Oath-taking of New Geodetic Engineers

November 20, 2022 (Sunday); 9:00 AM

Reception Hall, PICC, Pasay City

Chairperson Epifanio Lopez, Board Members Randolf Vicente and Concordio Zuñiga- of
the Professional Regulatory Board for Geodetic Engineering; deans and faculty
members of various colleges and universities, distinguished guests, and of course, the
reason why we are here today- the successful examinees of the October 2022
Geodetic Engineering Licensure Examinations. A pleasant morning to all of you.

It is with great honor to welcome the 602 successful examinees into the geodetic
engineering profession. Congratulations to all of you. Compliments are also forthcoming
to the parents, guardians, and mentors who must be very proud and cherishing every
minute of this momentous occasion. These successful examinees would not be here
taking their oath if not for your support and selflessness. Hats off also to the Chairperson
and Members of the Professional Regulatory Board for Geodetic Engineering for the
successful conduct of the examination.

The scope of involvement for Geodetic Engineers is evolving. As key players in

technology development essential to the operations of modern society, the integration of
Geodetic Engineers with other forms of knowledge and professions is pivotal to help
better understand and respond to the rapid changes and challenges of today’s world.

For instance, in disaster mitigation, geodetic engineers and surveyors are in charge of
delivering geometric information required and even more important in describing the
quality of data in a way that other members of the disaster management team may
understand. Likewise, in legislation dealing with complex systems requiring geodetic
engineering expertise, there is a place for Geodetic Engineers’ analytical abilities to help
frame and present policy options to policymakers. You could play a key role in identifying
and defining policy options, predicting the implications of those options, and providing an
analytical approach to decision-making.

Indeed, your profession has acted in a wide spectrum of sectors and industries and the
only way you can capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities is through collaboration with
other professionals and learning from their various disciplines. I am mindful that the
Professional Regulatory Board for Geodetic Engineering has initiated updating and
strengthening the curriculum of geodetic engineering programs across colleges and
universities to better prepare students and allow them to become immediately
competitive in the industry and likewise fill in the shortage of geodetic engineers in the
country.1

Few minutes from now you will take your oath, I would like to remind you to be
discerning in your role in nation-building. Avoid the trap of ideological blindness where
you take part in geodetic engineering practice without remarking implications to the
betterment of our systems and society.

As closing, allow me to share with you what Engr.Theodore von Kármán said on the
discussion of engineering methods. He said that scientists discover the world that exists;
engineers create the world that never was. As new engineers, you possess the force to
create change. Use it to enable positive actions.

1
This was discussed during last meeting with PRB of Geodetic Engineering, June 2022
Once more, congratulations to the successful examinees and God speed on your new
journey.