FIRST & ONLY Phil-US ENGINEERING DETAILERS TO BE CERTIFIED

by: Elizabeth A. Bechner

On Thursday, May 14th, the Engineering Department of AG&P of Manila, Inc., Heavy Fabrication Yard in Bauan, Batangas will be receiving Certificates of Completion in the Detailer Training Series compiled by NISD (National Institute of Steel Detailing in the US) and AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction). This will be a historic event because it will mark the first time that this certification will be awarded in mass in the Philippines. This Certification is equivalent to two years of US Steel Detailing Experience. To qualify to take the NISD Detailer Certification Test one must have a minimum of 5 years US Detailing Experience to test for Junior Detailer Certification. Senior Detailer Certification has a minimum 10 year requirement.

This benefits the Philippines in many ways because there is a critical shortage of US Steel Detailers and much of the current detailing work in the US is outsourced overseas as a result. Steel detailing firms have been cropping up all over the Philippines for the past 5 or 6 years but few have really had the benefit of formal training in US Detailing methodology and US Imperial measurement standards.

So, what exactly is a steel detailer? They are the ones who take the contract drawings and create the fabrication and erection drawings for the steel fabricator to fabricate every individual piece of steel in a project as well as the erection plans for the erector to set the steel at the jobsite.

Who qualifies to become a steel detailer? Any engineer with a background and good knowledge of AutoCAD, good problem solving skills and who is highly organized can be trained to do this work.

Even though there is a worldwide economic crisis at hand, many companies around the world are still pursuing their projects such as with the oil and mining industries. Thus there will be a growing demand in steel detailing for the Philippines which translates in more jobs available for our engineering graduates. As the US steel construction industry grows out of the recession, the move will be towards a requirement for detailers doing US work to be US certified. The award of these certificates is the first step among many towards that goal. AG&P has invested in their future as well as the future of the Philippines by embracing this training program and making it standard training for all incoming employees.

First Gas Power Corporation Speaks to Graduates

"Hurdle your batons to the finish line so others may relay it anew creating a team of winners in the run for a better future ahead of you!"

The Second assembly of graduates for batch 6 of February to May of 2009 was the First Gas Power Corporation (First Gen - FGPC) and Sta. Rita Aplaya sponsored welding and pipe fitting classes composed of 21 newly acclaimed 3G/4G welders and 'first (1st) class' pipe fitters.

Ramon J. Araneta, Vice President for Plant Administration (FGPC), in two (2) speeches reiterated his challenge to each student to catch a 'baton' from their successors as they themselves relay the same to the coming generations of professionals.

"With more gifts come greater responsibility to serve" words of wisdom VP Araneta added to his speech.

How each perceived a better chance to work with AG&P depends on expertise gained and the proficiencies earned during trainings inside the AGPFI technical Institute. A chance to work with Foster Wheeler Coker Project is everyone's yearning thus inspired in a speech by Assistant Vice-President for Quality Management Gregorio A. Coronel.

AVP Coronel in figures of speeches exemplified boxing and Manny Pacquiao to catch the audience attention. As the Pacman underwent preparation, he was trained to concentrate on specific styles for every bout. Each opponent has a unique style needing a unique counter training necessary to win a fight. Excellence is achieved through discipline, hard work and perfection. By doing so, Pacman earned his fame, as well as, his competency in the skill which he is now enjoying fruits of. What made him rich were not the winnings alone but the expertise he demonstrated to the world. So shall each of the students be for the sake of being skillful welders and pipe fitters. Foster Wheeler Coker project will hire those who qualify.

FGPC VP, RJ.Araneta, seconded the examples of AVP Coronel by invoking the paradigm of 'employment race' where achieving a life-long dream doesn't stop in graduation rather starts thereon marking another sprint to the finish and in the line waits a recipient of shared talents with greater expectations. He added that, striving to perfect the skill they already have needs practice to perfection, practice, practice and more practice. "The 'baton' will be hurdled far and fast so that each one achieves his/her dreams while others build hopes from their yields". Araneta also stressed that skilled workers are potential remedies to economic flux this is why First Gas Power Corp spends Php0.01 per kilowatt-hour of their total electricity sales as financial benefits to their host communities as mandated by the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), and Energy Regulations No. 1-94 of the Department of Energy (DOE). Monies from the allocation are devoted to electrification, development and livelihood, or reforestation, watershed management, health and /or environment enhancement projects identified by the relevant local government units that directly benefit the concerned communities.

