Let it be a tool. Let it be a weapon against poverty, against underdevelopment, against missed opportunity," Pres. Mani said.
Pres. Mani outlined RSU's vision of becoming a national archipelagic university uniquely positioned to drive blue and green economic development — a vision she described as convergent with PSME's own mission.
She also pointed to Romblon's untapped potential in wind and solar energy, maritime industries, sustainable infrastructure, and the fishing cold chain as concrete areas where mechanical engineers can make a lasting impact.
RA 8495: Know the Law, Live the Law
A central program item was an orientation on Republic Act 8495, the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act. The orientation was delivered by Hon. Ramon F. Solis, PME, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Mechanical Engineering of the PRC. Dr. Catajay-Mani stressed in her address that understanding this law is non-negotiable for every practitioner.
Induction of Officers
The assembly's highlight was the oath-taking and induction ceremony for incoming officers of both the PSME Romblon Chapter and the JPSME RSU Chapter. The charging of officers was led by national PSME leadership, including National Vice President for Luzon Region 2026 Engr. Jeresty B. Ramillano, PME, and National Vice President for National Capital Region, Engr. Eric Pablo G. Zuniga, PSME, PME, who travelled to Romblon for the occasion.
Newly inducted PSME Romblon Chapter President Engr. Charmaine F. Fetalver delivered the opening and welcome remarks, with Immediate Past President Engr. Christian M. Mortel also recognized during the ceremony. PSME Romblon Charter President and College of Engineering and Technology Dean Engr. Orley G. Fadriquel introduced the speaker for the RA 8495 orientation.
The Message: License as a Tool
In her inspirational message, RSU President Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, CESE, challenged the assembled engineers to see their professional licenses as active instruments for critical issues in Romblon.
"Do not let your license be merely a piece of paper framed on a wall. Let it be a tool. Let it be a weapon against poverty, against underdevelopment, against missed opportunity," Pres. Mani said.
Pres. Mani outlined RSU's vision of becoming a national archipelagic university uniquely positioned to drive blue and green economic development — a vision she described as convergent with PSME's own mission.
She also pointed to Romblon's untapped potential in wind and solar energy, maritime industries, sustainable infrastructure, and the fishing cold chain as concrete areas where mechanical engineers can make a lasting impact.
RA 8495: Know the Law, Live the Law
A central program item was an orientation on Republic Act 8495, the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act. The orientation was delivered by Hon. Ramon F. Solis, PME, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Mechanical Engineering of the PRC. Dr. Catajay-Mani stressed in her address that understanding this law is non-negotiable for every practitioner.
Induction of Officers
The assembly's highlight was the oath-taking and induction ceremony for incoming officers of both the PSME Romblon Chapter and the JPSME RSU Chapter. The charging of officers was led by national PSME leadership, including National Vice President for Luzon Region 2026 Engr. Jeresty B. Ramillano, PME, and National Vice President for National Capital Region, Engr. Eric Pablo G. Zuniga, PSME, PME, who travelled to Romblon for the occasion.
Newly inducted PSME Romblon Chapter President Engr. Charmaine F. Fetalver delivered the opening and welcome remarks, with Immediate Past President Engr. Christian M. Mortel also recognized during the ceremony. PSME Romblon Charter President and College of Engineering and Technology Dean Engr. Orley G. Fadriquel introduced the speaker for the RA 8495 orientation.