Sta. Rita Aplaya Head shed tears of Joy on graduation day.

The site of students wearing white polo shirts with FGPC and Sta. Rita Aplaya logos, seated beside teary parents while holding rolled diplomas on their left hand and medals/plaque of certificates on the right may have prickled the softer side of Barangay Chieftain of Sta. Rita Aplaya Olivia Perez Perez to cry while delivering her message to 21 of her graduates during the 6th Batch commencement exercises May 7, 2009.

Sentimental about the occasion, the chieftain recalls her ordeal with fate at age 16 being a domestic helper in Manila to support a family of nine (9) while her mom succumbs in bed with multiple organ failure due to kidney and heart diseases before death. With only a father to look after them, she delivered her family from poverty, studying at 8AM to 4:30PM and working as a housemaid on hours necessitated by her lords.

She narrated how good her employers were by permitting her to study during lull hours and pay extra to send to brothers and sisters in Batangas for food and basic needs. She went through hardships and tears of blood scarcely to finish highschool after which accounted every bit of her success to hard labor and perseverance. "Lucky are you who have been given this chance to study for free, subsidized by your government and First Gas!, many will slay to take your place in earning a skill, I can't help but cry, for the joy of seeing you all succeed. I know how hard it was to sustain training but everything will be rewarded as I was during my younger days. All you have to do is look back at your parents, brothers, sisters, husband and wives, for inspiration then dream on!" Brgy. Captain Perez reciprocated in hypothesis.

"No one has the right to take these good things away from you! I am very proud to support you. If I can, I will see to it that these kinds of programs become a regular annual Barangay practice so that many will be benefited by the skills you are able to use to alleviate miserable lives to better! We just have to be creative and resourceful to succeed. Use you talents. Don't ever stop. This is your time to grow!" The humble chieftain exclaimed in tears.

Barangay Captain Perez earned her post through planting good will on her constituents. Every little service she hands round becomes her trophy in fame and admiration. From rugs to riches she became in Sta. Rita Aplaya, this is how the students recall their benefactor on interviews after the affair.

6th Commencement Exercises completed – First assembly

"Where destiny compels each one to go overseas, Mark Leviste, Acting Governor, held each uptight with a challenge to give back Batangas a share of the talent they enhanced themselves with from AG&P."

The day was perfect for the graduation day of the 6th batch of welders and pipe fitters of the AG&P Company of Manila Foundation Inc, sponsors, benefactors, parents and guests, April 29, 2009.

With 26 students, the Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. paraded their black and yellow uniforms across the halls of AG&P auditorium exhibiting with pride four top posts in the hierarchy of honors and best mentioned students. General Benedicto C. Corona, councilor to the City of Tanauan and AG&P Community Relations Manager trailed PMPMI with 12 trainees from sundry towns in the province. AG&P staff with 8, the Department of Education 2, Walk-in Sponsors from Balayan, Manila, Civic groups, Tuy with 3 and 5 from the foundations' CSR (corporate social responsibility) to educate out-of-school youths, the deprived and less fortunate, talented achievers.

Jhon Jhon M. Matira of PMPMI salutes proudly at the audience as he delivers his testimonials being the Most Outstanding Welding Trainee for class of Batch 6, 2009.

The Arrival:
In recollection, Guests started coming at 1PM to register with AGPFI staff at the Dining hall which served as the ingenious auditorium for the 56 providential entrants. First to arrive was the Provincial Social Welfare & Development Department Head Jocelyn Montalbo, escorted by Social workers Norly Montalbo and Assistant Department Head Florita C. Lachica. The Department of Education District Coordinator and Alay-Lakad (ALAB) Auditor, Romeo Dimaculangan came next representing the Superintendent Erlinda I. Masangcay.

Guests were entertained inside the fully air-conditioned AG&P Executive lounged by AGPFI Executive Director Renato M. Alarcon and Marketing/Information Officer Ben S. Aclan as they waited for the arrival of the Speaker of the day.

Sto Tomas Municipal Administrator Dante M. Austria was escorted to the lounge by Ms. Roselyn Libuit as other guests arrived uniformly, Mayor Epifanio Sandoval of San Nicolas with MSWDO Department Head Jocelyn Atienza, MSWDO of Tuy, Eileen Del Rosario, City of Tanauan, Executive Secretary Ding Angeles, CTMK General Manager/Owner Corazon T. Mendoza with daughter, PMPMI Community Relations Manager Felizardo "Boyet" Mercado with CRO Rey C. Corona, Civic Leader Miss Terry Sy and finally the advent of 6th Batch main guest of honor, Acting Governor, Honorable Mark Leviste.

Entourage:
Zaldy Quizon, registrar to AGPFI technical training school, opened the program with the 'March' of trainees and their parents to the ingress followed by the invocation solemnized by Louisa C. Castillo, Assistant Welding Trainer.

The chorus for 'Lupang Hinirang' was sung uniformly by the crowd whose palms touched the hearts of the steadfast. Silence surrounded the 20X21 square meter ceremonial venue.

AG&P FI Executive Director Renato M. Alarcon apprehended the silence by his warm remarks honoring the distinguished guests and allies of the foundation. The Executive Director eased the waiting by opening the doors of BHFY AG&P to those who continuously supported the company in its progress and development. "Only concerted efforts to achieve a goal with one direction and with a dependable basic foundation instituted only in AG&P technical training school can you achieve your greatest potential". The Acting Governor was struck by RMA's liberality and looked beyond the words of Mr. Alarcon to associate the 'welcome remarks' to his speech later.

Ben S. Aclan acknowledge in usual litany the hierarchies of AG&P officers from Chairman Buenaventura, President Angelito D. Bermudo, it's Vice-Presidents and Assistants, the Honored guest, speakers, parents, teachers, faculties and graduates.

In the absence of Mayors, the City administrator and executive Directors delivered congratulatory messages to the graduating students, parents and visitors. Municipal Administrator Dante M. Austria proudly announced during his speech the certainty of employment for two (2) of their sponsored graduates. He staked two (2) major 'item' offices for the auspicious top graduates under the office of the Municipal Mayor Edna Sanchez of Sto. Tomas and posed the race to put up their own technical training center soon.

2PM for Mark Leviste was an 'unholy hour'. Quoted from religious fanatics and superstitious Filipino adage, the acting Governor inspired the graduates to pursue their independent dreams so they may succeed unrelentingly bearing Batangueño values and unfashionable idealisms. The hour may be 'siesta' or ‘merienda’ to the many but to the honorable, 2PM is a skillfuls’ estimable instance.

The speaker's anecdotes in raising hands conveyed lessons relating to perseverance and love of origins. He enjoined the graduates to touch and pat each other's shoulders from left to right leaving humorous remarks thus, imparting subliminal messages of self-reliance, selfless endeavor and sharing. Philosophical and metaphorical the Acting Governor was at the age of 31, he asserted his thoughts effectively.

AG&P’s Motivation:
Assistant–VP Project Planning, Control and Management, Reginald V. Rosales congratulated the achievers and inspired them to become AG&P’s partners in the future. His moving statement to the alumnae, "The skills you nurtured are your capital to success! Wherever you go, you will always have the advantage over others of same skills because you came from AG&P and by this you should be proud!" was exclaimed complacently.

RVR explained to the guests how AGPFI came into existence before 2005. He narrated the chronicles of training as well as the birth of AG&P foundation on 2007. The tale continued to be told all through its autonomy until AGPFI became an independent institution catering to the human side of the heavy forming fabrication construction and engineering yard.

Inspired by the speeches of eminence, graduates extolled in ‘standing ovation’ the final speakers immediately before the final march. Names were called alphabetically and certificates of recognitions were bestowed chronologically. Graduation commenced!

The Exercise:
Medal of honors and certificates illustrated the best among the bests in Welding and Pipe Fitting. Six (6) top ranks were recognized.

In conclusion, PMPMI Community Relations Manager, Felizardo “Boyet” Mercado raised a challenge to the graduates to use their new skills to their advantages and begin earliest to find good futures locally and overseas. “Reach the top! Young as you are, you must strive to reach the top to succeed… Now not later!” Mercado braved his listeners.

A bountiful snack concluded the Batch 6 Welding and Pipe Fitting commencement exercises of February to May, 2009.